"I told you to stay on the way"
Zaya heard while she was awakening. The first thing she saw was Anubis. He was holding her in his arms. She tried to ask him what happened but her voice made no sound.
– I almost lose you – The god caressed her face.
His hand was warm and soft, so different of that cold world. He put her on the floor kindly. Anubis passed his arm around Zaya's waist. She leaned on him and stood up slowly, feeling dizzy. When she got better she noticed she was too close to Anubis, holding his arm as he held her waist. It seemed like they were going to dance. It would be awkward to dance with someone so taller than her. What a weird thought!
– How do you feel? – She asked her, placing his hand on her lower back.
– I can't go – Zaya took a long breath.
– Why?
– I have no treasure and my soul will be destroyed.
– Don't be coward. You must face your judgment.
– I am not coward! I just don't want to cease to exist!
Zaya's voice was loud. Anubis glared at her and then she realized that wasn't manner to talk to a God. She bowed and almost fell.
– Please, forgive me Lord Anubis! I'm sorry! Yes, I'm coward! I'm not strong enough to face my destruction – She sobbed.
Anubis stared at the miserable soul before him. After a while, he lifted Zaya and hugged her. Zaya placed her head on his stomach and cried as much as she could. Anubis placed his chin on her head. Her hair smelled like water lilies. They remained embraced for a while.
– Don't worry Zaya – Anubis caressed her hair – Even in death destiny may be surprising.
– My destiny is doom – Zaya told him, still in his embrace which was so comfortable. He touched her chin.
– Can you keep a secret Zaya?
– Yes, My lord.
– I can't stop the judgments. Sooner or later you and the others will have to face the Balance and receive an unfair sentence. But I'm doing everything I can to delay this moment. It's against the divine law, I know. But so is the new judgment. Would you help me with this mischief? – He asked.
– Yes. It would be an honor – Zaya dried her tears and tried to smile. Thanks to Bek she was a master of mischief.
– Good. You shall stay with me every time – He smiled back at her, his teeth were like silver.
– Thank you, Lord Anubis.
– You don't need to call me Lord when we're alone. Come with me – He offered his hand and Zaya took it.
– What happened to me? – Zaya asked him.
– I can't protect a soul that leaves the way. There are demons in here. Soul eaters.
– You've saved my life! I mean… my soul – Zaya bowed at him – Thank you, King of-
– You're welcome – He interrupted her – but don't call me this way… I don't like it.
Zaya remained silent and Anubis felt guilty. He had been rude.
– I'd rather "Ruler of the Bows" like you said before – He told her.
– Good to know. It's so dark… I can't see anything.
The way was filled with shadows and mist. The floor started to crack and Anubis had to pick Zaya up. She put her arms around his neck as he pressed her body against his. They faced each other for a while and then Anubis looked away.
– This world is a reflection of the world you came from – Anubis explained – Ra used to shine in here. The hills were green. But now it's…
– Hopeless – Zaya whispered.
Anubis nodded – Like in the world of the living.
– Will the great god Seth ever show his mercy? – Zaya asked.
– He never had any mercy.
Zaya rested her head on Anubis shoulder.
– Things will change - She said - I have faith in you.