Tangled Temptations [Hades & Persephone Retelling]

Chapter 1

Persephone

Loneliness.

A feeling of drowning oneself in a vast sea of emptiness, trying to call for help but no one was there to listen. For years, it had been like that for Persephone the moment she adjusted herself in the modern world with her single mother, Demeter. No matter what she did, her mother always wanted something from her; even if it was just a hug.

So it wasn't too long before Persephone began to resent her mother more than ever. Her mother didn't care about how she felt and didn't do anything about it either. Demeter had been controlling of her ever since she was born, and the young maiden was beginning to despise her mother's actions despite being warned that it was for her own protection.

She had no other choice anyway; who else could she talk to about her troubles besides someone who considered a close friend to her and her mother; Hecate. The goddess who meddled in the underworld's and the overworld's affairs, constantly keeping up with rumors and gossip; her eyes never stayed on the same spot once and often shifted as she heard whispers, seeing through people's shadows. Hecate knew everything, and Persephone loved her all the more because she was able to confide in her. She could ask whatever she needed without fear of judgment. Persephone would never betray Hecate's trust.

"Miss Hecate! It's been a while, has it not?" The young maiden smiled widely at the goddess. Hecate glanced up from the paper work she was grading, nodding slightly towards Persephone with her signature smile. "How are you? Are you working today? I'm sorry that I haven't been around lately, mom has been.. Well, mom."

"Persephone." Hecate spoke evenly, giving Persephone a gentle smile, "It is quite alright. You have been under strict supervision. I understand; I know how difficult things can be for you, especially when mother is out of town."

Persephone nodded slowly, still smiling brightly, "Yes. But I've managed. It's been so nice talking with you again after so much time, Hecate!" She paused, thinking of what she wished to say next. "Did mother tell you to watch over me?" Her voice trailed off into a small mumble after that question.

Hecate frowned. "That is not true; she told me to keep an eye on your activities. As I am one of her closest friends, I was supposed to observe you and make sure everything goes smoothly at college. I cannot promise it will always be like this," she shrugged and picked up another stack of papers, "But don't worry; we'll make sure you're safe." Hecate set down the papers, folding them neatly into a folder and setting it aside on her desk. She then stood to leave, "And you should also visit Olympus soon," she added in the last minute. Her tone was light, friendly. "We were planning to meet later tonight to talk some more and catch up."

"Oh." A look of surprise came across the maiden's face, "That's really kind of you, Hecate! Thank you!" Persephone stood up quickly, bowing politely before Hecate disappeared into thin air.

The younger woman looked down at her hands and frowned deeply to herself. It had been years since she stepped foot in the city of Olympus and every time she visited the place, she was practically forced to accompany her mother for formal events. She hated attending those things because she wasn't a social person.

Almost every day of her life, Persephone had to attend parties and galas, where she would be expected to wear elegant clothes and talk to strangers. All the same, she was forced to act as a princess and put up with all the compliments and praises. And now, whenever she thought about going back there, she couldn't bring herself to move from her home. She'd rather sit alone in her room reading, watching movies or playing with her cat, Pluto, and enjoying some peace. At least then she'd know she wouldn't be mocked or ridiculed by any of the other students.

Sighing heavily, Persephone made her way inside her bedroom to prepare herself for the evening. She pulled out a few items from her closet and placed them on the bed. Then, she took a deep breath as she opened the top drawer of her vanity and picked up a simple pearl necklace which hung around her neck. The blonde held it in her hand lightly, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

Her dark blond hair, normally curly and bouncy, was brushed nicely into a neat bun, and she wore a simple white dress and heels. Her makeup was simple yet elegant, consisting of light blush and lip gloss. With just a touch of mascara, lipstick and a bit of powder, she looked beautiful and ready to attend a proper dinner party with all those important Olympians. However, there wasn't anyone she wanted to see. Not tonight anyways.

She turned around in the mirror, sighing. There was no point in trying anymore, it seemed that no matter how hard she tried to escape reality, she remained stuck with the rules her mother set.

It was almost like she had forgotten how to live outside of her parents' expectations.

After putting on her jewelry, Persephone grabbed her purse and made her way downstairs, where her mother waited near the main doors of the house. Persephone's gaze drifted to her mother's profile; the goddess looked beautiful in an emerald gown that flowed gracefully behind her.

Persephone gave her a faint smile before wrapping her arms around her mother's arm, squeezing it tightly before letting go. She didn't want to upset her mother any more than she already had, so instead of saying anything, she walked with her mother outside the house and entered a black SUV that awaited their arrival.