Indignation rose in her. Before she could tear into him, Thanatos’ voice lowered. “You did not see what I saw. Something was controlling her. If you cannot help me, we will go somewhere else.”
She saw pain in Hypnos’ eyes before anger returned. Anger and betrayal. “Then go. Why did you ask for my help in the first place?”
Anubis walked between the two brothers, placing his hands on both chests and pushing them apart. “Enough. Fighting now will solve nothing.”
The brothers stepped back in unison, and Anubis lowered his arms, turning to face Thanatos.
“If it is a sleeping curse, we need Hyp’s help,” Anubis said, before turning to Hypnos. “And stop wallowing. She fears sleep, and now you. You do not want her here, but we need you. You promised to help. Now do it.”
The twins looked at each other, communicating silently. After a long moment, they nodded. Three gods faced her, each with a different expression. Anubis looked entirely at ease. She got the sense that it wasn’t the first time he’d acted as the intermediary between them.
Now that the brothers were side by side, their resemblance was unmistakable. The same facial features. The same tall, lean build. Yet their coloring set them apart. Thanatos was light, with a steady gaze that was quietly protective. Hypnos was his opposite—dark hair and demeanor. He looked at her with resignation and annoyance.
Iliana pulled her attention away from Hypnos, preferring to focus on the other gods who weren’t looking at her with bitterness but with kindness. She fidgeted, not knowing what to say under their scrutiny.
Anubis must’ve sensed her discomfort because he broke away from the group and approached her.
“Iliana, we only want to keep you safe. We may not know what is affecting you or why Athena wants you protected. But,” he took another step closer, giving her time to back away if she wanted, “I swear to you, we will protect you.”
She held her breath as he approached, inclining her head so she could keep her eyes on him. She didn’t trust them, but she had no other options. Fighting them would bepointless, and refusing their help wouldn’t make her situation any better.If someone had cursed her, these gods might be her only hope to stay alive.
Be smart, Iliana.
“Okay,” she said. “I’ll accept your help. But I don’t want him—” she pointed at Hypnos, “—to put me to sleep again. Not unless I ask.”
Relief relaxed Anubis’ perfect features, and he gave her a wide grin. “Deal.”
Chapter fifteen
HYPNOS
Hypnos cursed under his breath as he turned away, his patience unraveling thread by thread.
Everything changed the moment Anubis brought her into his home.
Thanatos was furious. Anubis looked at him like a failure. And Iliana…he couldn’t even think about her reaction without regret constricting his lungs.
Hypnos ran a hand through his hair as he stormed toward the bedroom. He needed space. Time to think.
Emotions tangled inside him, confusing and unwanted. Guilt when he remembered her terrified expression. Anger when his brother looked at him with disappointment.
And underneath it all was a dangerous longing.
But he couldn’t escape this. He’d promised Thanatos he’d help.
With a frustrated growl, he dropped onto the edge of the bed. He barely had time to pull his thoughts together before the inevitable sound of footsteps followed him.
“You know humans need food and water, correct?” Thanatos’ voice was quiet but lined with unmistakable disappointment.
Hypnos rolled his eyes. “Of course, I know that.”
“Then why did you starve her?” he asked, stepping into the room and crossing his arms. “She was here for three days.” He stared at Hypnos. “Three.”
He frowned. Three days? Had it really been that long?Time meant little to him. In his home, the hours ran together.
“She wouldn’t have died.” His attempt to mask his guilt made him uncomfortable.
“No, it would not have killed her,” Thanatos shot back. “But she was already weak when I found her. And now, thanks to you, she’s worse.” He shook his head. “You also did not have to scare her.”
