“Hello Nate.” Glancing backwards at the sunset haze, Hypnos takes a leisurely stroll straight to the lounge, ignoring my protests. “Let’s wrap this up quickly, eh? I should really be having a nap.”

“Good evening Nate. It’s that time already I’m afraid.” The paler brother, Thanatos, bows respectfully and steps past my small frame. “I’m here to collect your mother.”

Slamming the door behind myself, I follow the pair with balled fists. Yawning nonchalantly as he sits, my absentee father rolls into a comfortable ball on the sofa. Suppressing my own yawn, I sit opposite, drawing a chair from the dining room. Thanatos stands a couple of feet away, no doubt hearing the whispers of tension as my glare buries itself in Hypnos’ glazed eyes.

“So?”

“So? Is there anything really to discuss, boy? I have already bargained on your behalf to give your mother more time.” Hypnos’ brow furrows in slight vexation. “As you can see, your uncle has gotten rather impatient, you’re only delaying the inevitable.”

Thanatos’ features stagnate with neutrality, his midnight black scythe glinting in the red-orange light. I understood well that time was up, but I cannot stand by.

“Why can’t you… just wait until I’m an adult? You’ve delayed once before, why wouldn’t you be able to do it again? Is this the limit of the gods?” The frustrated gritting of teeth and barely suppressed response meets my ears. “Where would I even meant to go? I don’t see you offering a place to stay. How do you expect me to survive?”

Thanatos steps forward, placings a single hand on Hypnos’ shoulder. Turning to face me, I meet his darkening expression. “My apologies. I’m afraid further delays are simply put, impossible. Believe me, I have overlooked Ms. Miller for as I am able. Even the gods have responsibilities, and I cannot allow you to obstruct mine any longer. Do not blame my brother for any of this.” He nods one last time towards me, and ambles slowly through the hallway.

Hypnos averts his eyes, frowning discontentedly. I follow his visual meandering around the room. As our eyes wander, they screech to a halt at the family picture hung above the kitchenette. I retrieve it quickly from the wall, before taking my seat opposite the sofa. Mournful droplets touch the glass, as I turn to my father, who hesitates before gesturing for me to hand the frame over.

“Why did you choose her?”

“Listen kid, you know that’s one I can’t answer.” His finger runs along the old wooden frame, caressing the flowing black hair with a smile tainted by gloom. “You’d have to ask Aphrodite that question, love is almost a matter as fickle as the gods...”

“Figures.” A comfortable air of silence surrounds us, lulling my eyes closed.

When I finally emerged from my cocoon of slumber, it was not Hypnos who sat across from me, but Thanatos. “Nghhhh.” I ache all over. This is what I get for passing out on a hardwood chair I suppose.

“Awake are we?” Thanatos’ features soften ever so slightly as his eyes meet mine. “Good. Hypnos had other unforeseen business to attend. So I shall finish it in his stead.”

Right. Of course. He couldn’t stick around, and so I’m left alone again, as usual.

“Don’t fret Nate. Hypnos has made arrangements for you.” His attempt at a reassuring smile falls completely flat. “A car for your transport is already on the way.”


“Destination?”

“Camp Half-Blood, Long Island. A place for demigods just like you.”

With a wave of his hand, I can see a forest, with what looks like a summer retreat destination. I sit silently, absorbing this new environment.

“And one last thing. This is from me.” Thanatos reaches across the table, gingerly handing me a thin, long package. I carefully unwrap it, removing a long steel rod with a shadowy hook shaped blade attached to the end. “From here on out, the danger to you is real, and you need a proper way to defend yourself. Treat her well... and stay safe Nate.”

“But I can’t accept this-” As I look from the scythe to my uncle, he was gone. ___________________________________________________________________