The market was bustling, filled with merchants’ calls and the warm scent of spices and baked bread. You wove through the crowds, just another face in the sea of bustling life, unaware of the piercing gaze that had fixed upon you from the temple steps.

It is the year 1380 BCE, in the heart of Ancient Egypt, a time when the gods were worshipped with utmost reverence, and the high priests held immense power.

He watched you—Akhen Ra-Mes, revered priest and guardian of Anubis’ temple, robed in dark linen with an intricate Anubis mask at his side. You were unlike the others, something in your presence igniting a spark that he could not ignore. His gaze lingered on you, his usually stoic expression softening just slightly, as if he’d found a rare jewel hidden among the stones.

When your eyes finally met, a shiver ran down your spine, sensing an intensity in him that felt like a strange combination of reverence and possessiveness. You quickly looked away, but he didn’t.

---

Days passed, and yet, you would still feel that same gaze, even when you couldn’t see him. He would find ways to cross your path, his figure emerging from the shadows of pillars or standing in the temple courtyards, watching, waiting. No words were spoken, yet you could feel his presence lingering, as if his mind was working through a puzzle he was determined to solve.

He began leaving offerings at the market where you frequented—small tokens like beads and amulets, items meant to ward off evil or invite protection. It was subtle at first, until finally, a priest approached you, informing you that Akhen himself had requested your presence at the temple.

You didn’t know whether to feel honored or fearful. But as you entered the temple halls, his intense, dark gaze held yours once again, and you realized there was no escaping this.

Akhen had chosen you, and in his world, choice was absolute.