Chapter Two- Kisara
Atem looked up as did the rest of the court as Mahad entered with Kisara behind him, her head bowed and her eyes on the floor. Atem tilted his head, his nostrils flaring. The girl was human with an innocent scent so pure, he couldn't believe it. Why didn't Mahad escort her to the city gates? A strong scent like hers is rare, but not reason enough to bring her here. Mahad knelt before him while the girl prostrated herself on the floor. Atem saw a shocked look on Seto's face before turning his attention back to the pair. "Mahad?" he prompted.
"Pharaoh, this girl says she is a friend of Seto's and came to see him."
All eyes went to Seto at Mahad's statement but the young werewolf was staring at the kneeling girl. Finally he said, "Mahad speaks the truth. Kisara and I are old friends from before I came here. She…knows I'm a werewolf. She followed me one day and saw me change on a non-full moon night. I asked her not tell anyone."
"And I kept that promise," spoke up Kisara as she lifted her head and looked over at Seto. He went over and brought her to her feet.
"So, you came to see me. Is that all?"
"No. I came to ask you for a favor."
"A favor? What is it?"
"I want you to turn me."
Seto blinked in surprise. "What? You want to be a werewolf? But why?"
"A…couple of reason. One is being able to defend myself. I met up and ran from an odd man on my way here. Pale skin, claws, and fangs."
"A vampire," Seto growled in a wolf-like manner. "He most likely wanted to drink you dry. How did you get away?"
"I'm not sure."
"Vampires have only two weaknesses: Silver and sunlight."
"Oh! It was almost dawn while he was chasing me."
Seto smirked. "He must have been newly-turned as most vampires drink shortly after dark. What's your second reason for wanting to be turned?"
Kisara's cheeks flushed. "I…I love you, Seto."
Seto smiled gently. "Kisara, you don't need to be turned just because you love me. Humans and werewolves can be together, though it is rare."
"Yes," Siamun said. "But you would be required to leave and live in a human village."
Seto's head snapped around to look at Siamun. "What?" he asked.
"A lone human in a city of werewolves is likely to be killed during the full moon. A lone werewolf in a village of humans is able to distance him or herself while wild."
"That would mean giving up my position on the court."
"Seto, I don't want you to do that for me," Kisara said firmly. "This has been your dream for years and I won't make you give it up for me. It was good to see you again. I'll go now." She started for the doors. Seto watched her walk away and felt a pang in his heart. Gods, I love her too. I can't let her walk out of my life. I'll do it.
"Kisara, wait," he said as he hurried after her. She stopped halfway to the doors and Seto came up and put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll do it. I'll turn you."
She turned around. "You will?"
"Yes. I love you too and turning you means we can be together and I can continue to serve the pharaoh."
Kisara smiled as she was hugged by the priest. She was with the one she loved and would soon be a werewolf. She heard the voice of the elderly man say, "Seto, show the young lady to a chamber."
"Yes, Master Siamun." Seto released Kisara before taking a hand and leading her out of the room. "Kisara, I should tell you about werewolves so you will be prepared. First, all werewolves can turn humans, but only those born as one can turn a human outside of the full moon. It's safer that way as all of us become actual wolves on the full moon. We see humans as prey and only those who survive the attack will change into a werewolf. We can be killed the same as any living being and we also have to deal with vampire attacks."
"Vampires attack you?" she gasped in horror.
"Not often, but it does occur, all on non-full moon nights. They likely think we think as animals every night. We do not. We still have our human reasoning and ability to talk alongside our wolf instincts. We're only animals three night a month. You'll be provided with silver jewelry and I will instruct you in how to wield a silver weapon to fight off vampires."
"So…you'll turn me tonight?"
"Yes. Tonight is ideal as tomorrow is the first moon of three for the month." They stopped outside a room.
"Great." Kisara smothered a yawn. "I think I'll get some sleep to prepare for tonight."
"Of course and by the way, you'll be able to function on a little sleep once you change which will hurt this first time but that's it."
She smiled tiredly. "Sounds like being a werewolf is wonderful." She entered the room.
Yes, it is wonderful for most part, vampires notwithstanding. I look forward to turning and instructing her. Seto headed to the treasure room to select Kisara's jewelry. Some pieces were standard for everyone, but other were individual choice. When everyone changed, they would all be gray-furred and gold-eyed. Though they were different sizes, individual pieces helped identify one another while wild. Of course, our scents also help distinguish each of us.
Kisara snuggled down into her bed, smiling. Her life was looking up. She hadn't told Seto about some of the ridicule she had endured since he left to train to be a priest. Her light skin and blue eyes caused people to assault her and chase her from their village as she travelled. She knew if she mentioned it, Seto may attack them out of anger of their treatment of her.
I don't want to be the cause of their deaths. I'm used to being feared and hated for my appearance. I had been surprised by how friendly and helpful everyone here had been when I asked if they knew Seto. Now I know why: They're all werewolves just like him. They're used to being feared and hated so they don't display that to someone who looks unusual. And tonight, I will be one of them. Kisara sighed as she fell asleep.
"Seto, how exactly did it happen that she learned the truth?" Atem asked when Seto returned from the treasure room.
"Well, for a while, she never questioned why we couldn't get together after dark. I used my mother as an excuse until she died. After that, I claimed a fear of the dark. I suppose she saw me slipping out into the desert one day at sunset. She followed me and once I had finished changing, I heard a gasp and turned to see her. I called out to her and she seemed very surprised that I could talk. I admitted to being born a werewolf and how I change every night. I made it clear that aside from the full moon, my body is the only thing different." Seto smiled at the memory. "I felt better sharing my secret and we could meet in the desert every night except when I was wild. It was a sad day when I left for the city, but she knew I had to follow my dream. I neglected to tell her that it was a city of werewolves though."
"Well, she knows now," Siamun said. "Tonight she will join our pack and I trust you will guide her, Seto?"
"I would like to Master Siamun. My pharaoh, I ask that Kisara and I become mates once she has changed."
"Of course. It is my duty as pharaoh and alpha to do what I can to insure the happiness and safety of everyone in the city." Atem enjoyed the look of joy on Seto's normally stoic face while inwardly wondering if he would feel such joy in his life.
