Thana had been ten when her aunt had put her in foster care. She’d spent all her life hopping from one relative to another, so the move was nothing new. But her aunt’s face told her she’d done something wrong.

She knew her aunt was her mother’s younger sister. She knew her mom had died shortly after she was born. She even knew her dad hadn’t been around, ever.

“How did mom die?” she’d asked at the door, the last time she saw her aunt.

“You killed her.” Her aunt said harshly. “She died giving birth to you. She’s dead because of you.”

Thana never spoke of her family after that.

But talking to Zain as her leg magically healed itself, she couldn’t hold it back. She told him everything about how she’d grown up a foster kid, gotten a scholarship, and become a social worker. She even told him about the suspected abuse case that had prompted Abigail and Oliver to be removed from their home.

“So your dad is your God parent.” Zain smiled. “Hey, maybe I’m your brother.”

Thana shook her head. “I’m normal.” She stated what she’d been telling herself for years.

But Zain just laughed. “You’re a Demigod.” He countered. “If you weren’t, that ambrosia would’ve burned you alive.”

Thana didn’t respond. After an hour, her leg was healed enough for her to walk. Zain gave her a quick tour after calling one of his Apollo siblings to watch the clinic.

The school was bordered on three sides by thick woods, which Zain explained were enchanted so mortals didn’t wander in. Yet another point toward Thana being a Demigod: she’d gotten through.

The forth side was bordered by a large river. Thana could see kids of all ages swimming and canoeing on the water.

The Major Dorms were huge, but there was an even bigger building next to it called the Minor Dorms, where children of minor Gods stayed. According to Zain, there was a smaller house next to the main building where the children of Hestia stayed.

“Usually, there are two Demigods to a room, but sometimes there are exceptions.” He waved at three girls who looked identical as they ran past, quivers and bows strapped to their backs. “Like the Amber triplets. They’re all in one room.” He shot Thana a playful look. “But boys and girls never share a room.”

Thana bit her lip. “What if the boy isn’t even a year old?”

Zain rubbed the back of his neck, thinking. “Truth is, before today, our youngest student was 10. We’ve never had a baby before.” He sighed. “To complicate things more, he’s a son of Hades, a major God, while Abigail’s mother is a minor god.”

“So they have to be in different buildings?” Thana stopped walking. “No. They have to be together.”

Zain gave her a sympathetic look. “Sorry, but…” he trailed off, looking across the lawn.

Luke was walking toward them, Oliver in his arms. Abigail skipped happily at his side. When she saw Thana, she came running.

“Hannah!” She grabbed onto Thana’s leg, then let go. She inspected the exposed skin, searching for the cut that had healed completely. “Wow.” She grinned at Zain. “You are magic!”

“Good news.” Luke announced once he’d reached them. “Given the circumstances, and the fact that Persephone is hardly ever represented here, Hestia will allow Abigail to stay in the Major Dorms with Oliver.”

“That’s great.” Zain grinned.

But Thana frowned. “Yeah, great, but she’s four. She can’t take care of herself, let alone her baby brother.”

Luke nodded. “They’ll both be rooming with Eliza, another child of Hades. She’s 17.”

“We have another sister!” Abigail said happily. She looked up expectantly at Zain. “What about Hannah?”

Thana’s heart broke, but she shook her head. “I’m not staying.” She bent down so she was eye to eye with the little girl. “I told you I’d take you to a new home. But I can’t stay with you. I need to get back to the office.”

She reached out to pat the girl’s head, but froze. Blazing on the back of her hand was a black skull and crossbones. Luke and Zain stared at it, too.

Zain broke the silence. “Whose mark is that?”

Luke made a strangled sound in the back of his throat. “Thanatos.” He managed. “She’s a child of Death.”