Whispers Of The Underworld

💀🌹Chapter 2🌹💀

The soft glow of twilight bathed the garden in a warm, ethereal light as Hades made his way toward Andre. The garden was a masterpiece of divine beauty, a lush expanse filled with fragrant flowers and vibrant greenery. Ancient olive trees stood tall and proud, their gnarled branches adorned with twinkling fairy lights. Roses, lilies, and jasmine filled the air with their heady scents, creating a tapestry of color and aroma that delighted the senses. Marble statues of gods and goddesses stood sentinel among the foliage, their stone faces serene and timeless.

Hades navigated the garden with ease, his dark attire blending seamlessly into the shadows cast by the setting sun. He finally reached Andre, who was gracefully serving drinks to a group of nymphs. As Hades approached, Andre looked up, his eyes widening slightly in recognition of the dark figure before him.

"Good evening," Hades said, his voice a deep, resonant baritone that seemed to harmonize with the night.

Andre offered a polite smile, his eyes meeting Hades' with a mix of curiosity and respect. "Good evening, my lord. Can I offer you a drink?"

Hades nodded, intrigued by the young mortal's poise. "Yes, please. What would you recommend?"

Andre considered for a moment before selecting a goblet filled with a rich, dark wine. "This is a special vintage from Dionysus' own vineyards. It's said to have the ability to soothe even the most restless of souls."

Hades accepted the goblet, his fingers brushing lightly against Andre's. "Thank you, Andre." He took a sip, savoring the deep, complex flavors that unfolded on his tongue. "Exquisite."

Andre bowed his head slightly, his cheeks flushing with a hint of color. "I'm glad you like it, my lord."

Hades took another sip, studying Andre over the rim of the goblet. "Tell me, Andre, how do you find life here, serving the gods?"

Andre hesitated, his eyes flickering with an emotion that Hades couldn't quite place. "It has its moments, my lord. Some of the gods are kind and fair, while others... well, they can be quite demanding."

Hades' gaze darkened slightly. "I can imagine. Zeus, in particular, has a reputation for being... difficult."

Andre's lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded. "Yes, my lord. He can be quite harsh."

Hades felt a surge of protectiveness for the young mortal. Despite the stories that painted him as a fearsome and unyielding god, Hades had always prided himself on being fair and just. "You should know, Andre, that not all of us are like Zeus. I, for one, believe in treating those who serve us with respect and kindness."

Andre looked up, his eyes meeting Hades' with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Thank you, my lord. That means a lot to me."

Hades offered a rare smile, one that softened the sharp lines of his face. "You deserve it, Andre. You have a gentle spirit and a kind heart. Qualities that should be cherished, not exploited."

Andre's smile grew, the warmth of it reaching his eyes. "You're very kind, my lord. I've heard stories about you, but you're nothing like I imagined."

Hades chuckled softly. "Stories have a way of exaggerating the truth. I'm not the monster they make me out to be."

Andre's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Then who are you, my lord? What is the true Hades like?"

Hades considered the question for a moment, taking another sip of the wine. "I am a guardian of the dead, a keeper of the Underworld. But I am also a god who values justice, fairness, and respect. I believe in honoring the souls that come to my realm, and I believe in treating others with the dignity they deserve."