Hope for the Underworld

18

Their relationship seemed to be going from strength to strength; despite spending almost every waking moment together, every day they discovered that they delighted in each other's company, as they learned more and more about each other. And they loved each other more deeply.

But sometimes the feeling of an alternate reality caught Cora unexpectedly, and each time she was amazed to find herself living beside a real Greek god.

'How long have I been here?' she asked one day, snuggling closer to his sculpted body. 'I have completely lost the track of time.'

'Why would you need to know?' he murmured sleepily. 'Why would you even care?'

'I don't know.' She tickled his ear playfully. 'I just... I'm curious, that's all.'

'I'm really not sure,' he sighed contentedly. 'A few months? Maybe longer? We could ask Hermes.'

She propped herself on her elbow and ran a hand through his hair, brushing it gently off his forehead. 'Gods, you're so handsome!' she whispered in awe. 'I could just spend all my days staring at you!'

'I hope you notice other desirable qualities beyond the pretty face!' He laughed and the perfectly sculpted muscles rippled under the skin on his chest. 'Even Narcissus eventually tired of his own reflection.'

She smiled in response; a little mystified expression fleeting on her face. 'I know, of course... But if anyone asked me why I loved you, I wouldn't be able to verbalise it... I simply cannot explain it. I can only give millions of tiny examples of your awesomeness!'

He pulled her closer and locked her tightly in his embrace. 'This is exactly how I feel about you,' he whispered into her hair. 'When we are together, it feels like nothing else matters. And when we are apart, I miss you every second as if it was an eternity.'

'Isn't it too beautiful to be true?' She finally voiced her most secret worry. 'Are you not afraid that someone will get jealous and... pull us apart?'

'No!' There was so much conviction in his tone that her heart swelled with powerful emotions. 'Because love as strong as ours cannot be extinguished! If ever forced apart, we will overcome any obstacles and always find our way to each other. We are meant to be together!'

And in that precious moment, as comfortable and happy as she was in his arms, Cora felt a sudden chill running down her spine.

As if fate was giving her a warning.

*

Knowing the toll it took on Cora, Hades insisted that she accompanied him in the Great Hall only once every few days. She spent the rest of her free time in the library, reading and daydreaming. And because he felt almost bereft when they were apart, more and more often he passed his duties to the Judges of the Dead: Minos, Aeacus and Rhadamantes, as it had been intended all those eons ago.

They spent their days talking; about anything and everything. They explored the Underworld. And they had countless picnics; Hades finally admitted that he enjoyed his time amongst the greenery of the Elysium.

She was grateful for his attention and companionship; it was very difficult for her to have absolutely nothing to do. In fact, she couldn't recall any time in her life when she was so idle. And she loved spending her time with him, the most generous and selfless man she had ever met. A god she loved like she had no idea it was even possible...

'What are you thinking?'

'Hmmm...' She was startled and looked around, as if not entirely sure where she was, reminding herself they were enjoying yet another picnic.