Page 22 of Tempted By Hades

“My lady,” came the resonant voice, a harmonious blend of watchfulness and devotion. The words carried a certain reverence, acknowledging Persephone’s divine presence with a touch of regality.

“And he talks too!” she exclaimed, her voice echoing with pure delight. “And he’s mine!”

Her simple declaration marked a shift in the atmosphere between them. He felt relief in her evident happiness. Then she leaped up and wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.

As she clung to him, he returned the embrace, savoring her happiness. The touch held a promise of understanding and the potential for a connection that transcended the complexities of their divine roles.

Suddenly, she stiffened. Hades looked down at her and noticed a blush tinted her cheeks as she awkwardly stepped away and turned to Orthrus.

She kneeled in front of the two-headed dog, and a playful smile returned to her lips. “Orthrus, what do you think of your new home?” she asked, trying to ease the lingering awkwardness and bring the attention back to the divine creature.

Orthrus spoke with a dignified resonance. “I am happy to serve at the pleasure of Lord Hades and am honored to protect Lady Persephone,” he replied.

Hades observed the exchange between Orthrus and Persephone with quiet satisfaction. The creature’s words affirmed the bond that was forming, not just between Persephone and Orthrus but also between himself and the goddess of spring. The acknowledgment of protection and honor brought a subtle reassurance to Hades, reinforcing the threads of connection that were slowly weaving.

He hated to admit it, but Apollo was not only right about this “grand gesture” but it seemed the said gesture would bring him closer to achieving his goals.

As she scratched Orthrus’s chins, a contented response emanated from the two-headed dog. However, a fleeting look of anxiety crossed Persephone’s face, and she spoke with a hint of worry, “Mother won’t approve of this. She won’t let him stay.” A defiant expression crossed her face. “But I will keep you, Orthrus.”

Her gaze shifted to Hades. “He’s too big, and his divine form will not work here in the Upperworld. Can you change his appearance?”

“Of course,” Hades responded with a knowing smile.

Orthrus, still looking confused, managed only a questioning “What?” before Hades snapped his fingers.

In an instant, Orthrus transformed into a Rhodesian Ridgeback. “Oh, this is a nice body.” Orthrus preened, as it looked back at its sleek new body.

Her mouth pursed. “He’s too big for my plant shop, and Mother definitely does not like big dogs.”

Another snap echoed, and Orthrus morphed into a basset hound. However, now sporting a disgruntled expression, Orthrus seemed less than pleased with the change. “What am I gonna do with these ears? Fly?” he muttered.

“Still too big, I’m afraid,” she said with a shake of her head.

A snap once more, and Orthrus shrank further. Persephone’s eyes lit up with delight as she looked at the tiny canine—a teacup Pomeranian, to be exact.

“He’s absolutely adorable!” she exclaimed. “Oh! I’m gonna get you a cute little pink collar with bows—no, jewels! And then a ribbon for your hair….”

Meanwhile, Orthrus fumed, clearly displeased with the drastic reduction in size and the outfits and accessories his new mistress planned to purchase for him. “Er, my lord, I cannot live in this form. What would Cerberus think?” he pleaded with Hades, eyes reflecting a genuine sense of distress.

Annoyed, Hades retorted, “You serve at my pleasure, right?”

The dog looked at him with an even more pleading expression.

Persephone, finding Orthrus’s distress rather amusing, giggled at how cute he looked. The contrast between his pleading eyes and the tiny, fluffy appearance elicited amusement and endearment from the goddess of spring.

Orthrus pleaded once more, “I beg you, my lord, do not leave me in this form.”

“No one will know about your appearance here in the Upperworld,” Hades retorted sharply. He thought a moment and conceded, “Persephone can snap her fingers to switch you back to your divine form.”

He then issued a reminder, sternly addressing Orthrus, “But if any mortals are around, you have to be a Pomeranian.”

Orthrus sighed, the weight of this condition settling heavily upon him. “If that is yours and Lady Persephone’s wish.”

She picked him up and placed him in her lap. “Don’t worry, Orthrus. No one in the Underworld will know about your pom form,” she reassured him. “And this way, Mother won’t have any objections. You’re, uh, already potty trained, right?”

The tiny pom snorted. “My lady, please allow me to keep my dignity by not answering that question.”

“Of course you are! You’re a smart boy, aren’t you? And the goodest boy!” She nuzzled at his head.

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