Neferita Sanioran waited for an audience with Mili Quisca the Magna, the leader of their coven. Mili was one of the oldest elders and the only surviving original member of the coven. She was the last of the first generation and the only more senior coven member than Neferita.

Mili, herself, opened the door to her office and invited Neferita in. Mili was dressed in a brightly colored dashiki. The main dress was red with yellow trims. It almost hurt to look at her but was in extreme contrast to the woman herself. Mili had a dark complexion and dark hair. Though her hair still had color, it had the look of artificial maintenance, unnatural magic. Her body screamed ancient. She was, but she appeared much younger. The office was spacious and decorated with art and relics around the room from a time long past. The room had a slightly musty smell. A mat and lit sage scented candles filled the center of the room. Mili gestured for Neferita to sit. “Please, Neferita, make yourself comfortable.”

“Yes, Magna.” Neferita seated herself on the mat. “It is always a great honor to be in your presence. How may I be of service?” She bowed her head in respect.

“Of service?” Her elderly voice was rough and cracked a bit. She did not speak very often. “Ah my child, it is I who wish to offer my services to you?.

“I do not believe I understand.”

“An unusual guest has arrived, has he not? A certain spirit walker mix. He must be your priority in all things.”

“In all things?”

“Yes, I believe he will be very important to us. We need to befriend him now. Make sure his loyalties are with us.”

Neferita raised an eyebrow. “We saved his life. But why? “ She pauses. “What?” She pauses again. “Just what is this all about?”

The Magna Avia suddenly looked a lot taller and stronger than before. “All in good time. For now, just know he is important. Go now, I must rest and prepare.”

Neferita left. She was more perplexed than when she arrived.

#

Alara awoke with a bit of dampness on her face. She was disoriented. The now warm body lying next to her felt right. She did not recall climbing into the examination bed. A smile walked its way across her face. She needed to move, but she did not want to go anywhere. She gently looked up to see Jacard breathing more solidly. She did not understand why she felt so strongly about this man she had just met.

If any of the elders found out what she did to save him, she would be in a lot of trouble. It had just felt so right, and she knew she would have done anything to save him. Anything. Alara had heard his spirit calling to her. She had answered unequivocally in return.

Alara knew they would be part of each other’s life. The question was, would she still be part of the coven?

Neferita walked into the exam room. “I have spoken to the Magna. She has spoken in favor of our young friend here. We are to do everything possible to aid him.”

Alara stood up and composed herself. She did not want anyone to know just how deep her feelings were for Jacard. She barely understood them herself. She was not ready to share them.

Neferita moved very close to Alara. She looked her over and practically stared her in the eyes. “Just what is so special about this man? Why is the Magna so interested in him? You seem to have become quite taken with him.”

Jacard woke up to just hear the last part of the conversation. He smiled at the thought of her liking him. The smile made him grimace in pain. “Ouch,” He whispered.

Neferita turned to Jacard. “Have you made your mind?”

Jacard just stared at her, oblivious to what she was asking.

“Have you decided to complete the transition or return to your original form? Keep in mind we do not know what the outcome will be if you move forward. We know you would be human if you went back.” She pauses. “Ish. Our Leader, the Magna, has requested that we help you. Afterward, you can be on your way. You would like to go back home, would you not?”

The mention of him leaving made Alara bite her lip. “There is no rush for him to leave, is there? We can take our time, make sure he is rested, and in his preferred form.” A few drops of sweat formed on her brow.

Neferita gave Alara a hard stare, just for a moment. She pressed her lips together. “We should schedule tomorrow first light to complete or reverse your process Jacard. Staying mid form could be dangerous, and I am sure it is unpleasant.” Neferita then turned away and strode out of the room, daring anyone to question her decision.

Alara went to Jacard and pressed her head gently to his chest. “What have you decided? Or have you not made your mind?”

“I decided the first time she asked the question. For me, there is only one choice. All my life, I have not been included because I had not changed yet. We move forward and find out who and what I am. I would never go back unless I had no other choice.”