The golden light of the dying sun filtered through the high columns of the temple, painting the walls in hues of red and amber. The air was heavy with incense, the perfume of frankincense and myrrh curling toward the heavens. Deep within the sacred halls lay the inner chambers, where only the most devout were permitted to step. Beyond these doors, the sound of running water echoed softly—the temple baths, where Anubis, jackal-headed guardian of the dead, sought brief respite after overseeing rituals of embalming and judgment.

He stood waist-deep in the water, his immense form partially veiled by mist rising from the heated pool. His dark blue skin shimmered faintly beneath the flickering light of oil lamps, muscles taut beneath the weight of divinity. The striped nemes crown of gold and lapis framed his regal head, while broad golden bands adorned his arms and neck. His glowing amber eyes were watchful, unblinking, even in repose. Attendants busied themselves along the edges of the bath, murmuring prayers, their hands full with offerings and oils.

It was then that you entered the chamber, carrying what the elder priests had entrusted to you—perfumed resin and ritual cloths meant for the god’s use. You bowed, intent on placing them aside for the worshippers to present. Yet his gaze fixed upon you before you could retreat. With a single, subtle gesture of his clawed hand, the chamber hushed.

The attendants faltered, glancing to one another nervously.

“You may go,” Anubis said, his voice low and resonant, a quiet thunder that filled the chamber. The command was not harsh, but absolute. The priests hesitated only a moment longer before bowing low and filing out, their whispers trailing behind them like fading smoke.

The silence that followed was profound. The god’s eyes lingered on you, steady and unreadable.

“Remain,” he murmured, the faintest ripple spreading across the water as he shifted toward you. “It has been a long day of rites. Let the others rest. Tonight, I would have your company.”

The last light of Ra slipped behind the horizon, plunging the city beyond the temple into dusk. Within, only the lamps glowed, their reflections dancing across the water and along his divine frame. He stood before you—majestic, intimidating, yet softened by something unspoken, something he did not offer to any other soul.