Chapter Six- Palace Layout
Kisara laid up against Seto, not wanting to get up. She felt Seto pull her closer and enjoyed the warmth of his body. The events of last night came to her and a slight twinge of guilt welled up in her. She had killed and eaten a human as had Seto. She had scented and tracked them and as she now reflected on that part of the night, she felt proud at using her nose. Just one more night and then I'll be a rational, thinking wolf. Really, it's not bad being an actual wolf. In a way, it's nice to only think as a simple animal.
She felt breath against her ear before Seto whispered, "You did well hunting last night."
"I feel a little bad at killing and eating a human," she whispered back.
"I know. You will become used to it, eventually. I occasionally want to hunt on non-moon nights."
"For most part, but we can roam outside the city. Even the pharaoh feels the need to run around free. We are just as much wolf as human after all."
The gates swung open and closed once Bakura had entered. He quickly moved through the palace, trying to determine to whom the bed chambers belonged as they hadn't been explored the night before. He opened another and saw a balcony that hadn't been in the previous two he had seen. This must be the pharaoh's room, he thought, striding across the room to stand on the balcony. He looked out to see the area that existed behind the palace. It was an impressive and lovely space and he again felt jealousy and resolved to befriend the pharaoh. Now that I know which room is his, I can visit him tomorrow. I will not wait. Now let's see the area before me. He exited the room to make his way to the back.
He found that the area was bigger up close and was especially nice under the light of the full moon as well as lit torches. There were small huts dotting the landscape and upon exploring them, deduced that they were guard houses for when they were stationed to guard the space. They would also be able to alert anyone if the pharaoh's in danger. That would make it difficult for me to get into the room via the balcony. But, I wasn't an expert thief for nothing. As long as I stay in the shadows and move quickly, the guards will never know they have an intruder. Bakura moved around again to commit its layout to memory before heading out into the desert, spotting a few werewolves here and there. Having fun as only real wolves can. I can't imagine myself thinking like an animal three nights a month. I like knowing what I do every night of my life, thank you.
Atem woke to softly spoken words and laid still to savor the fact that another moon was over and everyone was safe. This is an excellent set of precautions. I see no reason to revise it. He opened his eyes to see Isis and Kisara talking. The two of them had developed a type of friendship since Kiara had joined the pack and it pleased him that they got along. He took in her unusual appearance and wondered if she was an outcast because of it. If so, then it's no wonder she wanted to be bitten. My pack doesn't show such prejudice as we are outcasts ourselves. She was meant to be one of us. He rose to his feet and everyone followed his action and followed him to the palace. Once seated on the throne, he said, "Our precautions this time were excellent like last cycle and I see no reason to revise them for next time."
There were nods and Atem felt good that all had gone well. No one had died and they had added a new member. However, a concern rose within him. When they had reached the gate and he crouched down to open it, his nose caught a whiff of blood and decay as well as an individual scent: The smell of a vampire. He caught more whiffs as he headed through the gates and into the palace. Why would a vampire wander the palace while everyone was wild?
"Mahad, have the guards thoroughly search the palace and the grounds. I am getting whiffs of a vampire's scent and worry that he or she may have set traps or stolen something."
"Of course, my pharaoh. I'll see to it immediately." He exited the room, relieved that he did not have to speak of smelling a vampire. He did not want to alarm Atem and was glad that his pharaoh's sense of smell was sharper than his own. He gathered the guards and told them about having a vampire intruder since at least last night. He saw looks of concern before spreading them out to search. It took several hours and Mahad entered the Throne Room, kneeling at the throne. "The palace and grounds are secure and nothing's stolen. It would seem the intruder simply was learning the layout of our home, but why I cannot say."
"Very well. Please tighten security tonight in case the vampire returns."
"Yes, my pharaoh." Mahad headed for the door, taking wolf form before leaving as night had fallen. His tail flicked as it went through the doorway. He was determined to station guards on the back grounds and near the alpha's chambers for the reports indicated that the vampire had roamed the grounds near the balcony and he was concerned that the alpha was the vampire's target. I will not let a filthy corpse harm the alpha.
The night seemed peaceful and quiet. A little too quiet, in Bakura's opinion. He crept quickly and quietly through the shadows, keeping his eyes peeled for werewolves hiding in the darkness. His ears strained to hear their heartbeats so as to avoid being spotted. It seemed the citizens were unaware that a vampire was nearby. I must be too quick for them to smell me…or do I have a smell? I never thought of it before last night and I continue to wonder.
He crept up to the palace gates and saw two werewolves there, silver weapons in their mouths and silver cuffs and armor on their bodies. He frowned and stood there, contemplating how to get past them. He cursed. If only I could turn into a bat or could fly. He looked down to think and his eyes landed on some stones. Wait! That's it! He seized two, one in each and, and flung them as hard as he could. They sailed through the air and he heard a distant noise as they landed. The sound caught the guards' attention and they raced toward it. Bakura sprinted to the gates and clicked it open. He entered and slipped into the shadows as another pair of wolves strode by. Something tells me that this is not normal security measures. I guess I do have a scent. That means, I must move very quickly.
He slowly inched his way to the back and it confirmed his suspicions that he did have a scent for the back was crawling with guards. His eyes flicked up to the pharaoh's balcony and saw no guards there. If I can get into the palace…but no. The halls are likely being patrolled and they're so narrow, I wouldn't be able to avoid the silver. He crouched in the shadows and watched the patrols to discern a pattern. There was one, but it assured that no one could slip around unnoticed. All I need are several unguarded seconds. Then, I would be able to run and jump onto the balcony.
A commanding howl sounded, followed by a voice saying, "Shift change!" The guards headed for the doorway on the far side of the room and Bakura grinned. Now's my chance! He bolted toward the balcony, leaped with a thrust of his powerful legs, and landed lightly on the railing before easing himself onto the floor.
It was dim in the room, but his eyes adjusted quickly. A figure laid in the enormous bed on its side and was facing the balcony. He stealthy moved a little closer. A small but muscular gray wolf laid there fast asleep. Silver cuffs adorned his four strong legs and a band of solid silver protected his neck. A pair of silver earrings dangled from the tips of his long, delicate ears. His long muzzle was partially open, exposing some of his sharp teeth. A full bushy tail laid beside a back leg, the tip twitching a tiny bit.
He's even better looking up close. Bakura stood there in silence, admiring the alpha's sleeping form, feeling he could stand there forever staring at him. I think I may be in love. He heard the wolf growl softly and saw a front paw twitch. How cute. He's dreaming. The growl became more intense and both front paws thrusted as if he was stalking or running. His nose flared and the growls trailed off. The nose flared again and twitched before the body shifted and stretched. The muzzle parted in a wide yawn before gold eyes blinked open sleepily before turning intense upon seeing Bakura.
