Balance (Book 9 )
Chapter 20

I knelt down on the ground and opened my eyes. I saw jackal feet around me as they stood guard. These attacks are becoming tiresome.

“Is it safe?”

“Yes.” One laughed.

As I stood, I saw and Gabriel and Kebachet approach me. I took my sword and readied myself.

“If you value your lives, you will leave me.” I growled. I glowed brightly as I ready my power, and the fire in my eyes could be seen. I will give them a chance to live; however, I will not be taken by my enemy without a fight. They will know my wrath.

“Mother, you must calm yourself.”

“Do not speak to me in such a way! Leave me, or forfeit your life!” I growled and pulsed power. A ring of concussion hit them but did not damage them. It was a warning to stay away. Gabriel put a hand on Kebachet’s shoulder to stop him from continuing. He saw I would defend myself as the vampire queen would. Trust no one and demand respect. Kebachet looked at me a moment then left.

“You too, Gabriel.” His eyes glowed brightly, and his posture stiffened into the king I knew him to be. A jackal turned to me.

“It is safe, ancient Egyptian goddess.” Red glowing eyes looked into my eyes. “We know of the deception among us. This is our god Anubis, I assure you.” His claw slowly reached into a hidden pocket at his belt and pulled a golden medallion. “We protect all souls, ancient Egyptian goddess, including yours. Take this and rub the surface if you have need of us. It is connected only to me and will burn at my presence.” He slowly handed the medallion to me. It glowed a golden color and burned my hand as I took it. “We are loyal to Anubis, god of the underworld, protector of souls.”

I still did not trust my eyes. I might as well be blind. The jackals began to return to the underworld. The medallion cooled and turned into tarnished silver. I felt venerable without the jackals. I was without protection. I can be tricked. I will defend myself to the death no matter the consequences.

My posture spoke volumes to Gabriel. Long ago, when I was a human, I made a vow to fight to live. I vowed never to give into death’s call. Then I turned into a vampire and learned not to trust any male vampire. I kept myself and my heart out of reach from any vampire. None could touch me.

I created a web to protect my tendril from any attack. Only a select few were able to touch me with a simple handshake or pat on the back. The dormant fire that my vampire mate loved, burst into life. It raged within me and consumed my mind and heart. Gabriel watched as his goddess emerged. I will not be enslaved to any creature.

“Lara, calm yourself. I am here to help you.” He said gently as if he were trying to coax a scared animal.

No one can help me. Not even the one I am mated to. Without warning Life sliced through the air and forced Gabriel to defend himself. I took advantage of his surprise and teleported to the underworld. I must act quickly. The god of the underworld knows his kingdom intimately just as I knew my land.

I was never allowed to completely explore the underworld. There were secrets Anubis did not want me to discover. The death knight lives in the underworld. Of that, I am certain. I must replace them and free myself—contract or no contract.

The death knights have the ability to take a soul and manipulate a god’s power. They are able to leach life from a god. They do not tolerate violence against them, and they work as a team. These things I have learned simply from observations and my encounters with Kyle. Anubis said they demand respect and can revoke a contract as easily as they can change the conditions. If they can change the contract or revoke it, then there is a way to force my captor’s hand. I am through hiding behind my husband.

I immediately teleported to Horace’s throne room. Before I begin my journey, I will start at the source. I looked around the room and expected Anubis to command my body as he usually does. I have not heard his call, and he has not appeared before me. Perhaps the severance I felt from him goes both ways. He is not connected to me as I am no longer connected to him.

“Horace! Come to me!” I commanded. I will no longer show respect. My life is in danger, and this god is allowing it. He will feel my wrath if I do not get the answers I seek.

The room began to hum, and the scent of freshly tilled soil filled the room.

Impossible

My past seemed to haunt me as I looked around for a well built vampire with haunted brown eyes. His personality matched Gabriel’s, making me believe in reincarnation. There is no one in the room. Even if the dead vampire were reincarnated, he would not have the same scent.

“Boros?” I called out.

“Speak!” Horace’s voice filled the room. I forgot about the dead vampire and concentrated on getting my answers.

“Where is the death knight who invoked the contract for my soul?”

“I do not know what it is you speak of.”

“Do not lie to me, Horace. I do not have time for games. There is one who has your symbol painted on his breast. Where is the death knight!”

“The death knights do not belong to me. Take your aggression elsewhere.”

The throne room stopped humming as Horace withdrew his presence.

“Horace, you coward! You make a pathetic god of war! Come back and face me!”

He did not respond. The throne doors flew open as a tall jackal stormed in. His anger is clearly seen. I do not have to be connected to him to know his fury. I raised my sword, and a spear appeared in his hands. I will not be stopped. If this is truly my husband, he will not harm me.

I rushed to attack him. He waited for my attack and blocked me. He continued blocking my attacks, never moving from the entrance of the room. He meant to keep me here until I submitted to him.

I increased my speed and pulsed power into Anubis. He absorbed my power effortlessly and changed his attacks. He began thrusting his spear toward me, putting me on the defense. Each of his attacks is easily blocked. This is certainly my husband. The imposture would have attempted to kill me by now.

Anubis’s attacks became more powerful, causing me to step back away from him. He continued attacking and forcing me deeper into the throne room.

NO!

I will not be trapped. I dug deep within me. It will take everything I have to strike Anubis. We have spared each other throughout our relationships as vampires and gods. He is much stronger than me; however, I am quicker and have been able to wear him down from time to time. He always finishes his fight with the trick of the mind. I must be prepared for such an attack from him.

I pulsed power and strengthened my attacks. I only needed a moment to teleport out of the throne room. I fought with everything I had. Life and Death serenaded perfectly as I danced with Anubis. I changed my stance unexpectantly. His attack fumbled through, allowing me the chance to push back. With all my might, I pushed his powerful body. Anubis slid several feet from me. It gave me the opportunity I needed to teleport. The room faded, and the dark underworld appeared.

It did not take long for Anubis to replace me. The area is vast and dark. There are no signs of life. I ran from Anubis as I searched for the death knights. Anubis is faster than I am and was able to reach me. Just before he could grab me, I teleported to another area of the underworld. Again Anubis found me and began chasing me. I cannot allow him to catch me. There will be severe consequences for my actions. I vowed I would submit to him. It is clear he is trying to stop me, and I am disobeying him. My vow means little if I perish.