“I think I would like to be your friend.” The way he said it made something in her chest tighten.
Was that hope?
“My name is Anubis.”
Iliana froze. Before she could stop herself, sharp, hysterical laughter burst out.
“Like...like the god?”
Chapter twelve
ANUBIS
Hypnos must’ve pushed her too far. That was unacceptable.
She continued to laugh. It started light, then turned brittle. Desperate. Anubis tensed, unsure if he felt insulted by her or worried for her sanity. Maybe both.
He hadn’t expected to return and find her half-starved and trembling. Once he explained everything, he would hunt down Hypnos and remind him, not so gently, that humans needed to eat.
“Like…like the god?” she managed between laughs.
Anubis’ brows knit together. He wasn’t used to mortals laughing at his name. It was uncomfortable.
“Yes,” he replied.
She caught her breath and looked at him. “Sorry, I wasn’t laughing at you. I just…” She pursed her lips, forcing composure.
Her face was flushed, eyes wet with tears. Anubis tensed. If those weren’t happy tears, he and Hypnos would have more than words.
He set aside his irritation. Even if she were cursed, her vulnerability and the strength beneath it called to him.
She cleared her throat. “May I have somewater?”
He studied her. When she remained calm, he retrieved a glass of water and handed it to her. Their hands touched. He resisted the urge to let the touch linger.
Give her space.
Fresh anger filled him when she drained the entire glass in a few gulps. “Hyp did not give you water?”
Her gaze dropped to the table. “No.”
Anubis forced himself to relax. Her comfort—and her answers—came first.
“Can I ask your name?” He swallowed the endearment that almost followed.
Her face turned pink. “Iliana.”
“Iliana,” he repeated. “I know you must have questions, and I am happy to answer what I can.”
“Why am I here?” she asked.
“For your protection. You were on your roof—about to jump.”
The blood drained from her face, her mouth opening and closing. “What? I don’t…” She shook her head, as if she could will his words away by the action.
“My friend saved you and brought you here. He asked us to keep an eye on you until he could return. We believe you are in danger.”
Iliana gasped, pressing trembling fingertips to her temples. Panic clouded her eyes, and her breathing quickened. “It was only a dream. It had to be.” Her voice cracked.
