Anubis halted mid-step, seriously considering his question. “You will have to eventually.”
Hypnos narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
“Because someone has to figure out this curse.” Anubis stopped pacing, watching him. “I need to return to the Duat, but I will be back in a few days to help. She will be safe here until then. Just keep her calm. And alive.”
Hypnos scoffed. “That won’t be a problem.”
Anubis looked as if he wanted to say something more. Instead, he only nodded. “I will return soon.”
He left as silently as he’d arrived.
Hypnos’ shoulders relaxed. He could finally stop pretending to be fine with visitors.Then he stiffened, remembering that he wasn’t completely alone. Not yet. At least the girl would sleep for a while. He could postpone the complications she’d bring.
He reclined on the couch, and his eyes drifted shut. The silence of his home surrounded him again, comforting in its familiarity.
Several hours later, rustling from the guest room signaled the human was awake.
Hypnos considered putting her back to sleep, but he’d grown bored waiting. Observing her might be entertaining, though he doubted it. Most humans reacted predictably in the presence of gods. They trembled. Screamed. Fainted.
“Where in the fucking Barbie hellscape am I?”
He’d always enjoyed the creative curses humans invented and the way their simple languages had evolved over time. Despite avoiding the mortal world, he kept up with some of its literature and movies. He wasn’t sure what a Barbie hellscape was, but her tone made it clear she wasn’t pleased.
He straightened, waiting to see what she’d do next.
Soft footsteps padded across the floor as she moved around the room, trying not to make a sound.He smirked. Did she think she could sneak around without himnoticing?
“Think, Iliana.”
Iliana. It was a pretty name. Greek or European, but from what little he’d heard from her, she sounded American.He shook his head. He’d solve the mystery. Solve whatever problem she had and then send her on her way.
Only then would he have peace.
A moment later, he heard the door open.
So, the little human was being brave.
He tracked her steps outside the room. She was likely peeking up and down the corridor. He heard a tentative shuffle toward his bedroom. Then a retreat, before cautiously moving in his direction.
Hypnos leaned back against the sofa, draping his arms along the top and resting his ankle on his knee. He wasn’t trying to be intimidating, but he didn’t soften his expression either.
A messy head of auburn hair peeked around the corner. She scanned the area, looking first toward the kitchen and the study, then swung to his side of the room.
She froze, her hazel eyes growing wide.
Then, to his utter disbelief, a squeak. An actual squeak left her mouth. Hypnos refrained from rolling his eyes. He’d forgotten humans could even make that sound. At least she hadn’t fainted yet.
Her lips parted as she straightened. Tension thrummed through her limbs as she shook. To her credit, she squared her shoulders and held his gaze.
His eyes moved from her face to the ridiculous shirt she wore. A dinosaur was leaning over a bed.
That made no sense. A Tyrannosaurus Rex was too big to fit inside a bedroom. Too stupid to care about making a bed.
Before he could figure out her shirt’s meaning, she spoke.
“Who the fuck are you, and where the hell am I?”
Hypnos watched her bristle with indignation as his carefully planned introduction fell apart. He’d specifically made sure she’d be well-rested to avoid exactly this kind of outburst.
