Page 14 of Tempted By Hades

“Oh. Right.” He was the god of the Underworld, after all. She felt a little silly now, asking him to take the subway when he had a lot of more important things to do. “I’m sorry, your time is important. I should have been more considerate.”

His expression softened. “It’s alright.”

“Look, if it’s that important, I guess you can transport us to the gardens from here?”

He looked taken aback. “Truly?”

“Yeah.” She gave a little laugh. “I think we’ve both had enough of the real New York today. And?—”

Before she knew it, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, then a cold wind whipped by. She blinked, then they were in a wooded area, surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of autumnal hues.

“Wh-where…”

“At the gardens.” He gestured around them. “Now, lead the way.”

“I…uh…” Shrugging, she headed toward the paved way, leaves crunching under her boots.

The garden, adorned in the rich palette of fall, was a symphony of reds, oranges, and golds, with leaves cascading from the trees like nature’s confetti. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of earth and fallen leaves, and a gentle breeze rustled the foliage, creating a soothing melody that accompanied their footsteps.

The trees stood tall, their branches swaying gracefully as if dancing to an invisible tune. Pumpkins and gourds were scattered along the pathways, adding splashes of vivid orange to the lush greenery. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting warm, dappled patterns on the ground below.

As they walked, Persephone marveled at the artistic displays of flowers and plants that adorned the garden. Chrysanthemums, in various shades of burgundy and gold, bloomed in meticulously arranged beds. Crimson maples stood proudly, their leaves ablaze with the colors of sunset. A tranquil pond reflected the fiery foliage, creating a picturesque scene that seemed straight out of a painting.

In the distance, the fragrance of apple cider and cinnamon wafted from a nearby café, inviting visitors to indulge in the delights of the season. Children’s laughter echoed through the air as families explored the garden together, their joy contagious amidst the natural splendor.

“Are we almost there?” Apparently, the beauty of their surroundings did nothing to quell his impatience. “Where is this special exhibition with the asphodel located?”

“If I tell you, are you going to transport us there?” She flashed him a wry grin. “I’m sure another few minutes of walking won’t matter.”

He blew out a breath. “If you insist.”

“Don’t worry.” She gestured to the large glass structure ahead of them. “It’s just over there.”

The greenhouse, a sanctuary of life and color, enveloped them in a world of breathtaking botanical wonders as soon as they entered. The air was infused with the heady scent of blooming flowers, a perfume that tantalized the senses and heightened their anticipation. Sunlight filtered through the glass panels, casting a warm, golden glow upon the diverse flora that thrived within.

Rows of verdant foliage stretched out before them, each plant vying for attention with its vibrant display of petals and leaves. Orchids, resplendent in their intricate patterns and hues, hung gracefully from above. Exotic vines adorned in delicate blossoms climbed the walls, their tendrils reaching for the sunlight that filtered through the canopy.

“I think it’s over there.” She nodded toward another row of plants. “Come on.”

Their journey led them deeper into the heart of the greenhouse, where the rare and mystical flora resided. The atmosphere here seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly energy. Flowers of mesmerizing colors and peculiar shapes adorned the surroundings. Enigmatic herbs and shrubs, rumored to possess magical properties, were carefully cultivated, their leaves glimmering with an ethereal sheen.

Amidst this extraordinary collection, they found the section dedicated to mystical plants. The air in this corner of the greenhouse felt charged with ancient power as if the plants themselves held the secrets of the cosmos.

Persephone examined the rare specimens, her fingers lightly brushing against the leaves as if to commune with the very essence of these enchanted plants.

She glanced at Hades and saw his gaze drawn to a cluster of pristine white flowers. “There it is. The asphodel.”

His focus sharpened on the plant she indicated. Its slender stems bore clusters of elegant, star-shaped blossoms, each petal a pale, ethereal white. The asphodel’s presence exuded an aura of quiet strength as if it held the wisdom of ancient realms within its delicate form. He approached it, his fingers tracing the outline of a blossom with a gentle touch.

“It’s beautiful,” he murmured. “A plant of the Underworld, yet it blooms with such grace and purity.”

Persephone nodded. “Asphodels have deep symbolic significance, representing both the afterlife and rebirth. They’re resilient flowers, blooming in the face of adversity, much like the souls they’re said to accompany.”

“They are perfect.” He reached out to caress a petal. “I think, perhaps, half a dozen or so should suit my purpose? Tell me what we need, so we may transport them safely.”

Her head snapped up to meet his gaze. “Transport them?”

“Yes.” His brows furrowed together. “Or do you think half a dozen is not enough? Shall we just take them all?”

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