The Darkest Love Maleficent X Hades

10 Hiding

Hades POV

The next day, I resolutely refuse to meet ANYONE. Morgie's plan is the lamest thing I've ever considered—so romantic and sweet that my teeth are practically rotting just thinking about it. He even had the audacity to lay it all out in the middle of the night after spending the entire afternoon drooling over James.

I stay cooped up in my room, ignoring lessons and any potential distractions. This morning, I've been getting ready both physically and mentally. I can't shake off the anxious flutter in my stomach. I really care about her, and the last thing I want is to ruin everything with a crappy "date." God, she doesn't even realize it's a date, and that thought sends my mind into overdrive. I'm thinking too much right now—overthinking everything, actually. I need to calm down, or I'm really going to mess this up.

After what feels like an eternity, I finally deem myself ready. Despite being way ahead of schedule, I decide to head to the lake early to set everything up. Just as I'm about to leave, my phone buzzes with a message from Morgie: "Castlecoming in a few weeks! Can't wait!"

I groan. Now I have to think about this nonsense of a ball too? I'm not the biggest fan of events like these, and I doubt she is either. But as the thought crosses my mind, something shifts in my chest. 

Maybe I'm just too in love? Gross.

But the mere idea of going with her feels magical. I can't help but imagine her in a stunning formal dress, radiant and enchanting. My heart aches at the thought of losing any chance to experience that moment. I'd be okay with going as friends, but deep down, I want to go with her, to admire her beauty up close and dance with her, even if it's just for one night.

Sighing, I put down my phone and gather everything I need for this stupid "date." I want it all to be over, but if I have any hope of winning her over, I have to go through with this.

As I leave my room, I make my way through the familiar paths of the forest. I'm drawn to the little spot I discovered the last time I was mad—an enchanting lake, tucked away and serene. It's isolated but not too hard to find, the kind of place that feels almost magical. The stone floor is surrounded by tall, ancient pillars, with a canopy of vibrant greenery arching overhead.

As I step into the clearing, the sunlight dances on the water's surface, and a sense of calm washes over me. Even if this "date" ends up being a disaster, at least the setting is beautiful—just like her. I take a deep breath, letting the tranquility sink in, hoping that maybe, just maybe, things will turn out alright.

Maleficent POV

As always, the day drags on at a snail's pace. I'm honestly pretty excited for this evening, but I still haven't seen Hades at all today, and that isn't reassuring. I wanted to talk to him about these silly notes and maybe ask him about the location for tonight, but he seems to have vanished. I really hope this isn't just some bullshit—if it is, I might lose my mind. To make matters worse, everyone is obsessing over Castlecoming. I hate these events, but I wouldn't mind going with him. Still, everyone's so hyped about it; I've heard at least ten girls squealing about the guys they want to go with as I walked to my room. Ugh, it's all so disgustingly sweet.

I step into my room, and surprise, surprise—a note has been left for me. I pick it up and find it written in familiar handwriting: "Just follow the fire." Now that sounds ten times more like Hades. A smile creeps onto my face as I tuck the note with the others in my spell book/journal and start getting ready.

I don't do anything too fancy—just a simple outfit I'd wear any day. But as soon as Uliana enters the room and sees me, she screams, causing me to jump and mess up my eyeliner.

"GOD, ULIANA, WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?" I shout, wiping off the smudge and attempting to fix it.

"GIRL, YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL! I love that lacy dark purple dress with the boots and the dark tights!" she exclaims, her eyes wide with admiration.

I look at her, slightly confused. "It's just a normal dress, really. You can see my shoulders for once; it's not that big of a deal."

She rolls her eyes dramatically. "Oh, come on! I'm just complimenting you! And that makeup is stunning. You are completely stunning!"

I can't help but smile a little, even though I'm not used to all this praise. "Thanks, but I really have to go. I'm pretty late." I grab my bag and the jacket Hades left me a few days ago.

"Oh, yes, and tell me everything!" she calls out as I head for the door.

I nod, stepping outside and making my way toward the forest.

As I enter the woods, I'm left in awe when an actual little blue flame appears in front of me. I thought he might have lit something on fire to guide me, but this is ten times cooler. I follow the flame as it flits through the trees, across a small wooden bridge, and finally disappears once I reach the enchanting lake. The place is breathtaking, full of vibrant greenery, and it feels utterly magical. I glance around, captivated by the beauty of my surroundings, when I finally spot him.

Hades stands by the water's edge, his dark hair tousled by the breeze, and a soft smile playing on his lips. The light from the setting sun casts a warm glow on his features, making him look almost ethereal. My heart races as I take in the sight of him, and for a moment, I forget everything else—the notes, the pressure of Castlecoming, even the awkwardness of what tonight might bring.

"Hey, you made it," he says, his voice low and inviting, breaking the spell that had me mesmerized.

"Of course I did. You think I'd miss this?" I reply, my nervousness starting to fade as I approach him.

"Good," he says, the corner of his mouth curling into a smirk. "I was worried you might have chickened out."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Me? Never."

"Then let's make this a night to remember," he says, gesturing to the blanket spread out on the grass, adorned with an array of food and drinks, as well as small, flickering blue flames that illuminate the scene.

For a moment, everything feels perfect.

OMG THANKS SOOO MUCH FOR THE 2K YEEEEE, now I finally have more time for regular releases of the chapters :)  (idk if you could tell but like the date place I tried to describe is like the same as Mal's and Ben's one in the first movie only that is not a ruin yet, and is till new)