Chapter 8: Bargaining with the Obnoxious God

“My Lord, my Lord!” Maru ran back inside, nearly tripping over the stone steps.

“This fool,” Anubis muttered under his breath, his golden eyes narrowing. “What is it?” He raised a brow, his voice low and dangerous.

“She’s here,” Maru gasped, trying to catch his own breath.

“I know,” Anubis said with a snort, his gaze fixed ahead. “I already sensed her.” His fingers flexed, golden sparks dancing along his knuckles, anticipation and annoyance mingling in his expression.

Ivana hesitated at the entrance, then stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Good morning, Sir,” she said, voice trembling.

“And why are you here?” Anubis asked, his glare making her knees weak.

Her heart kept screaming that she shouldn't be there but then she had to find her parents. Summoning every ounce of courage, Ivana straightened. “You’re a god, right? I need your help.”

Anubis’ gaze flicked to Maru.

“How dare you demand my lord for help?” Maru muttered under his piercing gaze.

“You’re a deity,” Ivana said, meeting his eyes. “Aren’t you supposed to help humans?”

Anubis’ lips curved into a dark, humorless smile. “You’re amusing, mortal. Do deities worship humans? Or is it the other way around?”

“I’ll do anything, please,” Ivana begged, her hands trembling. “I just want to know where my parents are.”

Anubis chuckled, his voice low and mocking. “My servant tells me you’re a thief.”

“What?!” Ivana glanced at Maru, alarmed.

“My lady, I never said that,” Maru hurried to explain. “I said you’re an archaeologist.”

“Your people stole my objects,” Anubis repeated, eyes narrowing.

“It was just one ring my friend took and I returned it,” Ivana said, doing her best to remain calm.

“My lady,” Maru interjected again, “I told him some archaeologists took his items. He just assumed all archaeologists are thieves.”

Why would he just assume all archeologist were thieves Ivana wanted to roll her eyes but she didn't want him killing her out of anger.

“We’re not thieves,” Ivana said firmly. “We’re just—”

“I don’t care what you are,” Anubis interrupted, his voice sharp. “I will help you… but only on one condition.”

“Anything” she said,her eyes shining with excitement.

He reached into the folds of his cloak and produced a detailed drawing of a small, ornate artifact. “This was taken… carried far from my lands. You will retrieve it for me, and only then will I consider aiding you.”

Ivana studied the drawing, realization dawning on her. “That’s… in France,” she whispered, a mixture of excitement and determination in her voice.

“Find it for me, and I will consider helping you locate your parents,” he said, a thin, unreadable smile tugging at his lips.

“Thank you, Sir,” she said, relief softening her features. “May I ask… your name?”

“And you think you qualify?” he replied with a smirk.

“I… but you know mine,” she said, faltering, unsure how to respond.

“Maru,” he glanced at his servant.

“My lord is called Anubis,” Maru answered, bowing slightly.

“Lord Anubis, to you. You may leave,” he said without sparing her another glance. Ivana offered a soft smile to Maru before leaving.

Maru stared at her retreating figure, brow furrowed. “My Lord… is it okay for her to go to France alone? There are… dangers.”

“If she dies, this stupid bond dies with her,” he replied unbothered.

Maru swallowed nervously. “What about the artifact, my Lord? What if it gets damaged?”

Anubis’ gaze softened slightly, a hint of calculation in his expression. “You’re right. For the sake of my artifact, we should tag along,” he said, voice low. “But first… we must find that sly snake, Isis.”

Maru bowed deeply. “Yes, my Lord.”

Ivana returned back to the hotel and found her teammates still at the lounge.

“Back so soon?” Caleb raised a brow on spotting her

Ivana didn’t answer directly. She took a seat, her tone firm. “Where is our next site?”

Eric’s eyes lit up. “Caleb, what about France? There’s this beautiful painting there… perfect for our next site”

Caleb blinked, caught off guard. “France… huh. That could work,” he said, exchanging a glance with Ivana, who tried keep her expression neutral.

That was easier than I thought, Ivana mused, hiding the flicker of relief behind a calm smile.

Emily tilted her head, sensing the unspoken tension. “France?” she repeated softly, curiosity and worry mixing in her voice.

Ivana gave a small, tired smile. “Yes… France,”her mind already racing with anticipation.

“When do we leave?” Emily asked “I'm tired of dealing with ancient ruins and curses”

“Tomorrow evening will do” Caleb said casually.

“Why not morning?” Emily probed again.

“Because I need time to gather funds and book tickets, you brought the ancient curses on yourself Em,stop rushing me” Caleb looked at her with annoyance.

“Wow Em, only you can get the always calm and composed Caleb annoyed” Eric glanced at him,a smirk tugging at his lips.

While the four people laughed and chatted, Anubis stood in front of a white and blue temple, the air was filled the scent of chrysanthemums as he entered.

Every corner of the temple spoke of elegance and history.

“Isis” Aunbis' voice echoed through the hallways. “Show yourself”

“Isis” he called out again.

A soft, mocking laugh echoed through the hallways. From the shadows, she emerged. Her eyes, a striking purple flecked with gold, glimmered in the sunlight. They were sharp, intelligent, and every bit as intimidating just as he remembered.

“Brat,” she purred, tilting her head. “Show some respect.”

Anubis’ gaze dropped and immediately went wide. “What… the hell are you wearing?” he growled, confusion and irritation mixing in his tone.

She stepped fully into view, her black-sleeved dress hugging her curves perfectly — sleek, modern, almost daring in its simplicity. It contrasted sharply with the ancient grandeur of the temple.

“It’s called being modern,” she replied, her lips curling into a sly smile. “But you wouldn’t know, would you? Sleeping for six hundred years tends to keep you out of the loop.”

His golden eyes narrowed,“I’m not here to chitchat, Isis,” he growled. “Tell me… why did you tie me down to that stupid human?”

Isis tilted her head, her purple-and-gold-flecked eyes glimmering with amusement. A small, incredulous laugh escaped her lips. “Not even asking how I am after seeing me in six hundred years?Fine, is she not up to your standards? would you have preferred a different bride” she said, her tone teasing but sharp.

Anubis’ jaw tightened, his anger barely contained. “This isn’t a game. I demand answers!”

She smirked, gliding closer, the black-sleeved dress accentuating her figure with every movement. “Oh, I’ll give you answers… in due time. But patience, my dear Anubis, seems to be a virtue you’ve never quite mastered.”

“What patience when you've tired me to something you know I loathe” he glared.

“The fact that you'd rather be asleep than deal with them already tells me how much you hate them.” She smiled softly,ignoring the hint of annoyance in his eyes.

“You know what they did, Isis” he spat,his voice full of murderous intent.

She didn’t flinch. Her eyes stared calmly at him, “And I also know what you did, Anubis… an entire city burnt to ashes and destroyed by your own hands.”

The air around them grew tense. The chrysanthemums began to wilt, their petals turning black. Beside him, golden arrows appeared out of nowhere, pointing straight at her.