Prologue
Bastet
When Bastet opened her eyes, she smiled at the sight of her waiting children within her deepest sanctum, among the flames reflected in the rubies encrusted in her throne.
Both bowed deeply before her – one covered in pearl–white fur and the other all in shades of silver – they raised their heads with the delicate sound of her movement as she shifted upon her throne to set one leg upon another.
“Raneem,” she said toward the white female, then looked at the silver male. “Osiris. Are you ready?”
“Yes, Mother,” both replied as one, with no hint of hesitation in their teal and blue eyes.
“We will strive to make you proud, Mother,” Osiris added with another bow, his enthusiasm barely there behind his impeccable manners. Her youngest, yet born with an unyielding sense of balance, was the last to arrive in the Awlbastan lair before she shut its gates.
“I do no doubt that, my son,” she replied softly, then looked at his older companion. “The reckoning comes, my daughter. Pass along my blessings to Akila, but do not interfere. Not yet.”
“As you command,” Raneem bowed, though her teal eyes betrayed her reluctance. Her shame, though undeserved.
Bastet nodded, then, with another smile, watched them leave her audience hall. This expression disappeared when a golden plate closed behind them.
Her enemy was on the move. She couldn’t see his scheme, but she could nearly taste the cloying flavor of his magic.
The same she tasted when one of the Clans of her beasts disappeared. Raneem’s Clan – her daughter was born to – and a reason for her shame. He took them from her. Bast did not doubt that – if she didn’t yet know his purpose. But she foresaw one of those Lost coming for her Twins, and the sign of his favor on that female was unmistakable.
Set, God of Violence and Murder, believed that he won their match two thousand years ago. But he did so, because Bastet let him—feigning to lose the battle while preparing for an upcoming war.
The war that all of existence will hinge upon – and one she was determined to win.
The board set, she closed her eyes again, setting to watch, wait… and protect.
