Page 39 of Tempted By Hades

Despite being in the depths of the Underworld, Persephone found herself bathed in a gentle, sun-kissed glow within her luxurious suite. The room seemed to defy the usual dimness associated with the realm of Hades, and its ambiance mimicked the soft radiance of an eternal dusk.

Persephone couldn’t help but marvel at the play of light and shadow in the room. Sunbeams, reminiscent of the golden hours in the mortal realm, streamed through the curtains, casting a warm and inviting glow. The subdued illumination created a serene atmosphere, a delicate balance between the ethereal and the earthly.

“The lighting is remarkable,” she remarked, casting a curious gaze toward the illusion of daylight filtering through. “How did you achieve this? It feels like sunshine, yet we’re far from the mortal realm.”

“Magic, of course,” he said, a touch of mischief in his eyes. “I wove a bit of magic into the very essence of this place to make it uniquely yours. A touch of the Upperworld right here in the Underworld.”

Persephone chuckled, enchanted by the revelation. “You really thought of everything, didn’t you?”

“I wanted you to have the best,” he replied, a genuine warmth in his voice. “This suite—it’s all for you.”

As Persephone absorbed the revelation, she found herself appreciating the effort Hades had taken to create a haven for her, one that defied the traditional gloom of the Underworld. The magical lighting played a pivotal role in transforming her suite into a celestial retreat, a place where the perpetual twilight felt comforting rather than foreboding.

She strolled towards the inviting couches, and her eyes caught the playful pillows scattered across. Some were adorned with charming plant puns that elicited a hearty laugh from her.

“Look at this one,” she chuckled, holding up a pillow that read “You’re fern-tastic!” Her laughter filled the room, and she couldn’t resist sharing another one. “And here’s another gem, ‘I’m kind of a big dill.’ Hades, did you personally choose these, or did The Fates have a hand in it?”

“I may have had some divine inspiration,” he said, pleased to see her amused. “Puns seemed fitting for a goddess of spring, don’t you think?”

She nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I appreciate the humor. It’s these little details that make it feel like home. Thank you so much. You didn’t have to go through so much trouble.”

“It’s no trouble at all. If there’s anything you need, just ask.” He straightened his shoulders. “I’m sure you’d like to be alone now. I should go anyway.”

Actually, that was the last thing she wanted. The thought of Hades leaving her right now made a knot form in her chest. Yet, she didn’t miss the exit he was giving himself with his words. “Of course.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me? There are many things we need to talk about. Regarding your stay here.”

Excitement and dread mixed within her. Yes, they certainly had a lot of things to talk about. Her entire life had been turned upside-down in the last few hours. The tension had already been taut between them ever since their encounter in his office, but now, it was stretched to the limit. “Of course.”

“I shall see you in about three hours, then?”

“That’s fine. I’ll see you then.”

With a slight nod of his head, he disappeared.

And now she was alone, in this opulent suite, in this strange place. Her new home.

For now, at least.

“Oh heavens!” She plopped down on the nearest piece of furniture—a settee upholstered in rich blue velvet—and covered her eyes with the backs of her hands.

What have I gotten myself into?

She had been so angry at her mother. Really, it had been building up these past few years, and she had meant what she said about not wanting to hate her. All she had wanted to do was get away from Demeter, just to clear her head.

And now she was stuck here.

For now, anyway.

Everything has a price.

In her fury, her mother’s words had gone over her head. But now she remembered them clearly. Was there also a price for her staying here? Did Hades expect anything in return? Her mother had insinuated he wanted something from her. But what?

Well, knowing her mother’s protective nature and her hatred of all things in the divine world, she probably thought the worst of Hades.

Her thoughts drifted back to that passionate encounter in his office. She hadn’t even had the time to process it all. Heavens, she’d nearly had sex with him, right then and there. The brand-new sensations and feelings had caught her off guard. If he hadn’t stopped…

Persephone sat up, shrugging her shoulders back. He’d been so gallant and gentlemanly, thinking of her emotions and trying to protect her. But the truth was, she had already made up her mind long before that moment.

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