Belly of the Beast

Chapter 51

Some people would have jumped at the chance to experience the awesome powers of a god. They'd rush into the city streets to perform miracles. Or, for those with less altruistic traits, cut down their enemies with a single blow. But I'd never had such aspirations. I just wanted to take care of the necromancer and be done with it. And the thought of having Isis join me inside my body did not sit well. What kind of shit would she be able to pull?

Before I'd even given my permission, Isis started reciting a mantra, and a powerful wind ripped through the room. The temptation to step outside the protective circle was strong, but I already felt a tug at the crown of my head. If I stopped the process now, my brains might get sucked out, giving new meaning to the term empty-headed.

As I stood rooted to the spot, more strange feelings came over me, like a numbness in my limbs which abruptly turned to weightlessness. This was followed by a sensation that my spirit was leaving my body, and my view of the world suddenly appeared from the perspective of someone standing next to me. Like I'd been pushed out to make room for this greedy goddess.

"Well... I must say, your head is filled with many confusing things," I said, although it was only my voice that sounded familiar. Everything else seemed wrong. "How do you feel, Reese? Are you comfortable?"

"That depends on your definition of comfortable. I'm not in any pain, but I feel like I'm standing outside of my body."

"That is a normal response to being possessed. If you were fully in control of your senses, you would feel a great deal more overwhelmed by my presence. I am protecting you with a shield."

It was then I realized the flames around the pyre had burned out, which made sense, since Isis was no longer inhabiting it. But it also made me wonder if I was still protected inside the circle. The answer to my question was about to be answered as a cloaked figure entered the chamber.

Dmitry's hands were splattered with blood, which I didn't think was his own. Behind the shadow of his hood, I noticed his eyes were no longer bright blue. Now, they resembled a pair of black holes, and his skin had taken on the color of charcoal. It could have been soot caused by the fires burning his precious labyrinth to the ground, but I didn't think so.

"So, we meet again, Isis," he crooned as he strolled toward me. "Zis time, face to face. You look as lovely as zhe many likenesses created in your honor."

"Oh, Zeno. Flattery has rarely been needed. But I will take it if you promise to behave yourself."

What the hell was going on? Suddenly, I felt like a voyeur watching the exchange between two lovers. The last time the necromancer entered the chamber, Isis's fury had chased him out. And since when did she call him Zeno?

"You have taken a great risk leaving zhe pyre, although I vould like to zhink it is because you vanted a corporal form to feel how much my power has grown."

Batting my eyelashes like a silly schoolgirl, I walked toward him. When I tried to stop, I felt a pinch inside my belly, like my spirit was attached to my body by an invisible thread and I was forced to follow.

"The risk is worth it to see you up close," I said. "I hope you were not terribly put-out by my angry outburst before. It is difficult being tethered to this world. My sensitive nature is susceptible to the chaotic vibrations."

I was standing dangerously close to Dmitry now, although I had not left the protective circle, which was the only thing keeping me from losing my shit. Was Isis playing a trick on Dmitry, or was I the fool in this game?

"I vill admit, after barring me from zhe chamber for so many years, I vas vorried you had forsaken me."

"After all the great things we did together? I would be foolish to lose such an ally. I was merely biding my time until a worthy host arrived to return what is rightfully mine." I turned and walked to the pyre, plucking the cube from Isis's stone hands. "Ah, how l have longed to hold you, my old friend, and feel your power through flesh and bone."