Page 86 of Tempted By Hades

Persephone, her eyes sparkling with delight, addressed the gathered souls. Like a melodic breeze, her voice promised celebration and joy. “Today, let the meadow echo with laughter and the air be filled with the music of revelry. This day is yours, dear souls, a celebration of life and the eternal beauty in the Underworld’s heart.”

Standing beside her, Hades nodded in agreement, his stern countenance softened by the joyous occasion. Together, they extended their blessings to the souls, inviting them to partake in the festivities that unfolded in the transformed Asphodel Meadows. The Underworld, often associated with shadows and silence, now resonated with the energetic spirit of celebration, a testament to the harmonious rule of its divine couple.

As Hades and Persephone strolled through the jubilant crowd, a young soul, brimming with excitement, approached Persephone with a radiant smile. She held a delicately crafted crown of narcissus flowers in her tiny hands, embodying the season’s blossoming beauty.

With wide eyes sparkling with admiration, the child soul extended the floral crown towards Persephone, a gesture of pure joy and innocence. Persephone, equally enchanted by the heartfelt offering, graciously accepted the crown. The narcissus adorned her hair, weaving a golden halo around her head, symbolizing spring’s regenerative magic.

Observing the tender moment, Hades couldn’t help but feel warmth enveloping his heart. The child’s genuine excitement and Persephone’s gracious acceptance painted a scene of joy and unity in the Underworld. In that fleeting exchange, the ruler of the Underworld found a glimpse of the tender beauty that Persephone brought not only to the realm but also to the hearts of its departed souls.

Orthrus trotted up to them, and his two heads nodded in unison. He commented, “It’s good to be back, isn’t it? This place has a whole new vibe.” One of his heads turned to Persephone, the other to Hades as if acknowledging the joint effort that had revitalized their realm.

Persephone, with a gentle smile, responded, “It feels different but in a good way. Change can be beautiful. Now, enjoy yourself, Orthrus! Run free!”

“Finally, a chance to stretch these legs!”

Hades smirked. “He seems thrilled to be back.”

They watched Orthrus bound away, his two heads filled with excitement as he headed toward a group of playful souls. The meadows echoed with the sounds of laughter and joy, the graceful colors of the flowers seemingly reflecting the newfound life that pulsed through the Underworld.

The air in the garden carried the sweet fragrance of narcissus blossoms as Persephone led Hades away from the lively celebration. The transition from festivity to tranquility was palpable as they entered the newly crafted section, a testament to her creativity and vision.

Persephone’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she gestured towards the Narcissus Grove, where the delicate flowers mirrored their beauty in the calm waters of a nearby fountain. The pomegranate tree stood as a regal centerpiece, its branches laden with symbolic fruit.

“This is the Narcissus Grove, a touch of the Upperworld’s beauty mixed with our own,” Persephone explained, her voice carrying a soft melody.

Hades, though accustomed to the beauty of the Underworld, couldn’t help but be impressed. “Exquisite,” he murmured, his eyes taking in the ethereal scene.

As the couple continued their stroll, they reached a corner adorned with black roses, their dark petals adding a touch of mystery to the colorful palette. Along the pathway, white poplars provided a gentle shade, creating a serene ambiance around the seats positioned by the fountain.

“A little bit of contrast, a little bit of unity. What do you think?” she inquired, her smile radiant.

Hades appreciated the thoughtful design. “It’s perfect. You’ve truly transformed this place.”

They settled on the fountain’s seats, the soothing sound of water providing a backdrop to their shared moment. In the heart of the garden, surrounded by the harmonious blend of nature, Hades found himself captivated by the beauty she had brought to their realm.

“Must you leave so soon?” he asked.

“You look so cute when you pout,” she said, giving him a peck on the mouth. “You know, just because I’m queen here doesn’t mean I don’t have responsibilities to my shop and customers.” Though she now lived full-time in the Underworld, she still went back to New York to help with the shop every weekend.

“You should just close it down so you don’t have to keep going back.”

“And what would you have my employees do? Starve?”

“You have one employee,” he pointed out. “One.”

“Who is my best friend.”

Hades opened his mouth, then clamped it shut. Persephone had told him all about Geri and how she came to New York. He agreed with her that the wolf shifter seemed to be running away from something, but what, he didn’t know. Of course, he could easily find out, but he respected the she-wolf’s privacy.

“I think this is a ploy by your mother so she can see you more.”

“Ha! I wish.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t think she even knows I’m there. She and my father are too busy making goo-goo eyes at each other.”

That wasn’t true, of course, as the last time Hades had visited with Persephone, she welcomed her daughter with open arms and showered attention on her as if they hadn’t seen each other in decades. He had to admit, though, the presence of Georgius had definitely softened the goddess of harvest, and she had toned down the hostility toward him.

“How is it going with your father and his petition?” Though Georgius was now alive, he was still mortal, and so Demeter had petitioned the Council to allow him to eat one of the golden apples to give him immortality.

“I think they’re ready to rule,” she said, her hand reaching for her necklace, the silver vines and moonstone pendant shimmered. Hades loved how she now wore the necklace he had given her.

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