by Sumida, Amy
“You look beautiful,” Anubis laid his hands on my bare shoulders.
“Thank you,” I smoothed down the opalescent folds of my gown. It was layers upon layers of sheer, iridescent silk and it clung and shimmered with every step.
“Are you ready?” He took the end of my chain and hooked it onto his belt. It was obvious, poking out of his tux like a neon sign screaming Look, I captured the Godhunter. Great, this wasn’t going to be at all humiliating.
“Sure,” I took a deep breath and took the arm he offered.
We took a series of corridors to the vast ballroom, with its mirrored walls and werejackals in livery like it was Versailles. The room was full with mingling gods, banquet tables overflowing with food, servants bearing trays of drinks, and a live orchestra.
“You really don’t like going with the whole Egyptian theme, do you?” I looked up at him as we entered.
He laughed, loud and hard, and everyone stopped what they were doing to stare. Shit, why did this always happen to me? Note to self, don’t make otherwise stoic gods, laugh in the middle of a party full of people you don’t know. Yes, it’s happened before.
“I try not to be predictable,” his eyes retained most of his laughter as he escorted me through the staring guests.
“Anubis,” a black man came up to us with a solemn woman in tow.
Now when I say he was black, I don’t mean African-American, Jamaican, or any other dark-skinned race, I mean his skin was black like onyx. So was his hair, for that matter. The only bit of color to him was in his gray eyes, dark gray thankfully or they would’ve melted into the whites and made him look even creepier.
“Father,” Anubis shook his hand and I almost snorted. Go figure Mr. Creepy was Anubis' dear ol’ Dad. He turned to the woman and her face brightened for a second as he kissed her cheek. “Mother, how are you?”
“Well, thank you,” she spoke softly but her voice carried, like voices do through fog, sounding as if someone were right beside you even though no one’s there at all. Great, Mr. Creepy and Mrs. Spooky. No wonder Anubis was fucked up, just look at his parents.
“This is Vervain,” he brought me forward and I raised a brow in surprise. I got to meet the parents? Can you say awkward?
The man took my hand and shook it, while his stormy eyes seemed to swirl and the air around us crackled with electricity. I knew that smell. I knew that power. It was like Thor’s and it filled me with a horrible ache for my ex-lover. The man cocked his head to the side as he studied me.
“The Godhunter?”
“Yep, that’s me. So, you do storms, huh?”
“It’s one of my talents,” his eyes narrowed. “How did you…”
“You’re projecting, dear,” Anubis’ Mom pushed his Dad back gently and pulled me into an embrace. Whoa, wasn’t expecting that. “Welcome to Duat, Vervain.”
“Thank you,” I looked into her sad eyes and wanted to cry. “Duat?” I whispered to Anubis in his head.
“It’s the proper name for the Egyptian Underworld,” he answered back.
Well damn, all this time and I didn't even know the name of my prison.
“I am Nephthys,” she waved a hand at her husband, “and this is Set. He gets a little moody but who am I to judge. Please pay him no mind.”
“It’s alright, I’ve dated a storm god before,” I smiled, surprised to find myself genuinely liking the woman.
The way she made me feel, made much more sense after discovering her identity. Nephthys was the Goddess of Mourning. Poor thing, it was her job to make people feel sad. Set was a god of chaos and adversity but he was also the Lord of the Northern Sky, thus the stormy eyes and Thor smell.
“Yes, you were with Thor, correct?” Set was a little on the sharp side and I almost flinched from his tone.
“Father, please,” Anubis gathered me closer to his side.
“What? She’s the Godhunter, not your wife. Am I supposed to be cordial to your prisoner? You have her chained to your belt for fuck’s sake.”
“Set!” Nephthys scolded as she slapped his arm.
“What?” He looked at her like she’d gone nuts.
“She is my prisoner, yes,” Anubis’ jaw clenched and I noticed that the other guests were listening intently. The way they’d treat me all depended on what came out of his mouth next, “but she is a honored prisoner and I expect you as well as everyone else,” he swung his gaze around the room, “to give her the same respect that you’d afford me.”
“Let us be clear here,” Set frowned like he didn’t enjoy misunderstandings. “She’s not your wife and you’re asking us all to treat her as such?”
“Who knows what she may yet become,” I stiffened in his arms and he pulled me even closer to place a lingering kiss on my lips.
I kissed him back, more for the show of it than anything else, as my stomach clenched in fear. What the hell did that mean? He said I’d be here forever but he never mentioned anything about marriage. This was getting more and more ridiculous.
I heard a low murmuring go around the room and relaxed. Maybe it was all just for show and he was saying those things to be sure no one treated me badly. It was actually kind of sweet. Ahhh! Captor, jailor, rapist, I needed to keep reminding myself.
“As you like,” Set backed away with a deep frown, taking his wife with him.
“Your mother seems very nice,” I let Anubis escort me around and took a drink from a passing waiter.
“She has a kind heart,” he kissed my cheek.
“Thank you for that.”
“For the kiss?” His eyes lit up and he stopped to pull me against him. “How about another?”
“No,” I slapped at him teasingly, “for defending me. I wasn’t sure what to expect tonight. Thank you for saving me from the jibes.”
“Your punishment is for me to decide,” his face was a breath away from mine and he made the word punishment sound sexy, kinky even. “I won’t allow anyone else to harm you.”
Then he was kissing me again and I was overwhelmed with the dumbest feeling of romance. Can you believe it? Freakin’ Stockholm’s Syndrome, I was falling for my abductor. No, pull back! Danger Will Robinson, danger! Iceberg ahead, Captain! Warning bells were clanging and still I kissed him back, enjoying the soft feel of his lips on mine without his manipulation of my body.
I enjoyed the way his hands stroked me, while his lower arms kept me close. I enjoyed his scent, sweet incense and dark magic. I enjoyed the play of his tongue on mine and I enjoyed the way we were making everyone gasp and murmur. I almost laughed when he finally pulled back.
Then I saw his eyes.
Oil slicks covered with shifting lights… jewel tones only. He was lusting heavy and he wasn’t my lover, he wasn’t my boyfriend, he was my captor. I nearly jerked in shock. What the hell was I thinking?
“I think it’s my turn to thank you, Miw-sher,” he whispered. “I’ll thank you even more later.”
Before I could say anything else, we were onto the next guest, who gave me grudging respect, as ordered. I shook hands, smiled, and played hostess as best as I could, chained to Anubis’ belt. I was suddenly thankful for that chain, for the heavy reminder that this was not a gentleman no matter how much Ma’at believed him to be and I was not there by choice.
“May I dance with Vervain?” Re caught us at the perfect moment, while Anubis was deep in conversation with another god.
Anubis narrowed his gaze on Re but making another scene in front of his guests didn’t seem to be high on his list of priorities. “Of course,” he unhooked the chain from his belt and handed it to Re.
I was mortified.
“Thank you,” Re inclined his head to Anubis, turned to me, and with a great flourish, presented me the chain. “Lady Vervain, I would dance with you only if you will it. May I have this dance?”
My humiliation melted and I could’ve kissed Re for that. Hell, I could’ve kissed Re for any reason.
“I would love to dance, thank you, Re,”
I put my hand in his and he swept me out to the dance floor.
I had a moment’s doubt when I realized everyone was waltzing. I didn’t know how to waltz. I looked at Re with panicked eyes but he smiled reassuringly, taking hold of me firmly. We were a little closer together than everyone else but as he started to move me around the floor, I realized it was for my benefit. He guided me easily, my feet automatically following his movements.
In moments, I was having fun and I’d completely forgotten about Anubis. Re’s smile was sunshine on my soul, his hands a warm comfort. The Sun God was dancing with me and he eclipsed all others.
Until I saw the other sun god in the room... Blue.
He was standing with a group of gods who were talking animatedly to him but he was staring at me. Great. He was probably enjoying my downfall immensely. I looked away before he could smile and gloat. That would just make my evening complete.
“Anubis is glaring daggers at me,” Re whispered into my ear, “and he’s not the only one.”
“Probably because they all hate me,” I held his gaze determinedly. I wouldn’t look at Anubis. I wouldn’t look at Anubis.
I looked at Anubis and Re was right, he didn’t appear so happy.
“They don’t all hate you,” Re never took his eyes off me. “They’re wary of you. You’re called the Godhunter. Can you blame them?”
“No,” I smiled up at him, “but I’m not exactly in a position to hurt anyone.”
“Only Anubis and I,” his lips brushed my ear as he spoke.
“Right,” I laughed. “Anubis controls my body like a marionette and you’re pretending to like me because Ma’at asked you to. I don’t think either of you are in any danger.”
“Anubis is losing control,” Re’s face went serious, “anyone with a pair of eyes can see it, and as far as my affections… I don’t blow hot and cold,” he kissed my cheek, “only hot. Just because I entered this game as a pawn, doesn't mean I don't want to be King.”
I swallowed hard and looked up at his bright eyes. He was messing with me, he had to be. I couldn’t handle another man, especially one who made me melt with a look. I know, I know, it sounds fabulous but a relationship with someone who I was practically too nervous to function around, just didn’t sound fun to me. I wanted comfortable, attractive but not blindingly so, intelligent but not egotistical.
I wanted Trevor.
“You look scared, Godhunter,” he chuckled.
“You’re a little intimidating,” I looked away to where Anubis had been standing but he was gone.
“I’ll try to tone it down,” his lips were still twitching when Anubis’ hand landed on his shoulder and stopped our progress around the floor.
“I think I’d like a dance as well,” Anubis held his hand out to me and I went obligingly into his arms.
“But we’ve just begun,” Re’s eyes twinkled.
“You’ve danced through two songs already.” Anubis twirled me away.
“We did?” I hadn’t even noticed. “It didn’t seem so long.”
“Time flies when you’re having Re, huh?” Anubis' lips pressed thin.
“Really? You’re going to take it there?” I couldn’t believe Ma’at’s plan was working.
“Take what where?” Anubis frowned.
“It’s an expression,” I sighed. “It means that I can’t believe you’re jealous.”
“I’m not jealous,” he swung me in an arc and pulled me closer. “I don’t think I’m jealous.”
“Well good, since it would be ridiculous,” I caught Re winking at me from the sidelines and chuckled.
“Why would it be ridiculous?” Anubis pressed his lips to my neck and I felt chills course over me.
I pulled back a little and unwound the chain from my arm. His gaze followed my movements as I hooked the end onto his belt. When I looked up at him, his eyes were swirling jewels. I let myself go soft in his gaze as I leaned forward and kissed him gently. He groaned and wrapped me tighter, as he deepened the kiss.
Then he pulled away and leaned his forehead to mine. I suddenly realized we’d stopped dancing. We stood in the center of the floor, other couples swirling around us, lost in each other like a couple in a chick flick. It was so romantic, I almost forgot that I was playing him.
A flash of light woke us both from the dream I'd been trying to weave. I frowned and looked over at a man with golden blonde curls, dressed in a tux, and holding a strange looking camera. He smiled a little, a wicked grin really, and I suddenly remembered him.
“Hermes,” I spat.
“I'd like a copy of that,” Anubis unhooked the chain as he led me over to Hermes, and slipped it back around my arm.
“Of course,” Hermes inclined his head, “my pleasure.”
“I'd just bet,” I growled.
“What?” Hermes smirked. “Afraid your werewolf lover will see how you really feel about your captivity?”
“Why is he here?” I turned to Anubis instead of answering the Messenger God, who also happened to be a reporter for the God Realm.
“I invited him, of course,” Anubis looked curiously at Hermes and then me. “He always covers my parties.”
“They are the talk of the God Realm,” Hermes agreed. “But this picture, of the Godhunter being tamed by the God of the Dead, is going to make the front page.”
It was all I could do to not wrap my chain around Hermes' throat and choke the life out of him. I took a deep breath, reining in my temper, knowing that I couldn't show my anger there or Anubis would know my demeanor was an act. So I shrugged and turned away from Hermes, like he didn't matter to me.
“I think I need to sit down,” I said to Anubis. “All this dancing has been too much excitement for me.”
“Of course,” Anubis nodded to Hermes, who backed away with another evil grin, and escorted me to a chair. “I need to make some more rounds with my guests, wait here and catch your breath. I fully plan on stealing it away again later.” He smiled at me, and it was lighthearted, happiness radiating off of him. I smiled back but I don't think mine was as blissful as his.
Anubis walked away without looking back, leaving me to contemplate the heavy chain wound about my arm and the photograph that would soon be circulating the God Realm. What was Trevor going to think when he saw that intimate pose? Would he believe I'd betrayed him? Had I betrayed him?
And then there was that stupid gold chain. When Re had presented me with the chain, I had felt respected, maybe even admired a little, but when Anubis wrapped it around my arm, it had felt like even more of a restraint. As if the chain were merely symbolic, his hold on me went so much deeper, the chain truly meant very little. Locked onto his belt or not, it made no difference, I couldn't escape him.
I sighed and got up, wandering along the edge of the crowd and making my way to the double french doors on the far side of the room. I could see a balcony through them and a starlit sky. I needed the air, the space, and maybe even some bracing cold to remind me of how much I hated Anubis.
Snide looks followed me but I ignored them. There was only so much Anubis could do. He couldn't control the way people looked at me and really, what was there to do about it? More importantly, what did I care? I didn't know these people and I sure as hell didn't like them anymore than they liked me. They could all go to hell for all I cared. Oh wait, right, already there.
Cool air lifted the baby hairs from the sides of my face, caressing my skin with some much needed refreshment. I sighed and closed the doors behind me, the din of the party becoming a soft drone. The night sounds of the garden took over, little bugs chirping, small creatures nestling in for the night, and lizards climbing across branches. I closed my eyes and lifted my face to the moon. Was Trevor looking upon her as well? Or was he in the Human Realm, lifting his face to a mirror moon, a backwards version of the one I stood under.
A single tear slid out of my tightly closed lids and tracked its way down my cheek. Before more could follow, the doors opened behind me and I
quickly dashed it away. I took a deep breath and turned to face Anubis. Couldn't he leave me be for one blasted moment? I just wanted some peace, just a small bit of solace in the night before I had to face him again.
“Hello, Vervain,” it wasn't Anubis but his mother. Nephthys closed the doors behind her. “I'm sorry to interrupt. Your sorrow called to me.”
She walked forward slowly, as if she didn't want to spook me, and then reached out a hand and laid it lightly on my shoulder. Looking in her eyes made me want to lay my head against her chest and cry, she held so much sympathy in them. Instead, I smiled.
“It must be hard for you,” I observed.
“What is?” Sympathy made way for confusion.
“Being the Goddess of Mourning,” I took her hand from my shoulder, squeezed it gently and let it go. “You get sorrow and your son gets death. Who did your family piss off in order to get such awful assignments?”
She made a startled bark of a sound, then swiftly covered her mouth with both hands, wide eyes staring at me in shock. She slowly lowered her hands and I was pleased to see that a smile remained on her face.
“I see why he loves you,” she said quietly.
I frowned and looked back out at the gardens. She moved up beside me, close but not touching, and stared out at the scenery with me.
“It must be hard for you as well,” she said casually. “Held prisoner here, surrounded by enemies, and never knowing what your future holds.”
“My future,” I gave a grim little laugh.
“Vervain,” she turned to look at me and I slanted my gaze to her. “Anubis can be harsh, his father taught him that, but he can also be kind. I like to believe that was my contribution. He is made up of contradictions and can be difficult to understand but once you delve through the layers, there is an amazing man underneath.”
“I'm sure there is,” I couldn't speak disparagingly of him to his mother.
“Please,” she grabbed my arm and made me look at her. “He is so lost right now. There is nothing for him to live for and when Death has no reason to live, what shall become of him? What shall become of us all?”