Page 85 of Tempted By Hades

He gestured around him, shaking his head. “How could I even think this—all of this—was inferior to the other realms? Why would I want Olympus, with all the superficiality and soullessness? Especially now that you have turned this place into one of real beauty and substance.”

“You have made this place into what it is,” she said. “You’ve always ruled justly and have cared for the souls ever since you came here. All I did was show you. You are the true soul of this place.”

“And you are the heart,” he added. “Persephone, I meant what I said. I will wait for you forever. I know what I did was wrong, and you could never forgive me for deceiving you. I didn’t intend for the lie to go on. I was just so afraid of losing you. Even if you never come back to me, I will never be with another.”

“Hades…” she drew closer to him. “I was so angry because you didn’t tell me the truth right away.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.” His shoulders sank. “It will be the biggest regret of my cursed life.”

“But you didn’t know me either, from the beginning. And…and I believe you when you say you wanted to tell me.”

“You do?”

“Yes. You already got what you wanted, but you gave it up.”

“I want no part of Olympus.” His dark brows slashed downwards. “Poseidon or even Zeus could have all of it. Burn it to the ground, I don’t care.”

“You wouldn’t have conceded your claim if you truly weren’t sorry.” Reaching out, she placed her hands over his. His head snapped up to meet her gaze, his expression turning bewildered.

“Persephone?”

“And…and I forgive you.”

“Truly?”

“Yes.” She squeezed his hand. “I’ve been so miserable without you, Hades. But my pride wouldn’t let me call for you.”

“I would have waited forever.”

“But I couldn’t.” Inching closer to him, she whispered, “I love you.”

He sucked in a breath, then his arms came around her. “I love you too.”

Lifting herself up on her tiptoes, she met his lips as they came down. They kissed for what seemed like an eternity, and she reveled in the feel of his mouth, and his strong body pressed up to her own. When he finally pulled away, she smiled against him. “I’m so happy to be here.” She’d missed the warm glow of the sky of the Underworld, the eternal dusk covering this amazing realm, the wonderful souls living here, and most of all, her husband.

“Yes,” he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Welcome home.”

Epilogue

The Meadows now bloomed with vivid colors, and a vast expanse of asphodel flowers lined the walkways, their petals dancing in the ethereal breeze. The land was awash with lavender, pink, and ivory hues, creating mesmerizing fields that stretched endlessly.

The souls gathered with eager anticipation in the floral spectacle. Their translucent forms seemed to shimmer excitedly as they exchanged whispers and smiles. The air buzzed with energy as if the very essence of the Underworld was joining in the celebration.

The asphodel flowers, symbolizing remembrance, were not merely decorations but held a profound significance in the realm of the departed. Each petal carried memories, a visual ode to the souls’ existence and the moments that shaped them. As the atmosphere filled with the soft fragrance of the blossoms, it seemed as though the very essence of the souls mingled with the delicate perfume.

The murmurs among the souls intensified as Hades and Persephone stepped forward, commanding the crowd’s attention. With a dignified air, Hades raised his hand to signal for silence, and gradually, the eager whispers subsided.

“Dear souls of the Underworld,” Hades began, his voice resonating through the crowd, “I bring tidings of joy and renewal. Our beloved Lady Persephone has returned to the Underworld.”

A ripple of anticipation swept through the souls as they turned their attention to Persephone, who stood beside Hades with a regal grace. Her eyes sparkled with warmth, a stark contrast to the usual solemnity of the Underworld.

Hades continued, “In honor of this momentous occasion and the enduring spirit of remembrance that defines this realm, I declare that The Meadows shall be known as the Asphodel Meadows. May it stand as a living testament to the beauty of your existence and the memories you hold.”

A cheer erupted from the souls, their translucent forms shimmering with joy. The air vibrated with a newfound energy as the significance of the renaming settled in. With a gracious smile, Persephone acknowledged the souls, her presence infusing the Underworld with a touch of vitality and life.

With a graceful sweep of their hands, Hades and Persephone orchestrated a mesmerizing transformation in the Asphodel Meadows. The once serene and quiet area burst into a spirited celebration as if the very essence of joy was woven into the fabric of the Underworld.

Petals of various shades rained down from unseen hands, creating colorful confetti that danced in the air. The asphodel flowers lining the walkways and fields swayed in rhythm to an ethereal melody, their vivid hues pulsating with newfound life. The atmosphere buzzed with an infectious energy, and the souls, once patiently gathered, now immersed themselves in a lively and enchanting spectacle.

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