Page 38 of Tempted By Hades

While she’d already been here before, there was something different about this trip. There was something in the earth underneath her that seemed to draw her in, as if the gravity was heavier. The atmosphere, too, was different. Unlike the earth beneath her feet, the air was lighter, more accommodating even.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and found herself where they had begun. “Are we?—”

“Lady Persephone! I thought you’d forgotten about me!”

“What? Orthrus—omph!!” She laughed as the canine’s solid body collided against her, nearly knocking her over if she hadn’t steadied herself. “Oh, Orthrus,” she cried as he licked her face. “Calm down! I’m back.”

“I know.” He sounded really worried. “I didn’t hear you call for me when you left, and I thought you had abandoned me.” His eyes enlarged, and the corners of his snout turned down in a pout. “Were you angry that I didn’t like my earthly form? I promise I won’t say anything bad about it anymore.”

“Not at all.” She scratched both his chins. “It’s just…stuff happened. A lot happened, actually.” She gave him the short version of the events, at least the part about the pomegranate seeds.

“Wait—you’re staying here?”

“For three months, at least.”

Orthrus leapt up and spun around. “Yippee! I mean, this means I’m staying here too, right? In this form?”

“Yes, but remember, guardians like you aren’t allowed inside the palace.”

“They’re not?” Persephone asked.

“I’m afraid so, Lady Persephone,” Orthrus confirmed. “The palace has many protections, so we are not needed inside. But do not worry, I much prefer the outdoors and running around with my brothers. Not that I don’t like being with you,” he added quickly. “It’s an honor to guard you.”

Persephone supposed he would be much happier with all the space here to run around in, not to mention, he didn’t have to be in his tiny pom form anymore.

Orthrus bowed his heads. “But anytime you are out of the palace, I shall be by your side, you only have to call.”

“As well as when you visit the Upperworld,” Hades qualified. “I expect you to stay by her side and protect her.”

He lifted a paw in salute. “Yes, my lord. I take my duties seriously.”

“Good. Now…” He turned to Persephone. “I suppose since you are now a guest in my realm, I shall provide you a place to stay here in my palace.”

“Oh.” She bit at her bottom lip. When she ate the seeds, she hadn’t exactly planned that far. “You don’t have to provide me with anything, you know…er, maybe I can find a place to rent? I have money.”

“Your Upperworld currency cannot be used here. I must admit, I feel responsible that you’re here.”

Oh heavens, he can’t be serious? “You don’t have to trouble yourself?—”

He held up a hand to silence her. “Nonsense, it’s no trouble. Besides, it’s already done. Come with me.”

She said goodbye to Orthrus, then followed him into the palace. He led her across the vast main hall and the magnificent staircase.

“This is the way to the living area,” he said as they turned left at the top of the stairs. There was a long, hallway where the walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting fields of vibrant flowers, capturing the essence of spring. The air was infused with a delicate fragrance reminiscent of blooming gardens.

They passed by several doors until he stopped at one, then opened it and gestured for her to go inside. When she stepped in, the first thing she noticed was the sunlight streaming through ethereal curtains, casting a warm and golden glow across the room. The furniture was an elegant fusion of comfort and sophistication, adorned with plush cushions in hues that mimicked the blossoms of various flowers.

As she drew in deeper into the vast room, Persephone discovered a dressing area adorned with mirrors that seemed to capture every angle of her radiance. The wardrobe, filled with garments in an array of colors, echoed the vivacity of spring. The entire suite reflected her sunny disposition, a harmonious blend of the darkness of the Underworld and the warmth of her vibrant spirit. This suite, a sanctuary within Hades’s realm, felt like a haven where spring had found a place even in the depths of the shadows.

The centerpiece of the opulent suite was an enormous bed that seemed to beckon with promises of unparalleled comfort. The grandeur of the bed was accentuated by its sheer size; a lavish expanse that could easily accommodate royalty. It stood against a backdrop of ethereal curtains, their delicate fabric cascading down like a waterfall of moonlit silk.

The bed, expansive and adorned with sheets of the finest silk, beckoned her to indulge in its opulence. She marveled at the size, feeling the plushness of the pillows that cradled her hand. She traced her fingers along the luxurious beddings, the textures soft beneath her touch. The fabric was like a whisper against her skin, and the luxurious sensation sent a shiver down her spine. The blankets promised a cocoon of warmth and serenity. As she touched the pillows, plump and numerous, she marveled at the softness beneath her fingertips and how it beckoned her to sink into their embrace. The covers matched the vibrant colors of the flowers depicted in the murals adorning the walls, creating a harmonious blend of opulence and beauty.

“This is…incredible,” she murmured. Turning to Hades, she inquired, “Did you personally choose all of this?”

He nodded. “I wanted you to feel at home, even here in the Underworld. It’s a reflection of the warmth I see in you.”

Persephone couldn’t help but smile, appreciating the effort he had put into creating a space that mirrored her disposition—and in such a short time too. As she continued to explore the room, her fingers trailing over the carefully selected furnishings, she eventually stopped before the window.

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