Page 77 of Tempted By Hades

After exiting the café, Persephone strode off back to the plant shop. The lively pulse of spring surged through her veins as she walked the transformed streets of New York City. Since her return here weeks ago, the City awoke under her influence. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence that spring had arrived with a vengeance after an unusually long winter, but no—she could feel her newly developed powers flowing from her into the city.

She reveled in the newfound strength of her powers, and a warm, radiant glow surrounded her. The cherry blossoms adorned the trees, casting a delicate pink hue over the sidewalks. Narcissus and tulips sprouted in colorful clusters, adding splashes of brilliance to the urban landscape. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the gentle hum of life embraced her.

Persephone’s heart swelled with joy as she witnessed the metamorphosis she brought to the city. Her connection with the earth and the changing seasons felt profound, and she took delight in the urban tapestry of life unfolding around her.

She entered the plant shop with an air of purpose. The familiar jingle of the doorbell echoed as she stepped in, and the sight of various greenery greeted her. She gracefully moved through the aisles, her fingers lightly brushing against leaves as she imagined the transformation she wanted to bring.

With a wave of her hand, roses, azaleas, and hyacinths sprang from the pots, their colors a lively dance of yellows, pinks, and purples—the air filled with the sweet scent of fresh flowers, creating an atmosphere of springtime enchantment.

She rearranged the displays, creating captivating arrangements that mirrored the newfound energy of the season. The once dormant corners of the shop now teemed with life, and the greenery seemed to respond to her every command. Persephone smiled, reveling in the beauty she had brought forth, a reflection of the Upperworld’s transition into spring.

Persephone moved through the rows of plants in the brightly lit shop, her usual enthusiasm for the greenery replaced by a heavy, contemplative air. The bright flora that usually captivated her attention seemed to blur into a monotonous sea.

Geri, sensing the shift in her demeanor, approached with a mix of concern and loyalty. “Everything alright, P?” she inquired, her eyes reflecting a genuine worry.

She managed a weak smile. “Just need some time alone, Geri. I’ll be in my apartment if you need me.” Despite her attempt at reassurance, the unease lingered beneath her words.

“You know I’m here if you need anything, right?” Geri offered. When she arrived here from the Underworld, she had told the wolf shifter everything that had happened. Her friend had been her rock this entire time, offering Persephone anything and everything she might need—from moral support to hunting down the cause of her pain and slicing off certain parts of his anatomy.

She sighed inwardly.

I really thought I could go a day without thinking of him.

In her imagination, she envisioned a signboard that said “Days Since I Have Thought of Hades” and the number next to it remained at zero.

“Are you sure I can’t get you some lunch?”

Persephone nodded appreciatively, “Thank you, Geri. I just need some quiet for now.” With that, she made her way out of the plant shop, leaving behind a worried Geri and the rustling leaves of countless green companions.

The apartment, once a haven of comfort, felt foreign to Persephone. The familiar corners and furnishings that had once brought her joy now seemed like artifacts from another life. The rich hues that used to dance across the walls felt dull, and an unsettling silence replaced the echoes of laughter that once filled the space.

She walked through the rooms with a heavy heart, her steps echoing in the emptiness. The cheerful tapestries and decor now served as a reminder of the stark contrast between her past and present. Persephone couldn’t shake the feeling that something essential was missing, that a part of her had changed irreversibly.

Well, she knew what was missing. She just didn’t want to admit it.

The walls seemed to close in on her, and the air, once bathed in the glow of memories, now carried a sense of detachment. Persephone yearned for a connection to this space, for the joy that had once been woven into every corner of her home. Yet, it eluded her like a fleeting dream, leaving her feeling adrift in a place that was meant to be her sanctuary.

Persephone sighed, the restlessness within her matching the turmoil in the air. She reached for her coat, the fabric cool against her fingertips, contemplating a solitary walk to clear her thoughts. However, Orthrus, ever dutiful, approached with a watchful gaze.

“I just need some air, Orthrus,” she began, her voice carrying a hint of frustration. “I’ll be fine alone.”

Orthrus shook his two heads in unison, a gesture that combined both loyalty and a sense of duty. “I have to go with you, Lady Persephone. It’s my responsibility.”

Persephone’s protest faded, recognizing the sincerity in Orthrus’s stance. She sighed once more, relenting, “Fine. Join me, then.”

Orthrus, ever the dutiful guardian, raised his two heads and fixed his eyes on Persephone. “You know, milady, you still need to make me look mortal when we’re out there,” he reminded her with a gentle nudge.

Persephone pursed her lips. “Right,” she said, a trace of irritation in her voice. “I just wish I didn’t have to deal with all these mortal complications.”

Using her power, she waved her fingers to perform the transformation. But this time, he was no longer a Pomeranian. The divine aura surrounding Orthrus subtly shifted, rendering him indistinguishable from an ordinary mortal dog. A pleased expression crossed his canine features as he wagged his tail, appreciative of his newfound anonymity.

Persephone sighed in relief. “There, mortals will think you’re a Pomeranian and can’t see your divine form.”

Orthrus reveled in the newfound freedom that Persephone’s powers had granted him. It was a subtle yet profound alteration, an unspoken pact between the goddess and her faithful companion. She put a leash on him, and they set out into the crisp spring afternoon.

The gritty reality of New York City assaulted Persephone’s senses as they strolled through the streets. The cacophony of honking horns, the pungent aroma of street vendors’ offerings, and the sight of litter strewn across the pavement all contributed to a stark contrast from the subdued beauty of the Underworld.

Orthrus trotted happily at her side, seemingly unfazed by the urban chaos. As they navigated through the crowded sidewalks, Persephone’s gaze lingered on the graffiti-covered walls, the hurried pace of the city, and the diverse mix of people weaving through the streets. It was a stark departure from the ethereal tranquility she had become accustomed to.

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