For the love of Death

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Saphira’s point of view

I stupidly gawked at the magnificence in front of me. He definitely was gorgeous, his looks worthy a Greek god. As he approached me, I felt strangely safe in this foreigner’s presence. Tranquility draped over me like a thick wool blanket and I stared into his sea green eyes.

“Good evening milady. Lovely weather we’re having.” he casually stated.

 “Err, I guess so” I replied, flabbergasted by his laid-back behavior.

“I am Hypnos, the God of Slumber. I have come to aid you on the perilous journey that awaits you. I feel that it is my obligation to assist you, because it is my brother who has brought chaos into your life.”

My eyes widened in shock. This seemingly peaceful, not to mention drool-worthy, being is related to that conniving Machiavellian, Death?? Wait, if this is what Death’s brother looks like, I can only imagine the raw beauty that lies beneath that obsidian cloak. Just thinking about it made my breathing quicken. I mentally smacked myself, get a grip Saphira!

“If you are Death’s brother, how do I know I can trust you. How do I know you won’t hand me to him on a silver platter with an apple stuffed in my mouth?” I said sharply.

“I can only give you my word. You do not have to trust me just yet; I understand where your distrust stems from. I do wish you would consider what I have to say before you place your judgment on me” he said calmly.

“Okay, I’m listening, but this better be good. Shall we go to the diner down the street? It will give us some privacy from unwanted attention but at the same time, it’s still a public place.” I said, going into professional mode.

As we made our way to the diner, I couldn’t help but feel wary of this encounter. Why would Hypnos want to help me and go against his own brother? I was still a bit surprised when he said he is the God of Sleep but I guess I should just roll with it. My life is a circus anyway. He is just another person to add to my freak-show act. Great. When we entered the diner, I couldn’t help but notice the lusty stares Hypnos received from both men and women. I honestly felt a tad overwhelmed by his sheer beauty. We grabbed a booth in a secluded corner and ordered two hot chocolates. The suspense was starting to kill me.

“Alright Hypnos, spit it out. Tell me what you have to say while you still have the chance to talk. I am not in the mood to be messed around with again.” I stated.

He raised an eyebrow at me, “Very well. As you are already aware of our existence, I would like to share with you some history of our kind. My brother and I are both Gods. I believe it was in ancient Greece where our existence was first made known. I am the God of Slumber.” He said. I stifled a laugh, remembering how only a few moments ago, I had described him as a Greek God.

“It is my duty to escort dead souls to the river Styx where the ferryman will lead them to the gates of the underworld. You can probably feel the waves of peace I emit. As the God of Sleep, I have to be peaceful in order to guide troubled souls to the river or else they will forever wonder the earth in unrest. My twin brother is the God of Death as well as Life.”

“What!?” I screeched. Hypnos winced at the sound, so I whispered, “How can a being so cruel be responsible for the miracle of giving life? It doesn’t make much sense. I am generally a pretty good judge of character and what my body screams when he is near, is nothing but fear.”  

“Please allow me to finish; I will answer any questions you have at the end of my explanation. There are certain things you need to know in order to understand the complexity of the situation.” He said smoothly. I nodded my head for him to continue, listening intently to his velvety voice.