The House Of Crows And Wolves

Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Rising Darkness

Loki, Hecate, and Ahriman stood before Set, Sobek, and Yoruba, their expressions skeptical.

"What do we get from helping you?" Loki asked, his tone dripping with mischief.

Hecate's cold gaze pierced through Set. "Yes, what's in it for us?"

Ahriman's malevolent aura darkened the room. "We don't join causes without reward."

Before Set could respond, a commanding voice echoed through the chamber. "The whole world for us to rule and to make in our image, of course."

Everyone turned as Tiamat, the ancient dragon goddess of chaos, entered the temple. Her presence was overwhelming, her scales glistening with an eerie light.

Set's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Tiamat, welcome. Your aid is invaluable."

Tiamat approached, her massive form casting long shadows. "Together, we can reshape the world. Your ambitions align with mine, Set."

Loki's grin widened. "Ruling the world, you say? Now that's an offer I can get behind."

Hecate's calculating gaze shifted to Tiamat. "If we are to join forces, we must ensure our interests are protected."

Ahriman nodded. "Indeed. We will need guarantees."

Tiamat's eyes flashed with ancient power. "You will have more than guarantees. You will have power, dominion, and chaos beyond your wildest dreams."

Set stepped forward. "With Tiamat's support, our success is assured. Join us, and we will bring this world to its knees."

Loki, Hecate, and Ahriman exchanged looks of agreement. Their alliance was sealed, and the forces of darkness grew ever stronger. The battle against Lyra Ravenshadow and her allies would be fiercer than ever, and the world's fate hung in the balance.

As the gathered forces strategized, Anubis appeared silently in the mansion. His presence was solemn, his gaze fixed on Louve, the eldest wolf and beloved mother of Nyx, Fenris, and Ragnar, who had just passed away.

Lyra Ravenshadow, Nyx, and her brothers looked at Anubis with a mix of reverence and sorrow. "Anubis, why must you remain neutral?" Lyra asked.

Anubis gently lifted Louve's soul, cradling it with care. "I am the guardian of the dead, Lyra. My duty is to guide souls to the afterlife, not to interfere in the affairs of the living. Balance must be maintained."

Nyx, tears in her eyes, nodded. "We understand, Anubis."

Anubis continued, "Your battles are of the living world. I must uphold my sacred duty without bias."

With that, Anubis disappeared with Louve's soul, leaving the mansion in a heavy silence. Lyra and her allies understood the weight of his words, knowing they had to fight their battles without expecting aid from the guardian of the dead.