𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄 ➤ 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆

iv. can't stop thinking about you

It had been nearly two months since the visit to Mount Olympus and Hades found himself
back in the confined darkness of the Underworld. But his servants, including Charon, and Electra couldn't help but notice his recently gloomier demeanor.

He appeared paler than before, rarely spoke, and never dared to leave his chambers (unless it was for important work-related matters).

They would all approach him, concerned, and ask if there was anything wrong. But he would always shake his head in reply and continue to sulk in silence.

"Perhaps he had gotten into a fight with his brothers up there." the maids in the kitchens couldn't help but gossip and speculate.

For Hades' part, the loneliness of the days following his return was intolerable and suffocating. He felt so numb, and the more it sank in, the more withdrawn he became, and the silence of his palace's halls, which had always been comforting to him, felt unfamiliar and strange to him.

Despite being bound by his realm, Hades felt compelled to interact with others besides his staff and souls.

He spent the day and night wondering what was wrong with him.

***

Hades' eyes snapped open from a dream. He gasped loudly for air, quite funny considering that he was immortal. Looking around his bed chamber, he realized that it was the middle of the night.

Sweat beads trickled down his forehead, and he wiped them away harshly with his hand.

It was just a dream. But it all felt so real.

Red locks of hair flashed before his eyes, the picture was swift but was accompanied by a glimpse of a lovely heart-shaped face with a crown of flowers within the flame-colored hair.

He rubbed the left side of his bare chest, where, if he was any ordinary mortal, his heart would be.

"Persephone," he breathed the sweet name of the maiden he had encountered nearly two months before, no louder than a whisper.

"Your Majesty!" he heard rushing footsteps approaching. Within seconds, a small, orange light from an oil lamp cast a flickering glow throughout the pitch-black room. Electra had entered with the lamp, followed by Charon and one of the maids, who had placed a bronze goblet on the wooden tray she was carrying.

"What's happened?" Charon asked, rubbing his pale back as the king tried to catch his breath.

"Please, no objections," Electra murmured, handing him the goblet of fresh water, which he immediately drank. She nodded at the young maid as she walked away.

"I'm alright, please... go back to your quarters,"
Hades mumbled, rubbing his hands across his face. "Charon, be on the lookout for any approaching souls."

"Charon can leave but I won't until I found
out what your brothers have done to you," Electra said sternly, causing Hades to look up at her.

Electra was the second most senior member of the Underworld's staff (Charon was the first), so she was the'mother-figure' to everyone. Hades was no exception to her maternal attitude.

"I assure you, nothing is wrong –"

"There is something wrong," she interrupted him, hands on her hips.