Page 13 of Tempted By Hades

She told Geri that she would be going out for a bit before they stepped out of the shop. The brisk fall air embraced them, carrying with it the scent of autumn leaves and the promise of adventure. Still, the silence between them was unnerving, and made her self-conscious. And unfortunately, when she was in such situations, she had the tendency to babble.

“You know,” she began. “I’ve always been fascinated by mortals and the lives they lead. Especially here in New York City during the fall. The way the city transforms, the streets adorned with hues of red, orange, and gold, the air crisp with the scent of pumpkin spice and roasted chestnuts—it’s enchanting. Mortals rushing about, wrapped in scarves, and sipping warm drinks, creating art, sharing stories. There’s an energy to this season, a sense of change and renewal. I find it utterly captivating.”

Hades looked at her. “I can see why, but I don’t share your enthusiasm for mortals or the Upperworld.”

Had he been anyone else, she would have asked why. But he was the god of the Underworld after all, and it seemed like a silly question when he ruled over an entire realm.

As they descended into the depths of the New York City subway system, the hustle and bustle of the mortal world surrounded them. Her eyes devoured everything around them, but Hades remained stoic, his expression unimpressed by the mundane surroundings.

“You really are fascinated by their world,” he remarked, his tone neutral as they stood waiting for the train.

“I am. Mortals live their lives with such intensity, embracing each moment as if it’s their last. There’s a beauty in their impermanence.”

He raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Impermanence, yes. But beauty?” He glanced around the subway station, filled with hurried commuters and flickering fluorescent lights. “I fail to see it. Mortals live fleeting lives, their actions often driven by trivial pursuits and momentary pleasures. It all seems rather insignificant.”

She smiled gently. “Perhaps it’s their ability to find meaning in the small things, to savor what they have, no matter how fleeting. Their resilience, their capacity for hope and love—it’s something to admire.”

He seemingly considered her words as his expression softened slightly. “You see the best in them. I suppose there is a certain resilience in their hearts. But I find their existence ephemeral, their pursuits fleeting. In the grand scheme of things, their lives are but fleeting moments.”

“That’s precisely why it’s beautiful. Mortals teach us to appreciate the present, to find meaning in the ephemeral. In their brevity, they show us the importance of cherishing each moment.”

He met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of understanding.

The subway train arrived, and to her delight, it wasn’t as crowded as she had expected. Spotting an empty pair of seats next to a woman with a friendly-looking dog, she gestured for Hades to join her.

“Oh, look at this sweet dog!” Persephone exclaimed, her voice softening as she extended her hand toward the furry creature. The dog, a playful poodle, eagerly accepted her attention, nuzzling her hand with affectionate enthusiasm.

The woman smiled warmly at Persephone’s genuine affection for her furry friend. “Her name is Jesse,” she said, her voice kind. “She loves making new friends.”

Persephone’s laughter bubbled up as Jesse licked her hand, her tail wagging furiously. “She’s absolutely precious,” she replied, her fingers gently ruffling the dog’s fur. “Dogs have such pure souls, don’t they? They find joy in the simplest things.”

“Yes, they do,” the woman replied, her eyes twinkling. “Animals have a way of bringing out the best in us, don’t they? They remind us of the beauty in the world, even in the midst of chaos.”

At the next stop, the woman stood up, gently guiding Jesse towards the exit.

“Thank you for making her day,” she said to Persephone, her eyes expressing genuine gratitude. “She loves meeting new people, and you’ve certainly made this ride more enjoyable for her.”

Persephone grinned, her heart warmed by the encounter. “It was my pleasure. Jesse is so sweet. Safe travels to both of you!”

With that, the woman and Jesse stepped off the train, leaving Persephone with a lingering sense of contentment. She watched them go before turning to Hades.

“There’s something truly magical about the bond between humans and animals,” she mused, her voice soft as she settled back into her seat. “Their companionship brings a sense of comfort and joy to the world.”

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Indeed,” he agreed, his gaze following the departing duo for a moment before returning to Persephone. “If you love dogs so much, why don’t you get one?”

She bit her lip. “My mother refuses to let me have one. She says they take up too much time, and she doesn’t want to deal with the chaos and mess.”

“That’s too bad,” he said.

As the train rumbled into their station, they stepped onto the platform full of commuters. She checked her phone for directions to the New York Botanical Garden, her brow furrowing slightly.

“We need to make a transfer here.”

Hades, however, looked visibly dismayed. “This is taking too much time,” he grumbled, his patience wearing thin.

She turned to him. “Any reason you’re in such a hurry? Business you need to get back to?”

Hades hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yes, I have the whole Underworld to take care of. There are matters that demand my presence.”

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