The Darkest Love Maleficent X Hades

9 What a game...

Hades POV

"Are you sure she will show up?!" I ask, my irritation evident as I glance at Morgie.

"Yes, yes! I know you aren't a very sporty guy, but trust me, the ladies LOVE this," he says, trying to reassure me with a goofy grin. I roll my eyes, preparing to retort when something catches my attention.

"Oh, for all the gods! What in the world—him? Here again?!" I exclaim, my annoyance bubbling to the surface as I spot James chatting with Maleficent.

Morgie turns to see what I'm looking at. "See... she... showed up," he tries to smooth over my frustration, but I shove him aside and stride toward the other two.

"Oh, Hades! Hi!" Maleficent is the first to acknowledge my presence, her smile lighting up her face. I return her greeting with a soft smile, though my stomach churns slightly at the sight of James.

"Oh, Hades! What are you doing here?" she asks, genuine curiosity in her voice.

I shoot Hook a dirty look, my annoyance with him palpable. "Just wanted to play a little, you know..." I mumble, glancing around the court.

James raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my response. "Uh? You? Oh, um... weird. Wanna play a bit together then? Like a match between us?" he asks, looking hopeful.

I hesitate for a moment. I'm not particularly skilled at this sport, but I can't say no, especially not in front of Mal. I take a brief glance at her, noticing she's holding tight to the little envelope Morgie left by her room. I have no clue what that weirdo wrote, and the last thing I want is to discuss it with her now, especially not in front of James.

"Um... yeah, seems cool. Let's do it," I agree, forcing a smile.

"Cool, bro! And you, beauty, can watch us from the bleachers if you like," James says with a grin, turning his attention back to her.

She smiles back at his suggestion and takes a seat to watch us, her eyes glinting with excitement. I mentally kick myself for not being the one to suggest it first. Why was I so stupid? Ugh.

Maleficent POV

So... I'm really glad I listened to Uliana's advice and came here. The match was a complete disaster—James was good, but Hades? Oh boy, this really isn't his sport. After just a few minutes, he was gasping for air, clearly exhausted. If they gave me a dollar for every time the ball hit him, I'd be a millionaire by now. It was honestly pretty entertaining to watch, but it still didn't answer my questions. Did he actually write that horrific message? Because that didn't sound like him at all.

And why would he invite me here to watch him play if he sucks at basketball? That felt more like something James would do. Oh wait, what if it was actually Hook? But that wouldn't explain why he signed the letter with the blue fire... Too many questions right now without any clear answers.

"So, did you have fun?" James appears next to me, while Hades angrily walks away, frustration etched across his face.

"Oh yeah, it was super funny, actually," I reply, grabbing my things.

"Well, if you want to see more of this, you know where to find me," he says with a cocky grin.

"Oh yes, I know. See you tomorrow, James," I wave at him as I walk back to my dorm, watching him return to the game.

As I make my way down the hall, I suddenly remember the envelope. Damn, I've held it this whole time and not once did I actually ask Hades for an explanation. I decide I'll do that tomorrow, I think as I reach my door, a sense of determination swelling within me.