Balance (Book 9 )

I awoke to a knock on the door. I was lying comfortably in Anubis’s bed, and Anubis was not in the room. Last night was a dream I hoped was real. The connection we shared was beautiful and everything I remembered it to be. I only wished he was here beside me.

Anubis was not the one who knocked on the door. It was my son. Confused as to why he would be knocking on Anubis’s chambers, I opened the door and silently asked him to speak. Kebachet is the spitting image of his father. He is taller than me by only an inch. Anubis is taller still. Kebachet is slender in frame, but he is still young for a god. his muscle tone matched Anubis’s and will only grow.

Glowing green eyes peer into mine with sorrow. “Would you walk with me?” Something troubled him, and he had come to me instead of his father. Surprised by his request, I agreed.

Despite our disconnection, we both had one thing in common. We both loved Anubis fiercely. Kebachet was my son. I had to admit there was a love for him in that manner. I would always come to his aid if he required it. My heart is a fickle thing that contradicts my mind. I struggle to keep my distance from the young jackal, and yet I desperately wished to hold him in my arms and released him from his burden.

I have always been this way. Even as a vampire, I could not turn away a broken heart no matter who the heart belonged to. That is my true weakness. To love something so deeply, I would give my life to save it forces me to shield my heart from those who seek it. Above all, I must fight to live. Thankfully where my heart reaches out to the cries of pain, my mind uses caution and assesses their need.

We walked along the garden that bordered the god’s sleeping chambers. Kebachet was silent for a while. He wished to tell me something; however, he was unsure how to say it. Ever since he got is godhood, we grew further apart. This was the first time in nine hundred fifty years we were alone together.

I remained quiet, giving him a chance to organize his thoughts, then he stopped mid-stride. I turned to him. I could see his struggle. His pride prevented him from speaking. His green eyes glowed, and his hand balled into fits. It is the same look Gabriel would have when he had a decision to make. His mind and heart warred with each other in a silent battle.

I took hold of Kebachet and embraced him, holding him to me and sending thoughts of love to him. It took him a moment to gently lift his arms and encircle me. I continued holding him willing him to let his pain go. His grip on me tightened as he buried his face in my neck and sobbed. I took him to Anubis’s throne for privacy, still holding him to me.

“My dear son, I am so proud of you.”

Kebachet’s grip tightened more. He held on to me as if he could prevent me from dying. His body shook from his pain.

“It is ok to be weak in front of me. Let it out.” I said softly in his ear.

Kebachet’s knees weakened, and I sat on the floor, holding him and loving him as his mother. It brought new tears to my eyes. I had locked away my love for my family and turned it into duty, making myself a slave in my own home. With Anubis’s vow to return and my son in my arms, the lock broke, and a wave of love I had forgotten flowed out like water escaping from a dam. Tears of joy began streaming down my cheeks. Once Kebachet was able to control his emotions, he looked at me. He had his father’s green penetrating eyes.

“I watched as you commanded the earth and your blades. You made me see why father loves you so much. You are fierce and beyond beautiful. I have thought you were only a weak plaything for father. I am so sorry I have dishonored you.” He said and wiped a tear from my cheek.

“You are not entirely at fault, my son. I weakened myself and lifted your father on a higher pedestal. He became my king instead of my husband. We are working to restore our family as it should be.”

“I would like that.”

“Tell me about this soul eater. Are you its keeper?”

“No. It has no keeper. It wonders the underworld near the place where souls arrive. You sent millions down here, and it devoured them all easily. I helped Osiris guard the scales, so it does not hunt the souls in the valley. It is as tall as a human two story building and round like an armadillo. It can open its mouth like a snake and take thousands of souls at a time. It has razor sharp teeth for shredding the souls that pass. It walks on all fours and moves very slowly.”

“It sounds terrifying.”

“Would you like to see it?” He asked cheerfully. I could not believe my ears. He wanted my company. My heart beat with joy.

“Take me to it.”

Kebachet took my hand and teleported me to the building used to store souls. I looked out of the big bay windows and saw a giant animal. The soul eater was everything Kebachet said it was. It crept along the building, looking for souls to devour. It knew the building was near the portal that the souls came through. I heard the cry of five souls enter the underworld. The soul eater heard them as well and turned to catch them. Its mouth opened as large as a human and inhaled the souls. It was like a sudden tornado or wind storm came up. It did not have to walk fast because it could vacuum the souls to its mouth. I was impressed. Anubis and Atum did well. Kebachet was saddened to see the souls being destroyed without judgment.

We stayed in the building and continued bonding over the next few hours, talking of anything and everything. We talked of likes and dislikes, dreams of what we wished to do, and Kebachet told stories of the souls he has seen. I enjoyed hearing his stories. I like sitting and listening to other people’s experiences. Anubis came to us, and we greeted him in kind.

“Husband, since the soul eater is sufficient and Osiris guards the scales, do you think Kebachet should be given a weapon and join us in the realm of the living?” I projected privately.

I would enjoy working with my family and having them with me as I bring healing to the earth. Anubis thought for a moment.

“Kebachet follow me.” He commanded gently.

I knew that voice. He had a love for his son, but training was going to take place. Anubis was not asking Kebachet, he was telling him to obey him. As they left, I went to our tree and transformed into Lara’s image. It was the middle of the night. The lake lazily sloshed along the bank. I thought of Mum and how poorly I treated her. I did not lie to her, but I could have been more humane. As daylight broke the horizon, I took Adrestia and went to the city to begin. Adrestia separated into two blades. I found a largely populated area and stood still pulsing energy and glowing. As the living stopped and stared, I magnifying my voice.

“In the name of the ancient God Horace, you have failed as a species. Only Ra can save you. Bow to him or Die.”

“It’s here! Run!” Screams filled the area.

I tapped Life’s and Death’s hilts. Thunder without sound pulsed outward fifty feet, cutting everyone in half. I walked miles, cutting down anyone within reach. The twin blades hummed their pleaser as I fed it blood. No one stood to fight me. I almost became bored with it. Again I warned the area they needed to bow before Ra or face judgment by Horace.

I continued on until I reached the end of the city and into a suburb. Homes peacefully sat nestled on landscapes. Grass and trees grew, giving the area a serene feeling. Hundreds of humans and creatures lived in these homes. The homes will become graves.

I walked to a front yard, and a dog started barking at me. My eyes met his, and he immediately stopped. It recognized me as a goddess. Children played outside several houses down the road. They are innocent. They must die even though it grieves me. I crossed Life under Death, allowing them to burst into flames.

Kyle appeared before me. “My Queen, Anubis has requested you wait for him. The soul eater is satisfied for now.”

The feast is over. Adrestia became one blade. Anubis warned me to stay away from Kyle and that part of his life. Feeling frustrated, I wordlessly left to our tree and meditated until his arrival.

I tethered to the earth and listened to its burden. It moaned and cried out for my help. The pain is still too great. One city is not enough.

I waited two days and grew impatient. The tidal wave of anger and blood lust began taking over. I could wait no longer. The city must fall. I waited until sunset to return to the suburbs. Again, Kyle stepped in front of me.

“Do not test me, Kyle, I am in no mood.” I struggled against the madness as I felt it surface. My need for blood grew clouding my mind.

“Please give my lord more time. He will not let you down. Trust him.”

“What does he expect from me? I grow hungry for blood.” I growled

Kyle stood unmoving in front of me. His eyes were dark and cold. They looked devoid of life. The scent of death and decay emanated from him.

“The earth’s screams deafens me. I do not fault Anubis. He is busy. I can wait no longer. These people must pay. Move aside.” I commanded.

He did not move. I tried to move around him, but he stepped in front of me, blocking me. Kyle’s eyes began to glow red.

“I warn you. Do not disrespect Anubis’s wishes.”

“You do not have authority over me.” My voice became dangerous as my anger became unmanageable. Anubis is the only being who could command me. Kyle is not a god. He has no right to interfere with me.

My skin began to glow brightly as my anger boiled at Kyle’s insolence. Kyle quickly grabbed my waist from behind and put his hand over my mouth. He was much stronger than I anticipated. I could feel him leaching my power. Kyle teleported me back to the tree.

“Anubis has granted me the authority to keep you here.” Kyle said calmly.

“Tell me why I must stay.” I growled, gripping my sword. Kyle will die if he does not let me past.

“I do not question my lord’s reasons. You should learn the same respect!” Kyle said more forcefully.

I stuck him with my sword. It bit his side where it would not mortally kill him. It did no damage. Kyle stood unmoved.

“Mortal weapons do not affect me. Sit down!” He commanded. Anger spilled from him.

I would not be talked to in this way by anyone.

“Anubis! You better have a good reason for this. Come to me now, or I will leave!” I called to him. Anubis did not answer. I knew he could hear me. He is always connected to me somehow.

I looked around. My tree stood on soil and grass, and the lake was at least twenty feet deep.

“Do not do it, my Queen.” Kyle said more calmly.

I looked at him innocently. “Do what?”

“I am not as stupid as you think I am. Touch the ground if you must.”

I sent a tether to the earth. It grabbed on to my life force and began draining me. I released myself from its grasp and leaned on the tree.

“You will remain here until he comes for you.” Kyle commanded.

“I do not understand. There are plenty of other cities to dismember.”

Kyle did not answer. He simply left, leaving me alone near the lake. I laid against the tree and fell asleep to pass the time. No human or vampire traveled near enough to me to kill. Was this a test? How did Kyle have command over me? As far as I know, he is no god.