As the night deepened, the atmosphere of the palace seemed to shift. Amunet was sipping the water Kael had brought, savoring the cool relief, when the white cat at her feet suddenly began to behave strangely.
The Mysterious White Cat
Amunet was startled. The cat's eyes were not like those of an ordinary animal—they glimmered like jewels in the dark. It stared at her and let out a strange, melodic call—no ordinary cat's meow.
"Ah! Where did this cat come from? I didn't notice it all this time!" Amunet exclaimed. Kael's hand immediately went to the hilt of his sword. The cat's gaze seemed to convey a secret signal.
Shadow at the Door: A New Visitor
At that moment, a vague figure appeared at the massive palace doors. In the torchlight, a mysterious woman could be seen standing there.
Hair: Jet-black, curly, cascading past her back to the floor.
Eyes: Not like human eyes, but glowing like bright rubies.
Aura: A strange charm tugged at the corner of her lips. She appeared tired, and her lips seemed moist. Most astonishingly, though she looked like a girl, her posture and movement radiated an unusual, almost masculine power.
She stood silently, surrounded by a dark mist curling around her body.
Amunet gripped Kael's hand tightly. "Kael… who is she? The red glow in her eyes seems stronger than my own magic!"
Kael positioned himself protectively in front of Amunet, speaking in a low voice:
"Stay calm, my Queen. I've heard of such a being in the ancient Egyptian legends—one who dwells between shadow and blood. Though she appears female, she is no ordinary human."
The palace fell into an eerie silence. The black-haired shadow figure with ruby eyes slowly began advancing. Amunet and Kael both tensed.
A Strange Submission
To everyone's surprise, the mysterious visitor—despite her feminine appearance, carrying an unusual, almost masculine force—knelt before Amunet.
She touched the edge of Amunet's royal robe and lowered her head. With utmost reverence, she lifted Amunet's hand into her own. Before Kael could react in anger, the visitor pressed a gentle kiss onto Amunet's hand.
Raising her head, she looked directly at Amunet, her ruby eyes filled with an unfamiliar tenderness. She spoke clearly:
"Queen Amunet, I have not come to wage war or cause conflict. I am defeated by your power. I wish to dedicate myself at your feet. I wish to serve you as your loyal subject."
Amunet and Kael's Reactions
Amunet was stunned. She glanced at Kael, whose eyes were filled with disbelief. He could not comprehend that such a powerful entity would voluntarily submit itself.
The white cat moved closer to the visitor, wagging its tail, as if it recognized her.
Amunet spoke softly: "Who are you? Why do you wish to serve me?"
The visitor smiled faintly and replied:
"My name is Zarith. I am a lost chapter of history that all fear. Yet, under your shelter, I seek peace."
Amunet sat slightly upright on her throne. Kael remained beside her, hand still on the hilt of his sword, eyes tracking every movement of the visitor. Amunet adjusted her black royal robe and fixed her gaze on the mysterious figure.
The Queen's Curiosity
"My servantship is not easily earned," Amunet said gravely. "I do not offer refuge to anyone whose eyes blaze like rubies and whose presence makes the air heavy without knowing their identity."
Leaning forward slightly, she asked again,
"What is your name? Your lineage? Why have you come to my palace at midnight to offer yourself in service? Tell me everything."
The Mysterious Servant's Answer
The visitor bowed again, her black hair spilling across the sand-colored floor. Her voice was calm and steady:
"My name is Zarith. I have no ordinary human lineage. I am the last descendant of the ancient 'Blood-Jewel' clan, condemned by the gods and imprisoned beneath this desert. Our blood carries love, but we hold no dominion."
She lifted her gaze to Amunet once more:
"For centuries, I was trapped within the walls of your palace. Today, when your strength met that of this warrior (Kael), the barrier broke, and I am free. I owe my life to your power, and thus I wish to place it at your feet."
Kael's Doubt
Kael roared: "Amunet, do not trust her! Behind those enchanting eyes and moist lips, there may be a deadly plot!"
Amunet considered it for a moment. She looked at the white cat, which remained at Zarith's side. Then she said:
"I may accept you as my servant, but remember—if you ever betray me, my shadow will consume you forever."
Zarith lowered her head once more to Amunet's feet and replied:
"Your command is my final word, my Queen."
Zarith's Terrifying Form
As Zarith turned to leave the chamber, a chilling transformation occurred. Her curly black hair seemed to ignite, flickering bright red like living flames.
Her ruby eyes glowed even more intensely, as if some infernal force within sought to emerge. The torches in the room reflected a crimson glow from her hair.
Kael gripped his sword's hilt tighter, realizing that what Zarith displayed outwardly was only a fraction of the darkness she truly concealed.
At the door, she paused, turning to look back at Amunet. Her lips curved into a mix of charm and menace. Then she slightly extended her tongue to lick her wet lips—like a predator savoring its prey.
Amunet and Kael's Fear
Amunet clutched the throne's armrest, murmuring,
"Does she truly wish to be my servant, or has she set her eyes on my soul?"
Kael positioned himself as a shield in front of Amunet.
"Queen, those red eyes and that thirsting demeanor are no ordinary servant. She is intoxicated by blood and power. I will not let her escape my sight for a single moment."
The White Cat's Secret
The white cat trailed behind Zarith into the shadows. As her crimson hair merged with the darkness, a disembodied laugh echoed through the palace.
Silence fell again. But Amunet felt in her heart that tonight, she had not merely accepted a servant—she had welcomed a terrifying entity into her palace.