Page 49 of Tempted By Hades

As she discussed with Hades earlier, the centerpiece would have all the elements from different parts of the Underworld. But what else could she add? Her thoughts drifted to the diverse tapestry of souls that found refuge in the Underworld. They hailed from different eras, carrying memories of varied landscapes and botanical delights from the Upperworld. Determined to create a garden that resonated with all, she imagined a harmonious blend of plants that spanned the ages.

For those souls who had once marveled at the grandeur of ancient civilizations, she thought of incorporating olive trees—an homage to the Mediterranean groves that graced the landscapes of ancient empires. Their silvery leaves would whisper tales of antiquity to wandering souls.

To invoke the spirit of medieval times, she considered planting lavender, its fragrant blooms evoking images of rustic fields and winding pathways. Its calming scent would serve as a soothing balm for souls weary from the weight of their past.

Persephone’s gaze shifted to the Renaissance, where roses symbolized love, beauty, and intrigue. Roses, in an array of colors, would be scattered throughout, each hue telling a unique story—a visual testament to the complexities of the human experience.

The garden would also feature a section dedicated to modern blooms, reflecting the ever-changing tableau of the Upperworld. Bright yellow sunflowers, tulips of myriad hues, and other contemporary favorites would create a vibrant mosaic, resonating with souls from more recent times.

As she mentally planted each flower, Persephone felt a connection forming between the flora and the ethereal inhabitants of the Underworld. The garden, she hoped, would be a timeless sanctuary where every soul could find solace and a touch of familiarity amid the shadows.

With a solid plan in mind, she decided to consult Hades before she proceeded. Despite the labyrinthine path leading back to his office, she found her way there. She was so distracted by her excitement over her plans that she hadn’t thought to knock and walked inside—where Hades was not alone. Minthe sat across from him, one leg crossed over the other so the slit of her pencil-cut skirt hiked up to show off one shapely leg. She scowled as soon as her gaze landed on Persephone.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” At the same time, jealousy once again struck as she realized how cozy the two of them seemed.

“Didn’t your mother teach you how to knock?”

The insult very much hit its mark, and Persephone’s excitement withered. “I’ll come back?—”

“No.” Hades stood up. “Don’t go, it’s alright.”

Minthe raised an eyebrow. “We’re quite busy.”

“I’m sure this won’t take long, right, Persephone?”

As the Naiad’s eyebrow went all the way up to her hairline at Hades’s familiar address, Persephone’s jealousy retreated. “No, not at all. I just…I wanted to share some plans with you about the garden before I began.”

“I see. Well, as I told you, the entire garden is yours to do with as you see fit. I trust in your taste and expertise.”

“Thank you. And you said I can begin anytime.”

“Of course.”

“Great!” She clapped her hands together. “I’ll do it right away.”

“Can we go back to work now?” Minthe sneered.

Hades didn’t spare her a glance, his onyx eyes remained on Persephone. “I look forward to seeing your work when it’s done.”

Persephone’s eyes quickly darted towards Minthe and then back at Hades. If it wasn’t obvious before, she could clearly see it now: nothing was going on between the two of them, at least not from Hades’s side.

With that happy thought, she practically floated back toward the gardens to begin her work. She stood in the middle of the courtyard, began to channel spring’s essence, and gracefully wielded her powers. A delicate wave of her hand set the magical ballet of burgeoning life in motion. Plants unfurled from the earth, each a testament to her creative touch. A mosaic of colors and fragrances unfolded before her, a living canvas that she had conjured into existence.

The rhythmic cadence of her footsteps echoed through the courtyard as she moved with purpose, tending to the developing garden. With gentle gestures and a touch that seemed to breathe life into every petal, Persephone watched as the first shoots emerged from the soil. Colors burst forth, and the once desolate space teemed with vitality.

As she worked, creation became a meditative process for her. It was a way to channel her energy, infuse life into the Underworld, and carve out a haven of beauty amidst the shadows. Though in its infancy, the garden represented a tangible manifestation of her resilience and determination to find joy in her newfound realm.

A sense of accomplishment settled upon her as she surveyed the burgeoning garden. The intertwining vines, vivid blooms, and lush greenery were a testament to her ability to coax vitality from the soil, a reminder that the touch of spring could thrive even in the depths of the Underworld.

Satisfied, she lowered herself onto a bench, her verdant sanctuary now alive with the whispers of nature. The air was imbued with the fragrance of blossoms, and the symphony of the garden played a soothing melody. It was a moment of respite, a calm interlude in the bustling currents of divine affairs. Persephone couldn’t help but feel a swell of contentment as she admired the beauty she had brought forth, knowing that this garden would be a sanctuary for the souls seeking refuge in the Underworld.

Her thoughts took an unexpected turn, drifting towards the familiar warmth of her plant shop. A twinge of homesickness tugged at her heart as she wondered about the well-being of her friends, Geri and Adonis. As Hades had promised, someone had delivered a brand-new smartphone to her before she went to bed. However, after the dinner and spending time alone with Hades—even if it had been interrupted—made her hesitate about calling her friends. She was sure, however, that Demeter would have told Geri about what had happened, perhaps even twisting the story so it sounded like Hades kidnapped her. Not wanting her friend to worry, she typed up and sent a short text message.

It’s me, P. Don’t worry, I’m safe, just needed some time away. Don’t believe everything Mother says.

A few seconds later, the three dots indicating Geri was typing a reply had appeared.

Thank fuck! I was worried sick—but damn, I’m happy for you! Glad you found the balls to stand up to your mother

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