Blood In The Water (BOOK 2) ON HOLD

-1-

The Medjai are warriors devoted to preventing the rise of evil on the Earth - specifically, the resurrection of the High Priest Imhotep. They guard the ruins of the Hamunaptra, the City of the Dead, against any who might lift the curse placed on Imhotep and any who desires to break into the tombs of the pharaohs to steal the treasures.

The Medjai expanded as ancient threats began to emerge worldwide, raising members from birth to avoid corruption and detection. In Iraq, the Medjai were tasked to guard the temple of Naram-Sin. They hadn't expected the Iraqi Ground Forces or CENTCOM to stumble on it by chance.

The situation caused the first murmurs of dissent within the organization as the agents guarding the temple had been killed in the subsequent earthquake, but the discovery had been made due to the lingering effects of war, which they had vowed to stay away from. In the six months that followed the incident, an agent was dispatched to ensure that the temple and the horrors within weren't exposed to the world.

-NADYA (1984)-

"We're sad to see you go," Ahmir sighs. "But we're also glad to see you live the life you've always wanted."

"Thank you," I sigh happily as I pick up a fussy Zain.

"Where is Salim?" he asks.

"He's picking up diapers and formula," I inform him.

"When are you going to tell him?" Ahmir asks.

"Tomorrow," I assure him. "Once we know that it's safe."

"If you need backup, let me know," Ahmir tells me. "It's a lot to take in, and we were raised to do this."

"Salim is a wonderful man," I praise as I settle Zain into his playpen. "Very open-minded. But I'll keep you in mind."

"I'm glad you have him," Ahmir nods with a wistful tone.

"If I wasn't retired, I'd help you catch the bastard who killed her," I sighed angrily.

"I know you would," Ahmir agrees. "Just promise me that you'll stay safe."

"I will," I promise.

Zain had fallen asleep by the time I wrapped up my conversation with Ahmir. I take the time to tidy up our home and wait for my husband to come back. Once he did, I tried to find the perfect moment to tell him, but I was too nervous, and this wasn't something that you blurt out. The rest of the day passed without incident, and now we were in bed for the night.

As I cradle my newborn son, Zain, in my arms, I can't help but feel a profound sense of relief wash over me. The weight of my secret life as a Medjai, an organization trained to protect the world from supernatural threats, has finally been lifted. My journey into motherhood has led me to leave that dangerous world behind, and now, I'm determined to share the truth with my loving husband, Salim.

The soft glow of the moonlight spills into our cozy bedroom as I gaze at Zain's innocent face. He's a beautiful blend of Salim and me, a symbol of our love and our hope for a peaceful future. For so long, I had concealed my true identity from Salim, fearing for his safety and not wanting him to be entangled in the shadowy world of the Medjai.

But now, as the scent of Zain's baby lotion fills the room, I summon the courage to reveal the secrets I've carried for years. Salim stirs beside me, sensing my restlessness. His warm, calloused hand finds mine, and I squeeze it gently, taking solace in his touch.