She didn’t care. This was the only place she wanted to be.
Thanatos caressed her jaw with his knuckles. She leaned into his touch instinctively, a small whimper escaping her throat, her breath coming faster.The tenderness was at odds with the flames in his eyes.
“Does it matter?” Thanatos responded, quiet and intense. “I think she’s exactly where she wants to be.”
Iliana opened her mouth to protest—or agree, she wasn’t sure which—but Anubis’ hand on her stomach began to move up, stealing her breath.
“Is that true, little one?” Anubis purred.
She bit down on her lip.
“I don’t think you’ll have time for whatever activities you have planned.”
Iliana’s chest clenched, her body betraying how much she’d longed to hear that voice. She felt relieved knowing Hermes was there. She could stop searching empty rooms for him. But longing was engulfed by frustration.
Of course he’d show up now—right as everything was about to kick off. After being absent for days, his timing was impeccable. Perfect and terrible.
He stood several feet away, looking relaxed. Shadows dulled the usual mischief within his eyes. Whatever he was about to say would only mean trouble for her.
Anubis’ arm stiffened around her, bracing as if ready to prevent Hermes from taking her. Thanatos stepped in front of her, placing himself between her and Hermes as if he could block everything that was coming her way.
Again. They were shielding her. Her frustration spiked. She tried to push out of Anubis’ hold, then stopped as Hermes spoke.
“It’s time. The Fates have officially summoned you.”
Thanatos and Anubis both went rigid at his words.
Hermes stepped to the side until he was able to look into Iliana’s eyes, and she readied herself for the rest of his message.
“They expect you within the hour.”
Chapter forty-three
ILIANA
Iliana stood close to the cave’s mouth, staring into the open maw. She attempted to stop her hands from shaking. When Anubis placed a hand firmly on her shoulder, she startled. She tried to laugh, but only a croak left her.
“Are you sure this is the right place, Hermes?” she asked. “I mean, I have a hard time believing that these powerful goddesses would live in a cave.”
Hypnos swore under his breath and glared at her. “I live in a cave. What does that have to do with power levels?”
She rolled her eyes. “But you’re grumpier than a bear. It feels appropriate.”
Before Hypnos could snap back, or worse, threaten to put her to sleep again, Hermes cleared his throat. “You don’t have time. If you wait, they’ll come for you.”
Hermes reached out, stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers. She tried to resist, shifting her weight slightly away, but ended up leaning into his touch anyway.
“I’d prefer to keep you around a little longer, so don’t push your luck,” Hermes said.
His ominous words made her shiver, and the backs of the other gods straightened.
Thanatos attempted to intercede on her behalf one final time. “Are you certain she cannot have one of us with her? She’s new to this world.”
Hermes cut in impatiently. “No more debating. This is your only chance.”
Iliana let out a breath. “It’s fine. I need answers about the curse or whoever targeted me. This is the only way.” She looked at each of them. “I’ll be back soon. Hopefully with more than riddles and a headache.”
Anubis offered an encouraging smile. The twins, however, shared a concerned glance.
