Chapter Five- Troubles

Isis waited by the dungeon entrance for Mahad to bring up a prisoner for her drink. She felt a bit self-conscious about feeding in front of her lover, but told herself to get over it. She would be drinking in front of him more than once, after all.

She heard faint footsteps that grew louder. It was clear that the owners of those steps were heading her way and from the dungeon. She licked her lips in anticipation of her daily blood. Mahad soon emerged with a man Isis didn't know; one of the two Mahad found while she had talked to Mut. She got behind the man as her fangs lengthened. She sank them in and began to drink seeing that Mahad had closed his eyes and looked away while the prisoner passed out from the bite. She swallowed a few mouthfuls like last time before pulling out and shortening her fangs. "Okay, done," she said.

"Isis, I'm sorry I looked away," Mahad said. "I know I should get used to-," he trailed off as he opened his eyes and saw only himself and his prisoner. "Isis?" he said, confused as he hadn't heard her leave.

"Yes, Mahad?" came her voice beside him.

"Where are you?"

"I'm right here."

He looked but saw no one. "I don't see you."

"You don't?" She sounded confused but then delighted. "It's my new power. I can turn invisible like some of my clan can."

"I should have guessed," Mahad chuckled. "Well, this is a nice surprise but please drop it now."

"Sure." Isis shimmered into existence, looking pleased. "I could use this power to find criminals that act in your absence."

"Yes and I could do that too when I'm not busy. I have an invisibility spell."

"Sounds like a plan." She gave Mahad's hand a squeeze before she headed off to join the court after telling the guards that Mahad was ready to bring up the prisoners.

Atem glanced at Isis once in a while during the meeting and trials. He knew she drank already and wondered what power she gained and how her flight went. Easy enough to find out, he thought. As the meeting adjourned, he said, "Mahad. Isis. Please stay." Both stood before him and knelt. "Isis, how was your flight last night?" he asked once the room was empty.

She looked up at him, her eyes shining at her recollection. "It was amazing, my pharaoh. I felt, excuse the expression, so alive. More than when I was alive. The entire city was spread out before me. I also have night vision, making everything visible."

Atem smiled at her enthusiasm. "Clearly, you had fun. Now, what power did you gain today?"

Isis beamed. "Invisibility, my pharaoh. It is clear to me that the power is active when I get it. I turned invisible without intending to do it."

"That's fortunate. That way, you'll know when you stop gaining powers," Mahad suggested.

Isis nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. Now, I believe I have a fire vision to fulfill." She bowed her head before rising and leaving the room.

Atem watched her go. "If she hadn't told me, I would never be able to tell she was a vampire."

"I agree," Mahad said. "It is only when she speaks of her powers or drinking blood does it remind me of how she's changed. I still love her even though she will not age and could live forever."

"Could; does not mean she will. She may decide to die not long after we do."

Mahad nodded and was then dismissed to do a security patrol. He had been fascinated by Isis' description of her flight and bout her night vision, but he was also a bit jealous of her. She had been cursed as a vampire and it hadn't changed her personality one bit. If I was turned, I understand that I wouldn't get all the powers she has, but we would be together for a long time. I doubt Mut would put the curse on me, but perhaps Isis would agree to turn me; later on in life, that is.

Isis kneeled in her customary place, knowing she neglected to reveal her last vision, particularly the image of a female vampire. She was now certain that the female wasn't her. She hadn't acted any differently, despite her need for blood and the powers she had. Perhaps, my anxiety of being a vampire caused those images to appear. She slowed her breathing as she descended into a state of calm. She sensed her Item glowing and gently probed it for the kingdom's future.

A flow of images washed over her and she kept her eyes closed to organize them and make sense of the impressions she drew from them. Most images told of peace and security for the kingdom and that pleased her. But, the last image disturbed her: It showed that female vampire again, but at her was a pale and bleeding Mahad! Her eyes flew open in horror and a hand flew to her mouth. Can it be? Mahad's in danger of dying from a vampire? I cannot reveal that to the entire court. I will only tell Mahad as it concerns him and we have no secrets. She rose from her place and left the tower, the last image troubling her. She went out into the city, pausing at an alley to turn invisible. She had said she would play with er new powers the day she receives them and she intended to hold to that.

She passed people going about their business: Shopping, selling, talking, and laughing. She passed guards looking for trouble and saw Mahad, his Item silent. She saw that he seemed lost in thought which struck her as odd. She suspected that Mahad was usually focused while on patrol; this distracted air did not help in finding evil-doers. She followed him as he wandered away from the guards and once pretty much alone, Isis said, "Mahad."

He startled and looked in her direction. "Isis! You startled me."

"So I noticed. I also noticed that you seemed preoccupied. What is troubling you?"

Mahad's first impulse was to lie; to assure her that nothing was wrong, but reminded himself that there were no secrets between them. "I hate to say it, but I'm jealous of you."

"Jealous? That's an emotion I never thought I'd see from you."

"Your personality has not changed from being cursed and the things you can do sound fascinating. I know that no vampire gains all the powers but I would still…." He trailed off.

"Mahad," she said gently.

He gave an almost angry sigh. "I should not feel this way and I will endeavor to overcome it."

"Mahad, I understand your jealousy but remember: I was chosen to be a vampire. It was not something I wanted."

"Yes. You are right. You didn't ask for this."

"I am glad I found you for I had a vision concerning you."

"Really? Uh, Isis? Could you be visible again? I do not wish to be viewed as insane as it looks as if I am talking to myself."

Isis gently laughed as she dropped her power. "Now, that vision. I saw that vampire again and at her feet was you pale and bleeding."

Mahad's face was deadpan. "I see. You saw a possible death for me."

"I don't want this vision to happen. Please be careful."

"I will. Perhaps you could point out where your clan lives."

"The last house on this side of the cit." She pointed down from where they were.

"Thanks." Mahad left while Isis turned invisible, both relieved to have shared their troubles that had weighed heavily on them.