Mara was the dark child promised by the prophets of the Ash-Shaytan. On the night of her thirteenth birthday, the riders escorted her to the city temple. Her mother, Queen Morrigan, followed close behind with the clerics. She held her head high to hide her fear, but her face was a white mask of death.

When they ascended the steps, a cloud of smoke poured from the temple gates and the temperature dropped. The priestess placed her dagger against a camel’s neck and splashes of blood spurted against stone. She wiped the blade clean against her cloak and then moved to the outer walls. All eyes were fixed on the obsidian corridor as a low droning sound shook the temple walls.

Mara turned to the Queen and screamed as a man with the head of a lion appeared, a swarm of metallic insects hovering above him.

“Eat!!” the crowd chanted. Mara screamed again, and the insects descended on the camel carcass.

“Eat!!” they chanted again, clapping in unison. She planted her feet, stared into the crowd, and began to transform.