I hope you all have been enjoying the series and the little symbolisms I've used throughout.
For instance, obviously the head of Medusa plays a big, pivotal role in this book, not only gesturing to the Gorgon sisters, but also to Nyx and Eris.
And here above, in the chapter's picture, we see Perseus holding the severed head of Medusa. She's defeated- once and for all.
What's been your favourite title or theme throughout this book?
Rebuilding these Black Walls
A week passed and Eris' mind had begun to slowly heal.
Nyx took no blame for what she'd allowed her daughter to do. She firmly believed that she'd done all she could to prevent it, but I didn't believe her and neither did any of her children.
She was removed as the head of the family; everyone wanted her gone. Eris didn't receive a vote and her opinion on the issue didn't matter. She was 'in recovery' and thus, wasn't in the right mental state to deliver a sane judgment.
Nyx had planned to use a weapon that could drain the immortality from an immortal being and transfer it to another. She'd intended on using it on her enemies to sustain her youth and beauty and to grant her more power. She was now seen as an enemy of the kingdom and banished to reside with her husband as a primordial being. She'd always been on Zeus' 'watch-list' and in turn, Apollo's too, but after this ordeal, her status as public-enemy number one shot through the roof.
A royal escort of guards took her back to Tundra to clear out her prized belongings. Soon, the ice palace would have a new owner and Nyx would be exiled.
After she'd cleared out her cherished possessions, Nyx had just stood in the center of the old lounge, staring at the fireplace with a blank expression. Her formerly fully occupied halls of drunken parties and the accompanying wild laughter rang in the back of her mind- reminding her of the seemingly luscious lifestyle she'd once had. It was a memory that tasted rather bitter, I assumed.
I stood behind her, silent as a mouse, but her spine had straightened when she'd felt my presence. "Are you happy?"
"That's a rather wide-ranging question."
Nyx couldn't help the small smile. She lifted her head and crossed arms; her eyes found the mantelpiece and then the small portrait of Erebus. "What will you do with all of these?"
There were many portraits, statues and old relics with both my father and my mother painted and sculpted on them. They were littered around the large palace. I shrugged and sighed; "I haven't given it much thought. You're free to take some."
"Some?"
"I would prefer to keep at least one of you both." I said softly and leaned against the door frame as she stared into the small, crackling fire.
Nyx hadn't expected to hear that. "For whatever reason?"
"Well, eventually my child will want to know who you are. Who you both are."
Nyx turned around to stare at me; her eyes showed true surprise. "You would... tell them about me?"
"Yes." I said without hesitation; "Consider it their first cautionary tale."
My mother's eyes slanted and she exhaled a small laugh. "Ah. Of course." We stood in silence for a bit; neither of us wanting to really 'end' the strange silence.
Eventually though, Nyx looked up at me with her yellow eyes and I saw in them something very unfamiliar. She whispered; "Will I ever get to... meet them?"
"No." I said with a dead-pan expression and tone.
Nyx nodded, but deep down, I think she'd half expected a different reply. I couldn't imagine why.
"Nyx," I called her name and she lifted her eyes back up to mine with a sliver of hope. I stood up straight and fixed my black gloves on my hands; "The guards will be here soon to escort you away. I think it goes without saying, but I'll remind you anyway- you are forbidden from entering these lands ever again and this ban extends to all lands of the Underworld and Olympus. You're free to do what you wish on Earth."
She nodded with dead eyes and watched me sharply as I spoke. She was hiding her words.
"Are you ready?" I asked, but honestly, she didn't have much of a choice in the matter.
Nyx nodded, but before I could signal to the arriving elite king's guard to come in and take her away, she held up her hand and looked to the floor with determination.
I signaled for them to stop moving towards us and they halted at the entrance of the long hallway. I waited for her to speak.
"Thanatos," Nyx looked up. Our eyes met. "I'm proud of you. You're... You are great. You were right. You were always right."
I parted my mouth to speak, but no words felt... sufficient. This was our first proper goodbye. Perhaps for forever.
"I love you, baby boy." She didn't smile.
I nodded and looked up at the dark eyes of my father glaring back at me. The portrait was uncanny in its realism.
"I love you too." I said softly and looked back into her eyes, but before my confession could warm her icy heart, I added; "But you will never, ever meet my children or come near my wife, again."
I gestured for the guards to come in and take my mother away.
Aurora's POV
The Kerykeion was deconstructed back into a nearly worthless and completely harmless staff, but not before gifting the two mortals with their immortality once again. Thanatos handed it over to Autolycus, as a peace offering. I guess in the end, the staff had done what it was meant to do in the first place- spread peace. Even if it was minimal and had first caused a whirlwind of chaos.
The entire Old family had remained in Thanatos' palace for the whole week, discussing and debating on where to go from here.
Vikard was captured and brought in by Nemesis and Dolos to answer for his crimes. He had the chance to state his case in front of the Chief Justice of the kingdom- Hypnos.
Hypnos might have been a bit biased in his decision-making process, and as a result, Vikard was beheaded by none other than Hypnos' new elected executioner; Nemesis.
The Pazári lands and fortunes were handed over to Dolos and Apate to govern.
I still remember Dolos' exact reaction when they were told about this new decision. He looked up at Thanatos and Hypnos with surprise; "You... you what?"
Thanatos repeated his words; "We're giving you the Pazári."
Apate and Dolos shared a shocked look. Apate's eyes widened in confusion; "Why?"
"Someone needs to govern it." Hypnos shrugged and Thanatos added; "And we're both busy. You make a good couple."
Apate blushed hard and Dolos' jaw dropped in shock at his brother's choice of words.
Thanatos rolled his eyes; "Really? You really think we don't know?"
Apate sucked in a deep breath and for the first time since I'd met her, she looked so young and completely scared. "W-we... I mean we d-don't-"
"It's fine." Hypnos shrugged and sighed; "Who are we to tell you what to do. If you..." He struggled to say it, but forced himself to, for the sake of family. "If you love each other, then who are we to oppose?"
"We just want you to be happy." Thanatos handed Dolos a big bunch of gold keys. Vikard's old keys. "Be happy."
"Thank you." Apate said softly and Dolos, who was still completely stunned, just nodded his head. He looked ashamed. He looked like he'd dreaded this conversation all his life, but when his eyes met Apate and she smiled softly, he couldn't help but smile back.
I would never understand it. I grew up mortal and to us, this was forbidden, but to them, it was an old tradition and practice that was seen as nearly holy. Apate and Dolos were the only two who fell back into that practice and frankly, I wanted to feel disgusted by it, but... I just couldn't.
Thanatos and Hypnos would take some getting used to it, but they showed no sign of disgust or discomfort. They smiled and nodded their heads.
"Since we're exchanging secrets... " Hemera said softly from the doorway. Everyone lifted their heads up to her voice. "I have some news."
Thanatos smiled; "What is it, dear?"
Hemera lifted her hand up that was hidden behind the door and in it, was another hand- this one more tanned and larger.
I pursed my lips and looked to Thanatos and Hypnos.
Their faces dropped.
Apollo slid his head out from behind the door and cleared his throat; "Hi..."
"No." Thanatos didn't even bother listening. He looked more chilled with the fact that two of his siblings were committing incest.
"Really?" Apollo glared at him and stepped out from behind the door. "No?"
"Never." Thanatos drawled out the word.
"You don't want to be brothers-in-law?"
Thanatos gagged at the mere mention.
Hemera and Apollo rolled their eyes at his reaction. I chuckled at Thanatos' aversion and stood up to place a hand on his back, but my smile was directed at the new couple. "He'll get used to it..." I winked at Apollo and he mouthed a 'thank you'.
I promised him that I'd have his back- if he was serious about Hemera, and it looked to me like they were definitely serious. He met her eyes with a coy smile and she blushed, tightening her hand around his.
Seems like the king finally got his queen.
"Um..." Nemesis spoke up from the corner. She fiddled with her nails and was looking down at her hands with unease. Everyone turned to look at her. "I have a confession to make."
"Ooh..." Momus took a sip of his wine and grinned; "I like this. 'Family confession time'."
Nemesis ignored him and stuttered a bit; "I um... I should've admitted this a while ago, but..."
We all waited patiently for her to continue. She mustered some strength together and finally, the words dropped like a hot coal from her mouth; "I'm gay."
The room was quiet.
Nemesis cringed, her eyes still on her nails, but after a few seconds of waiting for someone to say something, she looked up to a room full of smiling faces.
She frowned.
Dolos sighed dramatically; "Finally!"
Apollo leaned against the door and scoffed; "Everyone knows. Even me."
"W-what?" She looked from one face to the next.
"You're a bit obvious." Eleos smirked and winked at her older sister; "Almost as obvious as Momus' crush on Aphrodite."
Momus chocked on his wine. "Shut up!"
The siblings burst out laughing and Trita and I couldn't help but chuckle along while the relentless teasing continued. For once, Momus was on the receiving end of it.
Nemesis looked relieved that the attention was off of her, but she looked even more relieved that she'd actually had the courage to admit her 'secret' aloud.
Momus was intent on working more with Conrad- after having met him for the first time when the old wizard stopped by to help with the staff's deconstruction. The two scholars had debated and argued over the exact same points and by the end of the day, they'd loved every minute of the intellectual stimulation. Now Momus was hell-bent on trying to rile the old man up even more by becoming a special correspondent at the Donata Academy, helping with research and finishing his own magical training in the arts.
Conrad was acting all annoyed by the fact, but I truth, I think he liked having another version of Thanatos there to annoy him. He was so lonely lately, with Alexus and Samaria both gone. I believe Momus would help him find some vigor again- even if it's fueled by irritation.
And this new position as correspondent could help Momus gain more access to Olympus, which meant more time staring at Aphrodite. The poor man had it bad...
I looked around the room. They were all smiling again, after nearly a week of sorrow and grief. It was so good to see them so relaxed again. Their bond was so strong and Nyx had tried to break them in half, but they refused to let her meddle anymore.
Of course, there was still the slight issue of what to do with Eris and Moros. I suspected that was something only the twins could decide upon.
Thanatos' POV
We entered Moros' bedroom with caution.
It was quiet and the sun was just rising above the dunes in the distance. My palace was probably too warm for his liking, because my brother had kicked off most of the bedding from his high bed and was staring out of the large window with longing.
I knocked on the door to announce our presence.
Moros turned to us with wide eyes; "Oh, hey..."
I smiled softly and Hypnos followed me in with an equally thin smile. "How are you feeling?"
"Good, considering I was mortal for nearly a day." Moros chuckled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Just glad you finally figure out how to reverse the spell."
"It took some time, but luckily we had Conrad to call for some assistance." I chuckled, remembering how annoyed the old wizard had been when I sent shadow to 'collect' him. He was furious with me, but helped without asking any questions. He was a great man.
"Yeah, you two have made a great life here..." Moros looked back to the window and smiled absentmindedly, while the sun grazed his features. His black eyes shone with a light I'd never seen.
I sat down beside him on the bed and glanced up at Hypnos, who stood next to him on the other side. He looked sad. We both were. "I'm sorry we couldn't do more. I'm sorry Nyx lied to you."
Moros sighed, but didn't meet my eyes. He kept them locked onto the beautiful view outside. "She's not coming back, is she?" I knew he meant Peitho. I dropped my head a bit, the shame of failing him slightly heavy in my heart. "No."
"Where do they go?" Moros asked with uncertainty. "Her, Zeus, Hecate... Where do they end up?"
Hypnos folded his arms across his chest and shook his head lightly; "We don't know."
"It must be lonely there."
I looked up to the window and gazed down at my lands; "I think it's peaceful."
We didn't speak really. It was a silence we enjoyed, but weren't used to with Moros, to be honest. He was a man of many words and feelings, and those feelings had to be expressed. This new version- this more broken and matured version of our brother was different. So we let this new silence linger like the unanswered questions and waited for some new light or dawn to break his pain.
We sat with him a bit and tucked ourselves on the bed. We spoke about his hunting experiences with the Pazári, the way things were before Peitho had died and then our conversation ventured to the future.
"What will you do now?" Hypnos asked Moros and leaned in to hear the answer.
Our brother shrugged and smiled lightly; "I think I'll trek south a bit. They say it's so vast down there and hot. Maybe then I'll go up to Earth. See what it's like now..."
"It's very different from what you remember, I'm sure." I chuckled and he did the same, his eyes lightning up; "I hope so! Those old Greeks were so superstitious. Perhaps now if I conjure up a flame, they won't drop down and plead for mercy."
"I'd keep the magic at a minimum. Mortals aren't ones for surprises..." Hypnos gave me a look and I laughed loudly. "No, they aren't."
"Hey," Moros asked with a soft voice; "I've been meaning to ask you, what did Nyx mean when she said Dolos wasn't the first? She mentioned something about the two of you?"
Hypnos' smile dropped into the dust like it was on fire. I tried to keep mine fixed on my face, but it was straining and I think Moros noticed my lack of authenticity. "Oh, she was just blabbering; looking for some way to rile us up."
"Right..." Moros eyed us with a strange look and nodded.
I avoided Hypnos eyes and stood up from the bed. Moros looked up at me with surprise and I smiled thinly. I didn't want to leave, but there was something I had to do. I'd been delaying the inevitable for a while now- ever since yesterday, but it was time. "I need to speak with Eris."
"Now?" Hypnos asked with uncertainty. He didn't trust us in the same room. Clearly my twin thought that I might end up strangling her- the image of that staff pushed into Aurora's back was still so fresh in my mind. He didn't need to worry. I was in control. At least, I felt I was and honestly, I just wanted to ask her why.
Why she would ever do that to me.
"I think you should." Moros nodded and a supportive smile spread across his lips.
"Thank you, Moros." My words were filled with indisputable appreciation and a gratefulness that warmed my heart every time our eyes met.
He nodded; "It's the least I could do."
"You saved Aurora." I whispered; "I-... I owe you my life."
"And I owe you mine." Moros leaned back into his pillow and closed his eyes. I gave Hypnos one last look before I left through the door.
My brother might not have known this- or frankly, fully comprehended it, but that moment where he saved my wife's life and sacrificed himself, was the single most significant decision he'd ever made.
I didn't lie when I'd told him that I would tear the universe to pieces if Aurora were to die.
There would not have been an earth to see and there would not have been a south to visit- Ares' rebellion would've looked like an amateur's performance, because I swear, on all the gods above and below, I would've ruined it all.
She was standing by the balcony's door. It was closed and her hands were pressed up against it. I could see the bruises on the back of her hands fading and slowly reappearing. The magic she had dealt in was not made for her body to absorb and so, for at least another year or so, my sister would have to deal with the aches and pains that her ambition had brought.
But the worst damage, I think, was not visible on her body. It was in her mind and in her heart.
I leaned against the large wardrobe and closed the door behind me. It clicked softly and her head shot up with fear. Eris' voice was shivering; "I don't want to talk right now."
"I do." I said firmly and her head whipped around at the sound of my voice. Eris' eyes widened with shock and alarm; she'd never once looked at me the way she was now. She looked like I was about to crush her right here, with my own two hands. I felt a sliver of desire to do just that.
But I could never.
"Thanatos... I-" She lost her words and her hand scrambled to make sense of my presence. For a week I had almost gone as far as to disregard her entire existence. Whenever any of the others had brought up her name, I would simply ignore it and move out of the room to ease my heavy breathing. The anger inside of me was blinding, but as I stood here now, looking upon the face of my supposed monster of a sister, all I saw was a broken girl.
"I cannot begin to explain to you how deeply regretful I am for-"
"I don't want to hear any of that." I said with a calm voice and I think it shocked her more than if I were to scream at her. "I just want to know why."
Eris shook her head; "Why what?"
"Why would you do this? If you love me as much as you say you do." This- not that. Like it was still going on. The pain was; the image in my head was still playing it over and over. To me, this was all far from over.
"Thanatos, please, you need to understand that I only did this for our family-"
"Our family is dead." I yelled and my sister squeaked and involuntarily took a step back. The glass door behind her vibrated from the sudden jolt of her frame. I didn't mean to raise my voice so vociferously, but I suppose it wasn't all that surprising considering the seething heat inside my bones.
"No, no-"
"It is. I plan on rebuilding it again, but I honestly can't bring myself to wanting you in it."
My words hurt her- they sliced through her with so much sting. It was plain to see. The pain was burning her up inside.
"I deserve that." She started to cry and her hands flew up to her face. Her tears rolled down her cheeks and onto her writs. I watched her cry for mercy, but it didn't ease my own heartache. The black feeling inside of me only grew, until, eventually; I couldn't hold it any longer.
I walked up to her, my boots hitting the floor with anger. Eris jumped when she realized that I was heading straight for her. She stepped back into the glass door and whimpered behind her hands in fear, but her fear was misplaced.
I grabbed hold of her and tucked in her into my arms pressing her tightly against my chest. "Stop crying."
"I can't." She sniffed against my shirt and her body shook with regret. "I love you, Thana! I am so sorry! Please! Please, don't hate me! No more tricks, no more lies! Please!"
"You will answer every question truthfully?"
She nodded quickly; "Yes, yes! Please, don't hate me! Do they all hate me now?"
"No." I held her tighter. Her neck was so close- one twist... "When did you start training in Black Blood magic?"
Eris tried to compose herself. She sniffled through an answer, but kept her head down and her body cowering against mine. "Four years ago."
I closed my eyes. As I thought. The Rebellion had triggered Nyx' appetite. New king- new opportunities. "Did Nyx force you to do it?"
"No." Eris whispered with shame; "I..." She inhaled deeply; "I wanted to. I wanted to make her proud. And father. Even you."
"By learning a form of magic that wasn't designed for you?"
"Mother said-" Eris stopped herself. She tried again, more slowly; "Nyx said that it wouldn't be easy, but if I was willing to beak the laws of nature, then I would be rewarded."
I let her go and stepped back. She had stopped crying, but her face was still cracked with sorrow. She avoided my eyes, but not because she was lying, but because she was so embarrassed by her vile deeds.
"Tell me the plan. Everything."
Eris nodded and twirled her thumbs around each other, nervously looking to the floor for courage. "It all happened when Alexus visited. Nyx took the staff, with the knowledge of what it could do, but in order to reap the full benefits of the Kerykeion, there were two ingredients necessary for its transformation. Once powered up, it could successfully transfer one immortal's spirit to another. All you needed was Gorgon's blood and a death-deity's involvement- to cast the spell that would ensure the immortality would be successfully transferred."
Eris looked up into my eyes and whispered; "She knew you would never agree to it, so she offered to 'create' me into what you never were. I was so lost in her words- she was my everything. I loved her, Thanatos."
I didn't reply. I simply stared and waited for her next words. Eris realized this and sighed, lowering her head with her next heavy words; "Over the course of the last four years, she'd tricked Moros into acquiring the Gorgon's for her through the help of Vikard- promising him a bride and so many more riches once she took the throne. Moros was a pawn, much like myself, I only now realize. I learnt your Blood magic and at first, it was fine, but then..." Eris sighed and exhaled a shaky breath.
She lifted her hands to show me her bruises. "They appeared by the second year and never really left. Nyx said it was fine and that you also had them and that it showed her that I was on the right path, but... it hurt."
"It hurt me so much, Eris." My tone was solemn and unemotional; "How on earth did you mange it?"
"I... I did it for all of us. For this family. So we could be great again."
"We were never not great."
She nodded and lowered her eyes again; "I see that now. A bit too late, I guess..." She shook off her regret and continued with a small voice; "The panic attacks grew worse and my body couldn't take most of the strain, so about a month before Moros disappeared, mother said that it was perhaps time to look to other areas of growing our plan. I clearly couldn't be a death-deity."
"There can only ever be one." I whispered and took a step back. She thought that I was leaving, but with relief, realized that I had just leaned back into the wardrobe to rest my weary head. It was racing with hatred for our mother. "Carry on."
"I helped Moros get the staff and he vanished with Vikard. Nyx said that with a little patience and time, the others would call on you for help. And Hemera did, eventually. You came rushing. You love us so much and it hurt me to lie to you, but when I saw her..." Eris stopped and her voice cracked. "I'm sorry. Sometimes the magic still swings my mood and I can't control it. I don't hate Aurora, but I will admit that I wish she wasn't in your life."
"Carry on." It was all I could say. Anything else would have been with a snarl and a hiss.
Eris sniffed and crossed her arms over her chest, covering her shivering body. It wasn't cold, but she didn't look the healthiest either. Her face was pale and the white's of her eyes were a milky yellow. "I knew all about Uranus and the way she treated you. I saw it as her making you strong and creating a path for our family, but then again, I only ever heard her version. She controlled what I thought, and all the while making me believe that I was the leader in my own destiny. I think deep down she did love us, but her love was just so... So toxic."
I lowered my head. I knew exactly what Eris meant. Anything Nyx touched, would suffer if she loved it. It was her way. Erebus was no different. What he cared for, he left to rot. It was a depraved combination- the smothering mother and the absent father.
Could I really blame Eris for all of this? Look at me... I was no saint. Far from it.
"She'd planned on threatening you with Aurora's life to help her gather the living and fuel her need to be... everlasting." Eris' somber voice brought me back to our conversation and the image of my parents faded to black in the back of my mind. "Nyx told me to be ready. To stay close in case you tricked her. She held you in high regard. She was right." Eris looked up at me with doe eyes. They were the same big eyes that used to plead with me to stay with her whenever she was ordered to do a chore or go hunting. Often I'd refuse her, knowing that her need to be around people wasn't always the healthiest one, but sometimes I would cave and give in to her demanding whims.
"You managed to break her down completely..." Eris said with awe in her voice, but I found nothing beautiful in what I'd done.
"It was simple." My eyes locked onto Eris'. "I made her believe that she still meant something to me. Perhaps that's all she ever wanted."
Eris felt the burn of my words and I knew she knew that I'd directed them to her too. My sister's eyes dropped down and I could see her resolve crack with a small teardrop trailing down her cheek. It hurt, but like I'd said, I was no saint. Far from it.
"Tha-"
"I want you to leave."
Eris looked up at me with pain and utter shock. My words had caught her completely off-guard. I watched as the remaining color in her cheeks drained away, leaving her pasty and pale against the warm backdrop of the lake. I steadied myself against the wall and decided that it was best that I leave.
"Eris..." She shook her head, as if not wanting to accept what I had just said to her. But I wasn't here to fight her. I was done. "I love you. You're my sister and I will always love you. But listen to me very carefully."
I stepped closer, but moved with deliberate and predatory slow steps, stalking her down. Eris backed up again, until her back hit the glass door and her breathing died down and stopped. I towered over her, my ruby eyes dark and shaded with hidden rage.
"I do not want you anywhere near my child. I do not want you anywhere near my wife. Do you understand me?"
She nodded her head and her throat struggled to press down her pleading words. That part of me that used to satisfy her little moods and her innocent pleas was dead and gone, and it would be wise for her to learn that I wasn't someone she could manipulate anymore. On the contrary; I believe it was my turn.
"You will stay in Tundra and you will rest and recover from this horrid thing mother has done to you, but once you are healthy, you will leave the Underworld."
"W-where will I go?" Eris' voice was soft and frightened.
"Eris," I shook my head with a smile; "I don't care."
"Thanatos, I am sorry for what I did, please believe-"
"When I have forgiven you, you may return. But only then." I took one more step until my nose nearly touched against her forehead. She was looking up at me with fear and regret, but often, regret came far too late.
"Be safe, little sister." I leaned down and kissed her head. Eris flinched from my show of tenderness, because she knew it wasn't meant to be seen as tender. It was a warning. Return, and there would be consequences.
I turned around and headed for the door.
Eris tried one last time; "I love you, Thanatos."
I turned around with a disingenuous smile, "And I love you, princess."
"Do you think we'll ever be able to look at it without feeling this... angry?" Hypnos asked softly as we both stared across the vast, snowy plane at the great palace.
Tundra was covered under a thick blanket of snow and frost. It seemed endless from this view- like it stretched on for nearly days.
I had my arms crossed over my chest and my eyes covered by my black hood. The snow was falling slowly around us, creating, for the first time, something truly magical. "I hope someday. But I doubt the sensation will ever truly go away."
My twin nodded and sighed as we continued to stare over the vastness of this plane we'd all once called home. Nyx was gone. Erebus was gone. Who knew when we'd ever see them again- and if we'd even want to?
"It's all over."
"Is it?"
Hypnos turned his head to stare at me from the side. "Well, hopefully not all over."
A small smile cracked on my lips and I removed my hood from my head so that I could look my brother in the eye. "I have something for you..."
Hypnos chuckled; "A gift? What's gotten you in such generous mood?"
I rolled my eyes, while my hand reached down into the leather pouch on the side of my belt. I opened the clasp and took out the small bronze item. "Here."
Hypnos extended his grey gloved hand and I placed the cold item in his palm. My twin's eyes lit up with surprise and widened as he brought the key to his face. "This is..."
"Yours." I extended my arms to showcase the grand palace.
Hypnos did a double-take and examined the key up close. "Wha..."
"Surprised?"
"Yes?" He said with a confused expression on his handsome face. My brother turned to me and gestured to Tundra; "You're giving me this land?"
"I'm not giving you anything. It's yours." I smiled at him and lowered my head; "You're the eldest and I think it's only fair-"
"Excuse me, what was that?" I looked up at him and he was smirking like he when he was a boy. I shook my head with a laugh; "I said... You're the eldest and I think-"
"Right. That's what I thought I'd heard." Hypnos threw his arm over my shoulder and pulled my close; "Are you going soft?"
"Shut up or I'm taking it back." I struggled against his warm embrace and tried to get away from his wicked chuckling, but he was persistent.
"Here." Hypnos pressed the large key into my hands and smiled at me with love. I furrowed my brows and looked down as the bronze key lay in my black, gloved hand. "What are you doing?"
"Giving it to you." Hypnos said it as if it were obvious. "I don't want it."
"But... But I gave it to you." I pushed it against his chest and he snickered at my puzzled look. "And I don't want it."
"Well, I want you to want it." I titled my head and pressed the key into his chest. Hypnos folded his hands around mine and leaned in with a sigh; "Can I tell you what I really want? Above all else?"
I narrowed my eyes. Was this a trick? "Yes...?"
"I want to stay with you in your palace, if I may."
"What kind of question is that? Of course you may. I want you there too." I shook my head and watched as Hypnos smiled broadly. Gods, he's never smiled this much. It must be the cold air...
"Good. Honestly, I want our children to grow up together and even more honestly, I despise this place and I want to burn it to the ground."
My eyes travelled to the large structure behind us and I smiled absentmindedly; "Well, I guess I'll hand over the key to Momus then."
"Of course the land will still be yours?"
"Logically, but he can maintain it and act as custodian. I refuse to let all of this fall into Apollo's hands."
Hypnos nodded his head and we grazed our eyes from the west to the east. Nyx and Erebus' lands had been vast and fertile. "And so you get what you wanted, yet again."
I shifted my bemused eyes back to my twin; "What do you mean?"
"Come now, I know." Hypnos placed his hand on my shoulder and smirked knowingly. "I know you wanted Tundra and now you have it. What do you plan on taking next?"
"Are you suggesting that I'm trying to trick the king out of his lands?" I chuckled, but there was genuine curiosity in my voice.
Hypnos' eyes turned dark; "Trick or conquer? It's hard to start an empire through 'tricks'."
I was silent for a moment and stared up at the high towers of the snowy fortress. Hypnos watched my profile with interest and patiently waited. I smiled; "I'll think about it."
"You should be king, you know?" Hypnos said with a soft voice and turned around, signaling to me that he wanted to leave.
I took one last look at the palace and contemplated setting it alight right now, with my bare hands, but there was still something stopping me. The same thing that stopped me from ripping into Nyx and the same thing that stopped me from sending Eris away for an eternity.
My feet turned on their own accord and I walked up beside my brother. "I want to name my palace; what do you think?"
"I think it's long overdue."
"How about Evlogiméno?"
Hypnos stopped mid-step and looked at me with pleasant surprise. "Yes. That's perfect."
I smiled and threw my arm over his shoulder, pulling him closer as we walked back to where my carriage and portal were waiting to take us back home.
"And undeniably true..."
One more chapter to go, and then the epilogue...
What do you all think of Thanatos' name for his fortress and the capital of his growing empire?
This term was mentioned in the beginning of the book as a phrase said whenever a member (or a few members) of the family were out on a hunt.
Evlogiméno- Blessed