-Trevor Starr-

Watching the children re-enter their nome, I silently praised myself for having the initiative to clean last night. Of course, I had assisted where I was needed before doing so. Kyra had been swift to take over, I suppose she assumed she should fill in her cousin's shoes. Whatever it was, I hadn't been too surprised to hear that the French Nome Leader insisted she be the new Chief Lector.

I was more surprised by Menshikov calling the French woman out as a liar. Maybe I shouldn't be so shocked by her bluntness. Perhaps I'm too new to all of the political bullshit to really grasp everything that is happening. I note to try to keep myself in the loop, for my daughter's sake at least.

What I do know? Our current Chief Lector is on the run again, with that weird woman that was trailing behind my father as if he was her protection. Not sure how to feel about that, I don't know this 'Alisha' person very well. Then again, I hadn't been fond of him trying to ditch me with a teenager to wander an underground city with someone that is publicly known to be a family enemy.

I shake my head as I recall the shock that flowed after Torsten's murder. The only one inside the Kane Mansion that didn't appear in complete dismay had been Teal. I suspect she may have camouflaged that by keeping focused on everyone else. Oh, and my father, but he already had plans to do the deed himself.

Because hearing the Chief Lector's angered words towards Friedrich's groveling was enough of a sign for me. He had maintained something of a level head through most of this up until that exact moment. I've never seen him so livid, but it was the reason I handed him my khopesh.

Set's words towards Amos on the boat was why I did it. It might be the most awful approach, but Set knew that his host didn't want the psychopath alive. I tell myself it's better this way because I helped him get what he needed whether he was really aware of it or not. Better than Friedrich still breathing, I trust I'll rest easier knowing he's not around.

I just hope Amos is somewhere safe for the time being. There might still be idiots wanting a try at the bounty, despite the fact that the man that made it is gone. Then Sabat's wanting to hunt him down, and whoever else that might have been eagerly waiting for some sort of slip up from him. Fuck, that Russian kid had said something about this, right?

A baboon joins Kyra in welcoming the children back. I raise an eyebrow at this, noting he's definitely not a shabti of Kane's because he is not albino. Yet Sadie had the nerve to label me a monkey for 'living in a tree'? I roll my eyes to dismiss the thought, not willing to let some teenage girl rile me up.

Kyra's green eyes are on me, and it took a moment for me to process it. She gestures her head towards the veranda, and I quickly go to follow her out. Apparently, the baboon took over welcoming the kids, and they seemed fine by that.

The Seattle Nome Leader paused at the glass door, finding Menshikov having a cigar. "I thought she left?" I point out, but I'm well aware that Kyra knows this as well.

She steps in, and the older magician doesn't seem to notice as I close the door behind us. Kyra's eyes take in the rest of the area and stop for a second on a spot near the empty pool. "I see you still insisted on a cigar break?"

The Russian seemed startled, eyes taking us in before scoffing at Kyra's words. "Yes, my healers will scorn me for doing it once I get home."

"Right, stomach wound," I recall quickly.

Kyra raises an eyebrow at that, but Vika speaks before she can ask. "Yes, and they'll most likely 'baby me' for a month for it." She extinguishes the cigar, eyes on Kyra now. "You will get ahold of me if he doesn't show?"

Kyra hummed, eyes immediately darting to the spot by the pool again before facing the other woman. "Of course, I'm sure sending a foe to fetch my cousin will be effective. Are you sure you can handle him at his worst?"

"You're worrying for the wrong person," Vika smirks as she flicks the remains of her cigar to the floor, but it disappears before hitting it.

My eyes narrow at that. Something has been terribly off about Menshikov. She seems to hold an appearance of 'foe', but so far, her actions have screamed of something else. I take in Kyra to see her sigh as the Russian goes to pass us for the glass doors now.

"I'm sure I'll see you in a month," Kyra adds.

The older only waves as she disappears into the mansion, the glass door sliding closed behind her. I cough nervously, still curious if the other magician finds it all odd. "It's an act," Kyra scoffed once Vika had been gone for a good half minute. "She's maintaining the front, but it's been pretty obvious this week where she stands."

"Doesn't mean I won't still be uncomfortable about it," I chuckle nervously. "How much you wanna bet she knows where he is?"

Kyra just rolls her eyes. "Menshikov isn't the only one that's been oddly helpful this week. I want to thank you personally for the assistance you've given."

Oh, I guess she has a point. "Honestly, Kyra, if Amy didn't kill him, either my father was going to do it or me."

Her eyes read an understanding between us before she nods. "You know, I didn't grieve for my uncle once news reached us. He wasn't someone I could ever bring myself to care for. He never liked me, or at least that's the impression he gave. I hated the way he treated my cousins, so I was grateful that he was out of the picture."

"I didn't know Jabari too well, but recently it's come to my attention that he's a total dick." I nod towards her as a show that I can see her side of things.

"Julius brushed it off, wanting to officially move on from the past. Which meant him walking away from the Per Ankh and focusing on his family." She hesitated a bit. "Amos still cried for him."

I raise an eyebrow at this as a challenge. He had been the one to exile his father, hadn't he? The man wanted him dead. So why would Amy be upset towards his father's death?

"Julius told me how ridiculous he thought of it. Really, he didn't deserve any form of pity from anyone, especially from Amos. It took a few years for me to realize that in the end, he's still their father. I don't know my parents, but I still miss them. So, what's so ridiculous about hating them, but still missing them?"

I tense, realizing she's bringing this all up because of the relationship I have with my old man. I never told anyone while training, like some stupid secret I was keeping that I felt was no one's business. He made it seem normal too, showing up every so often in Cairo, most of the time he would scorn me for my lack of interest in my studies or whatever trouble I had stirred up. Except Cairo was my home, unlike most of my peers that would leave during the equinoxes for the safety of a place outside of the First Nome. It was my normal though, and I hadn't thought of it being odd because no one pointed it out. Not until I moved in with Patricia, anyway.

Kyra let out a slightly upset scoff, and that earns her my attention again. "I feel like Cousin Amos would tell you this himself, but he for obvious reasons can't." She takes a step forward to rest her right hand on my left shoulder. "Just try, and if it doesn't work out that's fine. At least then you can say you put in the effort rather than regretting not doing so when it's too late."

I snort at this, but it's not her fault that she doesn't know that I've already been handed the first step by my own father a few days prior. "Didn't realize this was going to lead to you throwing advice in my face, but thanks anyway, Teal."

She smirked in acknowledgment. "Hmm, but you can really be a dumbass at times. I figured someone should point out the opportunity staring you in the face."

I sigh at the figurative stab by the woman two years younger than me. "Dumbass, sure. Blind, not really. Also, I have the slightest impression this might be the first time you've handed advice. Maybe you and your ex should sit down and share notes on how to avoid being insulting?"

"What makes you think that we hadn't simply shared notes on how to be offensive?" Kyra snorts in slight entertainment to the thought. "On a different note, Trevor, you've earned my trust. Whether you wanted to be or not, consider Seattle your allies. Knowing Sebastian, he'll more than likely support it with an alliance with San Francisco as well." She hesitates for a second, "Along with the Chief Lector, even though he has a hundred other things he should be handling. If you ever have a problem with another unwelcome guest again, you better not hesitate to get ahold of me."

"Understood," I give a nervous laugh in response. Though I feel better about the idea of having people outside of the nome that are offering to assist if another Friedrich waltzes in. Maybe this 'getting involved in the shit' thing isn't so bad. I hadn't known, but now it feels lonely that I hadn't had any vocalized support from anyone else. Having a few Nome Leaders as allies is rather comforting.

A soft thud sounds from behind me, earning our gaze on the glass doors. Melanie had opened the doors, and Abby appeared embarrassed as she had apparently tried to halt the six-year-old from interrupting. A matter of seconds, my daughter has darted for me, and I kneel to embrace my daughter again. "I'm so sorry," Abby's embarrassment shows in her voice.

"Don't be," Kyra was quick to halt the apology. "Reuniting father and daughter is far more important than anything I could ever say."

"Is he gone?" Melanie asked.

My eyes lift up to see Kyra had hesitated at the glass doors to that. "Yes, the evil man is gone," I answer, holding my daughter closer as I watch the Seattle Nome Leader leave.

She insisted I meet her new friend, Felix. My right eyebrow raises to this kid insisting on introducing the three penguins with him. Animal Charmers, I swear… I'm also pretty sure penguins don't eat woodchips from the fireplace on the regular. It hadn't taken long for Melanie to start playing with this friend and his out-of-place birds.

A feminine clear of the throat behind me makes me jump. I turn to find the spunky daughter of Julius Kane accompanied by Jaz the healer. "So, Jaz was telling me that your daughter hosts Hathor?"

I tense but note the casualness of her arms being crossed over her chest as she taps her right foot impatiently. Blue eyes with that edge that I know well. I turn to completely face the two teens. "Yes, Melanie is the host of Hathor."

Sadie blows a bubblegum bubble, popping from the force of air she let in before it could get very big. "Hmm, well she can start training here when she feels up to it. You know, because we're kind of the experts in the godling department."

I'm thrown off guard by this. Maybe I shouldn't be, considering they are the only nome that seems to be training in the path of the gods. I just hadn't let the thought of my daughter training from them cross my mind. Then again, I hadn't considered sending her to the First Nome either. Except the possibility of sending her to Cairo is out of the picture for the moment considering the nome requires rebuilding.

"It depends on how he feels about it too, Sadie," Jaz reprimanded.

I quickly shook my head at that, "I highly doubt that. My wife had told her about you guys and that she wasn't all that different. Melanie was pretty eager to visit here; you know that Jaz." Even if I was against it, Melanie will eventually find a way to come back here later.

"True, but you hesitated-"

I lift my right hand to stop her from continuing on that. "And Patricia would have probably chastised me for it. Again, not going into the drama between us, it doesn't matter anyway. If my daughter expresses a want to start training, I'll be sending her here first."

"Oh, cool, another initiate?" The Pharaoh's voice sounds from the other side of the room.

Sadie immediately smacked her right hand to her forehead. "Hey idiot, you're supposed to be recovering. Not walking around asking stupid questions."

I bite my bottom lip, questioning Sadie's attitude towards the Pharaoh. "I'm fine, Sadie," Carter quickly rolled his eyes as he got closer.

Her expression dipped from frustration to sadness. "You know he wouldn't want us worrying for him, right?" She whispered towards him.

Carter huffs at that, "Did you give Thoth his book?"

"Yeah, and then he wouldn't shut up about the last time he had it and how he was really hoping to use it as a test." Sadie shrugged to the questions in our eyes. "I'm more concerned about when Dad will want us to visit."

Jaz backed away and left without a word, not wanting to overhear the rest of this conversation apparently. Thankfully Felix and Melanie seem too distracted with the birds to be paying attention. I'm not entirely sure what to do except perhaps excuse myself as well.

"It'll be fine," Carter reassured swiftly.

"Sorry to interrupt," I speak up to earn their attention again. "I'm going to head home. If you need me, don't be afraid to scry or drop by."

Carter nods in response, "Thank you for assisting through this."

I bow, feeling I should towards the Pharaoh. "On a more personal note, the rumors appear to be right."

Both Kane siblings give me a confused look. "Well, Pharaoh, you look just like him. However, Sadie definitely has her father's attitude. I suspect, though, that the rumors more than likely originate from someone who knows Julius Kane better than I." I wink towards Sadie to push my point, but it seems to have only annoyed her.

-Amos Kane-

They had been surprisingly welcoming, gladly sparing us a room within their home. I had given Sabrina the bed, earning a confused look from her as I explain I'll be taking the couch for the night. And for a moment, I'm reminded of my nephew giving me the same skeptical look a few weeks back in Seattle. They have a right to question it, but I'd rather take my admittance to the Hall of Judgement. Even then, I'll be guilty of not sharing any of that with Julius, even though he can practically see through my weak lies.

I had probably been staring at the dark ceiling for a good hour before allowing myself to cry it all out. Stifling it as much as possible, fully aware of the other occupant sleeping a good seven feet away. She probably wouldn't understand it, and again I won't dare explain it either.

Vika had thrown the question in the first place, and I hadn't even considered that it was an actual challenge. Torsten needed to go, and I had settled my mind on it. I just wished my hand hadn't been forced in front of everyone, worse Carter and Sadie.

Maybe this time they'll hate me, and I will take it willingly. I deserved it the first time, and they had simply worried. Maybe they are just too young to understand what actually happened during my possession? How he showed me how pissed off I actually should be towards my own brother. And like an idiot, I absorbed that hate and allowed the god of evil to demonstrate our strength in our new-found 'partnership'.

Today, like a fucking idiot again, I ruined any sense of innocence they had left. They've witnessed someone they for some reason trust commit murder. If they don't display some form of anger to that, then they are clearly insane.

Yet, I'm terrified of knowing what they think. Maybe because they had given me a chance and threw no judgment. Others had scoffed, and I had ignored them because I was working on me to help them. The idea of facing Carter has me shaking and feeling nauseous. It takes a moment for me to recognize why: fear of disappointing. Damn it all, for I've felt this anxiety before but it's been ages since I've cowered under Jabari's glare.

I force myself to take heavier breaths before sitting upright. Sleep isn't going to happen, maybe tomorrow. It takes a moment for my vision to focus so I can see around the room dimly. Deep breathing tells me Sabrina hadn't woken up to my episode. I slowly get up and make my way out, being successful in not interrupting her sleep after slowly clicking the door closed behind me.

The hallway is still dark, but my eyes had adjusted well enough to help make my way out of the nome. The street lights were highly appreciated for my vision still, and I make my way to just walk. Go anywhere other than the nome, or anything I've been comfortable with. In other words, I suppose I had meant to find some 'normal' nightlife.

It's a decent enough bar, I've stepped foot in worse in New York for gigs. Thankfully the bartender knows enough French to serve me a few glasses of beer. I'm not entirely sure what it is, but that's not necessarily a concern of mine. I'm not sure how much time I spent people-watching in the booth I claimed for myself, but it was the second refill and I can tell I'm numb enough to not feel the sting of my right hand anymore.

It took a few seconds for me to recognize that someone had just slid into my side of the booth. Longer for me to take them in, and recognize the fact that I'm trapped in the booth unless I decide to throw the table. "Chief Lector," the voice from this man sounded familiar, but it clicked instantly that it wasn't from my own memories.

Long black hair curtains his familiar facial features, blue eyes locked on me as I take a moment to try and puzzle out who it is exactly. This is someone Set knows, but I can't seem to recall why. We're also in a public area, another magician wouldn't flat out call me by title when normal ears can pick up on it.

He grins, and it feels like a surge of memories are washing over me of who this stranger is. "My apologies, I had not meant to startle you. I reckon I should introduce myself-"

"Ash, right?" I finally manage to speak, but I'm shaking as the thought is hitting me. Because his name had been mentioned by Anat when confronting Set. And I've had three beers at this point, I don't trust myself to fight off an ambush without hurling careless magic around.

His eyes lit up in response before allowing a light chuckle. "Wow, it's been lifetimes since a human could identify me."

"Because you keep getting mistaken for Set," I add, more as a mental note for myself and a try to get myself to calm down.

"It's rather annoying," he confirms gladly, seeming rather impressed. "Though I suppose it would be easier for a Setian to identify between the two of us, wouldn't you agree?"

The comforting heat of the desert is not following this god, with obvious reasons since he is the god of oases and not the desert. In fact, I'm still on edge, trying to not shiver. I can't tell if I'm cold, or if I'm actually this terrified of the man that has temporarily trapped me into talking to him.

"A beer on me?" He only asks and quickly gestures to the bartender for a beer and glass of white wine.

"Why?" I'm surprised I blurted this out, but what else was I going to even say?

"The beer is for recognizing me," he adjusted a bit in the booth, appearing more relaxed as if he belongs here. "The confrontation is about a certain friend of ours."

Of course, it's about Set, there's no other reason I would have the forced audience of a god. Tamer of the storm enters my mind again, and I find myself at war over taking this beer that is placed before me. If I take it, I could get into further trouble than I already am. If I don't, it could mean hurting any chance I have at amending any alliance with this deity.

He takes a sip of wine and smirks as I'm still debating on this. "Rest assured, it's not poisoned."

That's not that reassuring, but I know it shouldn't be because the other three previous were handled by the bartender that served this. Another moment, and I process that I'm probably already drunk, so if his intention had been to get me fucked up, I had already beat him to it. I grab it and take a sip, earning an approving nod from the god as he takes another sip of his wine before placing the glass gently on the table.

"I need assistance in helping him," Ash starts. "He seems rather taken by you, and frankly you've earned points by me just now. A smart human deserves to be recognized; I shouldn't wonder as to why you stand as current Chief Lector."

I do my best to ignore the fact that he's talking towards me as a lower being. It's, unfortunately, the problem with interacting with gods, sometimes they don't even recognize how insulting they are being. However, none of us have lived as long as they have, so I try to not act offended.

"Set is our Pharaoh, you must understand. We follow him and refuse to recognize that brat of a nephew that is currently holding that title. Yet, Set is acting content with simply being Horus' council."

I force another sip in, noting that is exactly what Anat and Astarte had been bitching about. "I'm sorry to hear that," I place the mug on the table, ready to try a diplomatic route with this deity. At least he doesn't appear like he wants to kill me outright. "Is there some way I can make amends to this offense?"

He smiles, eyes beaming a little more. "I'm glad you asked, Narmer's son. You see, most of us want him to seek a new host, but the problem is the fact that he's rather attached to you and refuses to move on."

I can't help but feel a little annoyed by this. Even if he did move on, Set had mentioned that he was pretty certain I wouldn't tolerate another Setian within the First Nome trying anything. Even so, it would mean hurting my nephew, and I'm not appreciating how casually other gods have mentioned the idea of it.

"Several have discussed killing you," Ash continued on, not needing me to react to encourage this conversation. "I'm aware that Set has dismissed Anat and Astarte to the duat. He's currently handling a certain river god that has been bragging about holding your staff as a trophy. He's a fool to be displaying his failures, but I digress."

He pauses to take me in for a moment. "Set is aware that others want to kill you, and they know that now." He takes another sip of his drink. "They'll start grouping up, and I trust there is no hope for your survival if this keeps up."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I want him as Pharaoh, but I don't want to harm his new lover either," Ash says rather easily.

I blink in alarm as I try to process what he had just said. "Whoa, wait, there's nothing going on between us."

He just rolls his eyes, acting as if I'm just joking around. "Let's not play dumb here, this is a rather serious topic we are discussing after all."

"What told you that Set and I are 'together'?" I snap, annoyed at the idea that someone would even imply the thought. Gods and humans shouldn't be, because the mere thought of Egyptian demigods hurts my head to even consider.

Sure, Set is a sexual deviant, I'm hyper-aware of that. He almost makes it his goal to harass me about something on the matter, knowing it'll annoy me. However, it's just a joke, and I'm certain he is purely riling me up rather than displaying any affection.

"He refuses to leave you behind, Chief Lector," Ash huffed as if annoyed that he has to explain anything on this.

"There's nothing going on between us," I promise.

His expression reads doubt in my statement. "If you are so sure, then you'll display it?"

I raise an eyebrow at this, but he makes a move before I can ask. His right hand is on my mid-thigh, fingers rubbing in that makes me freeze in alarm. Ash scoots closer, pressing me between him and the wall as he brings his mouth towards my ear. "Prove he's not your lover. Let me mark you. If he doesn't react within a week, then you've made your point."

He's pressing his fingers in a little more, making longer strokes against my leg as he goes. I'm really uncomfortable with this, but I'm so scared to say anything at this point. Fuck, why did I leave the nome to drink again?

"As a bonus, if you can please me tonight, I'll speak to the others on your behalf. I'm sure they'll reconsider hunting you down if I put in some good words for you."

This went from being barely tolerable to not at all so fast, my head is still spinning as it's screaming to run. I don't want this god touching me at all, but I'm weaponless still and drunk. Even then, what if he isn't alone?

His fingers had stopped, but his hand is tightly gripping my leg. "Or not, I can be just as entertained watching them kill you. You'll just be proving me right though, and I'm not kind in my jealousy, human."

Fuck, why is this happening? I want to curl up and cry in the closest corner at this point. Why is there a god demanding I prove I'm not having sex with the freaking god of evil? "I'm not gay," It took a moment for me to realize I had whispered this, and my voice had wavered in reflection to the fear drilling through me.

The smell of grapes is hitting hard as the god grins at me. "Come on now, Set is."

"But I'm not, and that's all the proof you really need-"

I'm cut short by the god moving in, and the taste of white wine is invading as his tongue is trying to pass my barricade of teeth. He leans forward, and I soon find my head against the wall in an attempt to get away from him. He's squeezing my thigh to the point that it's just painful, but I keep from making any noise on it, not willing to lose claim over my own mouth.

I managed to get my right hand to start prying his hand off of me, but he notices the attempt and adds more pressure. My left hand is stuck between me and the booth, despite my weak effort to try and free it. After a little bit of struggling, he finally removes his mouth.

Before I can act, he brought his mouth to the right of my neck. I gasp to my skin being suddenly suctioned to press against his teeth. I start to use my free hand to apply pressure to his chest in an effort to try and get him off of me. My hand stings to this, and I'm reminded that Anat had put a knife through it yesterday.

I whimper in realization that I can't fight him off. He responds by tightening his grip on my leg, only letting up a little after a few seconds of silence from me. I close my eyes, wanting to hide from all of this, but the unwanted contact makes it hard to ignore.

It felt like it lasted for minutes before something skittered against the table. I open my eyes and find the object of interest happens to be my iron staff, just waiting for me to extend it and beat the fucking daylights out of my attacker. As the thought crosses my mind, said attacker is abruptly yanked off of me, sent landing on the floor.

I'm shaking as it takes a few seconds to process Set grabbing Ash by his shirt to lift him from the floor. Only to send a fist to the god's face as he was registering who his attacker is. "You really thought you could distress my host without me knowing?"

Ash had gone to respond, but I couldn't hear it over the onslaught of voices chanting around us. Probably something encouraging the fight as Set sends another fist into the water god's face. Security is moving in to halt Set's attack.

I'm still shivering as they pry them apart and go about escorting them out. My neck stings and my leg can still pinpoint where his hand had been. Trying to zone back into reality, I quickly grab my staff to hide in my jacket. Standing had been a challenge all on its own, but I force myself to follow them out.

The three security briefly note me stepping out, but they had released the two gods and chose to keep post at the door to ensure they don't bring the fight back in. Ash has put distance between them, and is maintaining it knowing if he doesn't Set will probably pummel him into the pavement.

"You jealous idiot," Ash snapped, "you can't just let your little pet enjoy himself?"

"I told you no careless fingers!" Set is screaming in complete rage. "He fucking told you no, you sick fuck. Leave!"

I take a few steps, heading more towards the god of chaos, but I keep a distance in case they do end up continuing their fight. Or some other god decides to join to ambush Set in some stupid vain effort. Or in this case, Set deciding to charge the god of oases.

A tap on my shoulder sends me into further alert. Thankfully I had been smarter to see that it was Nephthys rather than pull my staff out. She just gave a look that stated empathy and gestured me to follow her.

I hesitated, and I think with good reason all things considered. However, with Set having Ash in a headlock, he's a tad preoccupied. I sighed in an attempt to calm down and go to follow the goddess away from the bar. She is a demon day, and I think that I might be safer with any of them, and that includes Isis whether she likes the idea of that or not.

She slipped into the driver's seat of a blue car. I pause to consider the idea of joining, but swiftly open the door to sit in the back seats. She hadn't seemed to mind that I preferred some distance from her, instead pulling out and driving away from the place.

I let out a distressed long breath, but she paid no mind to it. "Are you trying to hide me?" I ask, finally lifting my eyes to see the back of her head.

"No," she answers rather easily. "You're not new to this, Setian. My husband knows that you are with me, and he knows where he can find us again once he's done with his altercation."

It feels wrong for a married woman to be so accepting of their husband's violence, but it takes a moment for me to remember that they're gods and not human. Nothing about them makes much sense, especially when it involves Set. It makes sense to them, and maybe that comes with the territory of existing for as long as they have. Nephthys married him knowing he's violent, but he hadn't been towards her at first.

Though I'm actually grateful for her assistance, all things considered, I'm still tense. Set isn't going to be very pleased to see her again. I might have to halt him from trying to fight her as well. I highly doubt I can, I couldn't shove Ash off of me in this state.

I clear my throat in an effort to force myself to speak up. "Nephthys, thank you, but I think you should drop me off at the nome. Set is not going to be very happy seeing you, and with the week we've had-"

"I'll take my chances, Amos," I can't help but be stunned by her confidence in her decision. "I'm not allowed in that nome, and Set is. He'll want to escort you there."

Oh, I actually forgot that Menshikov had summoned the god of evil into his nome. Thankfully, by some bizarre nonsense from his sister, she had been kind enough to send a warning of a possible compromise of the Twenty-First Nome. Of course, at the time I was not on very trusting terms with Set, so I hurried to switch up all of my defenses. To this day, I'm not sure if he had compromised the nome or not.

She had pulled over, and I spot the river to our right. She turns her head to face me. Is it weird to say that is was actually nice to see a kind expression from a goddess? Of course, I'm used to Bast assisting where she can, but I'm adjusted to seeing her in my home. Nephthys is basically a stranger still. I frown as I recognize that it might actually be normal for others to see the gentler side of the Egyptian deities, just not for me thanks to hosting Set.

"Why are you here?" I finally manage to ask.

"Horus sent me," she says rather easily. "He thought it might be more comforting to you to have a different god assisting. He's also busy speaking with his mother on the matter of you having his host's ren." Nephthys rolls her eyes, "My sister can be rather stuck in her ways. She won't let up, even after Ruby told her to knock it off."

Oh, poor Ruby. I hadn't even considered how Isis would feel about her volunteering that information. I'm perfectly fine dealing with whatever the goddess wishes to throw at me, but my sister-in-law shouldn't be caught up in it as well. I make a mental note to apologize the next time I see her.

"I don't need my nephew to ask me to help you though. I appreciate having someone else tolerating my husband." Nephthys is quick to grab my attention again. "You've lasted over two years, it's rather hopeful to see."

There's that feeling of being looked down on. "Uh, thanks?"

Frantic worry crosses her expression immediately. "I sincerely didn't mean to insult you. I meant it was nice to see the Set that I know again. His overprotective loyalty towards someone and yet not allowing anyone else to hinder that. Those caring eyes of his, and you know he would do anything just for you. Or the warmth of his embrace, the smell of-" She stops herself and laughs nervously. "Sorry, I got carried away. But you know what I mean?"

Unfortunately, yes, recalling the hotel bathroom in Abydos. For a second, it actually felt like I had gained a brother. Now… I'm wondering if maybe Set thinks there's more to this than I want.

"I miss that Set," Nephthys apparently didn't need me to respond. "I've seen how he is with you, and it reminds me so much of how he would attend to Ra. That was his job, he was prideful of that. He would defeat that snake several times just to protect him."

Or attempt to invert a Libyan god's face. Except Ash has me questioning a few things. Fuck, did I slip up and start trusting the god of evil again? I should be keeping my guard up around him on the constant. He poisoned me once, I can't tolerate a second effort.

"I wish I hadn't ruined it all, Amos." Nephthys' voice quickly took a sorrowful tone. "I wanted to give him a child, I wanted to see what he could do as a father. Yet our efforts hadn't reaped any rewards, and it hurt me knowing we couldn't. I couldn't bear it anymore, I felt like I was failing him-"

"Hey," upon realizing what is happening, I'm trying to halt her confession as quickly as possible. "Nephthys, I don't think it's wise to be spilling this on me. You should be talking this through with him."

There are tears on her face as she wipes them away. "I am, but you're the only safe contact I have."

I freeze and think that over. I hate the fact that she's more than likely right. Confessing to me is still a confession to Set, due to being his host. She's probably right to assume that approaching him is not the wisest decision to make yet. I swallow down the fact that I don't want to be in the middle of their drama as more tears make their escape from her eyes. Fuck it, if there's a chance Set can get back his past, I'll sit here and listen to the river goddess.

Even though I already knew the jest of it all, she went into all of her feelings of things that had gone wrong. I had kept quiet, not intending to interrupt for sake of upsetting her further. Some of it I've already seen in Set's eyes, and most of it was filled with a volume of rage built from the feeling of betrayal by his own wife.

She had given him Anubis, but Anubis isn't his son. In her rightful fear after witnessing Set sealing Osiris in his box, she abandoned her son to Isis. Then proceeded to help Isis in finding her husband. Set found out and forced information out of Nephthys that lead to him cutting Osiris up. She still helps her sister and does what she can to protect the rest of her family from Set's wrath.

It's a nice reminder that my family could be a lot more complicated than it is. Thank Thoth incest had been cut out of our culture ages ago. Yet, for once, I actually feel somewhat sorry for Nephthys, despite the clear fact that she had been the source of most of Set's rage. I make a mental reminder to visit Desjardins, whether I really want to or not.

"He's here," It took a second too long to process what she had said.

I had gone from a numbing calmness from listening to her talk to complete awareness of my surroundings. It doesn't take long to spot the ticked off god of deserts approaching, still a good twenty feet away from the rear bumper of the car. I decide to get out of the car, closing the door as my eyes settle on Set. Once my hand lifts from the cool metal, Nephthys pulls the car away, disappearing down the street.

Set snorts upon seeing me peering back at him. He looks as if he had suffered a few hits, but I'm wondering if it had been Ash or a different god. "Good thing she left; I would have fought her too." Set remarks, apparently deciding to dismiss any kind of greeting.

I bite my tongue from saying anything on the matter. If he wants to know, he simply has to just peer into my head to know she hadn't intended to fight her husband tonight. Though he might wait on that, considering everything she had said. I feel no rush in the matter, like a weird messenger waiting for an audience, though he won't have to call on me to deliver it.

I blink in slight confusion. Somehow, I hadn't paid enough attention to notice he crossed the rest of the distance, now turning my head to the left a bit. His black eyes settled on my neck and an annoyed sigh escapes before he removes his hand to return to his side. "Let's get you back to the nome, Clay Boy. You shouldn't have left there in the first place."

Now I'm annoyed, and my left-hand clenches as the god takes a step to my left. "Are you really going to try and brush everything that's happened off like that?" I snap, glaring right into black orbs.

His eyes narrow in response, landing his left hand on my shoulder and forcing me to turn around to face the same direction that he is. "Sorry, was beating the duat out of Ash not good enough for you? Would you rather I address the fact that he could have actually committed rape?"

I brush his hand off of me with my right hand, and he easily allows it as I face him again. "Why is he accusing me of fucking around with you?" I demand.

"Because he's jealous of you, idiot," Set huffed out. "A lot of my time has been spent on you and none of these other gods that expect me to give them some attention as well. And like Anat and Astarte, he wants you out of the picture."

I almost jump to him looming over me after taking another step. "You're letting him get to you. Think, kid. Have I ever come off as wanting anything more from you? Or are you just letting someone else's opinion get in the way?"

I tsk at this. "I don't know what you're doing anymore, to be perfectly honest."

The god of evil can't help but roll his eyes at that. "If I wanted sexual favors from you, don't you think I would have just made you do it?"

I cringe at the mere thought of that, but it's enough of a point to make me feel like a moron on the whole idea. Set walks past me, and I turn to watch him do so. "Come on, I highly doubt you really want to explain to Laflamme why you didn't get any sleep tonight."

I close my eyes and sigh before following after him. I couldn't really bring myself to mention anything else, and I can't tell if it's from embarrassment or exhaustion. It did come as a shock when Set suddenly wrapped his left arm around me to pull me closer.

"Sorry," he snorts after saying this, "ah fuck, I've been apologizing a lot to you recently. I know I'm coming off as insensitive, but I think I'm just done with tonight. Sobek put up a fight before handing your staff over, and I did not want to have to fight off Ash."

How did Sobek have my staff? Why did Set know that and not say anything to me about it? Did he have it the entire time that I could have been using it? Like I need more reasons to hate the crocodile god.

"We're just friends, Kane," Set's voice cuts through the questions that had started to swarm my head. "You have your queen, just as much as I do."

I let out a pained sigh, knowing he's talking about Caroline. No wonder he was able to use me so easily with the ever-taunting thought of bringing her back. Because he knows what it's like to miss her. The mention of her brings up the fact that I'll have to face Sabrina again.

I know where she stands now, she made it pretty obvious. The idea of maybe moving on is nice, but I know I can't do it. There's no way she can ever replace Caroline, and that fact will more than likely just hurt Sabrina. Besides, with everything going on with the gods, starting a relationship would be a disaster. There's no reason to get someone else involved that could very possibly die in the middle of the mess.

Dawn had crept on us upon approaching the Menshikov Palace. Set had stopped at the courtyard, deciding I'm safe enough for him to leave. I've decided I'll stay in the courtyard; it might be too late to try to sneak back into the room. There's a nice bench and I decide to take a break.

The sound of traffic is faint in comparison to the wind rustling the trees and a few birds chirping somewhere close by. I close my eyes and take the moment to relax. I might have fallen asleep, to be totally honest.

I jumped in alarm to someone clearing their throat in front of me after what could have been an hour. It takes a few seconds to calm down upon seeing Vika Menshikov raising an eyebrow at me. I sit upright and rub my eyes a bit to clear my vision more.

"I certainly hope you had more sleep than that," that condescending tone is actually somewhat welcoming.

"Do you want me to lie?" I go to take her in again.

There's the faint smell of smoke on her, and she seems to be in a bit of pain still from the injury she sustained in Abydos. But she's still standing and seeming to have a handful of seeds in her left hand. "That stupid French girl is worried that you ran off. Had most of the nome in a panic trying to find where you went. Of course, up until I showed up and told them to knock it off."

Wait, how long had I napped for? I take a glance around us, finding it to be much brighter out than it had been. "It's afternoon," the Russian Nome Leader answers for me easily. "Though, I expected you would have gone for a walk out of the nome. Not walk into the courtyard and take a nap."

I give her a nervous laugh. "Actually, I did leave. Turned out to be a big mistake."

She takes a second to process that before taking two steps to sit on the bench to my right. Then takes a couple of seeds in her right hand to toss to the grass before us. A small blue bird swoops down from a tree, happily snapping up one of the seeds she had thrown. "Here," she gestures to her left hand that still has quite a bit of seed cradled in her palm.

I hesitate, but grab a seed and toss it before another similar colored bird that had just landed. Despite the fact that it's just feeding birds, it's kind of relaxing to watch. More birds had joined as we kept tossing seeds their way. I suspect Vika intended on doing this alone, but I appreciate her sharing. To the point of admitting what happened with Ash, but nothing more than that.

"I was worried that bruise was from Laflamme," Vika's brow furrowed as she tossed the last seed towards the eight birds before us.

I tense, and my right-hand goes to my neck to feel the skin sting where he had last had contact. I had almost forgotten about it, and a cautious laugh escapes me. "Trust me, Sabrina and I are not happening."

The Russian snorts to that, "Good, we don't need rumors of the Chief Lector sneaking around with a rogue too."

"Thanks for letting us in," I make sure to say.

"Where else could you go, Kane?" A glare immediately lands on me. "If you say Starr's sranyy bar, you're a bigger fool than I give you credit for."

Floyd would offer, but Vika is right that it would be a mistake. He allows rogues, and they would more than likely plan something once they found out I was there. Still, she could have easily let us be on the run rather than offer her home for shelter.

"With that said, I'm putting you on lockdown for a month," Vika speaks before I can even say anything else. "You're safer in a nome for now, no unwanted gods can enter. Maybe things will quiet down by then, but I'll escort you to the Kane Mansion to be safe."

I'm the one to raise an eyebrow at her now, and she responds with a smirk. "I stuck around to get an idea of where Pharaoh stands for the moment. Poor boy is lost without his rather reliant Chief Lector around for important meetings." She paused for a moment before adding, "Gained an opportunity to piss off Madam Sabat as well. The woman is adamant about having your head on a silver platter."

Ugh, Chloe Sabat has always been a bit of a wildcard around me. I don't necessarily rely on her word because of it. "Carter is giving you a month, but then he expects you to come back with answers."

There's silence between us for a few minutes, both watching the birds peck at the few seeds that remain. I'm a bit surprised by my nephew's decision in regards to this. Again, though, I'm apprehensive of appearing before him. Expecting answers? I'm not sure I'm actually ready to do that, and a month seems too short of a time to be ready.

Of course, Vika seems capable of reading my tension like I'm some children's book. "A month seems like enough time to me. At least enough for you to realize that your nephew deserves to know everything."

So, I've decided there's a lot of this story that I need to wrap up that I have one more chapter to write. Thank you for reading and please review! Let me know what you think. Constructive criticism is nice too, I know I'm not the best at writing at all. :D