Page 21 of Tempted By Hades

And now he knew what to do.

Throwing a few coins on the table, he got up. “Alright, I know what to do.” He had to get back to the Underworld.

“Great! What?—”

Before Apollo could finish, Hades vanished.

In a swirl of shadows, Hades materialized within Persephone’s sunlit apartment a few hours later. The warm afternoon sunlight bathed the living room in a golden glow, casting a serene ambiance that seemed to soften even the darkest corners. Persephone, seated on the couch, was immersed in a moment of tranquility, her features illuminated by the gentle radiance filtering through the window.

For a fleeting instant, Hades stood in quiet admiration, captivated by the peaceful tableau before him. Persephone, bathed in sunlight, exuded a quiet beauty that held him spellbound. Her aura seemed to harmonize with the soft glow, creating an ethereal scene that hinted at the goddess’s connection to the natural world.

However, the tranquility was shattered when Persephone, sensing his presence, looked up from her contemplation. Annoyance flashed in her eyes as she met his gaze, her brows furrowing with exasperation. “I would ask you what you were doing here in my personal space, uninvited, but I suppose that doesn’t matter, seeing as you’re a god.”

So, she was not a woman prone to hysterics. “How prudent.”

She sighed, her tone tinged with irritation. “Well? What do you want?”

Unfazed by her annoyance, he took a step forward. “My apologies, Persephone,” he said. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I simply wanted to discuss what happened at the botanical garden.”

Persephone sighed again, the frustration lingering in her expression. “Couldn’t you have waited for a proper invitation?”

Hades, with a wry smile, replied, “Patience has never been my strongest virtue.”

Sensing the tension in the air, he took a deep breath, his usually composed demeanor faltering slightly. “Persephone, I must acknowledge that I did you wrong. I gave my word to show you the wonders of the Underworld, and I failed to uphold that promise. Even after I extracted the price.”

He continued, his gaze steady. “I understand if you’re frustrated with me. It wasn’t my intention to break my promise. The duties of the Underworld often demand my attention, and in the complexities of divine affairs, I failed to prioritize our agreement. I’d like to make it up to you, if you would allow it,” he said, a small smile playing on his lips.

She studied him for a moment, her initial annoyance gradually giving way to a subtle curiosity. With a reluctant sigh, she finally relented. “Alright,” she replied, her voice still tinged with lingering irritation.

He stepped forward and held out his hand. Persephone just looked at his palm and then leaned back on the couch.

She is not going to make this easy for me at all, he thought, taking another step forward.

Undeterred, he extended his hand once again, and with a subtle flick of his fingers, a black box materialized in his palm. The box pulsated with an enchanting glow, weaving tendrils of magic that shimmered in ethereal hues. A crimson ribbon adorned the sleek box, adding a touch of contrast to its dark exterior.

Persephone’s gaze shifted from his hand to the mysterious box, a flicker of curiosity replacing some of the lingering irritation.

“What’s this?” she asked, eyeing the unexpected gift. “It can’t be big if it fits in that tiny box.”

Hades held the gift out to her. “It’s much bigger than the box. Consider it a token to make amends,” he stated, hoping the words carried his sincerity. “Open it.”

Persephone hesitated, glancing from Hades to the box and back again. After a short pause, she sighed and reluctantly reached out to pull on the ribbon. As the ribbon unfurled and the black box opened, a two-headed dog materialized before her. Hades observed the creature with a sense of quiet satisfaction.

Her initial skepticism melted away, and a delighted squeal escaped her lips, a sound that resonated with genuine happiness.

“Who is this?” she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and joy.

“This is Orthrus,” he said. “He and his brothers guard the Underworld.”

Orthrus stood regally, his divine essence evident in the sleek coat that shimmered in shades of obsidian and midnight blue. Each head bore its distinct characteristics—one vigilant and watchful, the other exuding a playful curiosity. The eyes of Orthrus glowed with intelligence, a reflection of the Underworld’s essence embodied in the creature.

Hades watched as Persephone’s features shifted from surprise to wonder. The atmosphere shifted, the tension dissipating, and a quiet sense of anticipation hung in the air.

She continued to gaze at Orthrus with wide eyes, captivated by the enchanting presence of the two-headed dog, and reached out to touch him. The excitement in her eyes mirrored the lively curiosity radiating from Orthrus’s dual heads.

Hades spoke with a touch of solemnity, “He’s yours.”

Persephone extended her hand toward Orthrus, and the two-headed dog inclined its heads in a gesture of acknowledgment. The soft touch of her fingers met the sleek fur of Orthrus, and a gentle greeting resonated from both heads.

---