Daughters of Gods and The Trials of the Poison Belt

Chapter Twelve: Dream a Little Dream

Melody

Moments later, my grandmother enters the living room, concern etched on her face. "What happened?" she asks, her voice tinged with worry.

"Sphinx and the Hesperides took Morpheus. I have no idea what the purpose is," Chiron responds, his expression as troubled as hers.

Jake walks into the room, eyes wide. "Morpheus? I was just reading about him. He's the God of Dreams."

"The God of Dreams?" I ask, anxiety mounting. "So now I have to fight in my dreams too? Great."

"The dream world is nothing to fear. Your abilities remain intact there," Acelptus tries to reassure me.

"What if I die in my dreams or in this dream world?" I press, but Acelptus' silence and the way he avoids my gaze confirm my fears.

"We'll research the dream world and figure out why they need to go there," my grandmother suggests.

"Do it fast. Sphinx only works for whoever is the most dangerous," Chiron warns.

"Speaking of Sphinx, that name sounds so familiar," Jake says, frowning.

"Maybe you came across her while reading. She's deeply intertwined with our history," Darius offers.

I head upstairs to change my clothes, trying to shake off the lingering anxiety. As I change, a memory flashes before me—I carried Hercules to Mount Olympus after he died. The image stirs a mix of emotions, but I push them aside. Soon, I tell myself, I will remember everything.

Before I know it, I fall asleep, only to awaken atop a beautiful mountain, overlooking a cascading waterfall. I turn to see a familiar face. "You're not Theo, but your face..." I say, taking in his striking resemblance.

He gives me a small smile. "No, Theo is my twin brother. I'm Hypnus, the God of Sleep. And you are Princess Athene, or is it Melody now?" he asks, his demeanor uncannily similar to Theo's.

"Melody is fine," I say, struggling to keep my composure.

"I need your help. The dream world is fading without Morpheus. If he's not returned soon, the effects could be fatal to both mortals and gods," Hypnus says, stepping closer.

"I'm working on it," I assure him, trying to maintain control of my emotions. He looks so much like Theo that it makes my chest ache.

"Summon me when you have a plan," he says, leaning in before vanishing into the mist.

Left alone in the dream world, I know I must act swiftly. The danger is palpable, and the stakes are high. Morpheus must be rescued before the dream world collapses—and with it, our reality.

In the living room, Kasha, Sasha, Tori, and my grandmother, Nike, stand in stunned silence as Hercules materializes before them. He's a shadow of his former self, appearing tired and haunted.

"Hercules?" my grandmother questions, her brow furrowing. "Where's Athene?"

"She's asleep," Tori answers, her tone filled with curiosity and concern.

"Apollo sent me to help with the trials," Hercules says simply. Without another word, Tori rushes up the stairs and bursts into my room. "Hercules is here. He's come to help with the trials. Maybe he can help with Morpheus."

I sit up, still groggy from sleep. "Hypnus came to me in a dream. He wants to help us," I reply as my eyes glow, summoning the God of Sleep.

Descending the stairs, I find Hypnus already waiting in the living room. His presence is calming, and he feels so reminiscent of Theo with his poised demeanor.