'Vale, angelus meus... Somniatis de me...'

Even-handed Aqua

Okay- Don't freak out...

Just breathe.

In.

Out.

In.

Ou-

Fuck! How did this happen?

I was pacing up and down my room waiting for Hypnos and Thanatos to arrive; my legs going even faster than my turmoil-ridden head. Hypnos had agreed to help me with my 'Hecate' haunting, and I was eager to get started. The nightmares were still very present, but I'd noticed a strange absence of Hecate lately.

But I couldn't think about that- not at a time like this.

My brain was working overtime trying to think of an acceptable or excusable reason as to why I was in love with Death!

How did this happen?

I am so screwed!

Maybe it's just my hormones? Maybe it's just because I've been lonely, and he's been around...But he doesn't need to be around me? He's been here by my side because he wants to be.

Does he feel the same?

Whoa, there Aurora!

That's dangerous terrain you're treading on now. Thanatos is a god, and he most certainly does not have 'feelings'- especially for you.

Or maybe he does?

Why is this so confusing?

A knock sounded on the door.

I breathed in and stopped pacing; my eyes trained on the corner where they would enter. I was agitated and nervous. My usual cool demeanour definitely thrown right out the window.

My breathing was shallow, my hands sweaty and I couldn't stop fidgeting with the thin braided belt of my dark green dress. And it wasn't because I was nervous about what Hypnos had planned for the day...

I wonder if he likes green?

Will he try to touch me in front of his brother?

Would I want that?

The flush sprinting up to my cheeks answered that question fairly easily...

I smiled stiffly as two figures rounded the corner. Hypnos orange eyes were brighter this morning, but his smile was the same- cool and calm. I greeted him as he came towards me for a hug; "Morning..."

"Good morning, sleep well?"

I nodded as he looked down at me with calculating eyes; "Any strange dreams?"

"Just the usual- like I'd told you, but no sign of her; again."

Hypnos nodded and stepped aside allowing my eyes to instantly lock onto a pair of simmering red ones.

My heart stilled.

Thank the gods he can't hear my thoughts anymore, because- Damn! I think I want his babies...

Focus Aurora!

Thanatos was looking at me with a familiar dazed glint. I couldn't help but hope that the reason behind his dreamy facial expression was me...

But I had no guarantee of that, so I just smiled and felt the heat rise to my cheeks.

Gods- I'm acting like a schoolgirl! Get yourself together!

"Hi..."

Hi? Ugh! Great... Now you can't even form a proper sentence around him.

Thanatos smiled softly; "Hey..."

Oh! Well, neither can he apparently...

We stared at each other until a throat cleared, breaking the hypnotic trance.

I blushed and dropped my eyes to the floor in embarrassment as Hypnos sat himself down on my plush, grey carpet. He patted the area in front of him; indicating for me to sit down so we could start.

I heard Thanatos move closer towards me, but I quickly ducked towards the carpet- I couldn't handle being so close to him right now; not while I had to focus on other things. His mere presence made me nervous and I could feel his eyes on the back of my head as I sat down in front of Hypnos and crossed my legs.

"Right, let's start." Hypnos sounded decisive.

Thanatos moved behind me and sat down on the couch; his long legs directly placed behind my bum. I bit my inner cheek. There was no way that I was going to be able to focus with him sitting so close...

I could smell his musky scent- it clouded everything else and caused my heart to swell.
I never noticed this, but he smelt like comfort.

"Close your eyes." Hypnos said softly and I gladly obliged; wanting badly to just disappear from the room and stop my brain from working. "Now breath slowly and steadily. Think of the place she always takes you... Imagine it in your head. Build it."

I did as he asked- creating the sunset scenery, with the large tree in the centre of a vast sea of lavender. I added in the mirrors with no reflection and the cloudless sky; and lastly I added myself- in the white, flowy dress I always appeared in.

I looked around, my body automatically tensing up as my senses associated the dream-like landscape with danger. I suddenly felt a cold hand gently grab mine.

Before I could get too excited, I realised that it wasn't a hand I knew- it was Hypnos'.

A deep sense of disappointment engulfed me and I tried to push the thought away as the god of sleep spoke; "Relax. Loosen your shoulders."

I did as he said. Hypnos grabbed my other hand too; a faint grumble from behind me reached my ears. Hypnos ignored it and continued; "Now call to her."

I opened my eyes in disbelief at his words and pulled back my hands. Hypnos furrowed his brows at my reaction as I shook my head; "Why would I want to do that?"

"There's a large chance that Hecate is trying to help you."

"But there's also a big chance that she isn't." I said with a glare.

Thanatos remained silent as Hypnos grabbed my hands again and tried to reason with me; "Aurora, I know you're scared, but we're right here with you. Nothing can happen, but you know we need to try this first of all."

My eyes examined his; they were filled with resolve.

I nodded and sighed as I let him place my hands on his knees. He was right, but the self-doubt and uncertainty was still very present. This distance was somewhat uncomfortable; especially considering the man I loved was sitting behind me, watching.

The man I loved...

I tried to focus myself back into the dreamy scene as I suddenly felt a boot press against my hip. Thanatos was trying to reassure me that he was there- right behind me and ready to help. I smiled and dove in.

He would protect me.

In my head I yelled out into the vast landscape; calling her by her true name- 'Hecate!'

I tried a few times; my voice airy and odd inside my own head.

Nothing.

Hypnos and Thanatos waited patiently as I continued my solo hunt inside my head. I walked around the large field- grazing lavender heads with my fingertips; the sensation extraordinarily real. Some time passed and I tried again.

Nothing.

Hypnos never left my hands as he helped me stay in my dreamland with the help of his power. Thanatos' other boot was now placed next to my other hip as well as he tried to keep my grounded in the real world; the feeling of his proximity enough to keep smacking my psyche back into the chamber, where my earthly body sat.

I called her name a few more times but gave up by the tenth. Was it because Thanatos was so close? She never bothered me at night whenever he was near. She kept her distance, except for that one night in Caneyville, where she'd showed herself to me for the very first time. 

The brothers were silent as time dragged on.

I turned to head towards the tree in the centre of the plane to see if I'd missed any clues, but just as I turned my back, a loud howl rang out.

My bones went numb and I felt the chill run up my spine before the three pairs of yellow eyes appeared on the horizon.

I automatically tightened my grip on Hypnos' hands, causing him to open his eyes in surprise. He looked over to his brother in silent questioning, but since Thanatos couldn't read my mind anymore, he had no answer to give to my sudden rigidity.

I backed away.

They began to run; their eyes full of purpose and direction.

My heart stilled and I could feel my mind struggling to mind its way back to my material body, however, I could feel my grip around Hypnos' hands tightened until my knuckles turned white and he made a painful noise.

"Get her out!" It was Thanatos' voice, but it sounded strange. Like he was underwater. Or was that me?

I ran.

The hounds ran faster and started to gain on me. The endless field of purple kept drawing on as my feet sprinted. They would eventually reach me in a few metres, and... and then what?

"I'm trying, but she's hooked in somehow?"

"What do you mean 'hooked in'?" Thanatos asked; his voice pained and angry. I felt a tug at my shoulder, but quickly Hypnos voice spoke out; "No! Don't! You can't rip her out! She needs to come back on her own."

"Help her, dammit!"

"I'm trying, but like I said- she's hooked. There's something keeping her locked in. Or someone..."

Thanatos angry growl was so powerful it vibrated through into my dream and gave the three hounds pause. They slowed their pace and I watched with bated breath as their heads reared up and around to locate the threat.

I took the small distraction as my opportunity to focus and to try and get myself back into my rightful body.

I sat down onto the hard ground, with my legs crossed and my hands placed on my knees.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Breathe in, breathe out...

The hounds began to run again and I felt my steady breathing start up again.

Focus! Just be calm and focus!

Get yourself out.

I focused on everything I could- my parents, my friends, Conrad, Alexus, the palace, Donata Academy- and Thanatos, most of all.

The hounds barking got louder and closer- their long, sharp teeth glistening in the dimming light. They were pitch black and their eyes a bursting shade of yellow. I clasped my hands harder onto my knees and chanted softly.

I could feel Hypnos' spirit try to pull me out, but there was a border up between us.

The barking was a few feet away from me, and I felt the small glimmer of defeat grow and grow. I wasn't a quitter, but I had the feeling this was it.

Should I stand up and fight them off? Well, I certainly wasn't going to just sit here...

I opened my eyes.

They were right in front of me.

We stared at each other as they bared their fangs and howled in victory.

I glared and pressed my hands to the floor; "I'm not going down without a fight..."

The hounds made a strange grunting noise and took a few steps closer to me, but before I could unleash my earth-shattering bending, the three hounds fell before me and nestled their heads on the ground in a strange show of obedience.

I froze.

The air was silent.

A cool breeze ran through my hair as I watched them, expecting some sort of trick, but nothing happened. Instead, they just laid there until the middle one looked up into my eyes and sniffed.

I blinked a couple of times and lifted my hands up from the ground. I straightened my back and uncrossed my legs. They hounds got up from their feet as I stood up. Their movement mimicked mine.

I carefully walked towards the middle one; its ears straightening up and its yellow eyes glowing.

"Don't move..." I said as I slowly extended my hand. The animal was large and I didn't have to bend down to touch my hand to its furry head. The other two hounds barked excitedly, causing me to jump back at the sudden noise.

The middle one remained still and expectant.

I shot them a disapproving look and they stilled and closed their mouths.

These dogs were Hecate's.

And now- they were mine.

That's why they followed me everywhere! They were trying to get to me... To show me.

I bit my lip and spoke up; "Where are you? Where did Hecate leave you?"

I felt stupid for talking to three wolf-like animals, but they had a kind of intelligence in their eyes that reassured me that they knew what I was trying to convey to them.

The one on the left side barked and turned towards the tree in the far distance.

I looked up at it and shook my head.

The tree?

Suddenly, before I could ask any more questions, a cold, phantom pulled me up from the ground and swung me through the air until I landed with a hard blow into my earthly body. The sad howls of the three wolves ringing through my ears as my whole body went numb.

I fell limply back into a pair of strong arms.

"Aurora?" Thanatos voice was full of fear and rage. I felt him scoop me up into his lap while his arms tightened around me. My head lulled to the side and I tried to pry open my eyes, but they wouldn't budge and neither would my tongue.

"Aurora?" Hypnos asked with worry, but more calmly than his twin.

I heard Thanatos snap at his brother; "This is all your fault."

"Calm down, Thanatos! She's fine; just a bit dazed. She'll come to in a few seconds!"

"You better hope so or I'll-"

"S-stop..." I tried to say, but my mouth wouldn't fully move. I felt Thanatos' hand caress my cheek as he leaned down to examine my face; his hot breath fanning me awake. "Aurora? Aurora, can you hear me?"

I tried to nod, but only managed a slightly shake of my head. Thanatos cussed and lifted me up higher in his arms. My eyes fluttered open and I was greeted with two pairs of worried eyes staring down at me.

I smiled; "Hey there..."

Hypnos laughed softly in relief and shook his head, but Thanatos didn't find the situation very amusing.

"Are you alright? Can you move?" He lifted me up so I could sit straight. I nodded and took my head in my hands; "Yeah, I'm okay."

Hypnos smiled and moved his hand to stroke my arm, but Thanatos' hand roughly slapped his brother's away; "Don't ever touch her again!"

Hypnos, shocked by his twin's out of character and hostile behaviour, tucked his hand away and shot him a questioning look. I glanced up at Thanatos and put my palm on his chest. His eyes were full of resentment, laced with dark panic.

"It's okay- I'm okay, Thanatos."

"But what if you weren't?" My heart stilled at the fear in his words. My hope that he had some sort of feelings towards me only intensified.

"I never meant to put her in danger, you know that..." Hypnos said as he tried to reason with his brother. I shot him a look to show that this wasn't the right time. Thanatos wasn't going to listen to reason in this state of explosive emotion.

Thanatos scoffed nastily; "Is this you trying to get back at me?"

"What?" Hypnos said with an in credulous expression; "No! Of course not! I don't hold grudges- unlike you."

Thanatos glared at his twin, but before they could set each other on fire with their angry stares or hurt each other with more words they didn't mean- I spoke up; "Hey!"

The two of them stared at me in shock.

"Stop this! I have news. I didn't find Hecate, but you know those dogs that I kept saying were trying to chase me? Well, it turns out they're completely harmless."

Hypnos furrowed his brows, but Thanatos only stared at me with a worried expression. I continued with excitement, but my breathing still shallow; "They were Hecate's dogs, like her companions, but now that she's gone- they're mine."

"It makes sense. Back in the old days, Hecate had minions to do her bidding but no one knew what they looked like, and when she was trapped on the moon- her minions were locked away too." Thanatos said quietly as he looked down in contemplation. Hypnos nodded in agreement.

"I need to find them."

The two brothers looked up at me in surprise.

"No! Under no circumstances." Thanatos said in finality.

Hypnos chimed in; "I have to agree with him, Aurora. That's far too dangerous."

"And this wasn't?" I asked as I folded my arms and glared. Thanatos flicked his tongue; "What you're talking about is something entirely different!"

"But-"

"The answer is no, Aurora." Thanatos tone was curt and full of menace.

I gulped.

It was easy to forget lately that he was still the god of Death and immensely powerful. And slightly scary when he gave you his infamous death glare.

Hypnos nodded and scratched the back of his head; "Well, at least this helped in some way. I'm sorry about not being able to get you out sooner, Aurora. There was a strange force-field around you that formed as soon as you entered. I had to take some time to break it."

I nodded and smile softly; "It's alright, and thank you for helping me do this. I needed the push."

Thanatos remained quiet, but Hypnos could feel he wasn't wanted in the room anymore. His twin was still upset so he got up and offered me one last smile; "Let me know if you need anything."

I nodded and watched as he left; his walk almost similar to that of his brothers.

The door clicked shut and I immediately felt Thanatos' arms encircle me. I breathed out in relief as his voice turned soothing and warm- his previous menacing edge all but gone; "You scared me..."

I smiled into his shoulder as we embraced; "Sorry, but you know how I get- I couldn't just leave. Curiosity got the better of me..."

Thanatos shook his head against my neck and nuzzled his mouth by my earlobe. A series of pleasurable shivers ran down my arms and legs as he spoke; "You need to be more careful."

I broke away from him, his eyes still full of worry. Thanatos didn't want to let go, but I was forceful and he knew better than to try and stop me.

I attempted to stand up; it was a bit wobbly at first, but I pushed myself up by leaning on his shoulder. Thanatos stood up and tried to grab me around the waist, but I shot him a look. He sighed and let me do my thing- he knew better by now than to 'baby' me.

"Now, what's for lunch later?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood, but as I took a step forward, my knee buckled and I fell forward with a yelp.

Luckily, Thanatos had the reflexes and speed of a cobra.

He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me up against his chest. I gasped from the sudden jolt. Thanatos chuckled and spun me around to pick me up bridal style. I rolled my eyes as he carried me to the alcove; "Well, whatever it is, you're having it in bed."

"Oh, come on! I can't skip another day of training. Put me down."

"You just spent an hour in a different astral plane and you want to go and train again? Not going to happen, angel..."

An hour? I was in there for that long? It didn't even feel like it...

"Well, I feel fine." I lied.

I was exhausted and my knees felt like jelly, but I really did need to master Astronomical and Earth magic before the end of this week still...

I had a due date, and now since I'd met the gods- I felt the pressure even more.

Thanatos put me down on the comfortable bed and trailed a finger over my forehead to push my stray locks to the side; "I don't care. You're staying in bed whether you want to or not. Now sleep. I'll tell Opis to bring in some lunch later."

"Thanatos..." I said as I grabbed his hand before he turned to leave; "Don't be angry with him, he's your brother and he's only trying to help."

Thanatos sighed softly.

I smiled up at him with tired eyes and he leaned down to peck my cheek. Seductively he whispered into my ear; "I'd love to stay, but I might just tire you out even more..."

Tactful.

Avoid the hanging family squabble with a sexy tease to distract me- very clever, Mr Death...

I smirked and scoffed; "Go apologise."

Thanatos grinned down at me with sly eyes and winked. He leaned down again to place a sensual kiss on my lips- leaving me more breathless than when I was running in my dream-like state. I savoured the feel of his plump lips on mine.

"Sleep." He ordered.

"Yeah, yeah... Now go and laugh manically in the mirror or whatever you do on a Tuesday morning."

I rolled over onto my side and hugged the pillow leaving Thanatos to his amused chuckle. I yawned and closed my eyes, but suddenly a loud, booming laughter filled my ears.

Thanatos was laughing like an evil maniac right by my ear; "Bwhaha-haha-haha!"

I shot around and I swung the pillow, but missed him by a hair as he dodged. His laughter was back to normal- angelic and beautiful- as his eyes flickered with mischief.

"What's the matter, angel? Can't handle the real me?"

"Oh, the real you? You mean the version of you that likes to 'get down and funky' with The Bee Gees?"

I saw Thanatos face change from arrogant to embarrassed to revenge-driven in a split second- and then he lunged for me. I screamed out as his hands found their way onto my sides and his pinned me down with his body to ensure I couldn't move out from under him. He began to tickle me with everything he had. I was screaming out with laughter for him to stop, but my pleas falling on deaf ears!

Tears ran down my cheeks as he laughed loudly and on purpose in my ear sending chills down my spine.

"Okay! Okay!" I shouted and put my hands up in defeat.

Thanatos chuckled loudly and stopped his aggressive tickling to shoot me a triumphant look. I pursed my lips; my breathing heavy and my eyes watering.

"Now then-" Thanatos said as he climbed off of me; "If you weren't tired before, you definitely are now."

I threw the blanket over my head and pointed to the door; my voice muffled; "Be gone, Satan."

Thanatos ripped the blanket from my head to attack my lips- his kisses forceful and full of greed. The vibration of his deep voice against my mouth sent me back into a trance, and I couldn't deny the fact that I finally now knew what being in-love for the first time felt like;

"Vale, angelus meus... Somniatis de me."

Vale, angelus meus. Somniatis de me- Goodbye, my angel. Dream of me...

And the plot thickens...

You just know Aurora's going to find a way to get to those wolves ;3

And good to see Thanatos channeling his obsessive tendencies into keeping Aurora safe- poor Hypnos. He didn't get the memo.

NEXT UPDATE- 5th of April... Xx