Chapter 18
Chapter eighteen
ANUBIS
The silence at dinner grated on his nerves.
Iliana was still processing their refusal to let her speak with her parents. Every question raised by Anubis earned a clipped, one-word reply. She wasn’t angry—just disappointed. He hadn’t wanted to say no, but some things were beyond even the gods. They were guides and judges, not necromancers.
Thanatos avoided Iliana’s gaze, focusing on the curse instead of dwelling on her silence, occasionally offering suggestions about whom they could contact.
Hypnos sat brooding. At first glance, he seemed indifferent, but Anubis saw through it. His gaze kept moving toward Iliana—attentive. Interest he would never admit to.
Anubis usually preferred the silence, but with Iliana, he wanted to talk and learn more about her.
After dinner, she helped him clear the table and wash the dishes. She smiled shyly, her face turning a pretty pink when their hands touched. Heat slid through him, making him want to linger. But the intensity of it overwhelmed him, and he looked away, forcing himself to focus.
They finished the dishes too soon and headed to the living room. Iliana sat beside Thanatos. Hypnos reclined in an uncomfortable chair, looking ready to doze off.
Anubis hesitated before moving to the open seat beside Iliana. He waited for her nod before settling in, trying not to crowd her. Even so, he was keenly aware of how small she was beside him.
Thanatos spoke first. “We know little about your curse—only what I witnessed and what you shared. Something takes over when you sleep, pushing you toward death. It’s not random.
It will not stop until you are dead.” His voice was measured as he looked at Iliana.
“We are blind here. We could call in favors, but without knowing what we are fighting…” he paused, combing a hand through his hair.
“Hypnos needs to watch you sleep to see what’s controlling you. ”
Iliana tensed. “Okay. But only when I fall asleep on my own.” She didn’t look at Hypnos. “I’m not tired.”
“No pressure,” Anubis said tenderly.
She exhaled. “I know. I’m just glad to know I’m not losing my mind. People thought I wanted to hurt myself.”
At that, Hypnos stilled. Anubis saw his friend’s hands clench, the mask of indifference cracking. Without a word, Hypnos strode out of the room.
Iliana blinked, turning to look between Thanatos and Anubis. “Did I…did I say something wrong?”
Thanatos shook his head. “No. He’s working through some things.”
He considered going after him, but Thanatos didn’t move. If Hypnos’ own brother wasn’t worried, neither was Anubis. “What would you like to do?” he asked.
She blushed. “Other than falling asleep so you can study me, is there anything I can do to help? I feel useless.”
Before Anubis could respond, a smooth voice answered. “I could take you out to dinner.”
Iliana jumped. Anubis and Thanatos didn’t move.
“I already ate, but…thank you?” Her response was hesitant.
Hermes smirked and perched himself on the coffee table. “Then what would you like to do, beautiful?”
She didn’t startle this time, though Anubis caught the way her hands clenched in her lap. He placed a hand on her knee, keeping his touch light and non-threatening. When she didn’t pull away, satisfaction burned through him.
“What’s your message, Hermes?” Thanatos asked.
The messenger god grinned, unrepentant. “Do I need a reason to visit?”
Anubis held back a growl. “Of course not.”
Thanatos nodded, but Anubis could see his friend tense.
Hermes noticed, looking pleased before turning back to Iliana. “Are you happy to see me, sweet girl?”
Anubis disliked how Hermes looked at her—and the blush that followed.
“Um…sure? You’re helping me, aren’t you?”
Hermes’ smirk wavered. “Unfortunately, I can’t do much. I’ve been told to keep my interference to a minimum.”
Iliana’s shoulders slumped.
Apparently hating the sight, Hermes added, “But they can’t stop me from doing my job, which also includes checking on the people I deliver messages to. Making sure they’re properly informed.” He winked. “Besides, someone needs to monitor these three. They’re terrible at small talk.”
“Thank you?” she said, sounding confused.
Humor shone in his eyes. “You’re very welcome.” Then he sobered. “Where’s the grumpy one?”
Thanatos answered, “Hypnos went for a walk.”
“Well, I was going to give you the message from the Fates, but they explicitly said it should be delivered to the four of you.”
Anubis glanced at Thanatos, who was motionless.
“The Fates do not hand out invitations lightly,” Thanatos said quietly.
Iliana frowned. “The Fates?”
“Yes, sweet girl.” Hermes leaned forward, smiling wider. “First, Athena and now the Fates. Their involvement has the gods talking, and when gods gossip, things get messy.”
“They’re gossiping about me?”
Hermes watched her closely. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.
So many powerful beings have taken an interest in you.
Gods don’t intervene in mortal lives out of kindness.
We do it because we need something. The more of us who get involved, the more you become a game piece on their board. They will try to use you.”
Her breathing hitched, and panic moved across her face. “I-I need some air,” she said abruptly, standing up.
Frustration flared as her barriers slammed shut again. Before he could follow, Thanatos rose and silently went after her.
Hermes stared after them. “Was it something I said?”
Anubis rolled his eyes. “If you knew what she has been through, you might have chosen your words more carefully.”
Hermes’ grin faltered. “What has she been through?”
“What is the message from the Fates?”
The messenger god narrowed his eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”