Page 30 of Tempted By Hades

“Hello.” Today, she looked even lovelier than the last time, even dressed simply in a frilly white sleeveless blouse and denim skirt. Her hair was piled in a messy bun on top of her head, and she wore minimal makeup. He took a step closer to her, wanting to reach out and touch her, perhaps to push away the stray lock of straw-colored hair away from her face.

“How have you been? Is everything alright?”

She laughed. “It’s only been two days since we saw each other. But, yes, I’m fine. And if I haven’t said it, thanks again…for everything.”

“You’re very welcome.” He cleared his throat. “So, would you like to come to the Underworld again to continue our tour?”

Her face lit up like the sun. “Oh yes! Let me get my coat.”

Orthrus, meanwhile, jumped off the couch. “Yes! That means I can go back to my real form.”

In the blink of an eye, they were once again transported back to his realm. Orthrus, as soon as they touched down, let out a bark and tapped his paws. “May I please go and play?”

“Of course,” Persephone said. “I’ll call you when we’re headed back.”

The canine yipped happily, then took off.

“So,” she began. “Where are we?”

“Just outside my palace.” He gestured to the structure in front of them. The palace stood as a formidable silhouette against the perpetual gloom that enveloped the realm. The path leading to the imposing structure wound through desolate landscapes, the air heavy with an otherworldly chill that hinted at the weight of the afterlife.

Once they were alone, Hades said, “Would you like to see my palace?”

“Sure.”

As they approached, the grandeur of the palace became more pronounced. Dark spires reached toward the cavernous ceiling, and detailed carvings adorned the walls, depicting scenes from the realm of the dead. The palace exuded an air of elegance and foreboding, reflecting its ruler’s dual nature.

The entrance, guarded by statues that seemed to watch with stoic resolve, marked the threshold between the mortal world and the Underworld. Massive doors adorned with haunting motifs hinted at the mysteries that lay beyond. Each step on the path echoed with a solemn resonance, underscoring the gravity of entering this realm where life and death danced in a perpetual embrace.

Though the exterior exuded an intimidating aura, there was an undeniable beauty to the palace. Despite its darkness, the architecture carried a regality befitting the ruler of the Underworld. The distant echoes of footsteps on the path added to the sense of gravity, a reminder that every entrance into this realm marked a transition into the unknown.

They walked arm-in-arm, entering through the opulent golden doors. However, as soon as were inside, one of his servants came rushing toward them. The man glanced at Persephone, surprise crossing his face momentarily before he averted his eyes.

“My Lord Hades, I hate to interrupt, but, uh, there is a pressing matter you must attend to. There is someone waiting to speak with you now.”

“A pressing matter?” He blew out a breath. “It’s not Polyglotnus, is it?” If the daemon interrupted his time with Persephone again for another trivial matter, he would have his head on a stick.

“N-no, my lord.”

“Then who is it? And what does he want?”

“It’s…” His eyes darted to Persephone.

Hades nodded, his patience running thin. “Just say it.”

“It’s Charon, my lord.”

“Charon? He’s here?”

“Yes.”

His fingers curled into fists. If the ferryman left his post to come see him, then it must truly be important. “Alright. I’ll be there in a moment.”

Once the servant scurried off, he turned to Persephone. “I’m afraid I have urgent business to attend to.” He cursed inwardly. How was he supposed to tell her the truth when they kept being interrupted?

“I understand, you’re a very busy man.”

“I’ll try to resolve it quickly, but I understand if you want to go back to the Upperworld for now. I’m so sorry for the trouble.”

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