The House Of Crows And Wolves

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Scales of Anubis

Lyra Ravenshadow and her allies were gathered in the grand hall of the mansion, strategizing their next move against Talon Nightshade and his allies. Maps and ancient texts lay spread out on the table, their surfaces marked with notes and symbols.

Nyx was off to the side, engrossed in her own activities. She was examining various trinkets and artifacts she had collected over the years, meticulously weighing each one with an old, ornate set of scales she had found. The scales gleamed with an otherworldly light, their craftsmanship intricate and ancient.

Eva glanced over at Nyx, curiosity piqued. "What are those scales you're using, Nyx? They look quite... special."

Nyx looked up, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "These? I found them in an old market years ago. They've been quite useful for weighing things I find valuable."

Lyra's eyes widened as she studied the scales. "Nyx, those scales... I think they might be the Scales of Anubis."

Nyx blinked in surprise. "The Scales of Anubis? You mean these old things?"

Ragnar stepped closer, his expression serious. "If those are the Scales of Anubis, then we've had one of the artifacts in our possession this entire time."

Before anyone could react further, a sudden, chilling presence filled the room. The shadows seemed to deepen, and a cold wind blew through the hall. Lyra's senses went on high alert.

Apep emerged from the darkness, his eyes glowing with malevolent intent. "I see you have something I need," he hissed, his voice echoing ominously.

Without warning, Apep lunged at Nyx. The room erupted into chaos as everyone scrambled to defend themselves. Nyx tried to protect the scales, but Apep was too fast. With a swift strike, he knocked her unconscious, sending her sprawling to the ground.

Lyra rushed to Nyx's side, but Apep was already upon her. He struck her down with a powerful blow, the world spinning into darkness as she fell.

When Lyra regained consciousness, she found herself lying on the cold stone floor. Her head throbbed with pain, and the room was eerily silent. She looked around, her heart sinking as she realized the scales were gone.

Nyx was stirring beside her, groaning in pain. "What happened?"

Lyra helped her sit up, her voice filled with urgency. "Apep... he took the scales."

Eva, Ragnar, Fenris, and Zara gathered around them, their expressions grim. "We need to go after him," Ragnar said, determination in his eyes.

Lyra nodded, her resolve hardening. "We can't let Apep get away with the Scales of Anubis. If he brings them to Talon Nightshade, they'll be one step closer to unleashing Set."

Nyx, despite her disorientation, managed a weak smile. "I'm sorry, everyone. I had no idea these scales were so important."

Lyra squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "It's not your fault, Nyx. We just need to act quickly and get them back."

They rallied their forces, preparing for the pursuit. As they set out to track Apep, Lyra felt a surge of determination. They had come too far to let their enemies succeed now. With the alliance of the Scorpions, Wolves, and Crows behind them, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The battle for the artifacts was far from over, and Lyra knew they would need every ounce of strength and cunning to stop Talon Nightshade and his allies from unleashing chaos upon the world.