'I was stunned for a split second as I watched him stare after her; the look of pure love was unmistakable...'

Layered with White Fog

I should know better than to have my nose pressed up in a book when walking- I'd have avoided our awkward encounter if I'd just paid attention.

Instead, I nearly ran her over, her soft yelp surprised; "Hypnos!"

My eyes shot up and widened and I felt my insides curl with regret at leaving my chamber on the upper levels, but who could blame me- with the walls moving and the loud screaming...

No one could be cooped up there for longer than an uncomfortable ten minutes before just packing up for the day and leaving for some peace and quiet. At least now I'm fairly sure Thanatos was in literal heaven. It's not like the loud moaning gave it away.

"My apologies, I wasn't looking where I was going."

Alexus fixed her long, indigo gown and smiled politely; "That's alright."

A moment of odd silence passed.

The gardens around us looked inviting, but the atmosphere rose higher as our silence dragged on and bathed the courtyard in slight discomfort.

She looked down at the book I held in my hand, her eyes searching for anything to distract her from the self-conscious tone; "What's it about?"

I cleared my throat; "Magical weapons. I'm doing some research, since Thanatos seems... occupied."

Alexus pulled a strange face and grimaced down at the stone floor of the courtyard. A soft breeze floated through her honey-coloured hair and I remembered a time, long ago, when I wanted to run my hands through it. Now, that feeling was replaced with indifference. It fit better.

"Yes... How delightful."

I couldn't help but notice the tremor in her voice, but I tried not to pay too much attention to it- I tried hard not to pay too much attention to her.

"How long have they been at it now?"

"I can't even remember." Alexus sighed and crossed her arms; "The last time I saw Aurora was yesterday morning, after we'd returned from Olympus. She was acting strange, but now I know why."

"Hmm..." I lifted my brows; "The virtue ring is no more, I presume."

I think we both knew there was no possible way for it to still be in play at this stage- not with poor Opis running around trying to distract himself from the God-awful noise. And the banging! Gods...

At some point or another they're bound to run out of steam- or a body part will eventually fall off.

"It's almost evening. Don't you think it's time to check on them?" I knew she meant me. Alexus would never dare intrude; Thanatos would have her head. 

He was, however, more lenient towards me, so I knew the task rested on my shoulders. I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck; "Yes, yes... I'll go in a few minutes. Give me some time to prepare my stomach."

Alexus snickered despite herself. We shared a strange look, our eyes properly meeting for the first time in a very long while- hazel; like a forest floor. I didn't find it as appealing as I had before, and this thought thrilled me. Perhaps the spell was broken.

I'd hoped so as she nodded her head once in farewell; "I'm going to head down to the lake, hopefully tonight we'll be able to get some sleep."

I chuckled and hummed in agreement. Her presence faded slightly, leaving the familiar scent of red wine. I knew she loved a good glass every night. Much like Thanatos she appreciated a vintage bottle. I was never a big fan.

I tapped at the book with my knuckle and sighed as the breeze flew through my hair. It was a beautiful sunny day, no clouds in the sky, but a heavy layer of mist nestled just over the horizon, towards Hades' palace. It was always so much darker and colder there- like what you'd expect the Underworld to look like.

The sun was setting slowly, the sky crisp and almost drained of the last drops of blue; a soft hue of pink and orange settling in.

I suppose there's no putting it off. Someone had to do it...

I rolled my eyes and with a last tap of the book on my thigh, I turned back to the large stairs to head up to the upper level. I took my time with the steps; I was in no rush to hear my brother's name being screamed out in a fit of passion- again. That was the whole reason I came down in the first place; to not have to listen as Thanatos grunted and groaned as he got his way.

A flustered Opis nearly knocked me off my feet as I stepped onto the second last level of the palace, the old butler's cheeks rosy and his voice high; "Master Hypnos, is there anything I can get for you?"

"Earplugs?"

Opis half smiled, half grimaced; "Eh... It won't help. I've tried."

I wanted to laugh at the old man's face, but I kept myself composed; "Perhaps it's best you stay downstairs until morning, Opis. I'm fairly sure Thanatos will call for you if he needs anything."

Like a new bed.

Opis nodded gratefully and scurried down to scold some kitchen staff- that always seemed to calm his nerves. I chuckled and shook my head. Even in his early manhood Thanatos knew how to rile up dear Opis. It was amusing when we were children, but now as young men- it was hilarious.

As I made my way up to the top level I couldn't help but think to myself what Opis would do if I'd told him to bring Thanatos and Aurora dinner? He'd probably do it, after taking a few shots of rum.

I smiled- Opis and his rum... That was the best game; hiding it from him and watching him rush around like a rooster, kicking staff around in some hope it might fall from their underskirts.

As my foot reached the top step, I was pleasantly surprised to find the upper level deadly quiet. Perhaps it's another break that only last a few hours- or perhaps they're done? Finally. Gods. Aurora must be cripple by now.

I carefully walked up to Thanatos' chamber and with a knock on the door I tested the waters. I heard a faint scuffle.

I prepared myself for the worst- broken glass, torn couches, stale air... I half expected Thanatos to look like a weary wolf emerging from his cave, but instead, as he opened the door, I was greeted with a wide smile.

A wide and energetic smile. Oh, gods no- just get tired already!

"Brother! What can I help you with?" Thanatos leaned against the door, blocking the entryway, his chest was bare, but much to my surprise he wore pants.

Hmp.

"I should be asking you that. Do you need a protein bar? Steroids injection? An ice bucket for you di-"

"Hypnos!" Aurora interrupted my snarky words and I caught her beaming smile as she appeared beside my twin, her hair neatly combed and her eyes sparkling. She didn't look tired at all. Although, her navy dress was quite wrinkled.

"Aurora." I smiled stiffly and they clearly picked it up.

"Anything wrong?" Aurora asked, her voice calm and cool as she tucked an arm around my brothers.

"Well, other than the fact that the king of the gods is dead, there are serial killers running around killing off my friends one by one and this book being a complete waste of time-" I lifted the book in my hand, itching to throw it at my brother's deliriously blissful face, "-Oh! And wait, there is one more thing..."

I didn't give them anytime to speak up as I shot them both a hard glare- "Could you please, for the love of Uranus, stop fucking like two horny rabbits!"

Aurora and Thanatos leaned back a bit at my sudden outburst. I wasn't prone to loud displays of emotion, so this should shock them out of their lust-induced haze.

Aurora grimaced and blushed a deep red; "Oh, gods, I'm so sorry!" She slapped Thanatos on the chest, the sound echoing off the high walls; "I thought you said you sound proofed the room!"

Thanatos rubbed the back of his neck and lazily chuckled; "Oops."

"Oops?" Aurora and I glared at Thanatos until he rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"Oh, calm down, ladies! At least now they know we're intimate."

"Oh, we know. And you keep reminding us." I said dryly, which only caused Aurora to blush harder. I didn't want to think of all the things they'd done together- then again- with all the noise, it wasn't hard to imagine.

"I'm sorry, Hypnos! That won't happen again," Aurora glared at Thanatos, "I can assure you."

Thanatos smirked down at her and winked. I rolled my eyes; "Well, if you two are done, we can talk about what we need to do next."

Aurora nodded, but quickly Thanatos' arm was around her shoulder as he pulled her closer and seductively said; "Maybe give us a few more hours..."

Aurora flicked her tongue and pushed him away slightly; "Not now!"

"Yes, please. I'm right here." I glowered at my twin until he dropped his arm from Aurora's shoulder and with an irritated scowl waved for me to come in.

The room looked worse than I imagined.

The balcony's glass door was wide open, sending a strong breeze through the room, but unlike the air, the room itself wasn't all that clean. Ripped clothing was scattered all over the place, two torn pillows lay mauled and wrangled beside the bed, feathers everywhere! The bed itself was- 

Well... It had looked better.

The headboard was completely cracked with pieces of wood scattered all over the stone floor. I can see Opis now- his face red and steam ringing from his ears. Too bad Thanatos looked too drugged to notice a thing.

The thin, gauze was ripped from the pillars of the bed and was limply discarded on the floor, along with various lacy garments. I shuddered away from them and tried to ignore the chocolate covered fur rug in front of the burnt out fire.

Where the fuck did he get chocolate from? Wait, what was the chocolate fo- You know what; I don't want to know.

"Sorry about the mess."

Bless Aurora's heart. She looked like she was about to grab a vacuum cleaner and rip this place back into shape before it could make any lasting impressions on my psyche.

Too late.

"A drink?" Thanatos asked as he subtly tried to pry off a black thong from the whiskey decanter. I pretended not to notice.

"I'd rather not."

"Let's sit outside." Aurora led the way to the balcony, carefully dodging my brother as he attempted to grab her waist. I was stunned for a split second as I watched him stare after her; the look of pure love was unmistakable. It was beautiful, but not something I'd ever thought to find plastered all over my brother's face.

Even his red eyes looked brighter- softer.

I looked down immediately; the sense of intrusion too great suddenly. I wasn't supposed to be here- ruining their time. The little time they might have together.

I cleared my throat and followed Thanatos to where Aurora sat, her arms crossed and her eyes focused. I placed the book down on the table and looked up to find Aurora reaching for Thanatos' hand. It was a simple gesture, but it warmed my heart to see them so at peace. So devoted.

"Found anything useful?"

I shook my head at my twin; "Nothing. The 'Golden mirror' is clearly some form of byname. Nowhere in any books does it mention anything related to it."

"I apologise for making you search for it on your own, I promise I'll help you tonight. We can travel to Hades tomorrow too if you're interested? I suspect there's a book-"

"Hang on." Aurora interrupted my brother with a wary look. We turned our attention to her as she sighed reluctantly; "I should've mentioned this earlier."

Thanatos frowned; "Aurora?"

"I had a dream a few nights ago. Hecate was there."

"Why didn't you say anything? Did she show you anything?" Thanatos turned his body to her. I remained silent and listened.

Aurora nodded her head, her voice soft; "She gave me two clues. Two very important clues." She looked up at us; "It's just what we needed."

My finger twitched. She continued; "Do you remember the watch in my dream before? The one that led us to Cronus? Well, it was set at midnight. I figured out that one, or even both, of the two killers are part of the Pantheon."

"Twelve gods... Eleven main suspects." I murmured.

Zeus was dead and that now left eleven main gods. Who would dare kill the king?

Thanatos nodded his head. I saw him share a look with Aurora; it was intimate, almost telepathic. I wonder what they were hiding from me?

"This is good. This is brilliant." Thanatos said as he rubbed his chin; his eyes focused on the horizon. The mist bubbled up faster as if trying to reach us, to overhear our discussion. "This helps minimise our range by a great deal."

"That it does." I nodded in agreement.

"We need to monitor all of them, but how? They'd see my reapers coming a mile away. We need some form of observation that will go undetected." Thanatos tapped his knuckle against the table while his other hand massaged Aurora's fingers.

I shook my head; "We need to go see Hades about this. He has the helm of invisibility. We might be able to-"

"No, Hypnos." My brother said as he shook his head; "Even Hades is a suspect. We can't risk this information."

It was frightening to think, but he was right. Even my brother's best friend, the god of the ocean, was now under scrutiny. Anyone could betray anyone. Even the god of the Underworld who practically raised us.

"I know it's worrisome, but-"

"It's alright." I said before Thanatos' big brother instincts could kick in. Sometimes he got too over-protective. When we were younger, I savoured it. I felt safe with him, but as we grew older, I realised that I was just as powerful as him. I didn't need him to still treat me like the porcelain twin.

I may have had my fair share of cracks on my shell, but Thanatos grew into his cracked core.

That's the way we were- where I was broken, he was whole, but where Thanatos needed a fix, I would step in to mend it.

And now, once again, we could only truly rely on each other were the rest of the godly world hid behind lies. Although, now we had a new asset- the best one yet. Something even Thanatos, the ice-man, would fight for.

Aurora.

"What's the other clue, Aurora?" I asked as I leaned in. Her face was controlled, but I caught a glimmer of worry twitch through her features.

Thanatos leaned in to, our eyes patiently locked on her sun-kissed face. We waited, until she grimaced and laughed. "You're not going to like this..."

Thanatos raised a brow, but said nothing.

"I know where it is. The mirror."

My eyes widened with surprise; Thanatos leaned back and furrowed his brows; "What?"

"Hecate sent it away for safe-keeping."

"You're right, I don't like this- why didn't you tell us as soon as you knew?"

Aurora shot Thanatos a look; "Oh, I don't mind telling you a bit later and you clearly didn't mind a few minutes ago."

Thanatos gave her a pointed look, but she didn't let him put her off. I liked that about her- she didn't take my brother's crap. Instead she continued; "No, you're not going to like where it is."

"And where is it?" I asked, my voice low.

Thanatos shot me a look. I returned it with an equal amount of dread. Something was coming. Something bad.

"It's with a goddess."

Thanatos cringed; "Please don't tell me it's Hestia. She's somewhere in Africa and I'm not in the mood to smell her makeshift deodorant made from elephant dung."

Aurora smiled and rolled her eyes; "No, you idiot."

"Is she a friend?"

Aurora lifted her cautious eyes to mine. "No. I wouldn't say that."

"Good gods, Aurora! Who is it?" Thanatos asked as he tugged her hand closer to his lap.

I felt my heart contract and my finger twitch as Aurora opened her mouth. I knew then what was coming- the inevitable.

"Nyx."

So out of the three killers we now know that 

1) One of them is Hermes (found out in the second book) and
2) Either all three, two or just one of them are/is from the Pantheon, meaning the 12 main gods (Hermes being one of them too)

Nyx is not part of the Pantheon

The typical list is:

Zeus
Hera
Apollo
Artemis
Aphrodite
Ares
Hermes
Demeter
Dionysus (He replaced Hestia who gave up her position)
Hephaestus
Athena
Poseidon

And sometimes Hades is added in as well...

NEXT UPDATE- 8th of October (*.^)