𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄 ➤ 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆

xx. underneath the pomegranate tree

"Lady Persephone and I need some time alone," Hades said, drowning out the servants' relieved chatter that echoed through the corridors.

She snapped her head up and found herself staring directly into his callous green eyes, which showed no signs of frustration or relief.

She could hear Electra objecting to Hades' statement, but she cut the housekeeper off before she realized it.

"Electra, it is fine," Persephone said quietly, bowed her head, and exited the corridor alongside him.

They began walking in silence, and the tension between them was palpable. Persephone refrained from looking at him.

She swore she could still see the disfigured soul's face, and feel his hand harshly grabbing her before she found the courage to fight back. She could still hear the inhumane sounds the souls were making as they swarmed around her.

She shuddered, shaking away the memories that were now permanently etched in her mind, but refused to meet Hades' gaze.

She was afraid of what she would see in his eyes.

She was afraid he was furious with her because of the recent incident.

She was afraid that he blamed her for the danger she had faced.

She was afraid that he saw her as reckless and irresponsible.

He's surely going to hate me now, she said to herself.

He had appeared kind and loving to her earlier in Tartarus, but Persephone suspected he was faking relief so he could admonish her when they returned.

Persephone could feel her immortal heart pounding in her chest with every passing second. The sound of their footsteps on the gravel path drew her attention, and she looked up to discover that they had entered the royal gardens.

The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow on the lush greenery she had cultivated, and the aroma of blossoming roses and jasmine filled the air, but her thoughts were preoccupied with Hades.

She stopped walking to take a deep breath and collect her thoughts. She assumed that this was where he was taking them to speak with her, or, God forbid, reprimand her for her carelessness.

"Hades..." Persephone choked as she extended her hand to him, unable to bear the silence and distance any longer.

He came to a halt and avoided looking at her.

"Do not stop," he said, his tone cynical and controlled. "I want you to follow me."

They continued walking, but this time Persephone was behind him. His tone of voice made her heartbreak. She was now certain that he was furious with him.

The pair arrived in a secluded part of the garden.
Persephone had never seen or been here before; it was not a place she stumbled upon while creating the gardens or taking walks with the servants or Hades.

It was a place where Persephone could believe she had returned to the upper realm, thanks to the ray of sunlight shining from above and casting patterns of light and shadow across the ancient stones. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms.

There lay a serene enclave, guarded by ornate columns draped in vines. And amidst the whispering breeze, there stood a small, frail tree. Its branches bore ripe, ruby-red pomegranates.

It was such an unexpected sight, but Persephone found herself momentarily distracted from her anxiety. Despite its weak and small stature, the tree appeared to stand guard over the small, intimate space, protecting them from prying eyes.