Page 87 of Crimson Skies

Chaos ignored his screeching and addressed Hypnos sternly as they headed back into the Abyss. “YOU’RE IN CHARGE OF HIM.”

Hypnos smiled. “Yes, Grandfather.”

“I’LL MUZZLE HIM IF HE DISTURBS MY PEACE,” Chaos warned.

Hypnos chuckled. “As you wish, Grandfather.”

“AND HE’S NOT ALLOWED AMBROSIA FOR AT LEAST TWO MILLENNIA,” Chaos added belligerently.

“How about one?” Hypnos suggested.

“TWO. AND THAT’S NON-NEGOTIABLE.”

Hypnos sighed. “Alright, Grandfather.” He stopped on the cusp of the void and turned to look at Atropos and his sisters. A soft smile lit up his face. “Be well.” His gentle gaze moved to Morgan and Victor. “I hope you find the happiness you deserve, brothers.”

Morgan and Victor faltered before bobbing their heads, regret and wonder painted across their stark faces.

“Goodbye, Hypnos,” Atropos whispered, tears trembling on her lashes.

Elios’s dying shriek cut out as the Abyss closed on the three Gods.

Breathless silence descended upon the city.

It was broken by rapturous shouts and bellows as the army of otherworldly and humans roared in triumphant.

“Attie!”

Clotho and Lachesis shot toward their older sibling, relief flushing their cheeks. The rest of Atropos’s sisters were on their heels.

Atropos’s expression softened with love. She met them halfway and hugged and kissed them, her laughter bright and clear.

King Rizen crushed Loki to his chest, fat tears rolling down his face. Loki sniveled and blubbered as he clung to his father.

“Cassius!” Theo bolted into Cassius’s arms. Rohengar’s voice followed, warm and sweet. “Icarus.”

Cassius held them tightly, his heart brimming with joy.It’s over. It’s finally over!

Victor clasped him to his chest next. “You gave us quite a fright.”

“I know,” Cassius mumbled. “I’m sorry.”

His gaze locked on the demigod who’d appeared behind Victor.

Morgan beamed at him, his eyes a breathtaking turquoise. “Hey.”

Cassius let go of Victor, grasped Morgan by his armor, and jerked him close. Morgan’s pupils flared when he kissed him. He closed his arms around him and returned the kiss tenfold.

It was a while before they came up for air.

“Hey, yourself,” Cassius whispered against his lips.

Morgan nuzzled his nose.

Cassius was basking in his embrace when a sudden wave of dizziness overcame him. His belly throbbed.

Oh.It’s happening.

The radiance around him winked out with a suddenness that made Morgan gasp.