Balance (Book 9 )

I walked through the gates and up the front door. They opened, automatically inviting me in. The fallen columns were once again holding the entryway up. I touched a pillar in greeting as I used to do. The mansion vibrated and hummed.

“I have missed you.”

Tears sprang forth. It was the sound of the earth. She was always here. This mansion came from the earth. It was my life’s force that filled the mansion and gave it its power. It was a permanent tether from me to the earth. She was intimately connected to me as a vampire, and I did not know it.

“I have missed you, my friend. The living as we knew it has changed. Together, we will bring life here.” I could feel her joy. The mansion was fully powered and capable of defending itself.

“Anubis, you have given me a gift I cannot repay.” I called out to him.

His love washed over me, and I could feel soft lips touch mine. I reached to touch my lips and giggled like a schoolgirl. He was always with me, even if he was not physically beside me. I wish I had his power. Not to rule his kingdom or to rule him. I only wish to see and feel what he saw and felt. How was he so connected to everything around him? He was more of a god than I could ever be. I will always be in awe of him.

A shadow of a prophecy whispered in the back of my mind. What was it? It was so long ago. A member of my first clan as a young vampire queen said, “…and the God of the Dead loved the Goddess so much he released her and gave her heart back…”

Oh, Boros! My heart broke at the memory of his betrayal. It really was not a betrayal; it was a sacrifice. What little did he know? He could not have foreseen my ascension.

I thought of Mum and wished to run to her, to tell her of the revival of the House of Khalid Rahal. Then I stopped and remembered her home was no longer here. I went to our tree and sat to meditate. I traveled along the veins of the earth to Egypt. I looked for Mum among the millions who dwelled there. It took several hours until I found the one I looked for.

Time for a test. Atum said I could go in my true form. I will remind them that the gods are very real. I stood and turned into my true form and increased my height. I wish to be intimidating. They will respect us. I no longer cared for their love or acceptance for me. That time has passed.

I teleported to the new city the humans were building and began walking toward Mum. Several people screamed and ran. Others bowed to their knees. I ignored everyone. The earth pulsed, giving off blue light with each step. The smell of freshly cut grass and wildflowers was left behind as small flowers popped up. There was a loan building of sandstone at the furthest end of the city. Mum came from the home and bowed at my feet. I silently bent down to her level.

“It is good to see you.” I projected.

Her face immediately looked up to me, and her hands went to her mouth.

“Lara?”

“Lara is dead. I am Anput, wife to Anubis.”

“I thought you were dead.”

“I am a goddess. I cannot die.”

“Please come inside.”

“I wish to show you something if you are willing to go with me.”

“Yes, of course. Allow me a moment.”

As I stood and waited, people came and bowed at my feet.

“People of Egypt. Remember why you are here. Do not worship me. Give thanks to Ra, who spared your lives.”

Their songs of worship filled the air. Ra came and stood beside me and added his baritone voice. The earth glowed with a bright orange mixed with pulses of blue and filled everyone with joy. The people began to sing and dance in the streets. I looked at Atum and bowed to him then teleported into Mum’s home as Lara. I wished to allow Atum the respect he was due. Mum looked at me with fright.

“I am unsure I will get used to all of these changes.”

She approached me and held my arms, and looked into my eyes.

“You are whole once again. I can see the Egyptian goddess I once new has returned. And more! You have grown, my dear.”

“Lara!” Casandra yelled from the back of the room.

I looked past Mum and saw the beautiful red headed vampire I tarnished.

“Excuse me a moment, sister.” I looked at Mum and walked to Casandra.

As soon as I got within arm’s reach, she grabbed me and kissed me passionately on the lips. I took her in my arms and teleported her to where my oasis once stood. The people have not populated this far west.

Casandra backed away from me and looked around, confused.

“I have told you, the vampire you knew as Lara is dead.”

“Was it not you who shared secrets with me. Did you not glow? You came to me to save me from destruction.”

I turned into my true form and stood before her. Her eyes widened, and I could smell fear on her.

“I am the Goddess Anput. I am married to Anubis, the God of the Underworld. I have led you astray in a madness I could not control. You are here, so you have pledged your loyalties to Ra?”

“Yes, goddess, as you instructed, I serve the creator now.”

“Anubis has a warning for you in compensation for my actions. Will you listen and take the warning seriously?”

Casandra knelt on to her knees in front of me, “Yes, Goddess.”

“The way of life is a circle. We are born, live on earth for a time, then die, giving our bodies back to the earth. The earth then brings forth new life completing the circle. Everyone has a soul, Casandra. That is why you are here. When your body dies, your soul will return to the underworld and meet Anubis. He will judge your life. If he deems you worthy, you will be granted a new life and be reincarnated by Ra. However, if you are not worthy, then your soul will be destroyed, and you will no longer exist in any plane.”

“I do not understand. What are you telling me?”

“Your soul is damaged and currently will not be allowed into the next life. If you die today, you will not be reincarnated.”

I could see tears forming in her eyes, and fear of her death began insulting my nose.

“Why do you tell me this?”

“There is hope, Casandra. You are immortal. Live your life to the fullest and honor the god’s in all you do. Your soul can heal and become worthy of reincarnation.

Anubis appeared next to me, startling Casandra.

“Fear not, little vampire. I only come to tell you of my warning.”

Her heart beat rapidly in her chest. I feared the fright would kill her. Anubis knelt down in front of her and looked her in the eyes.

“Ignore your blood lust. Do not kill any human or vampire. Learn and remember the ways of the ancient Egyptian vampire goddess. Do this, and when you meet me, I will grant you a new life.”

“I understand.”

Anubis stood and looked at me. “You are doing well, wife. Please continue.” He projected and sent his love, then vanished.

Casandra jumped then looked at me. I stretched my hand out to her. She weakly took it, and I teleported her back into Mum’s home. Casandra’s pale face lost all color as she fought faint. Mum came to her and looked at me for answers.

“She will be ok, Mum. She needs guidance. Perhaps you can help her learn the ways of the ancient Egyptian goddess.”

“As you wish.”

I smiled at her. “Come, sister. Let me show you something that will lift your heart.” I took her hand and teleported us to the edge of my land. The lake sparkled in the setting sun, and the tree stood tall.

“Follow me.”

I led her toward the mansion. As the spires peeked over the horizon, mum breathed in. “The House of Khalid Rahal!”

“Yes. It lives. The god of the underworld and the god of the plant life made this possible. It is fully restored. One day, in a few centuries, it will be the center of life as it was before.”

I led her to the front gates, which opened automatically as they used to do. She felt the same joy I felt. She felt hope that one day the world would return the way it used to be.

“Lara, this is wonderful.”

“Mum, please do not call me by that name any longer. My name is Anput.”

“Forgive me. I see you in Lara’s image.”

I changed into my true form in front of her. “Better?”

“No, now you are intimidating. I feel as though death awaits me.”

“I am both life and death. When your soul is ready, I will take you.” Mum shivered with a chill. “Worry not, sister. I am not taking you as long as you have breath in your lungs, and your heart beats.” Mum felt better.

“Come inside.” I led Mum through the gates and touched a pillar as I always do. The mansion vibrated and hummed.

“Greetings, Goddess.”

“You remember Queen Mum?”

“It is good to feel you near Mum.”

Mum actually had tears in her eyes. “It is overwhelming to know you live.”

“Lara’s life force ran through the halls and her land giving it power. However, all this time, we spoke to the earth. It is her voice you hear, Mum. She is nurturing and protects those who care for her. This is her heart.”

“She is beautiful.”

“Thank you, Mum.” the house hummed.

I showed her around the fully restored mansion and talked with her as we walked.

“How are things with you? Have you adjusted to your new home?” I asked.

“I have been named matriarch. I am the oldest living vampire now. If it is ok, I have named my home after the Egyptian vampire goddess, Lara.”

“The House of Lara?” I giggled. “It sounds a bit funny to my ears. I am honored, Matriarch.”

“It is appropriate. It is you who saved the world. I saw Lara’s image on television. She was beloved by many, and I intend to keep her memory strong. I have one under my care who would love to see you.”

“Who?”

“Amir.”

“Amir! He still lives?”

“Yes, he does. He was one of the first to bow to Ra. He followed your ways and waited for you since leaving you in Egypt. When he saw your message, he immediately bowed before Ra. You saved his life. He is now second in line to me.”

“You would allow a male in such a high status?”

“Times have changed, Goddess, and so must the vampire. I lead by your example.”

“If you have need of council, you know how to reach me.”

“The god’s temple is two days journey from my home. I know how to get there.”

“Tell Amir Lara is dead. His loyalty is to you, not a dead vampire.”

“He believes you to be dead, Goddess.”

“Good. Let it remain that way. Come, I will take you back.”

I teleported her back to the front of the House of Lara. The celebration continued, and Ra was no longer a part of it.

“You have a special place in my heart, Matriarch. I wish you well and a long life.” I projected. Mum touched my side and looked up at me then went into her home.