Page 73 of Snatched By the Sandman

I will not let her succumb to destruction.

I understand the stakes, Father. She will not be alone in the Trials. Morpheus, Hecate, and myself will be with her. Zenya’sstrength is unlike anything I’ve encountered. I will ensure the Trials are completed. She is not just another dream weaver. She means more.

“Clearly.”

Hypnos regards me with a mixture of skepticism and weary hope. “Very well. But remember, Nyxion, the consequences of failure extend beyond just your realm. The balance you disrupt affects us all.”

I nod, a flicker of determination in my eyes.I will not fail. Zenya will see this through. I will not leave her, Father.

Hypnos sighs, his gaze lingering on me. “I hope you’re right. For all our sakes.”

With that, Hypnos’s form recedes into the shadows of the cavern, leaving me alone in the dim expanse. The gravity of my father’s words press on me, but beneath it all, the knowledge of Zenya’s power and her impact upon me burns fiercely in my heart.

I will not let her go.

Chapter 25

Some call it shadow work. I call it Abyss work.

HECATE

“Lovely” by Billie Eilish - Lauren Babic and Seraphim Cover

“Evil Angel” by Breaking Benjamin

Zenya is understandably fatigued from everything as well as shaken. She’s woven herself some pajamas, pink but with a big black heart on the shirt with the words “Let Me Sleep” in bold white. My heart warms at the thought of sharing a rest with her…if she’s open.

Phantasos comforts her—as does Ivy who recently returned. The God still wears his pinstripe suit, but it’s yellow now.

It’s not long before Zenya beams as she weaves floating clouds made of marshmallow fluff for the child. It does my heart good to see her smiling after everything she’s endured. But I sense, Iknowshe has had far worse experiences. I smile in kind as Phantasos does impressions of his brothers, shifting into a shadowy silhouette followed by a black peacock for Morpheus.Our God of Dreams rolls his eyes but does not correct his older brother.

Gleeful Ivy laughs, having jumped upon her cloud, clapping from Phantasos imitating a dancing skeleton doing the Cha Cha Slide. Zenya rises, and Ivy hops down to join him, their eyes lighting up from the God of Dreamy Objects who performs as beautifully as he/she always does.

I free my dogs to yip and join the fun. Phantasos returns to his God self to twirl both girls. Zenya needs these bright moments, the sunset before the darkest night.

Morpheus rises from the table, projecting his shadows in ever-shifting silhouettes—they whorl and spiral around the three dancers.

When Zenya pauses, I notice the change before the others. She puffs out her chest, practically marches toward Phantasos, and squeezes his bicep. “Hey there, handsome.” The lowered voice is a clear indication that this issomeoneelse.

Phantasos freezes. And pales whiter than a sheet. I can’t help but derive some amusement from the matter.

“Monroe…” The alter holds outhishand. A hand that exists within Zenya as the host.

As Phantasos shakes the alter’s hand, Monroe fingers a few strands of purple hair and wonders, “What in all tarnation…?” Abashed by the strands, which must be a novelty to him, he gazes down at his hands—Zenya’s hands. “She warned me, but it feels different than I expected. Ugh, I’m so much shorter than normal…” He rubs his jaw.

“Who warned you of what?” wonders Phantasos with an arched brow.

“You call her Beastie. We all like that by the way. Nice touch.” He nods to me before sighing. “It will be more difficult for the children when they front more, I suspect. I’ve been a little more aware, co-conscious according to Beastie.”

After a moment, he shrugs, shaking it off and recovering quickly, albeit reluctantly. His eyes light up again at Phantasos. “This is the part where you tell me your name,” says Monroe, sizing up Phantasos, licking his lips.

I like this Monroe. His energy is strong, yet playful and respectful.

Phantasos politely extends his hand to shake Monroe’s, but he doesn’t flirt back. He maintains an aura of respect but openness to introduction.

Ivy leaps down from a nearby cloud, clasps her hands, her eyes twinkling as her body sways. Naturally, we’ve only given her select information, just enough for her to know how Zenya will take a nap—in the most child-friendly terms—and a new friend will come out to talk.

“How old are you?” Ivy blurts out.

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