Ascension

ch61

The underworld had never seen such a celebration. The grand halls of Hades' palace were adorned with ethereal decorations, a blend of shadowy elegance and celestial beauty. Black and silver draperies cascaded from the walls, and ghostly lanterns illuminated the cavernous spaces with a soft, otherworldly glow. The air was thick with anticipation as the realms prepared to witness the union of Eve, the mortal huntress, and Hades, the lord of the underworld.

Eve stood in her chamber, gazing into a mirror framed with obsidian. Her dress was a masterpiece, woven from the finest silks of the underworld, shimmering with a delicate luminescence that contrasted beautifully with her fiery spirit. The gown hugged her figure perfectly, the dark fabric flowing like liquid night. Her hair was adorned with a crown of silver and onyx, a gift from Hades, symbolizing the union of their two worlds. Her ring black obsidian in the shape of a pomegranate sat on her finger gracefully.

Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The journey that had brought her here was fraught with danger and heartache, but it had also led her to a love she never expected. As she adjusted the crown, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Eve?" came a familiar voice.

She turned to see Ruth, her dearest friend from her mortal life, standing in the doorway. Ruth's eyes sparkled with joy and relief. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, the soft blue fabric a stark contrast to the dark surroundings.

"Ruth!" Eve exclaimed, rushing to embrace her friend. "I can't believe you're here."

Ruth hugged her tightly. "Of course I'm here. I wouldn't miss this for the world. You've been through so much, Eve, and to see you find happiness... it's a miracle."

They pulled apart, and Ruth took a moment to admire Eve's bridal attire. "You look stunning, Eve. Hades is a lucky man."

A soft, melodic voice interrupted them. "May I join you?"

Eve and Ruth turned to see Orpheus, the legendary musician and friend to Hades, standing at the entrance. Orpheus carried his lyre, his presence exuding a serene confidence. He was dressed in a flowing robe, his hair adorned with a laurel wreath.

"Orpheus!" Eve smiled, her heart warming at the sight of another friendly face. "Thank you for coming."

Orpheus bowed gracefully. "It is an honor to be here, Eve. Hades has spoken highly of you, and I am here to offer my music in celebration of your union."

With her friends by her side, Eve felt a surge of confidence. She took a deep breath, ready to face the ceremony that awaited her.

The grand hall was filled with an eclectic mix of underworld denizens and celestial beings. The contrast between light and shadow created a mesmerizing tableau. At the far end of the hall, Hades stood tall and imposing, his usual stern demeanor softened by the anticipation of seeing his bride.

Hades wore a regal ensemble of black and silver, his dark hair crowned with a simple yet elegant circlet of obsidian.The king kept his beard, since Eve was aon fond of it and he had to admit it did suit him well.His eyes, usually so cold and calculating, were filled with a rare warmth as he waited for Eve.

The music began, a hauntingly beautiful melody played by Orpheus on his lyre, filling the hall with a sense of timeless magic. Eve took her first steps down the aisle, her heart pounding with each step. She gripped the black or hids and callillies in her hands nervously.As she approached Hades, their eyes locked, and the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own private universe.

When Eve reached Hades, he extended his hand, which she took without hesitation. Together, they turned to face the officiant, Gabriel , the archangel hks presence was radiant,

"Today," Gabriel began, his voice carrying the weight of millennia, "we gather to witness the union of two souls, brought together by fate and forged in the fires of adversity. Eve, mortal yet bound to the underworld, and Hades, lord of this realm, have found love in the most unexpected of places. Their union is a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit."

Gabriel turned to Hades. "Hades, do you take Eve to be your wife, to stand by her side through the trials of eternity, to protect and cherish her, as long as your immortal soul endures?"

Hades looked into Eve's eyes, his voice steady and filled with conviction. "I do."

Gabriel then turned to Eve. "Eve, do you take Hades to be your husband, to walk with him through the shadows and the light, to stand by his side as queen of the underworld, as long as your soul endures?"

Eve's voice was clear and unwavering. "I do."

With a nod, Gabriel continued, "Then by the power vested in me as messenger to the creator lord, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss."

Hades and Eve turned to each other, and as their lips met, the hall erupted in a chorus of cheers and applause. The kiss was deep and passionate, a promise of the strength and unity they would share in the years to come.

The celebration that followed was unlike any other. The grand hall was transformed into a place of joy and revelry, with tables laden with sumptuous food and drink from both the mortal world and the underworld. Ethereal music filled the air, and the guests danced and mingled, their differences forgotten in the spirit of the occasion.

Ruth and Orpheus stayed close to Eve, their presence a comforting reminder of the ties that bound her to her mortal past. Hades, ever the gracious host, ensured that everyone felt welcome, his dark charm captivating even the most hesitant of guests.

As the night wore on, Eve found herself dancing with Hades, their movements graceful and perfectly in sync. She looked up into his eyes, seeing not just the lord of the underworld, but the man who had risked everything for her ans she for him.

"I love you, Hades," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Hades smiled, a rare and genuine smile that lit up his face. "And I love you, Eve. Together, wewe will face whatever comes, and we will prevail."

In that moment, amidst the celebration and the magic of their wedding, Eve knew that she had found her true home. Not just in the underworld, but in the heart of the man who had become her everything. Their love was a beacon of hope in the darkest of realms, a testament to the power of love to transcend even the boundaries of life and death.