Amgyptapan

Chapter 36: Nightmares Begin!

Nothile found himself staring at the bodies of his family. Standing over the body of his mate was Ankhsetha, looking as she had before her initial death. In her hand was a dagger covered with fresh blood. Suddenly aware of his presence, Ankhsetha looked up.

"Nothile, you are just in time." She cruelly remarked.

Horrified, Nothile replied, "In time for what? Everyone I care about is gone. Dead by your hands!"

Smirking, Ankhsetha returned, "In time for us to talk. Then, your return to your precious family."

"Talk about what?" Nothile asked, apprehensive.

Losing her calm demeanor Ankhsetha growled, "How about that your so-called true love killed me!"

"You would have done the same if she had not gotten you first!" Nothile protested loudly.

Ankhsetha snorted and responded, "Sometimes, when you have been beaten, it is best to admit it, get away, and try again another day with a better plan. I never had a chance, thanks to that half breed!"

Nothile remained speechless. He had to admit, the former Queen was right. His mate never gave her a chance to live and get revenge another day. Nothile mentally berated himself for sympathizing with the woman who had ruined his life.

"You have no right to say you had deserved to live after all you have done!" Nothile snapped angrily.

Ankhsetha chuckled evilly as she replied, "Everyone deserves to live. Now, enough talk. Time for you to meet your precious loved ones in the underworld!"

With that said, Ankhsetha lunged for Nothile with the dripping dagger. In an attempt to get away, Nothile ended up tripping. Ankhsetha smirked down at her victim. The last thing that Nothile saw was the still dripping dagger used to slaughter his family then his dearest mate last...

Nothile lurched into a sitting position. He panted as the nightmare faded from his mind. He looked to his left, almost afraid of what he'd see. Nothile sighed in relief as his wife and mate continued to sleep peacefully.

Drawing on a robe, Nothile got out of bed. He quietly went to check on his twin children. With a loving touch, he tucked their blankets around them snugly. Next was his eldest son.

The calmness of his eldest son's face made Nothile relax completely. Still, he was worried. Now that he knew about Ankhsetha's reincarnation, he was on edge. Nothile knew that reincarnated souls rarely differ from their previous selves.

Nothile quietly returned to his own room. As he shut the door, he noticed that his wife was awake. Hessa was sitting up slightly. Her gold eyes were filled with worry.

"Everything okay, My Sun And Stars?" Hessa asked.

"Yes, My Dearest Moon. Everything is fine." Nothile replied absently.

"Nothile, I know you as much as you know yourself. Something's troubling you, what is it?" Hessa pressed.

Nothile sighed and, with a soft smile at his wife's persistence, answered, "A few minutes ago, I awoke from a horrific nightmare. To reassure myself that the sights of my nightmare had not yet come to pass, I went to check on the welfare of our children."

As he spoke, Nothile returned to his side of the bed. Hessa more than understood what having a terrifying nightmare can do to your psyche. Hessa, in an effort to show her understanding, grasped her mate's hand. Soothed by his mate's touch, Nothile settled back down, and he and Hessa returned to the abyss of the dreamworld.