Balance (Book 9 )

Soft lips teased my ear as a whisper of love woke me. I smiled and opened my eyes to see Gabriel’s green eyes gazing longingly at me. I gave him a kiss wishing we were at home in my chambers.

“Are you ready?” I asked.

“I am, my mate.”

“Can you take Mum to our tree and meet me at the park?”

“I am staying with you.” Mum argued.

“My Queen, you cannot stay. The power and destruction that will happen will kill you. If you wish to burn with fire and meet Anubis at the scales, then I will grant it.” Mum stood staring at me. “What is it?”

“You are serious?”

“Yes. By the end of the day, this city will be no more. Gather your processions.”

“I have no doubt you will be able to accomplish your goal. Would you take my life?”

“I prefer you to live as you are. All life eventually dies. I will not interfere. A soul can be reborn and continue living. If you wish to end this life and begin your next, that is your choice.”

“You have changed Lara. I am not sure I like what I am hearing.”

“What would you have me do? Plea for you to live your life, tell you not to lose hope. Fight to live! Fight for me, Mum!

“It is a dark time for the world. I know what happens after you die. There is nothing to fear.” She only looked at me, confused. “Did you know Margaret was the one who turned you in her previous life. Your mistress became your second in your clan. You had a natural love for her. Your body goes back to the earth, and your soul is reborn.”

“I watched as hybrids fed on her. Margaret died!” Mum growled, finally showing the anger and disgust she had been keeping under control. Tears weld up in her steel eyes.

“No. Her body is dead, just as my vampire body is dead. Margaret’s soul lives and waits to be reborn. Your soul was one that served me for a time in Egypt. You were naturally attracted to my human form.” I said calmly.

“I do not believe what I am hearing!”

“That is why this world is dying. And why I must end life. People have forgotten the gods and Egypt.” I turned and looked at her and allowed concern to cross my face.

“Please, Mum. You must accept Ra as your god. If you do not, your soul may be forfeit. It is not my place to judge you, but I warn you, you can truly die to the fullest meaning.” The tears that Mum fought finally won and leaked down her cheeks. The matriarch she once knew is truly dead.

“Come, my Queen. I will take you to Lara’s land.” Gabriel’s voice rumbled as he took Mum into his arms. After they faded from my sight, I walked out of the apartment building and began my journey to the nearby park. As I passed through the street, humans began to gather in groups.

“Bow before Ra or face Horace’s Judgment. You do not have much time.” I called out.

My skin glowed as I used my power. The crowd grew and began to surround me. I stood still watching as the rioters held weapons in their hands and approached me cautiously. They carried baseball bats, guns of different calibers, knives and flaming cocktails. This is going to be glorious. They will be slaughter like the animals they are, and the streets will run with their blood.

I took Adrestia from its sheath and commanded it to come apart. Death whispered its desire to feed. I gave it a taste on my leg. The crowd shouted that I should return to where I came from. They would not allow me to bully them and destroy their city. Their belief that they can stop what is to come brought a smile to my face.

Some lost their nerve and chose to back away from me. A shout came from behind me to attack. The dance began. Explosive bottles and weapons rained down on me before they attacked with their melee weapon of choice. I summoned my power and created a shield to protect me from the sting of their attack. They had no idea what hit them. One by one, they fell at my feet. I used the cover of smoke to strike. Hundreds lay dying as their blood poured from their wounds. This angered the mortals further.

Both humans and vampires charged me with their weapons. I toyed with them. I decided not to use my powers and simply use my blades. I wanted to feel their blood spill on my face and hands. Screams and the stench of fear began filling me with joy and increased my hunger for more.

“Only Ra can save you. Bow to him!” I commanded forcefully.

The military returned with shields and more weapons. They used a gas that did not harm me. My skin glowed brighter, protecting me from its poison. Jets of high powered water came to me. I commanded it to go around me, leaving me unharmed and dry. As I neared them, my swords removed their heads from their bodies.

“Gabriel, her madness has consumed her.” I heard Mum say through Gabriel’s tendril

“The Lara you knew is still there. Her mind has only been opened to the way of the gods. Take comfort that she still loves you deeply. She fights for you as well.” It was all too much for her to comprehend. “She has already begun. I must go to her.”

“I will wait for you here. Please, Gabriel. Help her. I cannot bear to see her like this.”

War raged within me. The sorrow in her voice cut deep into my soul. I wanted to stop this madness and go to her; however, I was already committed. My insanity will not allow me to stop. Her plea only encouraged me to continue fighting to create a world she could live in. I was more determined to convince her to bow before Ra. My blood lust grew as I became angered over my loss of control. ’Death’ and the earth’s cries consumed me driving me to end it all.

Gabriel appeared beside me with his staff in hand seconds after Mum’s plea. I swung to attack before I knew who it was. Gabriel blocked me with his spear and quickly turned to a small group that came from behind. Seeing his commanding presence was intoxicating. Unfortunately, it is not enough to drown my insanity.

The crowd is almost gone. Thousands of bodies littered the ground. A second wave of a couple of dozen people came. When they saw Gabriel and the bloody scene, they lost their bravery and ran. The military still surrounded us cautiously and moved away as we walked past them.

I silently continued walking toward the park. The military continued shouting commands to stop and surrender. I ignored them. They would soon be dead. As long as they were out of my reach, I left them alone.

Gabriel silently walked behind me, killing any who came from behind.

Once we made it to the park, people left us alone. I sat on the grass of the park and touched the earth. I sent a tether to the earth, asking it to come to me. Gabriel’s hand rested on my shoulder and bent down to face me. I looked into his brilliant green eyes. They were full of worry.

‘I am in pain. Call my release, master. Please!’

I felt his power surge through me and cover me in love and compassion. I ignored him and cast my eyes from him. If he truly wished to stop me, he could command my heart.

‘You shall feast on the human, vampire, and every living creature and the bountiful resources. Take your fill. Use me to exact revenge.’ I told the earth.

Adrestia became twin blades under my command. The earth shook and groaned with hunger. Gabriel took advantage of the quiet.

“You are too hard on Mum. She does not need to know of the underworld. She only wishes to feel loved by you.” His voice was gentle as he spoke with me. Anger and frustration would only do more damage to my mind.

“I worry for her.” I admitted. It was all I was going to say on the subject. I could not allow my love for her to interfere with my task.

“I know you do. Try to be gentle.” His hand rested on my shoulder and gave a small squeeze.

“Yes, my mate. Are you ready?” He nodded and stood beside me.

I slowly stood, keeping my connection with the earth. I took Death and cut a leg, giving it blood to feed on. It hummed with pleasure. I crossed the blades, Life under Death. They burst into flames. I flowed power into the swords, magnifying the heat then stabbed both blades deep into the earth. The ground erupted with fire. Gabriel and I stood in a ring. I commanded my power to surge into the earth and create friction while commanding the flames to cut deep into the ground and grow as tall as the skyscrapers. The ring of fire stood a mile high and a mile below the surface.

I pulsed more power, increasing the heat and pushed the ring out, commanding it to consume everything within the city. I commanded the earth to heat the surface to the melting point. My body strained under the power I was forced to use.

Gabriel’s hand brushed my elbow and followed my arm tenderly to my hand. He sent his power to me to use. My skin pulsed brighter, and roads became soft and jelly like. Buildings burst into flames, humans and vampires screamed. Creatures and flying things ran away from the wall of fire.

“Horace’s judgment comes. Submit to Ra or perish.” I projected through the flames. Kyle appeared and took those that submitted to a different area. It surprised me. My husband has been busy. Jackals came up from the ground and blocked all the entrances and holes the living could escape from. They killed any who tried. Pride and awe for my husband encouraged me. He is truly master.

I wished to feed on the screams of the dying. I allowed the Jackals to take their fill for a moment. It had been too long since they tasted human flesh. I felt a surge of joy come from Anubis as he watched his children play with the humans. Screams of death and fear washed over me, giving me chills of excitement. The combination of the chills and Anubis’s joy made me feel alive! I desired more.

A sea of black moved and tumbled within the ring of fire. Jackals used their quick kills to jump onto buildings and pull people out to their deaths. Their spears were lightning quick, piercing any living thing. They hunted in packs sniffing out those that hid. With their keen smell, humans and vampire could not hide long. The death knights darted among the jackals taking the living that submitted to Ra. It happened too quickly for the living to understand what was happening.

I summoned more power and demanded the flames to continue. Pools of molten rock burped through cracks int he roads. I could feel Gabriel’s power flow to the ground, breaking any rock that remained together. It was glorious to see the fire consume everything.

It took the entire day and night for the city to fall. The earth welcomed and consumed the flesh that fell hungrily. I felt contentment from it. I slowly released my tether from the earth, promising another feast soon. Only the small patch of grass Gabriel and I stood on remained untouched. I used some of Gabriel’s power to lift the document room above the lake. Lava rolled slowly as waves moved away to allow the building up. I felt Gabriel’s curiosity peak. Everything below and above the surface was gone. I put Life over Death to cool the lava, commanding them to release the heat. I continued to hold the library above the lake until the surface cooled enough to support its weight. It took another day to cool. I released my power.

With Life over Death, I laid them on the small grassy patch that Gabriel and I stood on. It pulsed and used my blood to grow a field of grass. Wildflowers grew among the grass. It would take decades for this place to be taken by nature fully. I only gave it a head start. I felt exhilarated and delighted. I felt accomplished. I could feel life returning to my soul, making me want to celebrate. I turned and embraced Gabriel and kissed his soft lips passionately. He returned my kiss just as passionately as his arms held me close to him. I could feel his desire grow.

“I would love nothing more, my mate. Can we check on Mum first?” I asked.

“As you wish, my Queen.” He replied with a twinkle in his eyes.

I smiled at him. He brushed my cheek with the back of his hand, wiping away ash.

“Words cannot express the depths of my love for you, Anput.” His eyes looked deep within me, studying my soul.

’Relief. Thank you, master.’

“I love you too, Anubis. I always will. How were the jackals able to come out during the day?”

“There are no restrictions. I released that burden from them temporarily.”

“Has Horace decided to come play with us?” I asked, wondering why the knight had appeared.

“No, he still sits and pouts. Kyle is mine.”

“He wears Horace’s symbol on his chest. Why would he forsake Horace and work under your command?”

“It is not Horace’s symbol, you see. They are very similar. You do not need to be concerned about Kyle and his role. Be thankful he is helping us.”

“Are there more like him.”

Gabriel’s eyes glowed with displeasure. “I am warning you. Do not meddle in my affairs. It is not your place. Do not question me. Kyle is none of your business. Do you understand?” Gabriel’s commanding presence seemed to grow as his eyes shone brightly. This was no negotiation. He was commanding me to stay away from that part of his life.

“No, master, I do not understand, but I will respect your wishes.”

“That is all I am asking. Let us collect Mum.” Gabriel took my hand and teleported us to our tree. It was so good to see it again. It stood proud and tall and looked over a man made lake.

“Sister!” Mum came and embraced me. I barely noticed. My gaze continued past the great oak tree and beyond the lake.

My home is gone. The villagers are gone. The soil beneath my feet did not pulse as it used to do. I touched the tree and started humming a cleric’s tune. Nothing was there. It is completely gone. I am the one who destroyed it, but it grieved me to see my land this way.

Gabriel and Mum both gave me space. I looked to the east. The forest where the wolves once roamed is gone. A large city surrounded the entire area. The lake had become a central park. Rage began to boil in my veins. This was my home. The humans destroyed the beauty of this place for malls and recreation.

“Perhaps we should continue here.” I said half to myself.

“I saw the fire and smoke from here. You both look like you rolled in soot.” Mum’s voice sounded cheerful, even though she mourns over me and fears what I have become. I can feel the spark of hope she holds onto- Hope that Lara will prevail and return to her.

“I will wait a day before allowing another city to fall. My quest will take longer than I would like.” I said as I turned to face them. “Do you submit to Ra, Mum?”

“Do I have a choice?” She stood regal and looked as queenly as ever.

“Yes. Death or life. It is always your choice.” Mum has seen this look before. I was not talking as a friend. It was good to see some things did not change.

“Goddess, I do not know Ra. Why would I serve a God I do not know?”

“You know him. You see him in all living things. He created all of this. You knew me as the Egyptian Goddess. If you knew of the gods then you know Ra.”

“I only wish to live my life in peace.”

I shared a look of concern with Gabriel. “We must find her shelter, my mate.” Gabriel said.

“I know a place I can stay.” Mum replied dryly.

“Good. Go there, and we will come for you before Lara destroys the city here.”

Mum lowered her eyes in submission and said, “I will wait for you.” Then, she turned her back and traveled the walkway toward the towering buildings on the northern border of my land.