Goddess of Life (Atem x Reader)

Chapter Sixteen - A Love Beyond a Lifetime

        Y/n spun on her heel at the sound of Atem's yell. Her eyes widened in horror as he fell to the sand. A flame of rage sent a fire through her veins, adrenaline rushing through her. With the war cry of an angered banshee, she charged at the king's assailant, taking him down with one strike. She quickly kneeled by her love, caressing his face. His eyes were screwed tight in pain as she gauged the state of the wound. It was rather deep and rather close to his heart, too close. It seemed the attacker's blade slid right between his ribs. She could only pray that his lung or heart were punctured. "Set!" The high priest ran over, his eye widening when he saw his cousin.

"Atem," he said, kneeling on the king's other side. Y/n looked at him.

"He needs urgent medical attention. Take him to Heba." Set looked up at her.

"What of Aknerah?" Y/n's eyes darkened.

"Leave him to me."

"Y/n..." The two looked down at the wounded king. His eyes were open and focused on her. She leaned down, stroking his face lovingly.

"Hush, love. You need to save your strength." Atem didn't listen to her.

"Come with me," he rasped, his voice cracking. She gave a dry chuckle and smiled sadly.

"This is what I am meant to do." Atem shook his head with a grunt of pain.

"No... You could get hurt..."

"My duty is to protect you, my king." The young man gazed up at her, his eyes wet with tears. They weren't due to the pain from the chest wound. No, they were tears of a much different pain from another wound, a wound deep within his heart.

"I love you," he whispered. Y/n smiled.

"I love you too, my dear Atem." She touched her forehead to his and gave him a gentle kiss. Though soft and short, the simple gesture held much meaning. It wasn't just a kiss, it was a promise, a promise of reunion. She stood up and watched as Set and Jounou carried the wounded king away. She then turned around to see a smirking Aknerah.

"Well, wasn't that just touching?" he sneered. Y/n's eyes narrowed as she gripped the hilt of her sword in anger.

"You," she said lowly. The cruel man smirked.

"Me."

"You are the cause of all this pain and suffering." Aknerah laughed.

"Suffering? My dear, you have no idea what suffering is. This," he gestured to the chaos surrounding them, "is but a taste of true pain and terror. You have not seen what I have!" Y/n snarled.

"I have seen plenty! I have seen enough to know you are unworthy of life!" Aknerah bared his teeth.

"I am quite worthy! Those who are unworthy are those who refuse to be witness to truth!" Y/n scoffed.

"You mean everyone who refuses to do your bidding! Anyone who stands in your way!" The man grit his teeth.

"Like you!" he yelled and rushed towards her, his sword swinging dangerously. She managed to avoid the attack, dodging just in time. The man spun around and glared at her. Y/n gripped her sword tighter, her knuckles turning white.

"You're insane," she yelled, staring him down, "You're blinded by your bloodlust and greed for power. You enjoy seeing people suffer in agony. Your pride and voracity will be your downfall!" Aknerah growled as he prepared to strike.

"When I'm finished with you, I'm going to enjoy killing your precious Atem. Perhaps as I slowly cut him open, I'll tell him all about your death." Y/n did not falter, her figure and voice still strong.