Chapter 24

The sound of rushing waters roused the mighty Hypnos from his sleep. His body, a dark toffee color, gleamed in the silvery blue hue that permeated the cave. Mist swirled around his huge body, wisps of it curling around his arms and legs, whispering a lullaby that seemed rather hard to break. With a groan, Hypnos turned on his side. His mattress was made out of solid rock, covered with warm fleece, and surrounded by a lush layer of poppies. Their pungent scent filled the air, spreading delirium into every pore.

“Ah,” Hypnos sighed, sitting up. Hair, black as midnight, spilled down his neck while a few strands covered his face. He chuckled, dragging a hand over his face to toss the strands over his head. “Nothing beats sleep after a long week of endless toil in the mortal world.”

Oh, he felt drunk. Drunk on the elixir that poured from his throne. This was his domain. This was his power, and here, naked in the dark, bare and semi-conscious, he felt damn powerful.