Chapter Text
Deep within the weavings of the void-dark realm of Dream, two young children traverse a labyrinth.
Twin gods, with moonlit hair and eyes that shine in the dark like golden stars—hand-in-hand, they explore the long twisting paths of their shared dreaming.
Thanatos leads the way. Small and serious, his eyes flick back and forth, searching for danger at every turn. He holds his wooden training sword in front of them; and here within the dream, the blade is as sharp and keen as Stygius itself.
Hypnos is tucked in just behind him, holding on tight to his hand, his eyes bright with excitement.
He found the labyrinth long ago in a young boy’s dream, one who had never seen the sun—and Hypnos had felt sorry for him, and lent him a shepherd’s memories in exchange. He left the boy floating on his back in a cold mountain lake, surrounded by birdsong and the quiet buzzing of insects; his strange bovine features alight with wonder.
He would not remember the dream on waking. But at least for a little while, he would know what it was to live outside of his strange prison.
The maze of passageways is devious in its design, frustrating their attempts to reach the exit. It feels as though the corridors themselves shift and change, and they often need to double back, guided by the little trail of white poppies left in Hypnos’ footsteps.
It was supposed to be fun: a game of pretend where they could dream up their own adventure. They've returned to this same dream-labyrinth many times, while their mother was busy with work.
But this time it feels different. It feels as though the dangers within the labyrinth could truly harm them, and they find themselves becoming increasingly anxious to reach its end.
This time, a monster follows behind them.
They become aware of it little by little: in the eerie echoing footfalls, and the sense of malevolent intent that grows steadily nearer with each chamber they pass.
Once when they retrace their steps, they find Hypnos' white poppies destroyed: crushed down and charred beneath large blackened footprints.
Then the game becomes frightening, and Hypnos no longer feels in control of their dream. He can't erase the monster, and he can't affect the maze itself, which seems to have developed a will of its own. And here, Thanatos can't shift them away to safety.
The monster feels far closer now than before, and Hypnos knows instinctively that they can't ever let it catch them. That it won't hesitate to hurt them, if it gets the chance.
They pause at a new intersection: the path slopes up in one direction, and down in the other. The wall before them is a fantastical mosaic, inlaid with green glass in spiraling lines that seem as endless as the maze itself.
The upward path is brighter, better lit; while the downward winds away into shadows, deep and unknown.
Thanatos looks back at him, waiting for direction, and Hypnos swallows.
"I don't know the way out," he admits, his voice small and shaking.
Than's expression shifts, becoming something strange; almost sad.
"Yes you do. You just need to wake up," he answers. "But you can't take me with you."
Hypnos recoils at the thought. "What? No!"
But it's true: he knows the waking world is always within reach. But when he tries to pull Thanatos out of the labyrinth, he can't.
Than is trapped here. So Hypnos is too, because he can't go without him. He can't.
"You shouldn't stay," Than insists. "It isn't safe. You need to get out, Hyp. While you can."
"Than," Hypnos says. "I can't just leave you here. It was me—I made this happen, all of it. Even the monster. It was all me."
Than squeezes his fingers. "No. I think… maybe it was always like this. We just never knew."
Hypnos shakes his head. He feels a strong sense of disconnect from his younger self, and a moment later he and Than are both fully grown, looking at each other in sombre silence.
"This isn't you," Hypnos realizes, pulling back. "You're not really here, are you?"
"No," Than admits, and Hypnos' heart sinks with disappointment. "I'm not."
That might explain why Hypnos can't pull him out—he belongs here, a part of the dream around them.
But Hypnos feels strangely dull, his senses blunted and useless. He cannot feel Dream at all, cannot even tell who he's dreaming with.
"I'm sorry," Than says softly. "I didn't want you to feel alone."
And despite knowing he isn't real, his words nearly bring Hypnos to tears.
"We'll find you," Hypnos promises. "The real you. Just… hold on, okay? Zag and me—we'll do whatever it takes."
Than shakes his head.
"You shouldn't," he warns, with a strange intensity in his eyes. "You need to leave me behind, Hypnos. Because if you don't, you won't ever break free from the Underworld."
Hypnos opens his mouth, shocked and unsure what to say.
But then he feels a sudden jolt, and wakes up; leaving Thanatos and the labyrinth behind.
Hypnos finds himself in the centre of the Great Hall. Zagreus is looking at him with cautious concern, hand extended like he’s just shaken Hypnos awake.
He’s standing between Hypnos and the main desk. Hypnos looks past him, and finds Lord Hades glaring from atop his throne.
It’s a bizarrely familiar situation, alongside all of the terror and heartbreak of the day.
Despite the shackles keeping him severed from his domain, he somehow managed to fall asleep anyway—the same way a mortal might, with no control over his dreaming.
“Sorry,” Hypnos whispers, shamefaced.
After another few seconds of silence, Lord Hades turns back to Mom, floating just in front of the desk.
"You must make a choice, Nyx." He indicates a piece of parchment sitting on his desk. "If you swear this oath of your own volition, Zagreus and Hypnos shall be spared the full consequences of their treason. If not, I shall grant you the pleasure of watching whilst I sentence them both as they deserve; right before I do the same for you. Some might consider this oath a mercy in comparison."
Mom’s jaw tenses, before smoothing out; and she reaches out toward the desk.
The parchment appears in her hand, and she unscrolls it to read.
"You are a fool to think you can keep us contained," Mom warns. “This realm existed long before your arrival, and its functionality is maintained only through constant vigilance."
Her eyes scan the page before flicking back up.
"Without my oversight, any new problems that arise may overwhelm the realm’s capacity to withstand them. And without Thanatos, it is likely that even Charon and Lord Hermes together cannot keep up with the influx of the dead.”
“That is no longer your concern,” Lord Hades answers. “I grow tired of your obstinance, Nyx. Or do you require another demonstration of my conviction?”
Mom’s shoulders stiffen.
"That will not be necessary," she says softly. "As is written, I renounce all deliberate usage of my domain and abilities, save what you explicitly allow. I shall remain eternally within the confines of the House, in whichever areas you permit me to reside."
There's a little burst of dark, as she imbues the oath written on the parchment with her intent.
The air pressure changes, and Hypnos hears the rushing of the Styx in his ears as her oath binds her to its keeping.
"You shall use your abilities only to maintain the smooth running of this realm, as best suited to uphold my laws and rulership," Lord Hades says. "And you shall remain within your chambers unless I send for you."
His voice holds a clear dismissal.
There's a slow flare of light as the Eldest Sigil forms on the ground underneath her feet.
She looks back at Hypnos, her expression unreadable. And a moment later she vanishes, sent away by Lord Hades' will.
Zagreus and Hypnos glance at each other, and Zagreus shifts a little closer to him; braced like he expects an attack.
Lord Hades regards them in silence, lip curling in disdain.
“And again you have failed in your defiance of me,” Lord Hades says to Zagreus. “You unraveled all of Nyx’s careful planning, and now she and her sons are even deeper under my power than before. All because you could not learn patience.”
Zagreus’ expression is mulish, closed off and guarded.
“And what do you believe I should do with you?" Lord Hades asks. "How shall I contain the threat you pose? Will you swear a binding oath as Nyx did, or will you continue to be stubborn?"
“You know how I like to be stubborn," Zagreus says. "Sorry, Father. I don't intend to make this easy for you."
His body language is goading, begging to draw Lord Hades' attention. But even so, Lord Hades' eyes slide over to regard Hypnos instead.
“Very well. Hypnos: come here,” Lord Hades says, gesturing for him to come around behind the desk.
Within reach—and the thought makes Hypnos freeze.
"Leave him alone," Zagreus snaps.
He takes a step closer, his body coiled with tension. Positioning himself directly between Hypnos and Lord Hades.
"Face me, Father," Zagreus demands, hands clenched and shaking. "One last time. If I lose to you in a fair fight, I'll swear your oath to stay."
"No," Lord Hades says harshly. "Be silent, boy. Before I silence you myself."
"You'll butcher me in cold blood, but you won't face me in battle? I won't even have Olympus helping. It'll just be me."
"Enough," Lord Hades growls. "I have given you my answer."
Zagreus shakes his head slowly, his eyes flashing.
"Are you afraid, Father?"
There's a smile in his voice, bright and sharp as a swordpoint.
"I suppose if I win I could tear you to pieces, and scatter your remains in Tartarus. You set that particular precedent, didn't you? You and your siblings."
There's a short silence.
"I have no doubt that you would, given the chance," Lord Hades answers, more quietly than before. He looks down at his son, red eyes glinting in the torchlight.
"Though you might live to regret your actions. Parricide is a heavy weight to bear, even for a god. You would do well to remember that."
"Spare me the lecture," Zagreus snaps. "If our relationship is any indication, I expect you had good reason to slaughter your parents."
Zagreus bares his teeth, full of fury. "And I promise you, if you ever lay hands on Hypnos again, or you hurt Than—" his voice cracks with emotion, "Nothing will stop me from tearing you apart. You'll have to destroy me first."
His shoulders are trembling. Hypnos wants to reach out and hold him, but he doesn't dare.
“I could,” Lord Hades agrees, voice cold. “I could destroy you, in any number of ways. Like I told Nyx—you are only troublesome if you are mobile. I could neutralize any risk you pose by removing your limbs in a more… permanent fashion than before.”
Zagreus flinches.
He stares up at his father in silence, eyes gone dark. His pulse jumps in his neck, visibly fast and frantic, even though Zagreus himself is still.
“I take it you did not care for the experience,” Lord Hades sneers. “And you would accuse me of fear?”
Zagreus’ eyes never leave Lord Hades' face: one red to match his Father's; and the other the bright, vibrant green of new spring growth.
Hypnos sees something new in his expression then.
Something like betrayal, and perhaps even contempt—like Lord Hades has disappointed even Zagreus' lowest expectations.
"I'm honestly not sure why I'm even surprised," Zagreus laughs bitterly; with a smile that seeps pain like an open wound. He spreads his arms in invitation. "Do it, then. I'm sure Mother would be proud."
Lord Hades' expression spasms.
"Damn you," Lord Hades snarls. “Your actions have put her at risk, far more than you know. And still you never change, you never learn. Perhaps violence is the only lesson you truly understand."
He stands up from his desk.
Hypnos recognizes the barely-leashed violence in Lord Hades' eyes. And he knows that Zagreus will not back down, not for his own sake.
Hypnos feels the sudden surge of fear keenly; rushing hot through his veins like the Styx.
The Lord Hades that Hypnos thought he knew, even the Lord Hades who accepted his contract, and allowed Hypnos to seduce him—that man would never maim his own son.
But this one, this monster he's become—who bound Hypnos by oath and abused him, and sentenced him to drown in that well; who murdered Zagreus in the House in cold blood; who condemned Thanatos to torment for the crime of protecting his brother—
This one could.
“No,” Hypnos says quickly, moving forward; around behind the desk, like Lord Hades first wanted.
“Please don’t,” he begs, eyes wide. “Please.”
And then he hesitates, aware of Zagreus watching behind him. But a moment later he sinks to his knees beside the throne, feeling shaky and a little faint.
"Hypnos," Zagreus says, quiet and pained.
But Lord Hades has stopped, looking down at Hypnos with an unreadable expression.
He seems more in control, his stance shifting to something less aggressive; and Hypnos feels a little hint of relief, heart still beating rabbit-quick in his chest.
Lord Hades steps closer to Hypnos, feet smoldering against the marble.
Hypnos swallows hard.
He sees a flash of the inside of the filing room, of dusty parchment spilling out of shelves, and he has to bite down hard on his tongue to keep from reacting.
Especially when Lord Hades reaches down, and touches the side of his face.
It's too close to the memory—but Hypnos holds still, trembling as Lord Hades strokes his cheek.
"You always did beg so beautifully," Lord Hades murmurs.
Hypnos hears Zagreus inhale sharply, and his face grows hot with shame.
Lord Hades looks past him. And his hand runs through Hypnos' curls.
Hypnos winces as one of Lord Hades' rings catches in his hair and pulls, but he doesn't dare move.
“Something to say, boy?” Lord Hades says. “It seems you've delivered Hypnos back into my hands as well. Just as he had begun to resist my advances.”
Zagreus makes a raw, wounded sound.
"How could you," Zagreus spits, full of choked emotion. "How could you—"
"Needlessly dramatic as always," Lord Hades says, infuriatingly calm. "But here, I shall offer you a choice as well."
He reaches down and wraps a hand around Hypnos' neck.
Hypnos nearly recoils, but stops as Lord Hades' grip grows tight in warning.
Lord Hades pulls him to his feet, drawing him in close.
"Turn," Lord Hades says softly, his breath warm against Hypnos' ear. "Look at him."
Hypnos shivers, and turns until he's facing out. His eyes flick over to Zagreus before quickly darting back to the floor.
Lord Hades squeezes down just enough to make it difficult to breathe. His hand is heavy and hot, circling Hypnos' neck like a collar.
Hypnos tries not to let his fear show. But even without looking him in the eye, Hypnos can see the way Zagreus has grown tense and still.
Lord Hades glances down at Hypnos, and shakes him like a disobedient puppy. "Look at him."
Hypnos reluctantly looks up to meet Zagreus' eyes.
It's almost a physical pain, to see Zagreus' anger dissolve into a look of unspoken, helpless misery.
"If you swear a binding oath to remain eternally in this House, I shall release Hypnos from his contract. He shall be free to leave, if he wishes to do so; and I shall never again lay a hand on him without his consent."
"No," Hypnos manages to choke out. But then Lord Hades' grip tightens, and he can't breathe at all.
He tries not to panic, tries not to struggle; looking at Zagreus with eyes swimming with tears.
It's the worst kind of trap.
Because Hypnos knows Lord Hades will never really let him leave, he knows Lord Hades will find other ways to keep him under his control—and like always, he can just force Hypnos to ask—
Zagreus would end up with nothing, just like Hypnos did. But his oath would bind him to the House regardless.
Zagreus' expression has frozen.
It looks like he's considering it.
Hypnos tries to find his calm, dredging it up from underneath the silty-murk of panic.
'Than,' Hypnos mouths silently, holding his gaze.
Zagreus' expression cracks, full of painful indecision.
But they both know their best chance—probably their only chance—of freeing Thanatos lies with Zagreus. He needs to be able to escape, to search for Than in Tartarus, no matter what happens to Hypnos.
Zagreus will choose Than. He has to. Hypnos can't imagine a world in which he would ever leave Than to suffer.
"Will you swear?" Lord Hades asks.
Zagreus closes his eyes.
"...I can't," he answers, voice rough.
There's a short silence. And Hypnos feels nothing but relief.
"So be it," Lord Hades says, slow and final.
He releases his hold on Hypnos' neck, and Hypnos crumples to the floor.
He chokes on shallow breaths like shattered glass, painful and jagged as he coughs.
Zagreus looks exhausted, like just having to make that choice at all sapped the life from him.
Lord Hades gestures to Achilles, who stands at his post in the West Hall.
"Shade: escort my son to his chambers. The House Contractor shall provide the needed renovations to keep him in residence."
Achilles steps forward. His cloak is missing, and his hands and knees are still stained with Zagreus' blood—from when Achilles tended to him as he lay dying in the West Hall.
His expression is barely composed. Pale and gutted, he looks like he was the one left bleeding on the floor.
Achilles places a gentle hand on Zagreus' shoulder.
Zagreus turns his head, still tense; but there's acknowledgment in his eyes as he looks at his former teacher.
"Come along, lad," Achilles says quietly, barely audible. "You cannot defy him now."
There's a slight emphasis on the final word, subtle enough that Hypnos may only imagine it.
Zagreus looks back at Hypnos. But after a moment he relents, and allows Achilles to lead him from the Hall. The House Contractor and their assistants follow after, looking a little bit uncertain.
Hypnos has the wild hope that once they reach his room, Zagreus will break free and run, through the courtyard and down into Tartarus to look for Than. Achilles might not try very hard to stop him.
But then he'd be leaving Hypnos to face Lord Hades' wrath alone. So Hypnos already knows that Zagreus won't.
Even if maybe he should.
They pass out of sight, and Hypnos swallows. He doesn't quite turn to face Lord Hades, very aware of the emptiness of the Great Hall around them.
"Stand up," Lord Hades says, almost dismissive. And he sits at his desk.
Hypnos stands on wobbly legs.
The air of menace and barely-restrained violence is gone as though it never was, leaving Hypnos feeling painfully off-balance.
“Come here,” Lord Hades instructs.
Hypnos reluctantly obeys.
Lord Hades takes him by the hand, holding it in his much larger fingers.
Hypnos freezes still, instinctive; and feels the warmth of Lord Hades' hand holding his.
Just moments ago, it was wrapped around his throat.
"A pity that it has come to this," Lord Hades says softly.
"Why is that?" Hypnos asks. His voice is equally quiet, drawn out from a part of him not silenced by fear; though his heart beats painfully fast against his ribs. "Isn't this what you wanted?"
Lord Hades glances sideways, and Hypnos can't read his expression at all.
Lord Hades produces a key, and unlocks the manacle circling Hypnos' wrist.
He does the same with the other, and the chains fall away, clattering to land across Lord Hades' desk.
Hypnos feels the return of his domain; like the soft brush of feathers against the small portion of his essence not locked away by Lord Hades’ decree.
Lord Hades releases his hands. Hypnos has to force himself not to step back, rubbing at the front of his neck as Lord Hades produces a scroll of parchment. And Hypnos nearly does a double-take, staring at it in shock.
"By my authority, I declare your atonement complete, and your contract fulfilled."
The contract pulses with energy. And then the power in it fades altogether, becoming nothing more than a series of words on parchment.
Hypnos looks up at him, full of confusion and raw disbelief. There’s a strange aching pain building in his chest, just under his ribs.
"The binding on your powers shall remain active," Lord Hades says. "Until the full length of your original sentence has passed. After which point it shall be rendered null and void as well."
Hypnos swallows.
Part of him doesn't quite believe it, despite the evidence right in front of him. This can't be real.
"I shall write to Zeus to inform him of this," Lord Hades says. "As was agreed. I am sure he would be very interested to see you reach the surface."
Hypnos barely suppresses a flinch, his mouth flattening.
"If that is indeed where you wish to go," Lord Hades adds. "It is important that we understand each other in this."
He leans forward, eyes intent.
"If you wish to return to the surface, you may submit a written request. And I shall of course convey you there as soon as may reasonably be expected."
Hypnos gives him a cautious look, untrusting.
"Whilst Thanatos serves out your sentence, know that you are barred from Tartarus in its entirety. If you attempt entry, my wretches shall endeavor to remove you by whatever means they have at their disposal."
"Why?" Hypnos asks hoarsely. "Why would you—end my contract—"
It hurts to even ask.
Hypnos and Zagreus lost everything trying to nullify it themselves. Just a moment ago, Zagreus nearly traded away his freedom to see it ended.
For Lord Hades to just end it on a whim, like all their efforts meant nothing—
"We have outgrown that agreement," Lord Hades answers. "It was never meant to be permanent. I always planned to end it when the time was right."
Hypnos doesn't believe it for a second.
"As for Thanatos' circumstances in Tartarus… perhaps we may reach an accord, you and I."
Something in Hypnos' chest clenches hard.
Lord Hades retrieves a new piece of parchment, and begins to write.
"So long as you choose to remain in the House, by your own will, I shall not directly involve myself with Thanatos' torment. Instead, I shall delegate someone else to keep charge of him."
Lord Hades lowers his quill, his eyes hard and unforgiving. "However, as soon as you leave the confines of this House… I shall make sure to attend to him personally. And after the insult he paid me, I shall take great pleasure in teaching him to beg even half so well as you."
Hypnos glares at him. He feels tears on his face, running hot down his cheeks.
The thought of Lord Hades even looking at Than right now—
But his anger is useless; burning down to ashes in his heart.
There's nothing he can do. Not right now. Like Zagreus—he needs to wait, and find the right chance to act.
The best thing he can do for Than right now is to play along.
“As for the severity of his punishment, that depends on you and Zagreus,” Lord Hades adds. "So long as you behave yourselves appropriately, and neither of you attempt anything foolish, Thanatos may find himself reasonably comfortable in Tartarus. If you cause trouble, that can very quickly change. Thus, until the century is up… I suggest you consider your actions very carefully.”
“I understand,” Hypnos says hoarsely.
Lord Hades gives him a satisfied look, and then looks away.
"Cerberus," he calls, with a quiet sigh. Like he has any right to feel tired. "Return."
The ground under Cerberus' bed flares with light. And then Cerberus appears on top of it, stretching with a quick succession of wide yawns.
Lord Hades finishes writing, and signs the bottom of the page.
"An assurance of my sincerity," he says, handing it to Hypnos. "And a reminder of what your continued presence here means for Thanatos."
Hypnos looks down at the page.
It isn't a contract—but it's a legally-binding promise, confirming exactly what Lord Hades has said.
Hypnos has a weird moment of déja vu as he stares down at the parchment, eyesight gone blurry and unfocused.
You need to leave me behind, Hypnos. Because if you don't, you won't ever break free from the Underworld.
A strange echoing howl makes Hypnos startle.
Cerberus is moving: scrabbling over to the West Hall, all three heads crying out in unison, following the trail of bloody footprints Hypnos left behind.
"Cerberus!" Lord Hades snaps, abruptly standing up from his desk.
But Cerberus doesn't seem to hear.
The sound he's making makes all the hairs on the back of Hypnos' neck stand on end. Mournful and discordant, it doesn't sound fully animal.
It reminds Hypnos of a dream he once witnessed, of a father forced to bury his children—and the low keening sound of despair he made as the earth fell across their still bodies.
Lord Hades strides over, and Hypnos cautiously follows behind, just far enough into the archway to see.
Cerberus is fixated on the spot where Zagreus lay dying. His body has gone unnaturally still, but for his sides heaving with each breath.
"That's enough," Lord Hades orders.
One head turns to listen, ducking down as his ears flatten. But the head closest to the floor sniffs frantically at the nearly-dried blood and then gives it a slow, cautious lick.
Cerberus makes that horrible keening sound again, and Hypnos feels tears choking his throat.
Then Cerberus bursts into motion, whipping around and charging down the length of the hall, wild-eyed and frenzied.
The table by the balcony topples over with a crash, knocked down by Cerberus' tail as he skids into the portrait hall, claws gouging long scratches into the marble.
One by one, the treasures on display in front of Lord Hades' chambers shatter across the tiles. Cerberus rakes at the walls with his claws, tearing the paintings asunder.
Hypnos backs away, retreating near to the House Contractor's table as the sounds of destruction continue.
"Enough!" Lord Hades bellows. And he raises his hand in a very familiar motion.
Cerberus whips around with a startled whine, and then runs past him, ears down and tail tucked. He makes a frantic sound as he charges toward the East Hall at a run, toppling a pillar as he goes.
He skids to a stop in front of Zagreus' chambers, and then ducks inside. He's slightly too large for the doorway, and the mosaic above the door breaks and falls to the ground in shattered pieces.
There's a shout of surprise, and a ferocious snarling.
Lord Hades follows at a slow walk, eyes blazing with fury.
Hypnos sees a flurry of movement as the contractor-shades flee back through the broken doorway, scurrying like startled mice.
Hypnos follows cautiously down the hall.
"Hey there, boy," Hypnos hears as he moves closer. "It's okay—I'm okay, I promise. There's no need to hurt anyone."
The noises stop, all except for a low, quiet whine.
"Settle down, that's it," Zagreus coaxes. "There's a good boy."
Zagreus sounds tired, but his voice is gentle. And Cerberus makes a quiet whuffing sound in response.
All Hypnos can see is Lord Hades' back, but he doesn't dare move any closer.
"And now you turn even the dog against me," Lord Hades says in disgust.
"Maybe if you treated him better, he'd be more inclined to listen to you," Zagreus answers.
"You've spoiled him enough already. Cerberus, heel."
Cerberus whines.
"Go on," Zagreus says, almost inaudible. "You know you're too big to be in here. I'll be alright, I promise. I’ll bring you some ambrosia the next time I see you, okay?"
There's the sound of claws clicking against stone, slow and reluctant.
Lord Hades turns to leave, and spots Hypnos nearby—he draws up short, and Hypnos flinches instinctively.
"I am sure you know better than to enter that room," Lord Hades tells him, voice dangerously soft.
Hypnos nods quickly.
Lord Hades glowers before turning away, walking back toward the Great Hall with Cerberus slinking along behind.
As Cerberus passes through the doorway, more pieces of the mosaic break off and fall.
Hypnos remembers when Zagreus commissioned it—a depiction of Zagreus himself surrounded by those closest to him. At the time, Hypnos had been relieved to be included in the scene at all.
The centre of it has fallen away: Zagreus and Than, their heads bent in close conversation; now in shattered pieces too small to be recognizable.
Hypnos takes a few steps forward and picks up the largest surviving piece, feeling very strange.
He finds it to be a fragment of Megaera's face and shoulder. Broken off from where she'd been turned to address Hypnos, whose likeness managed to remain attached to the doorframe, still mostly intact. Achilles on the far left has been split straight down the middle, his face turned away from the others.
Hypnos peers through the doorway, and jolts as he sees Zagreus looking back.
Their eyes meet, and Hypnos’ heart lifts just to see him.
Zagreus' expression passes from relief into something Hypnos can't read at all.
Then Zagreus takes a half-step forward, and the chain around his ankle clinks against the floor.
"Hypnos!"
Hypnos startles, looking back toward Lord Hades. And with a last, painful glance at Zagreus, Hypnos returns to the Hall.
"You called, Ma—Lord Hades?" Hypnos says, floating over.
He isn't under contract anymore. He doesn't have to call Lord Hades Master. It's at least one small victory.
Lord Hades gives him a bad-tempered look.
"Do not approach the East Hall," he says. "Is that understood?"
"Yessir," Hypnos says quickly. He glances over at Cerberus, now curled up on his bedroll, looking glum; tail tucked in close around his body.
"Your mother and Zagreus have been sentenced to confinement, and are forbidden from receiving visitors. That includes you."
Hypnos nods.
"Go, then. I have work to do," Lord Hades says, turning to his parchment. "Someone has to clean up this mess you've made."
His tone is very strange to hear, given the circumstances. The same he might use to scold Hypnos for spilling ink across the floor.
Hypnos floats back, and then slowly heads over to the West Hall.
Shades are already starting to clean the destruction Cerberus left behind, sweeping up the broken urns and taking down the shredded paintings.
And Achilles is back at his post.
He looks… tired. Tired and heartsore, like he's aged centuries in a single day.
"Hypnos," he greets quietly. "How are you doing, lad?"
He still has Zagreus' blood on his clothes.
Hypnos floats closer.
He doesn't really know why he does it. But the next thing he knows he's leaning forward, wrapping his arms around Achilles in a careful hug.
Achilles goes stiff with surprise; but then he relaxes, and one hand comes up to rest gently on Hypnos' back.
"I'm sorry," Hypnos says, "I'm sorry you had to—"
Watch Zagreus die, he can't quite bring himself to say.
And it doesn't really do justice to the agony Achilles faced—in having to watch Lord Hades butcher Zagreus and leave him mutilated, barely alive and slowly bleeding out; and to be unable to intervene. Achilles practically raised Zagreus, and has been more of a father to him than Lord Hades ever was.
Achilles breathes out in a slow sigh.
"Thank you," he says as Hypnos pulls back.
Hypnos gives him a pained smile.
"Do you remain tied to the House, even now?" Achilles asks him.
"Um. In a way," Hypnos answers. "My contract is finished, but…"
He doesn't know how to explain. So he shows Achilles the parchment Lord Hades gave him, containing his very specific promise.
"Ah," Achilles says heavily, looking up from the words. "And what will you do now?"
"Stay here, I guess," Hypnos says. "Until they let Than go. I don't really know what else I could do."
Achilles shoots him a glance, like he doesn't quite believe it.
Hypnos is sure that Achilles will help them if they ask. But right now, there are too many others who might overhear. They need to regroup, and come up with some kind of plan.
Hypnos yawns, drooping in place, and Achilles gives him a small smile.
"Get some rest," he advises. "We can speak more later."
"I… yeah," Hypnos says. "I will."
Then he pauses.
He thinks of going back to his own bedroom, but the prospect isn't a welcome one.
His bedroom isn't safe anymore. It feels too isolated, now that he knows that Lord Hades can intrude any time he wishes.
"Um. I think I'd like to sleep here?" Hypnos says, biting his lip. "Do you think you could… I mean."
He doesn't know how to say it. But thankfully Achilles seems to understand.
"I watch over this hall," Achilles says. "As well as everything—and everyone—in it."
Hypnos nods, rubbing his eyes. “Thanks, Achilles.”
He floats over toward Than's balcony.
Zagreus delights in giving gifts he believes his loved ones might enjoy: nectar, ambrosia, even house furnishings. Most of the House renovations were Zagreus’ doing, commissioned as gifts for the people who reside there.
And with Than, he went way overboard—providing more furniture than Than would ever use: a carpet, a recliner, a cozy little table and chairs.
Most of it is in shambles.
Hypnos approaches the fallen chairs and overturned table, feeling inexplicably close to tears.
He rights the furniture and retrieves the books that were on top of the table, stacking them neatly. The dishware is broken and the roses are scattered across the floor, but Hypnos tidies it as best he can.
When he's done he drifts over to the fancy purple recliner with its plush-looking cushions, and sits down.
He picks up the little accent pillow, smoothing it in his hands.
It's sewn from gold silk, and there's a butterfly embroidered on the front in a pleasant blue-green.
Hypnos traces the shape of its wings with his fingers, and remembers the way Than used to watch butterflies when they were little—his eyes calm and focused, with the slightest hint of a smile on his face.
I won’t stand by and let him hurt you. Not this time.
Hypnos stifles a sob, shoulders curling in. And he hugs the pillow to his chest, trying to keep his composure.
He doesn't know what might be happening to Than right now—whether Lord Hades left him in Hypnos' place in Tartarus, with Hypnos' punishment, or if he devised some new horror for him to endure.
Neither option is very comforting.
He reaches into his cloak, and touches Mort with shaking fingers.
He can't risk taking him out, not here. But when it seems no one is too near, he whispers,
"Than? If you can still hear me…" he swallows painfully, eyes blurring with tears. "I'm safe right now—we all are. You don't need to worry about us. Just… hold on, okay? Hold on."
He doesn't dare say more.
But they'll find him. They'll save him.
Hypnos won't ever leave him behind.
Exhaustion presses down on him like a blanket, heavy and warm. And when Hypnos next closes his eyes, he doesn't fight it.
He slowly drifts off. And strangely, the last thing he thinks of is that fragment of shattered mosaic: of Megaera, finally broken free from the House.
He hopes that wherever she's gone since their encounter in the well room, she's happier than she was serving Lord Hades.