Page 68 of Tempted By Hades

Hades rolled his eyes. “Let’s go.”

The bride and groom had arranged for a grand celebration outside the palace for everyone who attended, but the reception inside the palace was reserved for the VIP guests. The grand ballroom of the palace transformed into a breathtaking spectacle for the wedding reception. Luminous crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow over the expansive space. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of love, unity, and the changing seasons—a testament to the union of Hades and Persephone.

The ballroom’s floor, made of smooth obsidian, reflected the soft light, creating an illusion of stars twinkling beneath the feet of the celebrating guests. Tables adorned with silver candelabras and opulent floral arrangements lined the room, each centerpiece a delicate mix of narcissus, pomegranate blossoms, black roses, and white poplars—a nod to the couple’s journey.

The air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers, and ethereal music played in the background, performed by celestial musicians. The atmosphere was one of enchantment, a fitting setting for the union of the god of the Underworld and the goddess of spring.

The guests feasted and danced and indulged in the entertainment provided, including plenty of dancing from various musicians and bands playing music from various eras. Persephone enjoyed every moment of the momentous day and even went on the dance floor herself with her friends, guests, and, of course, her new husband, whom she had managed to drag down for a slow dance.

Demeter sat at her own table, surrounded by other gods and goddesses, though at some point, she came over to introduce a few people to Persephone, including Hera and Amphitrite.

“Our husbands send their regards,” Hera said as she kissed both of Persephone’s cheeks. “And their regrets as they are unable to attend. They hope to meet you at the Sealing Ceremony.”

“Sealing Ceremony?” Persephone said.

Demeter’s eyebrows knitted together. “Is it that time already? It doesn’t feel like ten thousand years have passed.”

“Why, yes,” Hera said. “You really have been gone such a long time, Demeter. Hopefully, now that you and Persephone have come back into the fold, we’ll be seeing more of you.”

Amphitrite linked her arm through Persephone’s. “What are you wearing to the ceremony? Perhaps we should coordinate? Wouldn’t we look divine?”

“Yes!” Hera squealed. “That’s a marvelous idea.”

“Wait, wait.” She disentangled herself from the other goddess. “What Sealing Ceremony?”

Hera gasped. “You don’t know?”

Amphitrite placed a hand over her chest. “It’s only the most important event of our lives. Not only does it commemorate the defeat of the Titans after the ten-year-long war, but it’s what ensures that we remain at peace and our enemies remain locked away.”

Hera tsked. “Demeter, you really did her no favors, keeping her away from us.”

Demeter shrugged. “It didn’t seem relevant to tell her. In any case, she wouldn’t have been able to attend, since she was not part of the war.”

“Well, then,” Hera began. “Let me tell you all about it…”

“Uh…sure?”

As Hera began to describe the Sealing Ceremony, Persephone listened intently.Truthfully, it all sounded like a boring party–at least from the way Hera described the last one. However, when she came to the part about the actual Sealing Ceremony itself, she was intrigued.

“But Mother said only those who fought in the war are able to attend the ceremony,” Persephone said. “Why, then, do I have to be there?”

Amphitrite shrugged. “I was not part of the war or had any hand in the original spell, yet I was required to attend. I don’t quite understand it really, but it has something to do with being mated to the three gods who sealed them away. But don’t worry, there’s not much we need to do. We just, kind of stand there and look pretty. Which brings me back to the more important topic: what are we wearing?”

“Ladies,” came a low voice from behind. “Would you mind if I steal my bride back?”

Persephone sighed with relief at the sight of her new husband.

“Of course not,” Hera said. “Aren’t they adorable, Amphitrite? Remember when you were a blushing bride?”

“I do,” she laughed. “Alright, go on then, you young lovers. Just don’t get caught in the linen closet by the janitor.”

Hades slipped a hand around Persephone’s waist. “Thank you, ladies,” he said as he whisked her away.

“You’re in an awful hurry,” she remarked to him. “Anything the matter?”

His lips pushed together tightly, and his eyebrows slashed downward. “I just…saw something I never want to see again.” He actually shuddered. “I think I may need a bottle of ambrosia or five to erase it from my memory.”

She stopped short and turned to face him. “What? What did you see?”

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