Goddess of Life (Atem x Reader)

Chapter Nine - Power of a Prayer

Once she arrived at her chambers, Y/n got ready for bed, laughing as Nazwa played with her discarded tunic. A female servant massaged back and shoulders as another light incense. Once she pulled her nightgown over her head, she dismissed the servants and climbed in the bed. Nazwa hopped on after her, curling up beside her. The little lion cub nuzzled her side and Y/n, lying down, pulled the cub close to her, cradling her protectively. She closed her eyes and allowed sleep to take her.

Darkness. Nothing but darkness. A loud scream sounded from within its depths. She looked around frantically for the source, but the echo made it impossible to pinpoint. Just as the echo died, another scream was heard. This time it was worse, a blood curdling, bone chilling scream. A scream of death. She ran in a random direction, looking for the source. Suddenly, she was able to see the outline of a fallen figure. A body. Rushing over to it, she prayed she was not too late. Kneeling beside him, she rolled the man over only to look down in horror as she saw his face.

Atem gazed up at her, pain and fear in his eyes. He tried to speak, but only coughed up blood. She tried to keep the large slash in his neck from bleeding, but it wouldn't. His blood coated her hands and clothes as she tried in vain to save him. He was fading fast. As his body grew limp, he managed one last word. 'Y/n...' His eyes closed and his body went slack. She stared down in horror at his lifeless corpse, his blood still warm on her hands. As tears streamed down her face, a primeval scream erupted from deep within her. A scream that originated not from her throat or lungs, but from her heart.

Y/n shot up with a yell, her body coated in cold sweat. Nazwa jumped and looked up at her human companion, her golden eyes reflecting concern. As Y/n gasped in air, she pet the baby's head. The door to her room opened, revealing a worried Heba holding a candle. "Are you alright, your greatness?" he asked. Y/n nodded, shivering as the nightmare replayed in her mind. "I was walking by when I heard you scream. Are you certain everything's alright?" Y/n shook her head, unable to lie as her memory replayed the scene. Holding her head in her hands, she closed her eyes tightly.

"No, Heba, everything's not alright." The servant's eyes widened. He closed the door and approached the shaking woman. Placing the candle on the night table, he put an uncertain hand on her shoulder. Her body tensed at first, but soon relaxed under his gentle touch.

"What's wrong?" Y/n steadied her breathing.

"I had a dream, a nightmare to be specific... It was so real, too real..."

"What happened?"

"It was dark and I heard a scream. I saw Atem and-" She cut herself off and bolted up. "Atem!" Jumping out of bed, she ran out of the room. Confused and concerned, Heba grabbed the candle and ran after her. Y/n ran to the royal chambers and slammed the door open to reveal the young king sleeping peacefully. A breath of relief passed her lips as Heba walked up to her panting. She turned to him. "He's alright..." Heba touched her arm in an attempt of comfort. She gave him a grateful smile.

"Dreams are often messages," he said softly. Y/n tensed.

"Or warnings," she whispered. She turned and started to leave the room. "Come on, Heba." The servant nodded and followed her, closing the door softly behind him. The two walked out of the palace and down to the Nile. Y/n stopped at its bank, Heba right behind her.

"What are you going to do?" he asked.

"Asking for help," she replied. She took a step forward, the cool water enveloping her bare toes. "Wait here." Heba nodded and watched as she continued to walk, slowly sinking in the water until it reached her shoulders, her hair splayed out on the water's surface. Taking a breath, she she took a few more steps, disappearing beneath the waves. Y/n allowed herself to sink to the sandy floor. Exhaling slowly, she opened her eyes and gazed up at the waxing moon. It would be best if it was full, but she couldn't afford to wait that long. Time was something that she didn't have.