Chapter 8
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The next morning, Nefertina was the first one to awaken. Quietly, she squirmed out of Rath's embrace and pushed open the sarcophagus' lid, stepping out into the slowly brightening chamber as Ra's first light flowed in through the window.

Stretching luxuriously, she walked out of the room, completely unaware that the Illusion of Life spell had worn off. That is, until she happened to pass by a large mirror in the hallway.

Just as she walked past it, she caught a glimpse of her reflection. She quickly backtracked and gazed in horror at the image that stared back at her through the smooth glass. Her once lightly tanned skin was now a dead gray color, her long hair had changed from a smoky black to the color of snow, and her bandages were visible beneath the red thin-strap midriff tank top and denim jeans that she still wore.

Nefertina's voice caught in her throat, and she immediately froze, her body going totally stiff for a moment, and then a scream of sheer terror escaped her, which brought everyone else in the Sphinx running, instantly awakened by her cries.

"What is it, Nefertina? What's wrong?" Natalie asked as she and the others approached her.

Rath gathered Nefertina in his arms protectively, pulling her closer to him. She ignored Natalie as she looked up at her beloved, tears shimmering in her eyes and streaming down her face. She was only vaguely aware that Rath and the others had changed back to their mummified forms as well.

"Is this what we really are? Walking dead creatures?" she choked out finally.

The others exchanged glances, none of them really knowing for sure what to say to their companion.

Just like the night before, Nefertina began trembling in Rath's arms. He held her tightly against his lanky body, stroking her hair and whispering softly in her ear, trying to comfort her.

"Now, now. It's all right, my dear. Don't cry," he soothed her.

"Sierra, the Living Illusion spell," Valeius whispered.

"Hmm? Oh, right," the Princess muttered, then began chanting the spell softly under her breath.

Nefertina gasped as a few moments later, she suddenly felt a bizzare tingling sensation coursing through her entire body. She could tell that the others felt it as well and she wondered fearfully what was happening to them as she pulled away from Rath.

Just as quickly as it had come, though, it was gone and Nefertina realized that she and the other Guardians once again bore the illusion of life. She glanced over at Sierra, startled. Sierra placed her hand gently upon her best friend's shoulder.

"Is that what we truly are?" she repeated, wiping away her tears.

"Yes, Nefertina. I'm afraid so," JaKal answered.

Somehow I was afraid of that," she muttered with a sigh.

"We tried to tell you," Lakira said quietly.

"I know. But it's still a shock," she said.

"I could imagine it would be," Natalie replied.

"Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we all go get some breakfast? It might make you feel better, Nef," Armon piped up, ignoring the annoyed looks that some of the others were giving him.

"How can you think of food at a time like this?" Valeius asked.

Armon shot the wolf Guardian a wounded look. "What?" he asked innocently, giving a slight shrug.

"It's okay, guys. I am actually starting to get a little hungry," Nefertina said with a laugh.

"Hmm...well, there's a quiet little cafe not too far from here that I've been wanting to try. What do you say?" Natalie chimed in.

The others nodded in agreement and wandered off to get ready.



TBC...Not quite as much sap. The real action starts in the next part, promise. Kiriana comes into the picture and a secret is about to be revealed. R&R please! Kudos.
~*Celestia Vitaria*~