Andre was resting in Apollo and Artemis' room when there was a soft knock at the door. Artemis, who was standing nearby, opened it to reveal Hermes, his face a mix of determination and urgency. He nodded at Artemis, who stepped aside to let him in.
"Hermes," Andre said, sitting up slightly. "What brings you here?"
Hermes approached with a gentle smile, reaching into his messenger bag and pulling out a folded parchment. "A letter for you, Andre," he said, handing it over. "From Hades."
Andre's heart skipped a beat as he took the letter, his fingers trembling slightly. He carefully unfolded it and began to read, his eyes scanning the beautiful, precise handwriting of Hades. As he read, tears welled up in his eyes, spilling over as he held the letter close to his chest. Hades' words were filled with love and determination, promising to save him from Zeus' cruelty.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Andre felt a surge of hope and a deep yearning to be free. He knew he had to respond. With a determined look, he asked Hermes for parchment and a quill. Hermes nodded, handing them to him with a reassuring smile.
Andre began to write, pouring his heart and soul into the letter.
"My Dearest Hades,
I cannot express how much your letter means to me. Reading your words filled my heart with a hope I haven't felt in so long. Your promise to rescue me, to bring me to safety, has given me the strength to endure. Thank you for reaching out to me and for caring so deeply.
Meeting you was a moment I will never forget. You showed me kindness and respect, something I have rarely known under Zeus' cruel reign. In your presence, I felt seen, valued, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a spark of happiness. Your love and compassion have touched my soul in ways I cannot fully explain.
I want you to know that my feelings for you are real and profound. From the moment our eyes met, I felt a connection that I have never experienced before. Your strength, your wisdom, and your unwavering dedication to those you care about have captured my heart. I love you, Hades. I love you more than words can say. Your promise to save me has given me the will to keep fighting, to hold on until you can bring me to safety.
Life here under Zeus' control is unbearable. Every day, I live in fear of his wrath, and the pain he inflicts upon me is beyond measure. But knowing that you are out there, thinking of me, planning to rescue me, gives me a glimmer of hope. I long for the day when we can be together, free from the torment and oppression of this place.
Please, be careful in your plans. I do not want you to be harmed in your efforts to save me. Your safety means everything to me. I believe in you, Hades. I believe in us. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and find happiness.
Yours always, Andre"
Andre read over his letter, tears falling onto the parchment and smudging the ink slightly. He folded it carefully and handed it to Hermes.
"Please, Hermes," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "Make sure this reaches Hades."
Hermes took the letter with a solemn nod. "I promise, Andre. Hades will receive your letter, and he will know how much you care for him."
With that, Hermes turned and left, leaving Andre with a mixture of hope and longing. He held onto the promise that Hades would come for him, and in the depths of his heart, he knew that their love would guide them through the darkness and into the light.
On Hermes' way out, he moved with swift purpose, the precious letter safely tucked inside his messenger bag. He navigated the corridors of Olympus with the ease of someone who had done this countless times before. However, fate had other plans.
As Hermes turned a corner, he nearly collided with the towering figure of Zeus. The King of the Gods, with his imposing presence and fierce demeanor, immediately sensed something was amiss. His sharp eyes narrowed suspiciously at Hermes.
"Hermes," Zeus rumbled, his voice like thunder, "what are you hiding?"
Hermes, ever the quick thinker, tried to maintain his composure. "Just carrying out my duties, Zeus."
Zeus was not convinced. With a swift motion, he grabbed Hermes' messenger bag and ripped it from his shoulder. Hermes tried to protest, but the fury in Zeus' eyes silenced him. Zeus reached into the bag and pulled out Andre's letter. His face twisted with a mix of curiosity and anger as he unfolded the parchment and began to read.
As Zeus' eyes scanned the letter, his expression darkened. The words of love and hope that Andre had written to Hades fueled a rage that had been simmering just beneath the surface. His grip tightened on the parchment, crumpling it slightly.
"How dare he," Zeus growled, his voice trembling with anger. "How dare that wretched boy write such things to Hades! And Hades, plotting against me?"
Hermes tried to intervene, his heart pounding in his chest. "Zeus, please, it's just a letter. Andre is—"
"Silence!" Zeus roared, his voice echoing through the halls. He tore the letter in half, then in quarters, his fury growing with each rip. "I will not tolerate this betrayal!"
With the remnants of the letter falling to the floor, Zeus turned his gaze back to Hermes, his eyes blazing with anger. "You," he spat, "you will tell me everything. What else has Hades been planning? Who else is involved?"
Hermes swallowed hard, his mind racing. He knew he had to tread carefully or risk the safety of everyone involved. "I swear, Zeus, I don't know of any plans. I was merely delivering a letter, nothing more."
Zeus wasn't satisfied. He loomed over Hermes, his presence menacing. "You will watch your step, Hermes. If I find out you are aiding them in any way, you will suffer the consequences."
Hermes nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of the situation. Zeus, still seething, turned and stormed off, leaving Hermes standing alone in the corridor, the pieces of Andre's letter scattered at his feet. Hermes knew he had to warn Hades and the others. The stakes had just been raised, and the danger was greater than ever before.
After taking a moment to collect himself, Hermes made his way back to Hades' domain, his mind racing with thoughts of what had just transpired. He had to warn Hades about Zeus' suspicions and the looming threat. As soon as he arrived, he rushed to Hades' office.
"Hades," Hermes called out, his voice urgent.
Hades looked up from his desk, concern etched on his face. "What happened, Hermes?"
Hermes quickly recounted the encounter with Zeus, leaving out no detail. "He tore the letter to pieces, Hades. He's furious, and he's watching everyone closely."
Hades' expression darkened, but he remained calm. "Thank you for telling me, Hermes. We must be even more careful now. Andre's safety is paramount."
Hermes nodded, grateful for Hades' understanding. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect him and everyone else."
Hades' eyes narrowed with determination as he made up his mind. "It's time to put our plan into action. We can't wait any longer. Go find Nyx and bring her here."
Hermes straightened, a sense of urgency in his movements. "I'll bring her at once."
With a heavy heart and a renewed sense of determination, Hermes left Hades' office. The battle for Andre's freedom had become even more perilous, but Hermes knew they couldn't give up. They had to stay one step ahead of Zeus and find a way to bring Andre to safety.
Hades sat back in his chair, his mind racing with thoughts of Andre. The stakes had never been higher, but he knew they had to act now. He couldn't bear the thought of Andre suffering under Zeus' cruelty any longer.
As he waited for Hermes to return with Nyx, Hades' resolve only strengthened. They would carry out their plan, and they would bring Andre to safety. No matter the cost.
YOU ARE READING
Whispers Of The Underworld
FantasyThis novel offers a compelling retelling of the myth of Hades, the god of the Underworld, presenting a fresh and innovative twist on the classic tale. Instead of falling in love with Persephone, as tradition dictates, Hades finds himself irresistibl...