*Morsi's Mansion*
(The Next Morning)
Nessy woke up feeling very uneasy. She was tired and weak, her body aching in multiple places. She sat up on the bed and looked around, realizing she was still in that strange room from last night—likely the same house. She stood, trying to recall what had happened: how she broke free from his hold, only to find herself lying on the bed. She thought hard but couldn't remember a thing. The only clear memory was of that strange man—*Shit!* She couldn't recall his name—kissing her! What?! He kissed her without permission, against her will.
The memory made her weak again, and she lay back down, turning on the bed as tears welled in her eyes. She fought to hold them back; she didn't want to shed her precious tears for him, nor dwell on the thought. But the pain was overwhelming, and she cried silently, feeling his kiss had tainted her purity with darkness—something she should never have let near. *Strange,* she thought. She had never felt such an ill omen about him, even though both emitted dangerous auras. His was darker, more terrifying—she had feared him from the moment she saw him. Yet she never let her ego fall, uncertain who he truly was and unwilling to show vulnerability. But now, her ego had landed her somewhere she never wanted to be: abused.
She rolled on the bed, tears flowing profusely until the upper bed sheets were soaked and she grew weak, dozing off unknowingly.
A few minutes later, Aposis entered the room. He walked straight to where she lay and pecked her forehead, noticing it was very hot. He drew away and studied her for a moment, realizing she looked pale and sick. He sighed deeply, running his fingers gently through her soft hair, sweeping strands behind her ear.
He felt satisfied this morning. Nut was not the dummy goddess he had thought. Though her cover was blown, she had still rekindled the love between her and Geb. She'd brought him the best news—something his ears had longed to hear, and he had just come from speaking with her.
Finally, Geb was out of his way, free to have Nessy all to himself. All Aposis had to do was help them return to their time in ancient Egypt—and then he would claim this world and his Nessy alone.
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*Last Night at Nessy's Mansion*
"And the only being that brought light into this world of darkness you've put me into, you dare take away?" he said, grabbing her neck again, though not yet squeezing.
"Where is she?" he demanded, fury burning in his hazel orbs.
"Right where she belongs," Nut answered without fear.
"Aaaaaaaah!" she screamed as he squeezed her jaw instead of her neck, careful not to strangle her.
"Geb, please stop! Pleaseee, aaaaaah!" she cried in pain.
"Tell me where she is, and I will stop," he ordered, hoping she would give in and cease being stubborn.
"Just stop already, Geb! I will never tell you anything. So just give up and stop torturing me when you know fully well you can have me—and I mean all of me," Nut cried desperately.
She knew better than to betray Aposis. Regardless of whether Aposis might destroy her soul if he learned she told Geb about his mastermind manipulation to fool him and steal away his Nessy, she would never let that mortal take her place beside Geb. If she couldn't have Geb, then no one could.
Geb released her immediately. His fingers were stained with blood—her blood. He had pierced her jaw, making it bleed, staining his hands. He stepped back before speaking.
"I am so sorry, Nut. Please forgive me. I should not have despised you this way. After all, you have done and sacrificed so much for me. I am truly sorry," he pleaded, bowing his head slightly.
*What?!* Nut couldn't believe her ears. Was Geb really apologizing? Was this really happening? Was he truly sorry for all the pain he had inflicted lately? *What's going on?*
She blinked and rubbed her eyes repeatedly to be sure she wasn't imagining it. But it was real—Geb was apologizing.
"Really?" she asked, surprised. "Are you truly sorry for what you did? For despising me and choosing that stupid mortal over me?"
"Yes, Nut," he said, cupping her face. "I am very sorry. Please forgive me." He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood from her jaw.
After cleaning her wound, he cleaned his fingers, then put the handkerchief away and cupped her face again. His look was full of affection and apology.
"I didn't know what came over me. I think it's because of our separation—our so-called forbidden love. But the fact remains: I still love you, and forever will. Nothing can change that," he said, kissing her forehead.
"I don't believe you," Nut said sternly. She wanted this with all her heart, but she wasn't sure if he meant it. She wouldn't fall victim to his deceit as he had to hers.
"Prove to me you mean every word you say," she challenged, her blue orbs seeking dominion over his mesmerizing hazel eyes.
Geb knew Nut couldn't read him—and that was his advantage. He realized she wouldn't reveal anything willingly, so he decided to risk giving her what she wanted to get what he needed: the truth about what she had done with the real Nessy, his consort.
"How shall I prove to you that thou art so much loved by me?" he asked in his godly tone, convincing her more.
*Was that his godly tone?* Nut's whole being bubbled with joy, but she hid it as she requested what she truly wanted, her voice serious, burying all joy.
"Follow me to ancient Egypt. Let's go back home."
Geb expected a huge request—perhaps for her to be made consort officially. But her wish to return home sounded even more daunting than bearing with her in this world.
"But the sun god, the Supreme Father, would not want us back. He would never accept us still together," he said, worry in his eyes—more for himself than her.
"No, Geb. He is powerless over us now. Don't you see? If he had control, he would have destroyed our souls, not cast us out of reach. He is no longer supreme over us. We must return to our time, stake our claim as supreme rulers, dethrone him, and rule Egypt ourselves—as the supreme father and mother of all Egypt," she said confidently, hoping for a positive response.
Geb sighed but had to agree if he wanted her to spill the truth. "Okay then, Nut. We shall return to our time in ancient Egypt. But on one condition."
"Anything, my love," she replied desperately.
"That you promise to let the mortal return to her abode unharmed. I will not have innocent mortals suffer because of me," he said, pleading.
Nut knew she couldn't decide Nessy's fate—Aposis already had her. But she knew better than to blow this chance.
"It's a deal," she said. …