Page 4 of Tempted By Hades

Now that had taken him aback. “I apologize for the assumptions.”

Apollo cocked his head to the side as if he were surprised by his apology. “And I apologize for mine.” The carefree smile returned. “I really would have enjoyed seeing you teach that posthon a lesson.”

Hades snorted. “He would have deserved it.”

“Agreed,” he replied, voice full of disgust. “No woman should be made to do anything against her will.”

“Indeed.”

“I’m glad.” Apollo placed an arm around him. “You know, I can’t believe we have never shared a drink or even spoken before. I think we’re going to be great friends.” He flashed Hades a bright smile.

I don’t think so, Hades almost said aloud, but instead shrugged off the other god’s arm and said, “If you’ll excuse me, I require some fresh air.”

Without another word, Hades walked away. He made his way toward the doors leading out to one of the numerous balconies in the palace but changed his mind last minute. Instead, he headed back toward the door to Tartarus.

A faint glow surrounded the door, and Hades could still feel the remnants of the spell lingering in the air. As he stared at the door, Hades contemplated the delicate balance between life and death, his thoughts lost in the depths of his solemn domain. He knew that his presence was required among the gods, but for now, he chose to linger on the threshold, a solitary figure in the celestial night, his mind consumed by the mysteries of the cosmos and the timeless dance of mortality and immortality.

A sudden disturbance in the air caught his attention. Before him, a figure materialized out of thin air. The spectral being seemed to shimmer and ripple like a mirage. Hades recognized him immediately, for the seer had overseen the drawing of lots for the realms when the dominions of the gods were determined.

“Seer, it has been ages since our paths crossed. What brings you here now?” he inquired indifferently.

The seer bowed respectfully. “My Lord Hades, I must apologize for this intrusion, but there is a matter of great importance that I must bring to your attention.”

Hades sighed, reluctantly obliging the spirit’s request. “Very well, speak your piece.”

The spectral figure hesitated for a moment before revealing a startling revelation. “During the drawing of lots for the realms, I oversaw the process. However, I must confess now that Zeus manipulated me to rig the drawing in his favor.”

“Zeus bribed you to manipulate the drawing of lots?” he said, his voice full of disbelief and anger. “Are you saying that he used deceit to claim Olympus as his own?”

The seer nodded solemnly; a deep sense of remorse etched upon his spectral features. “Yes, my lord. His offer tempted me, and I succumbed to his influence. The lots were tampered with, and the outcome was not a matter of chance as it should have been.”

Hades clenched his fists, his anger simmering beneath the surface. The revelation struck a chord deep within him, for he knew the significance of such deceit.

The seer bowed his head in shame. “I deeply regret my actions, my lord. I felt compelled to confess, for the integrity of the divine world must be restored.”

Hades listened to the seer’s confession with a mixture of anger and skepticism. “You expect me to take your word for it?” he questioned, his tone unyielding. “Where is the proof that Zeus cheated during the drawing of lots?”

The seer lowered his spectral gaze, acknowledging the gravity of his situation. “I understand your doubt, my lord. But I do have evidence—an artifact that bears the mark of Zeus’s interference. I will provide it to you, but I ask for something in return.”

Hades narrowed his eyes, wary of the spirit’s request. “What do you want in exchange, Seer?”

The seer’s form seemed to flicker with newfound hope as he explained his bargain. “I ask for my freedom, my lord.”

“Freedom?”

“Yes. You see, after the drawing of lots and Zeus won Olympus, he imprisoned me in this realm between the living and dead so that I may never cross paths with you or anyone else. Release me from my ethereal prison, and I will give you the proof you seek. I have been bound from the mortal realm for millennia and long to be free.”

Hades considered the request carefully. The prospect of obtaining concrete evidence against Zeus was tempting, but releasing a spirit from its prison was no trivial matter. “What must I do to secure your freedom, Seer?”

The spectral being nodded, his form wavering with eagerness. “I will reveal the details of the task before the next ceremony, my lord. I promise you it is within your power to accomplish. Once I am free, I will give you the evidence you seek.”

“The next ceremony?” Hades asked, incredulous. “You have proof that I have been betrayed, and you want me to wait another ten millennia before I get my revenge?”

“It is not time yet, my lord.” The seer bowed apologetically. “The veil between the realms grows stronger with each passing moment, and I must leave you. But you will receive a message a year before the next ceremony.”

“No! You cannot leave now!” Hades lunged forward, but all he caught was air. “Katara,” he cursed.

Rage simmered in him. For ten thousand years, he’d been resentful of his fate, but he’d never suspected there had been foul play.

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