Zaya was walking, absorbed in her thoughts when she heard whispers. At first, it was unclear but then Zaya recognized Bek's voice and their whole lives together rushed in her mind. She felt her heart beating sadly. He said he loved her, something about Horus and that he was going to bring her back. Zaya told him that was impossible and he said it wasn't. Bek wasn't moving on because of her. Suddenly his voice became inaudible and there was a sound of thunder. It was Anubis.
– It is forbidden to the dead to speak with the living – there was a fire in his eyes and for a moment Zaya was afraid.
– Who were you speaking to? – The god asked her.
Zaya hesitated. She didn't want to tell him it was Bek.
– I didn't speak to them… They called me.
– Go – He pointed to the boat in a harsh manner.
Before getting into the boat, she asked him:
– Can the dead live again?
Anubis was surprised. Zaya wished to come back. She wasn't going to accept to live in the underworld. She didn't want to be with him.
– No, they can't – He said – The dead belong in the unseen world. With me.
The boat started to move and Anubis followed Zaya with his eyes. Zaya knew how stubborn Bek could be. If there was a way to bring her back he would never stop to try it no matter what.
"Please Horus, clear my mind" Zaya prayed. Now she would have to choose between doom, Anubis, and Bek.
~.~
Zaya followed her way to the hall. An old woman called her "the jewel of Anubis' eyes" but she didn't give attention.
– He can be as jealous as Seth sometimes, but I don't think he's dangerous.
Zaya saw the goddess Nephthys walking beside her.
– Have you already decided, child? – Nephthys asked her.
Zaya sighed. More pressure! Why?
– You see when I had my proposal I accepted it right away thinking I was making the right decision, but I was naïve. You're right. When a woman receives a proposal she must think carefully. Take you time – Nephthys smiled kindly.
– My husband talked to me from the living world. He said he and Horus were going to bring me back. Anubis said it's impossible, but Bek is a stubborn man. I feel guilty – Zaya poured out her heart to the goddess.
There were thunders in the dark sky of the underworld.
– Ra is the only god who can restore life and he isn't soft-hearted – Nephthys said – Death is difficult to handle, but your husband will recover. There's nothing you can do to help him. But you can help yourself – Nephthys touched her shoulder – Anubis will love and respect you this I can assure.
– Thank you, Lady Nephthys – Zaya smiled.
– I have to go – Nephthys disappeared in a blue mist.
~.~
Anubis was going to the world of the living attending Hathor's call. When he came up he discovered the goddess of love was still was as stunning as she was before. He saw Bek, the former husband of his beloved and Horus, oh Horus that always had everything! He and Hathor were together, of course. However, Anubis wasn't jealous. The Horus's easy life has ended.
For a moment Anubis wished to say that Zaya didn't need any help, that she was going to be fine with him, but then the great goddess Hathor showed her will to sacrifice herself in name of Zaya and Bek's love.
He didn't dare to stop her. He didn't like the idea to lead Bek into the underworld, but that was the right thing to do. Now Zaya would have a fair choice. If Zaya was going to be his wife, then it should happen by her free will not by her fear of destruction.
~.~
Zaya's time had arrived. She was in front of the balance, the Judges asking her what was her offering and she had no idea on what to do. Anubis wasn't there and neither was Bek. That was the end.
Suddenly,there was a cloud of dust and then Anubis and Bek appeared. Zaya couldn't believe her eyes. Anubis grant permission to Bek to talk with Zaya, although he hated it.
Zaya's heart was rejoiced until Bek tried to touch her. She couldn't feel his hands. For Bek, Zaya's skin was like a cold and brief steam. In that silent moment, they both realized they were never going to live together.
– This will provide you a good place in the afterlife – Bek said, as he was going to place Hathor's bracelet on the balance.
– Please, No! – Zaya's eyes were watered – That's not the afterlife I wish.
Bek stared at her surprised. After everything he had done, Zaya didn't want to pass the gates?
– What? – Bek asked.
A terrible rumble shook the underworld. It felt like the whole world was cracking.
– The chaos spreads! It will ruin this land! – Anubis roared and rushed to try to stop it with his powers.
– Horus is the only hope! Go back and help him! – Zaya told Bek.
– No, he's a liar! The world is ending Zaya and I want to be with you while I can! – Bek shouted at her, the noise was like a storm.
– I know you will live! – Zaya screamed at him.
– My strength is finite – Anubis roared at them – If the Lord of Air plans to stop this he must hurry. If you don't go now you'll die here.
Bek faced Zaya. He wished to know why she refused the afterlife. Certainly, it wasn't because she wished him to come with her. But there wasn't time for that. He touched her face and stood up.
– Please send me back! – Bek shouted at Anubis.