Page 26 of Tempted By Hades

The duo, accompanied by the spectral echoes of their barks, created a harmonious chaos that added an unexpected charm to the scene. Orthrus ran circles around Cerberus, his eyes gleaming with an almost mischievous joy. His canine enthusiasm was contagious, and even Hades seemingly couldn’t resist a rare smile as he watched the spectral dogs weave through the landscape. A warmth swirled into her belly, thinking of how much more handsome he seemed when he smiled.

But more than that attraction, she felt there was something else too. Something she never would have learned had she not come here with him. Hades had curated a sanctuary that transcended the usual gloom associated with his realm. It was a place where the boundary between life and death blurred, and Persephone found herself caught in the delicate balance of the two.

“Were you trying to ask me something before we were interrupted?” he asked.

“Yes. I just thought there was something different about this spot. I mean”—she gestured around them—“it looks pretty bare right now, but I can’t help but wonder about its potential.”

“It’s meant to be a garden,” he said. “I just haven’t had the time to do anything with it. I’ve been too busy to find someone to work on it.”

“Oh, a garden!” Perhaps that’s why this place called to her. “Oh, I miss having a garden so much. There’s just not enough space in New York City for one. We used to live in Vermont, and it was so big, and I grew all kinds of plants. But then we had to move, so I left it all behind. Sometimes, I wish I had a place like this to myself. Where I can escape.”

“Escape what?”

“Just…be alone.” And escape her overbearing mother. “I’d love to be able to come here. Or even come back to The Meadows and watch the asphodel grow and thrive.” An idea popped into her head. “You know…I could probably help you bring them back.” She snapped her fingers. “I mean, it’s hard to transport and transplant seedlings and plants because they might get soil shock. I could help make sure you plant them properly and, of course, induce them to grow.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

“Oh.” Her heart sank. Oh dear, had that been too forward? Would he even want to see her again after this? “Of course, I don’t mean to imply that you should bring me back, I mean?—”

“No, it’s not that.” He shook his head. “I’m afraid your powers will be of no help here.”

“They won’t?”

“No. Unless you decide to live here, you won’t be able to come and go as you please or even use your powers.”

“Oh.” She didn’t know why, but the thought that she would never see this place again perturbed her. “I see.”

“Those are the rules, I’m afraid.”

“Of course.” She understood that even though they were divine beings, even they had to follow the rules.

“I’m afraid it’s getting late,” he said. “Back on the Upperworld, I mean. Almost dinner time.”

“Oh, right. Um…” She clasped her hands behind her. “I suppose I should be getting back. Orthrus and me, I mean.”

“Of course.” Looking back at the two dogs, he called out, “Orthrus, it is time to leave.”

Orthrus’s heads glanced back at him. “But we just got here,” he whined.

“Orthrus.”

The dual heads huffed in unison. “Fine. See you, Cerberus,” he called as he ran back to Persephone’s side.

“Did you have fun, Orthrus?” she asked.

“Yes, Lady Persephone,” he said. “But Lord Hades says we must return to the Upperworld.” His nostrils flared. “Which means I must return to my other form.”

“Aww.” Reaching out, she scratched both his chins. “You’ll get used to it, I promise.”

“We should go,” Hades said. “Are you ready?”

She nodded and in the blink of an eye, she found herself back in front of the plant shop, Orthrus—in his minuscule form—standing beside her. Scooping him up, she tucked him under her arm. “Um, thank you for the tour.”

“You’re very welcome. I’d like to see you again,” he said. “If you want.”

She smiled up at him. “I do. Can we continue the tour of your realm?”

“You want to see more?”

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