Page 81 of Tempted By Hades

Orchids and rare tropical plants filled the space, their velvety petals and emerald leaves creating a mesmerizing sea of colors. The air was heavy with the sweet fragrance of exotic blooms, and the soft hum of life echoed in the sunlit chamber.

As Hades entered the solarium, the atmosphere shifted from the solemnity of the Underworld to the lively energy of an earthly paradise. The sunlight filtered through the glass ceiling, casting a warm glow on the flora that Persephone had carefully chosen. The sound of trickling water reached his ears—a small fountain adorned with delicate crystals, a touch of Persephone’s elegance.

In this sanctuary of life, Hades could almost feel the presence of her lingering. The solarium was not just a collection of plants but a manifestation of her love for the beauty of the living world. The rare orchids she had meticulously arranged seemed to sway in an unseen breeze, their petals whispering secrets only the goddess understood.

As he moved deeper into the space, he noticed a secluded corner with a comfortable bench. He imagined it was a spot designed for contemplation and solace, a place where Persephone could immerse herself in the energy of the living realm.

As he continued his solitary journey, he felt the heartbeat of the Underworld synching with his own. Every room, every corner, whispered tales of a love that had defied the expectations of the divine. The palace had become a canvas painted with the colors of life, love, and the enduring essence of Persephone.

“Hey there, brooding one,” came the overly cheerful and annoyingly familiar voice.

Hades halted in his step. Of course, it had to be him. “What do you want, Apollo?”

The sun god approached him with an air of confidence, undeterred by the brooding atmosphere around him. His casual demeanor seemed almost at odds with the weight of the situation. “You left so suddenly. Don’t you want to know what happened after?”

“No, and I don’t give a fuck.” He meant what he said. Zeus could take it all.

“Good attitude,” Apollo quipped, a playful smile on his lips. “So, I figured you could use a bit of sunlight in your life. What do you say we shake off this gloom and bring a touch of the Upperworld down here?”

“I’m not in the mood for games,” he growled.

Undeterred, Apollo leaned against a nearby pillar, crossing his arms. “Games? Nah, this is about fixing things. You’ve got a queen now, a beautiful one at that. We can’t have the Underworld being all doom and gloom, can we?”

“She doesn’t want me.”

“How do you know?”

“She left,” he said. “And hasn’t come back.” He had meant what he told her, but she hadn’t even called his name. “I think that sends a pretty clear message.”

“Bro!” He slapped Hades on the shoulder. “You can’t give up on her.”

“I’m not.” Never. He would love Persephone for all eternity. “I’m just…I don’t know what to do.”

Apollo’s face lit up with a smile. “Well, thank goodness I’m here. Don’t you worry, bro, I got you!”

“Got…me?” He cocked his head to the side. “Why are you doing this, Apollo?”

Apollo’s eyes slide to the heavens. “Really? After all this time, you don’t know why?” He slid an arm around his shoulders. “Because you’re my friend. My best friend.”

“Best friend? Since when?”

“You’re such a joker.” He waved a hand at him. “Bro, we’ve been spending all this time together, hanging out here at your place or at all those bars on the Upperworld, just shooting the shit, talking about babes…”

As far as he recalled, only Apollo spoke of these babes. “And?”

“And what else do two gods need to be friends?” He chuckled. “Seriously, I got you—I got this. You and Persephone will be back together before you know it. Don’t worry.”

“What? Wait—” But before he could ask any more questions, Apollo disappeared.

Hades stared at the empty air where the sun god had stood.

What in the world was he up to?

Chapter 16

Persephone

Persephone was watering plants when Apollo appeared right in the middle of the shop.

---