Page 95 of Monsters in Love: Lost in the Underworld

Nephthys’ composure faltered for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face before she regathered herself. “My concern is for the greater good, Amon. If Anubis’ actions go unchecked, it could have ramifications far beyond personal grievances. And besides, I have a deeper interest in seeing that things are set right.”

Since when? I kept my thoughts to myself.

Her eyes shifted to the side, a possessive glint betraying her true feelings. “He has always been a figure ofmydomain. His role,his power—everything about him should align with my vision for the Underworld.”

And there it was. The truth buried among the thorns of lies.

I remained unimpressed. “Fine. I’ll have a chat with Anubis and see what’s going on. But you might want to temper your expectations. You know how stubborn he can be.”

With a wave of my hand, Anubis appeared, his jackal-headed visage radiating an aura of austere dignity, his scent…

A raw laugh left me while Nephthys glared in his direction with obvious disdain.

“Great Amon, you called for me?”

Once my laughter died down, I narrowed my eyes. “Yes, Anubis. We need to discuss the recent complaints about your handling of the Underworld. It seems you’ve been a bit... excessive in your judgments.”

Anubis stepped forward, his gaze sharp and calculating with a hint of something I hadn’t seen before. “I’m fully aware of the complaints, Amon. They are as much a testament to my commitment to order as they are a reflection of the discord among the souls. I have made decisions based on what I believe is necessary to preserve the balance.”

He ignored Nephthys which only further angered her.

I stifled another yawn, my patience wearing thin. “The situation might demand strictness, but not at the cost of fairness. If you’re letting personal feelings influence your decisions, it’s a problem. The balance we strive for requires not just order but equity.”

Anubis’s eyes flashed with a cold, unyielding resolve. “It seems the one indulging in any sort of sentimentalities would be Nephthys. My role is to enforce the laws of the Underworld, even if that means making hard choices. If you think my actions are driven by personal vendettas, you’re mistaken.”

Nephthys stiffened. Her voice, now laced with a subtle but unmistakable possessiveness, cut through the tension. “Precision and intent are all well and good, Anubis, but if your actions are creating unrest, it’s a sign that your methods need reevaluation. I care deeply about the balance and harmony of the Underworld. Your current approach threatens that.”

Anubis faced her directly, his expression unwavering. “Do you now? I assure you, Nephthys, my decisions are calculated. If there are complaints, they stem from those who fail to understand the necessity of my judgments. I will not be swayed by the whims of objectors.”

I watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and mild exasperation. “Alright, Anubis, I’ll take your word for it, but you need to temper your approach. If the unrest continues, I’ll have to intervene further.”

Nephthys stomped her foot and growled, making me roll my eyes with annoyance.

With a curt nod, Anubis withdrew, leaving me and Nephthys in the dimly lit chamber. Her face was a mask of barely concealed jealousy and frustration.

“Well,” I said with a dismissive wave, “I’ve done my part. If Anubis doesn’t adjust his methods, we’ll deal with it as needed. In the meantime, try to find something to occupy your own time, would you?”

Nephthys huffed before schooling her features. “I appreciate your intervention, Amon. Though, given your evident lack of enthusiasm, I suppose I should be grateful for whatever effort you make.”

I watched her leave, a smirk playing at the corners of my mouth. The celestial dealings continued, and though I found them tedious, I knew the importance of maintaining the divine balance. With a final sigh, I turned back to my throne, ready to resume my languid watch over the realms, resigned to the never-ending cycles of divine drama.

Mara

The evening airwas thick with tension as I hurled another lifeless body toward Anubis’ grand temple. The corpse landed with a thud, rolling across the threshold as if mocking the sanctity of the place. I wiped my brow, glaring at the temple's imposing facade.

Anubis emerged from the shadows, his eyes narrowing in a mix of anger and annoyance.

“Must you desecrate my sacred grounds with these offerings?” he demanded. “Have you no respect for the sanctity of my temple?”

I squared my shoulders, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. “Respect? Can’t you see I’m trying to learn how to mummify? Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do to the dead? We don’t need another sleazy Yalin episode.”

Anubis, unconvinced of my explanation, crossed his arms. He seemed to be in a mood. One would think torturing my womb would keep the deity in high spirits. But ever since he returned from wherever he went, his mood had turned downright sour.

I wonder if I could push him to punish me…

“Little mortal, there are better ways in learning the mummification process and the guiding of souls…”

I scrunched my nose. I wasn’t in it to guide souls. I was in it to try and impress Anubis. Silly jackal couldn’t see flirting if it hit him in the face.

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