Most gods used the word ‘wife’ loosely, but his brother loved deeply. Entirely. And Pasithea had used that love against him for her own gain.
His thoughts turned back to the human in his arms. No, Hypnos wouldn’t leave his self-made prison. Not yet. He reached out to their mutual friend instead. “I need your help.”
Gods usually avoided mingling with other pantheons beyond necessity. Still, friendships and truces had formed over the eons, rare as they were. Immortality became tedious, and even among their own, isolation could suffocate.
His bond with Anubis had formed centuries ago when the Greek and Egyptian pantheons mixed. Their similar domains, as keepers of death and believers in its natural order, had cemented their respect for one another.They avoided each other’s politics and wars. But for small things, like protecting a human, that was different.
“Where are you?” Anubis responded moments later.
“Outside the gates near Hyp’s home.”
Anubis appeared a beat later—khopesh lifted, body tense. Ready for a fight. The ancient weapon looked almost out of place with his modern clothes: dark slacks, a high-collared black shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows.
“Easy, my friend. I did not mean that kind of help.”
Anubis relaxed. “Kidnapping humans now?” The sword vanished. His voice changed from battle-ready to curious.
“No…” Thanatos hesitated. “Technically, yes.”
Anubis snorted. “Only you would kidnap someone and then debate terminology. You are not the first. Though most gods prepare mortals for the afterlife before bringing them here.”
“I need to speak with Hades to grant the human access to Hypnos’ cave. I cannot take her in until I receive it.”
Anubis crossed his arms, frowning as he looked the girl over. “You want me to babysit while you negotiate?” Disappointment tinged his voice, as if he’d expected to fight a battle or slay a monster; not this.
Thanatos hid his smile. “She’s sleeping. How difficult could it be?”
Seeing Anubis grow more concerned, Thanatos let the amusement fade. “The girl and her family are under a curse, and I could use your expertise. There are too many unanswered questions. Such as, why do the Olympians care if she lives?”
Boredom was dangerous for gods. His friend had been restless for centuries. This intrigue might finally pull him in.
When Anubis held out his arms, Thanatos hesitated. Even after he handed her over, he didn’t let go.
“Watch her if she wakes,” he warned. “She tried to jump off a building before I could get to her.”
Anubis’ golden eyes widened. “She tried to kill herself?”
“That’s how it looked, but I am not convinced. She did not react to anything, not even flying. It was as if a spell forced her.”
Thanatos looked at the human sleeping peacefully in Anubis’ arms, as if she hadn’t nearly walked herself off her roof. He wished he could snap his fingers and lift the curse, letting her return to her life.
The life he’d just stolen from her.
Anubis hummed. “If this is so simple, why do you not want to leave her?” His knowing eyes glinted.
Thanatos had to fight the instinct to deny it. He wasn’t sure when the reluctance to leave her had happened. Or why the thought of leaving her with anyone else bothered him.
Instead, he said, “She’s my responsibility.”
“Your responsibility.” His tone was dry. “That explains why you are clinging to her as if someone might steal her.”
Thanatos loosened his grip and let Anubis adjust the girl against his chest.He didn’t have time for this. “Will you help or not?”
Anubis looked down at the human as if he were weighing his options.Then, finally, “Fine. But only because this sounds like it could get interesting.”
“Good. I will try to be quick. If she wakes up, contact Hyp. He can keep her asleep until I have word from Hades.”
Anubis nodded, but Thanatos spotted the familiar sly look. He didn’t have the patience to discover what scheme was forming in his friend’s mind.
