Page 95 of Death and Desire

Epilogue

Anubis

Cast in shadow andpurpose, Anubis stepped into the darkness of the tomb. His eyes shifted across the dusty surfaces and the carved sculptures along the wall. He vaguely marked the painted murals and hieroglyphs depicting the history of his people. Later he would show Violet the delights of the Great Pyramid, but this night Anubis followed a single-minded determination.

Each silent step took him deeper into the maze of the pyramid, into the familiar absence of light and warmth. Since his union with Violet, Anubis viewed life differently. His purpose had been altered indefinitely by her presence and her love. Ra had given him hope of a joyful future with his beloved. One he fully intended to protect with every ounce of his immortal soul.

Anubis regretted leaving Violet in the comfort of their bed in his palace beside the Nile. But there was still a task left unfinished...a loose thread. While his little flower was protected, he knew it was only a matter of time before Seth would return. His eyes narrowed, acclimating to the darkness and attuning him to the space without effort. The promise of his reward spurred him onward in his hunt.

He paused, inhaling deeply of the stale air and sand. The softest wisp of sulfur and charred ash clung to it.

“Seth.” Anubis growled, stalking deeper into the wandering passageway, his pace quickening. As he wove toward the king’s chamber in the center of the ancient structure, his claws lengthened and his vision burned through the veil of night, searching for his quarry.

He had made a vow to Violet. One he intended to keep and end this farce once and for all.

Ra had promised to protect her from Seth. But that was not the reason Anubis revealed Seth’s selfish plot. He had no desire for Ra to intervene. He allowed Violet to recount the tale, if only to show justification for his vengeance. Anubis was her protector, and he would seek vengeance on anyone who dared cross him.

As he approached the king’s chamber, the unmistakable scent of sulfur grew stronger. A soft, flickering glow emanated from the entrance before him.

Fury pulsed through him at the sight of Seth seated on the king’s throne in the center of the chamber, his warped muzzle pulled in a sadistic grin. Seth narrowed his flame-lit eyes that burned with amusement and challenge.

“The loyal hound.” Seth’s mocking tone echoed through the chamber. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

Anubis gritted his teeth at the impertinent condescension but ignored it. “I have come to see my wife’s possessions returned.”

“Yourwife?” Seth stood and stepped down from the dais, his height bringing them level. “You bound yourself to a mortal?”

Anubis held his gaze but said nothing. Feeding Seth an explanation would only give him added fuel and purpose. Instead, he chose silence. Let him believe what he would.

Seth raised his hand, and a curl of flame engulfed his fingertips. As it extinguished, a glint of gold flashed in the torchlight. The jeweled bracelet hung from his fingertips along with the locket he had stolen.

“Well, that would explain these useless trinkets.” Seth’s grotesque smile widened. “Why come to me and demand their return then if they are of no value?”

“You stole them from my beloved, and I want them returned.” Anubis growled low in the back of his throat.

“And if I deny your request?” Seth clenched them in his fist.

“If you wish to bring down the wrath of the ennead, then by all means, refuse.”

Seth scoffed. “Do you truly believe they will bring judgement upon me over something so inane?” He sucked in a breath. “Where have you hidden your heart, Anubis?”

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