Page 27 of Tempted By Hades

“Oh, yes. Surely there’s more to see?”

“But…why the Underworld?”

“Well, can you blame me? Every other place seems unremarkable after seeing your realm.”

An expression she couldn’t quite name passed across his face. “I see. If you wish. I will contact you in the next few days. As soon as I settle a few matters.”

“Of course. Thank you again. For the tour and for Orthrus.”

“And again, you’re very welcome.” Stepping back, he took a deep bow, then vanished.

Excitement, thrill, and exhilaration swirled inside Persephone at the thought of seeing him again. “Come on, Orthrus,” she said, giving him a kiss on the forehead. “Let’s go home.”

To Persephone’s surprise and relief, Demeter was not home when she arrived. She made herself and Orthrus some dinner—thankfully, he ate anything, so he was happy to share in her simple meal of leftover roast chicken and salad—and after she cleaned the dishes she went to the living room and curled up on the couch. As it did whenever she found her thoughts free, they drifted to the exhilarating afternoon she spent with Hades. It had been as dizzying as that first kiss.

Well, almost.

And perhaps a tiny part of her had been disappointed he left without giving her another one of those soul-searing kisses.

Sighing, she leaned back onto the couch and tucked her legs under her.

“What did you think of Lord Hades’s realm?” Orthrus asked as he settled on the arm of the couch, his upper body draped on the corner, front legs resting on the well-worn padding. In the apartment and when they were alone, she gave him permission to stay in his normal form.

“I expected the Underworld to be much darker and scarier,” she said. “The mortal tales really don’t do it justice.”

Orthrus wagged one of his tails, a gesture that almost seemed to mimic a nod. “The Underworld has changed a lot over time, just like the Upperworld. Lord Hades has worked tirelessly to ensure it’s not a perpetual horror show. Souls find peace there; there’s more to it than the old myths say.”

Persephone thought about the Underworld’s transformation as the words echoed in the room. Her image of the Underworld, shaped by mortal tales and ancient beliefs, was getting a reality check from Hades’s efforts to give a balanced existence for the departed souls.

“The Underworld has its own rhythm, its own balance. It changes with the times, as I’ve seen myself throughout the eons,” shared Orthrus. “It’s not a realm of non-stop torment. It’s more like a place of transition and reflection.”

She paid close attention, soaking in Orthrus’s words. The revelation that Hades changed the Underworld into a more harmonious space left her with a newfound appreciation for the lord of the shadows.

Orthrus concluded, “There is more to the Underworld than meets the eye. It’s a realm where souls find peace, where the weight of their mortal lives is lifted, and they can look back on their lives. Lord Hades has crafted a realm that serves its purpose, just as the Upperworld does.”

The air in the apartment shifted subtly, prompting Persephone’s instinctive response.

Mother was nearby.

She snapped her fingers, and Orthrus transformed into a Pomeranian. Before Orthrus could voice his displeasure, Persephone gently placed her hand over his snout, urging him into silence.

The door to the apartment swung open, revealing the figure of her mother. Demeter’s presence brought with it a mix of maternal warmth and an air of authority that could only be expected from a deity of her stature.

Persephone quickly rose from her seat, the Pomeranian Orthrus nestled in her arms. “Mother! Er, where have you been?” she exclaimed.

Demeter’s gaze moved from Persephone to the diminutive Pomeranian, and a quizzical expression crossed her face. “Persephone, what is this?”

“Uh, a dog?”

“I know it’s a dog,” she said, her tone impatient as she dropped her purse on the table next to the door and stalked over to the couch. “But what is it doing here?”

“I, uh, adopted it. From the shelter.”

“Adopted it?” Demeter’s jaw looked ready to unhinge itself. “How could you do that? Without asking my permission? You know I don’t like those creatures! They’re dirty and take up way too much time.”

“Mother, I’m a fully grown adult, I can get a dog if I want to. If it’s that much trouble, I can always move out.”

Demeter’s face fell. “M-move out?”

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