Page 59 of Death and Desire

“If he secured the missing piece, I vowed to grant him whatever his heart desired,” Seth replied simply.

Violet looked at James expectantly.

“Immortality,” Anubis said, his voice vibrating through her. “Seth promised him immortality.”

Everything clicked into place. Of course. How could she have been so naive? What man wouldn’t want a thousand lifetimes to accumulate wealth and security?

“Why me?” Violet couldn’t stop the tremor in her voice. “I have nothing of value.”

“But you do,” Seth replied with a smirk. “Something of infinite value.”

Anubis tensed beneath her. “Leave her out of this.”

“That is impossible.” Seth’s amusement lit his eyes from within, and they glowed like emerald flames. His laughter filled the chamber, haunting and melodic in equal measure. “Anubis, you haven’t told her? How interesting.”

“Told me what?” Violet looked at Anubis, studying his profile. The muscle in his jaw flexed. His dark skin absorbed the light, and his golden eyes flashed.

Seth ignored her, his attention fixed on Anubis. “The bond between you is stronger than I anticipated.”

“If you touch her again, by the sun and moon, I will do to you as you did to Osiris.” Anubis’s fury pulsed through her. “There will be none to mourn your absence.”

“Time, it seems, changes nothing.” A deep chuckle rose from Seth. “You always do take things too seriously.”

“The protection of those in my care willalwaysbe my priority.” Anubis glared at Seth, his position unwavering as he maintained his vow. “You will leave and never return. Should you provoke me again, I will ensure all memory of you is wiped from the earth.”

“You cannot protect your heart indefinitely, Anubis.” Seth’s laughter followed him as he turned. “Until we meet again, Violet.”

James inclined his head before turning to follow Seth from the room, abandoning the incapacitated men scattered across the dusty floor.

A somber stillness settled around her and Anubis. The familiar cloak of black smoke enveloped them. When it dissipated, gone was the vengeful god of the dead, replaced by the stern but familiar visage of Khalid, her human protector.

Only then did he turn to face her. “Come. Your friends will be concerned for your safety.”

Violet reached out, pressing her hand to his bicep, feeling the warmth of his flesh through the fabric of his shirt. He studied her expression, his dark eyes fathomless and searching.

A thousand questions burned in her mind, lingered on her tongue, but she could not manage to push them past her lips. Not when he looked at her in such a way. Not when the weight of the recent confrontation settled heavily on the air, threatening to suffocate her. She needed fresh air and open skies.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Khalid inclined his head. “Let us leave this place.”

Violet slipped her hand into his. The thread of comfort wove through her mind. He led her down the corridor with assured steps. She followed a pace behind, their hands clasped tightly.

When they returned to the small bookshop, Violet’s heart nearly burst at the sight of her brother, David, and Dina pacing the narrow entrance.

Isaac spotted her first and ran his hand through his hair. “Where in the devil—?” He stopped short, eyes wide at the sight of her hand in Khalid’s.

Dina and David joined Isaac, their eyes also wide, jaws gaping.

“What happened?” Dina broke the spell and stepped forward to wrap her arms around Violet. “We were so worried.”

Relinquishing her hold on Khalid, Violet embraced her friend. “I shall explain later.”

“Looks like we won’t be going to the pyramids today.” David shoved his hands in his pockets.

“No. I’m fine. I can—” Her breath caught as Isaac took her hand and drew her into his embrace.

“You’re trembling. I don’t know what happened, but you look like you’ve been chased through the desert.” Her brother rubbed her back in a soothing, rhythmic caress. “We need to get you back to the hotel so you can rest, ol’ mum.”

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