'Nyx used to say we were two sides of the same coin...'

Turquoise Family Tapestry

I stared dreamily at the wall; my eyes slanted and my head propped up on my palm while my fingers played with the small chain around my neck.

His pendant.

I was on cloud nine- my thoughts jumbling together like string as I tried to soak up every detail, every touch and every soft, sensual whisper. There wasn't enough time in the world for me to slow down my racing heart and cure me from my numb state of bliss.

He is so unbelievably incredible...

"Aurora."

Alexus snapped her fingers in front of my face and I shot back in my chair at the sudden loud noise. I looked up guiltily as she raised her eyebrow and stared down at me with her deep hazel eyes.

I smiled sheepishly; "Something wrong?"

"I don't know- you tell me..." Alexus said as she crossed her arms over her chest; "You've been busy with this spell for almost an hour now and all you've written is the title. Something on your mind?"

Yes, abs of steel, hands so talented they should win an Oscar and a mouth so sinful it could give Satan a run for his money...

"No, nothing." I smiled up at her with a bit too much glee.

Alexus furrowed her brows and looked me over with suspicious eyes; "I didn't realise the party went that well..."

Oh, no, but the after-party certainly did.

"Like I said earlier, it was fun and they were all very kind and welcoming."

Alexus nodded and walked around my chair to peer over my shoulder; "Are you having trouble with the spell? Is that why you've been daydreaming for the last hour?"

A small knowing smile was on her face. I tried to ignore it and pretend like I didn't know what she was talking about; "I was just thinking about it carefully before I put it down in words. You did tell me the structure of this one is quite difficult."

"Yes, but not so difficult that you can't even write down the preliminary cause and effect. Are you sure you're feeling alright. You look flushed?"

"I'm fine." I tried to push down my annoyance at her pestering, but I understood she was only worried and curious by my odd behaviour; "Let's get back to work, shall we?"

Alexus nodded and walked back to my desk to continue with her work for Hades. We were studying in my room for the day since Conrad needed his study for spell-practicals at the academy for the other students. I focused my eyes on the book in front of me and tapped my pencil against my chin.

Right, so this spell is called the 'Vertex'. It's supposed to create a large tornado, depending on the amount of power you put in. Now, the key thing is to remember to focus the energy from the soles of my feet so I don't accidently get sucked in myself. The spell could easily backfire on me, but Alexus did point out that I need to practice directing air with my fingertip, like with fire, to make sure that I control where its heading at all times...

At least air is easier to control than fire. It's more flexible and the only emotions I need to really focus on are inner-peace and serenity. Whereas, with fire it was passion- like from yesterday.

Passion like when Thanatos ripped my dress off and- dammit, Aurora!

Focus!

Okay, let's see here- so I need to establish a personal connection like this, but only when I'm using the spell in a defensive manner, whereas, when I'm being aggressive- like Thanatos when he forced me against the glass door of the shower- NO!

For fuck's sake.

This isn't working.

I need some air.

I stood up from my chair and quietly walked over to Alexus as she sorted through some old papers and documents. She looked up at me with a small smile. Just as I opened my mouth, a cry rang out down below in the courtyard. We both eyed each other and quickly rushed to the window to see what all the commotion was about.

There was a large cluster of giggling girl by the large front gates; all of them pushing out their chests and fluttering their eyes in delight. I rolled my eyes as I sharp pang of jealousy sprang up from my chest. Thanatos probably just got back from Earth. They all look so pitiful...

Gods, I hope I don't look like that around him.

Alexus tutted in irritation and turned her back on the window. A knock sounded on my door.

"Come in!" I shouted and waited for the visitor to round the corner passage.

Opis polite smile was a welcoming sight; "Ladies, I have come to inform you that we have a guest in the palace for a few days."

"Oh... Who might that be?" Alexus asked as she continued to lazily sort though her papers.

"Is it Hypnos?" I asked as I sat down on the windowsill and enjoyed the hot sun on my back.

Alexus shot up with wide eyes and whipped her head around to stare at me; "What did you just say?"

"Hypnos?" I said slowly; her wild eyes giving me pause. "What's wrong?"

Alexus quickly turned around again and breathed out slowly. She composed herself and shot me a small smile; "Nothing. Nothing. Just, uh, curious how you know that name?"

"Thanatos sent for him a few days ago." I said cautiously as I watched she tucked a shaky hand into her dress' pocket.

Opis cleared his throat and our eyes fell back to his straight figure; "Indeed, my lord did, and he has arrived." Alexus looked down with calculating eyes. My curiosity peaked.

"Lady Aurora," I shifted my eyes to the caring butler; "My lord wishes for you to join him and his brother for dinner tonight. I shall bring you a few new dresses to choose from later, when you are done training for the day."

I nodded as he left; leaving me with an oddly even quieter Alexus.

"Dinner with the twins. Should be fun..." I said as I peered down into the courtyard to catch a glimpse of the famous brother, but all I could see were girl giggling and two dark figures under the patio. The girls were probably told to keep their distance so the brothers could talk.

I turned my head back to Alexus. She was packing up her books and papers. I lifted an eyebrow in question; "Leaving so soon?"

She looked up as my voice caught her off guard like she'd forgotten I was in the room; "Yes, I have some things to do in my chamber. We'll continue again tomorrow. Good luck with tonight..."

She smiled broadly and left, leaving me perched on the windowsill as I stared after her, my arms crossed and my brow raised in suspicion.

By now I knew Alexus well enough to know that the wider her smile got- the more she was hiding.

"Sit." I said as we neared the two chairs under the patio.

My brother looked around cautiously and grabbed the chair opposite mine. We sat down simultaneously, almost as if expecting the other to rip the chair out from under him.

I crossed my leg over the other as we stared at each other in disquiet.

This was... peculiar.

Twenty years wasn't a long time for us gods- until you actually had to reflect on it in a short span of time.

I nodded my head to Silas, my servant, to deal with the huddle of giggling girls ogling at us from the courtyard. He bowed and left to disperse them and send them off to their rooms.

More staring, and more quiet.

I tapped my fingers against each other. "Tea?"

Hypnos scoffed. I grinned; "Of course not- you're more of a coffee man, much like myself."

"At least one thing we have in common." His voice hasn't changed at all. Still so dry and emotionless

"Well- that and parents."

He rolled his eyes; "Why am I here, Thanatos?"

"For some lemon tarts and light chit-chat. How's the business of sleep going?"

"Be serious for once in your life, you ass." Hypnos shot me a deadly look; his bright orange eyes full of annoyance.

I smiled and placed my arms on the chair handles; "We both can't be dull- one of us needs to be the fun one, you know..."

"Fun; or dysfunctional?"

I made a searing noise and tapped my hand against the area where a heart should be; "You wound me, brother."

Hypnos sighed with exasperation and slowly stood up from his chair. I raised a brow and shot him a questioning look. I spoke up as he adjusted his grey cloak. "And where are you going?"

"I don't have time for your games, Thanatos. Either you tell me what's going on, or better yet- how about you start with an apology."

I narrowed my eyes; "Me? And what for, may I ask?"

Hypnos scoffed and laughed without humour; "You're unbelievable!"

"Yes, but I'm not going to apologise for that, baby brother..."

"How many times must I tell you- I am not your baby brother!" Hypnos spun around and stormed off.

I sighed and rolled my eyes.

Brothers.

I quickly shot up from my chair and jogged after him. Hypnos didn't bother to stop walking towards the gates as I walked up beside him and turned my body towards his; a wide smile on my face; "Alright, alright- I'm sorry for whatever little feud we had a few years ago, but come now! You can't still be angry with me? It's so long."

"You don't even remember what we fought about, do you?" Hypnos said as he continued to briskly walk towards the entrance.

I chuckled and shrugged.

"It's been twenty years- just be glad I still remember your name, Hypnos." I said jokingly but my twin didn't seem to find it amusing. He stopped dead in his tracks and turned to glare at me.

"You always hide behind your sarcasm, don't you? Start getting serious or I'm leaving, and then you can find someone else to help you out of your shit."

"Who says I'm in shit?" I asked, raising my brow. I was not exactly the sibling in my family who always landed in a pile of issues. On the contrary, I was the one who solved the issues- the messes. Thus, Hypnos must've been terribly confused as to why I had sent for word his help.

"You would never be the first one to wave the white flag if you weren't."

He had a point. I grinned, which only irritated him further; "Well, aren't you my shinning knight... "

"That's it!"

Hypnos started to walk towards the gates again; his glower deep and deadly. I sighed and grabbed his shoulder to turn him around to face me. He shook my hand off and glared.

I bit my inner cheek and pushed down my pride.

For Aurora- remember, you're doing this for Aurora. But not only that. I also wanted to end this ridiculous battle we had between us. My twin was very important to me, even if he no longer felt that way. I'd missed him more than I could bare some days, and as horrid as this situation was for Aurora, it had at least provided a golden opportunity for me to settle this spat between Hypnos and I once and for all.

"Alright, fine. Of course I remember what we fought about, and I am sorry. You know I had no idea it meant that much to you, but that isn't an excuse for what I did. I apologise, brother." I extended my hand and hoped that my words sounded sincere enough.

I was sorry- I truly was.

I never wanted to hurt my brother, but my pride had kept me from admitting my faults for so long- it was strange to be in his presence again.

I'd missed him. For so long we'd been inseparable- my only family; or at least one of the only family members I still cared for.

Hypnos looked down at my extended hand as I spoke; "Forgive me?"

He was taken aback by my words; I've never been particularly expressive when I was at fault, but then again- neither was he. We had more in common than we liked to admit. Nyx used to say we were two sides of the same coin.

Hypnos sighed and ran a tanned hand through his dark blonde hair. He scrutinised me with his eyes, but finally he gave in; "Yeah, yeah..."

He put his hand in mine and we leaned in for a hug as I clasped him on the back in an affectionate manner. He laughed softly; "But you're still a cunt."

"But I'm your cunt."

We paused and pulled back. He shook his head slightly; "Don't ever say that again."

"Noted."

We laughed as I swung an arm around his shoulder and led him up the stairs. It was easy to forgive when it came to the two of us- we'd definitely have had enough practise over the many years- but getting to the point of forgiveness is what took us both a long time. Hypnos looked around in appreciation; "Still enjoying the lavish life of Hades' right-hand-man?"

I chuckled and shrugged; "Same old, same old. Still enjoying life in the rural fields, pretending to be Amish?"

Hypnos shot me a glare, but on his lips he had a smile. I smiled; "Relax, brother, a mere jest. Although, there is room here available for you, if you'd like to stay a while?"

Hypnos nodded as we ascended another flight of stairs; some girls peaked out of their rooms to smile at us seductively. We paid no attention to them as we walked; "I'd like that, but I heard you have a guest here? Is the top floor not full?"

"It is, but I can make space for my brother, naturally."

The truth was after Hypnos left, Delilah had decided to move into the South wing without my permission. I was livid at first, but then she explained to me how much easier the arrangement made it for me to quell my late night cravings. So I allowed her to stay, but then she got annoying.

I'd throw her out later today, so Hypnos could move back in for a while until he felt like leaving. He was more of a nomad; never staying in one place for too long.

I, however, liked to spend my time on expanding my empire. An empire I could build from scratch- not the one my mother wanted me to draw blood for.

"So who is this successor of Hecate? I heard she has quite the power- burnt a Fury to pieces."

I see the story has been greatly exaggerated in the mythical world. Well, rather keep it that way so the killer can think twice about trying to assassinate Aurora again.

I chuckled; "Yes, she's quite the lioness."

"And extremely beautiful." Hypnos said with a sly smirk directed at me. "I also heard that she needs to be a virgin to ascend. You must be in immense pain..."

I raised a brow and titled my head; "What do you mean?"

"Come now, Thanatos. I know you..." Hypnos smiled as we went up another flight of stairs; our long capes gliding on the floor.

"You've probably tried to seduce her ages ago, and this little bit of an obstacle is driving you insane."

I gulped. He definitely was my twin- he knew me too well, but the only thing was; Aurora wasn't like all the others. She was special and I didn't know if I wanted to divulge that bit of information to him just yet. I knew I could trust him, but just admitting to my brother that I had some kind of feelings for a mortal girl would probably give him years of enjoyment and leave me with decades of teasing.

"Hmm... Well, you can meet her tonight. Dinner will be in my chamber; let's say around seven?"

Hypnos nodded as we tried to ignore all the eager girls walking past; flashing their legs and smiles.

We reached the top floor and I led him to my room so we could catch up. Opis opened the door for us and smiled widely at my brother; "My lord, how good to see you again! How have you been?"

Hypnos hugged the old man and smiled; "Good, dear man. I see you're as cheerful as ever! It's good to see your smile, Opis."

Opis bowed and smiled. The old man has practically raised us, alongside another head servant, Irma. Hypnos walked inside and made himself at home by the fire. He poured us each a glass of bourbon- his favourite. I had Opis place it on the mantel for his visit. I knew exactly how to butter up my brother.

I turned to Opis and softly whispered to him; "Remove Delilah from Hypnos' room. Before tonight, please."

Opis nodded and turned to leave, but I quickly grabbed his shoulder to stop him; "And tell Aurora dinner is at seven. Ensure she wears the dress I bought last week, you know which one."

Opis smiled knowingly and left with a skip in his step.

Hypnos handed me a tumbler filled with a dark russet liquid. I sniffed it and smiled; memories of our many adventures coming back in a wave of nostalgia. It was good to have him back.

"Now- tell me all about this shit-pile you've landed yourself in..." Hypnos sat down on the leather armchair and smirked up at me. I sat down opposite him and took a large gulp from my glass.

"Well, it's not me who's in trouble."

Hypnos orange hued eyes narrowed and his smile grew deeper; "Thanatos trying to help another living thing? My, my... What happened to you in the last twenty years?"

I grinned, but my smile faltered and a look of concern appeared on my face. Hypnos furrowed his brows.

"It's Aurora. She needs some help."

"Wow, you're really eager to get into her pants..."

I grinned sheepishly and took a sip from my glass as I tried to avoid his eyes. Hypnos titled his head and examined me. I looked up and lifted a brow; "What?"

"There's more to this than you're telling me?"

I paused.

We stared at each other as I contemplated telling my brother about Aurora and me, but I had the feeling there would be no need. Hypnos broke the silence. "Alright, let's start from the beginning. Tell me everything..."

And so I did- up until what happened two nights ago, and yesterday. I didn't mention my feelings, or hers, but I had an inkling I didn't have to, because if anyone knew me better than I knew myself- it was my twin.

In Greek mythology Hypnos is the god of sleep and is in actual fact Thanatos' twin brother...

What do you all think of Hypnos so far? 
And What's up with Alexus? Hmm...

NEXT UPDATE- 23rd March; dinner with the twins

Hypnos (Jacey Elthalion)