“Even the best warriors began somewhere. You’re learning. And learning fast from what I was told.”
Iliana tried to hide her blush, wondering what else Anubis had told Panacea about their training sessions.“I know I’m getting better, but it feels like there’s never enough time. I’m scared I won’t learn enough before something, or someone, comes for me.”
Panacea smiled reassuringly. “You’re already further along than you think. I don’t know many humans who could endure what you’ve been through. Hold on to that hope, Iliana. When hope is gone, you’re destined to fail.”
It wasn’t a command—it sounded like something she’d said a thousand times before.
Iliana gave her a small, tired nod, trying to believe her words. “Who said that?”
“Genuinely me, I’m afraid,” Panacea said with a shrug. “I save all my book quotes for book club.”
They both laughed.
Hypnos interrupted the light moment as he strode into the room, looking grumpier than ever. “It’s time for bed,” he commanded.
Iliana opened her mouth to argue. Then yawned again.
Damn it.
Panacea stood and gave Hypnos a look of amusement. “She’s all yours.”
The other gods entered behind Hypnos, softening some of Iliana’s irritation. Thanatos wrapped his arms around her and kissed her hair.
Panacea’s gaze moved between Thanatos and Anubis, a contemplative expression on her face. Then she turned to Iliana. “Can I give you a hug?”
Iliana smiled and stepped out of Thanatos’ arms. “Thank you, Pan.”
The goddess wrapped her arms around her, and Iliana relaxed into the embrace, inhaling Panacea’s herbal scent. It was soothing, like snuggling up with a book and sipping peppermint-honey tea.
Panacea pulled back, her eyes luminous and happy. “I’ll see you again soon. After all, you can’t miss book club.”
As Panacea turned to say goodbye to Hypnos and Anubis, Iliana thought she saw the clip holding her hair in place move. She blinked, then shook her head. She needed to sleep.
After wishing everyone goodnight, Panacea threw Iliana a bright smile and vanished.
Once the goddess was gone, Iliana crossed her arms and looked between the men. “First, I’d appreciate a warning if we’re going to have a visitor, especially a god.” She gave Anubis a pointed look. “Train me, test me—fine. But not here. Not where I’m supposed to be safe.”
Anubis looked at her, seeming to take her request seriously. “Attacks may come at times when you believe you are the safest.”
He made a good point, but she still needed some concessions. “And what if I had attacked her? Pan may not have taken offense, but what if another god was invited and I attacked? That could’ve caused some divine incident. Or I could have harmed them.”
Hypnos snorted.
Iliana swung her stare toward him. “And you. Don’t barge in and try to control me. I am well aware of the dangers I face if I fall asleep without you.”
“Iliana—” Thanatos started, but she held up a hand.
“I’m not finished.” She turned back to Anubis. “You said Panacea wasn’t an enemy, which implies you know who is. I want names. I want to know what we’re dealing with instead of just reacting or being swept away to the next safe house.”
Anubis shared a look with Thanatos. “We are still trying to figure that out.”
“Then let me help investigate. I’m tired of sitting around waiting for answers while you guys handle everything. I’m learning a ton from your lessons,” she said, trying to soften her delivery. “This is my life, my curse, my family that was targeted. I should have a say in how we approach this.”
Anubis smirked, but she didn’t think he was making fun of her. It almost looked like pride. “What are you proposing?”
“I’m proposing that we do something.” She looked at each of them. “Hermes is out there chasing leads about my curse. Why can’t I be involved in that research? Why can’t I help piece together my family history instead of waiting for someone else to figure it out?”
Thanatos studied her. “Because it’s dangerous.”
