I spot Liam first and jog over to him as he's doing some warmups.
"Hey Liam where's dad?"
"Hey Kitten. He should be in his usual spot."
"Don't call me that." I give him a shut-up look.
"What are you going to do about it, Kitten?" He mocks me. I spring on him to pin him down, but he expects that and dodges me.
"To slow Kitten." Now I'm angry. My brother knows all my tricks so all I could do was fight him hand-to-hand combat. This is a common occurrence, so no one pays us much attention.
I attack again and again but not once was I able to pin him down and soon I'm exhausted and collapse to the ground.
"You always improve a little more every time we spare. You're lasting longer and your moves are more and more calculated. Not bad little sis." He pats me on the head and walks off. I sit and catch my breath. A shadow appears in front of me blocking the sun.
"You were looking for me?" Dad asks.
"Yes sir." I stand to show my dad more respect. "With the Red Lunar ceremony coming up I'll be busy with preparations and won't be able to visit till after it's over." I've gotten used to reporting to dad. I had to keep most things secret, but the ceremony is something that all beasts know about.
It's also the only time of the year we make sacrifices.
Dad used to be worried about me when I first started to go to the temple. I would have to tell him about the places I was going, the things I was doing, and the people I was meeting. He wanted to know everything. I used to be annoyed with it but now it makes me happy.
My dad likes to keep to himself and doesn't voice his emotions much. So when he asks about my day, it is his way of showing his concern for me.
"If you need anything, please come find me." He touches my cheek and smiles slightly at me before hugging me. One of the reasons my mother doesn't like me is because dad doesn't need to be around mom all the time. Since I'm a female and a part of mom my presence alone is enough for dad.
"You'll see me at the ceremony. Everything will be okay." I already told dad about my ascension being held right before the Red Lunar party begins. A female priest doesn't happen often, so It's also a big deal.
"I have to go back now, I just really wanted to tell you that. I'll miss you, daddy." I swear no matter how old I get he will always be my favorite person.
"Okay, stay safe my girl."
"I will."