Page 87 of Death and Desire

“Anubis. To what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit?” A deep baritone echoed behind her. The words held a teasing amusement she found curious.

Violet turned to find a man hewn from gold with hair the color of the deepest blue standing beneath an oversized palm. It was as if the sun radiated from his skin as he stepped closer. He glittered like a diamond refracting morning light. His lapis-lazuli eyes fixed on her as a sincere smile curved his lips.

“Ra,” Anubis bowed. “Forgive me. I did not mean to disturb you.”

Ra? The god of the sun? The head of the Egyptian ennead? Violet’s head spun with this new information. She glanced at Anubis before returning her curious gaze to the sun god. She sketched an elegant curtsey. What else should one do in the presence of a deity?

Ra waved his elegant hand as though dismissing the apology. “You are always welcome, my son.” His brilliant attention shifted to Violet, and she straightened under his scrutiny. “What have we here?”

“Violet,” Anubis said, his voice as steady as the firmament. “My beloved and keeper of my heart.”

“Your heart?” Ra’s brow rose. “Fascinating. Tell me, Violet, how did you come to be in possession of the thing he chose to discard so long ago.”

“Thieves.” Violet replied quickly, before she could think. She shook her head, gathering her wits. “What I mean was...” She took Anubis’s hand in hers and held tight as she began the extraordinary tale. “The jewel bound him to me.”

“Bound in what way?” Ra asked, regarding her carefully.

“He came to me in dreams when I was young.” She borrowed strength from Anubis as she regaled the tale of how he’d called her, drew her to Egypt, how they met, the gifts they shared.

Ra stroked his jaw with a bejeweled fingers as she explained how they communicated without speaking. “Show me.”

Anubis, I don’t think he likes me very much.

A soft chuckle filled her head.He adores you, but you are mine. Do not let his golden appearance tempt you.

Nothing could tempt me. Not when I have you.

“Very interesting indeed.” Ra watched the byplay between them. “The bond you share is quite strong. And extremely rare.”

“Rare?”

Ra solemnly nodded. “It is a bond only those destined by fate can form.”

“But what does it mean?” She clutched Anubis’s hand, ignoring the swarm of angry bees buzzing in the pit of her stomach.

“Nothing.” Ra smiled. “And everything.”

Anubis inhaled sharply.

“She carries your heart,” the sun god stated with a lingering half smile.

“After Seth attempted to steal it and bring her harm, I did what needed to be done to protect her.”

“Ah. Seth.” Ra’s amusement faded. “What have you done to him?”

“Nothing.” Anubis growled low as he steadied himself. “Yet.”

“One cannot blame him for being true to his nature.” Ra sighed. “He is the god of chaos and destruction, after all.”

“If he dares to touch the woman I love, I will finish what I began years ago.”

Ra clicked his tongue. “I will ensure no harm befalls your beloved, Anubis. You have my word.”

Anubis relaxed beside her, and she leaned into him, absorbing his warmth.

“I have another request,” Anubis said.

“Ask, and it shall be given, my son.”

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