Her True Love | ONC2024 [on hold]

Prologue

In the shadowed halls of the Underworld, where the spirits of the dead roam in eternal shadows, a lone figure lingered. Irene, a demigod, a daughter of Aphrodite, found herself at the crossroads between the realms of the living and the dead. A life once filled with countless challenges had ended, and her spirit faced the judgment of the afterlife. A judgment so harsh, yet one that cannot be challenged. She was still trying to process the information that her spirit was condemned to the fields of eternal punishment.

Suddenly the air crackled with otherworldly energy as Hades, the god of the underworld, emerged from the obsidian throne that presided over the realm. His gaze, piercing cold, fell upon the demigod.

"Daughter of Aphrodite," Hades' voice echoed through the hall. "Your mortal days have ended, and the fields of punishment beckon for you. Your deeds in the realm of the living demand retribution."

Chills ran down the demigod's spine at the idea of an eternity in the fields of punishment. Yet, before she could voice her plea, Hades raised a hand, silencing her.

"But," Hades continued, "there is a possibility that you might get a chance at redemption."

The demigod tilted her head, intrigued by the idea.

Hades explained his proposition, a pact that would bind her to a task of significance. A chance to escape the eternal torment and be reborn as a mortal, free from the chains of the Underworld. All she had to do was use her demigod powers to alter the nature of the pomegranates that grew in the dark orchards of the Underworld.

"These pomegranates," Hades stated pointing to the plants in Underworld orchards, "you must make them influence the emotions of those who consume them. Make them feel love, as strong and binding as the mortal heart can conceive. You will ensure that those who eat the fruit shall feel an overwhelming love for the first being they lay their eyes upon."

The demigod considered the offer, although she would have preferred an afterlife in Elysium, she knew this was the best option she had. So with a nod, she accepted the task, agreeing to alter the mystical fruit in exchange for the promise of rebirth.

As she ventured into the depths of the Underworld orchards, the demigod harnessed her powers, infusing the pomegranates with the magic of love. The task completed, she returned to Hades, who observed her with a satisfaction that bordered on amusement.

However, before the final threads of the pact were woven, the demigod spoke words of warning to the god of the dead. "The love bestowed by these pomegranates will be an illusion, a fleeting mirage that crumbles in the face of true love. When the eater falls for their genuine soulmate, the enchantment will be lifted."

Hades acknowledged the demigod's caution but remained unfazed. The pact was sealed, and the demigod's spirit left the Underworld, leaving behind a ripple of consequences that would echo through centuries to come.

Looking at the orchard field, Hades  laughed as he thought to himself, "Oh Persephone, you'll forever be my Queen..."