The Sea Tyrant's Obsession (PJO x ROR) 18+ WTM/WTS Book 1

Illusion or Truth?

Note: I ate so much sugary foods that I have the energy to write this chapter. It will still be straight reactions, but if I have time, I'll include a present-day chapter once in a while.

(Present)

Hades' presence cast a long shadow over the luminescent garden. The faint glow of Persephone's flowers illuminated his chiseled features, his expression unreadable—calm, yet piercing in its intensity.

"Persephone," he acknowledged his wife first, his tone polite but carrying an unspoken authority. Then his gaze shifted to Percy, and though his face remained impassive, there was something searching in his stare. "I believe Percy has had enough of the tour today and needs rest."

Percy swallowed, her mind still spinning from Persephone's offer. Had he overheard? Was he suspicious? She forced herself to meet his gaze without hesitation, schooling her expression into one of neutrality.

Persephone, however, was far less subtle. Her emerald eyes held a flicker of defiance, but she merely nodded. "Of course, my lord. I was simply showing her my garden."

Hades studied her for a moment longer before turning his full attention to Percy. "Come." His voice was smooth, almost gentle, yet it left no room for argument.

Percy hesitated only a second before following him out of the garden, casting one last glance at Persephone. The queen stood unmoving among the glowing flora, her gaze lingering on Percy—there was no mistaking the warning in her expression.

As Percy stepped away, she felt the weight of a choice she hadn't yet made pressing down on her.

⸻

The walk back to the castle was silent. Hades led her through a different corridor, this one more regal than the others they passed, lined with polished obsidian columns and intricate tapestries woven with golden thread. The contrast between the warmth of the garden and the cold, imposing elegance of the castle sent a shiver down Percy's spine.

At last, they reached a private chamber—one of Hades' studies, if she had to guess. It was a vast room filled with bookshelves that stretched to the ceiling, a massive desk neatly stacked with scrolls and documents, and a fireplace that crackled with ethereal blue flames. The air was heavy with the scent of old parchment and candle wax.

Hades gestured for her to sit in one of the plush chairs near the fire. She obeyed, careful to keep her posture relaxed, even as her mind raced.

He leaned on the front of his desk, arms crossed, studying her for a long moment before finally speaking. "What did my wife say to you?"

Percy had expected this question, but it still sent a jolt of nervous energy through her. She forced herself to hold his gaze, offering a casual shrug. "Not much. She mostly just talked about her garden. Showed me some flowers."

Hades hummed, the sound neither satisfied nor displeased. "Is that so?"

"Yeah," Percy nodded, keeping her voice even. "She also told me that your kids have been great company. I guess I owe you for letting me stay here. Could be worse, considering everything."

A beat of silence passed.

Then Hades smiled—a small, knowing thing that sent a prickle of unease down her spine. "You are a terrible liar."

Percy's stomach clenched, but she didn't let her expression falter. Instead, she scoffed, leaning back in the chair. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Hades tilted his head slightly, regarding her with a patience that was somehow more unsettling than anger. "Persephone warned you about me, didn't she?"

Percy's throat went dry. A thousand responses ran through her head, but none seemed good enough to convince him. Finally, she settled on an old trick—deflection.

"Well, if she did, shouldn't that bother you?" she countered, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, your own wife thinks I should be careful around you. If anything, that's more your problem than mine."

Hades let out a quiet chuckle. "Clever." He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair. "But tell me, Percy—what do you think? Do you trust me?"

The question caught her off guard.

Did she?

Hades had saved her from Poseidon, had given her sanctuary. So far, he hadn't harmed her, and if anything, he had treated her with respect, unlike most gods. But Persephone's warning lingered in her mind.

Power, control, love.

She had already been used as a pawn once. She wasn't eager to let it happen again.

"I don't know yet," she admitted honestly. "But I do know that I'm stuck here, at least for now. So, I guess I'll just have to figure it out as I go."

Hades studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "A wise answer."

His approval made her uneasy.

Without warning, Hades leaned over her, closing the space between them. Percy stiffened in her seat, her instincts flaring at the sudden proximity. His tall frame loomed over her, casting a shadow against the firelight.

She didn't move, but her breath hitched slightly when he reached out, his fingers brushing against a strand of her black hair. He twirled it slowly between his fingers, examining it as if considering something unseen.

Percy's muscles tensed. Every fiber of her being told her to pull away, but she forced herself to remain still, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Hades' violet eyes gleamed with something unreadable before he finally released the strand, straightening once more.

"Rest for now, Percy," he said, his tone deceptively gentle. "Enjoy your time here. But remember—Helheim is not like any divine realm. There are no illusions here. Only truths."

His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering, as if daring her to understand something she wasn't yet ready to grasp.

Then, without another word, he turned and left, the doors shutting behind him with a quiet finality.

Percy exhaled slowly, tension bleeding from her shoulders as she sank deeper into the chair.

Her fingers curled against the fabric of the armrest.

Hades was dangerous—of that, she had no doubt. But the worst part?

She couldn't tell if the danger lay in his power... or in the way he looked at her.

Persephone's warning wasn't just paranoia. It was a reality she now had to navigate.

And she had no idea which path would lead her to safety—

Or which would pull her deeper into Hades' grasp.