Izumi was just about to say his name, could hear the rustle in the undergrowth just before her, and was both excited and nervous at what she was about to say to Annubis. But as the foliage parted, Izumi froze as the massive black stallion appeared. Her eyes widened, and the feelings she’d been having flooded away with absolute fear. A tremble raced down her spine as every muscle coiled to flee. She managed to take one step back, then another, her weight rocking back to spin and run when another burst out from the undergrowth. This time it was Annubis.


His growling voice and powerful presence subsided her fear just enough to finally breathe. Nostrils flared wide, she took in a deep ragged breath as sweat quickly appeared on her neck and flank from the stress of her terror. Even though it had been many seasons ago, Izumi remembered what Lucifer had said, and she was afraid he had come to collect.


Annbuis’ touch, though light and brief, felt like the warm rays of the sun that often dappled her back. It helped to loosen the muscles under her pale skin, but the whites of her eyes remained and she stayed ready to flee if the demon decided to attack.