Eternal Vigil

Chapter 6 - Hades

The shadows in the Underworld thickened as I stood on the balcony of my palace, the weight of the realm pressing down on me like a shroud. My thoughts were tangled, drifting between the memories of Delle and the duties I had to uphold. Just as the weight felt unbearable, a familiar voice sliced through the gloom—a voice that carried the arrogance of the skies.

"Hades!" Zeus boomed from above, his presence radiating a blinding light that pierced through the darkness of my domain. "Still moping in your shadowy throne, I see? Your daughter's in the mortal realm, and you're down here brooding. Quite the father figure you are."

I clenched my fists, the obsidian of my throne cool beneath my palms. "What do you want, brother?" I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. I had no desire to engage with his taunts, yet the insufferable gleam in his eyes made it difficult to hold my tongue.

"Oh, just came to see how you're handling the fact that Delle is out there, frolicking in the sun, while you remain shackled to the underworld," he replied, a smirk curling his lips. "Isn't it rather poetic? The God of the Underworld, left to watch as his daughter chooses the light over the shadows."

The words cut deeper than I wanted to admit. I took a breath, steadying myself against the tide of anger and resentment that threatened to consume me. "She is safe where she is," I replied, my voice low and controlled. "That is all that matters."

Zeus laughed, a sound that echoed through the cavernous halls, each note a reminder of his triumph over me. "Safe? Safe is a fleeting illusion, dear brother. You think she is free? She is merely in another cage, one gilded by sunlight rather than shadow. Perhaps she longs for the embrace of her true father—one who can give her power, not just a darkened realm of lost souls."

My heart tightened at the insinuation, and for a moment, I felt the sting of betrayal. "Do not speak of her like that," I warned, my voice dropping to a growl. "Delle is more than a pawn in our games. She deserves a life filled with laughter, not the burdens of the gods."

"Laughter, you say?" Zeus scoffed. "Tell me, Hades, what do you think she's doing in that realm? Playing with mortals while you sit here in your fortress of gloom? Perhaps she should have a taste of the real power she's entitled to. A goddess—your daughter—should be with her true family."

The implication twisted in my gut. I felt a rage building, fueled by the jealousy and resentment that seemed to flow effortlessly from him. "You would twist her fate for your own gain," I said, my voice rising. "You have never cared for her—never cared for anyone but yourself. You think she needs your light? You think it would bring her happiness?"

"Ah, but happiness is a fleeting concept," Zeus said, his tone condescending. "What she needs is strength, influence—something you can't provide from the depths of your cavernous pit."

I glared at him, the darkness around me thickening as if it could envelop him in shadows. "You do not understand the strength of love," I said fiercely. "Delle's true power comes from the bonds she forms, not from the manipulation of gods."

"Love?" he mocked, shaking his head. "What does a god of the Underworld know of love? You cling to her like a specter, while she dances above. Face it, Hades—her heart belongs to the light."

I took a step forward, the shadows swirling around me, darkening my mood. "You underestimate her spirit, Zeus. She is not bound by the roles we play. She is a force of nature—a blend of both our worlds. Her journey is just beginning, and I will not allow your mockery to tarnish that."

Zeus smirked, clearly enjoying the rising tension. "Oh, I can't wait to see how this plays out. Perhaps I'll send her a little gift—a reminder of her true heritage, just to stir the pot."

"Stay away from her," I warned, my voice low and dangerous. "I will not let you interfere. Delle's path is her own, and I will protect her from you, as I always have."

As he laughed, his voice ringing with derision, I turned away, staring out into the darkness of the Underworld. In that moment, I felt the chasm between us widen. Zeus might hold the power of the heavens, but my strength came from love—the love I bore for my daughter, a bond that transcended realms and shadows.

"I will always be her guardian," I murmured to the darkness, the words a promise to myself and to Delle. No matter how far she roamed or how much light surrounded her, I would stand vigilant, a steadfast protector against the chaos of the divine.

Zeus's laughter faded into the distance, but the sting of his words lingered. I would not let them fester. Instead, I focused on the flicker of warmth I felt from Delle, a reminder of why I had sent her away. I would be her light in the shadows, and I would ensure that she could navigate the world above without succumbing to its dangers.

With renewed determination, I descended into the depths of my realm, where the whispers of souls awaited me. I had my work to do, and I would not be distracted by the mockery of my brother. Delle was out there, and I would find a way to reach her, to let her know she was never truly alone.