A Falcon's Light

Chapter 20

"One, two, three. One, two, three." I swung my sword in the controlled arching movements. No longer did my arms burn at each swing, my body moved smoothly and naturally. I had gotten much stronger. I had always wanted a 'bikini body' and I now did. My arms and legs bulged against the new muscle. My stomach was flat with abs peeking through. For the very first time, I felt happy in my body. The only thing that hadn't changed was my bust, which I still cursed. Set however was pleased with them.

The god in question sat a few feet away sipping on a cocktail. A smirk was plastered on his face. I looked over to him with a smirk. He and I had taken many dates and spent every moment together. We would often tease each other, lately, we started playing silly harmless pranks on each other. Our pranks only strengthened our bond.

I headed back inside, kissing him as I passed, to get myself a little drink. I headed back outside, cocktail in hand, but stopped when I couldn't find him. Thinking he was simply playing a trick on me I smirked and started looking for him. I looked behind corners, behind the fence even in the bushes.

"Ok, ok, I give up. You can come out now, babe." I turned trying to spy movement but huffed when I didn't see any. "Babe? Set? Honey?" I was starting to worry. I hadn't heard him come inside, and his drink was still sitting where he had been.

I jumped out of my skin when a crow cawed. I turned just in time to watch the crow transform into my soon to be brother-in-law. He smirked at my obvious agitation. I still had my sword on my hip, which I drew and pointed at him.

"Where's my fiance? What did you do with him?" I snarled. My teeth had sharpened to fine points, sharp enough to tear out flesh if need be. They were also a good threat display.

"Where do you think he is, my dear? I sent him to my palace. I fully expect you to visit me." He laughed. He hadn't moved at all, except a small jump when I growled at him. I lowered my blade and took a step closer to him. He watched me like a rabbit cornered by a tiger. His eyes tracked each little movement.

"Can you speak on your own free will, or does he control your voice as well?" His eyes widened before looking away in shame. He looked back at me, the madness was gone from them. I stepped closer to him, emotionless. Now we were only a foot apart. His jade-colored skin tensing at my movements.

He said nothing, his body shaking in what looked like strain. Sweat poured down his face, it was as if he was fighting for control. Although he did not speak, his eyes screamed. Pleading. Begging. Tear filled. Terrified.

"I'm going to help you. I know you are being controlled. I have no desire to fight you, but I will if need be. I will not kill you though, you are my brother-in-law after all. I will free you Ausir. I promise." I smiled at him. He returned a gentle wavering smile, filled with hope and sadness. Just as quickly as he had regained control, he lost it, that film-like madness sweeping back into his crimson eyes.

"You better come, or he will never come back." He shifted back into a blackbird and flew away. It was just as we thought. That gentle smile he gave me and how much he was struggling for control proved that he wasn't the one doing these things. It only enhanced my want to save him.

With my mission clear, I called the others to me.

The other gods sat in the living room surprised at my call.

"Why have you called us here all of a sudden?" Re complained. I sighed at his lack of situational awareness.

"Set has been captured." I said simply. They all gasped, suddenly realizing his absence, all except Anubis. He must have sensed the fear I was trying to hide. He sat next to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer into him. He smelled a lot like his father, which I only now noticed due to my sharper senses.