Once Upon a Winter's Spring

32. Part of His World

The glow of the new sun, freshly forged by Helios, shimmered faintly in the distance, even in the depths of Hades' palace. Its warmth, though faint here, marked the start of the new year—a tradition celebrated by gods and mortals alike.

In the heart of the palace, the family room was cozy, its onyx walls softened by flickering lanterns enchanted to mimic starlight. Hades leaned against a high-backed chair carved from obsidian, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the intricate patterns etched into the armrest. Kore sat on his lap, her spring-green gown a contrast to the subdued underworld hues. Her hair was adorned with flowers, their faint scent a reminder of the world above.

Helios, his bronze skin gleaming as though still aflame from his work, sat in a high-backed chair, sipping nectar with an air of triumph. Selene leaned lazily against the arm of his chair, her silver hair flowing like moonlight down her back. Eos perched nearby, her rosy cheeks aglow, while Hecate, draped in black and gold, cradled a steaming cup of her mysterious brew. Thanatos lounged on a chaise, quiet but observant, his dark wings tucked neatly behind him.

A tray of nectar and pomegranate wine floated between them, enchanted by Hecate, who sipped her drink with a bemused smirk.

"To the new sun," Helios declared, raising his goblet. "It's my finest work yet. Not that I don't outdo myself every year."

Eos rolled her eyes. "Modesty, brother."

Selene chuckled softly, her laugh like the tinkling of wind chimes. "It is beautiful, though. Even the mortals will be in awe."

Kore's lips curved into a soft smile. "It's fitting that the new year begins with a light that symbolizes renewal." She glanced at Hades, who returned her smile with a rare, tender look. "And perhaps... healing."

The room quieted as her words settled. Hades shifted in his seat, the weight of her unspoken thoughts heavy between them.

Kore took a deep breath and spoke, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. "For my new year's wish, I want to mend things with my parents.They're both so angry, and I feel caught between them." 

Hades flinched almost imperceptibly, but she caught it. "Sapphire," he said quietly, "I never wanted to come between you and Demeter. I know what it's like to lose family, and I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone." He looked up, his voice steady. "I'll find a way to make peace with my sister. Perhaps if she sees how much you mean to me," he smiled as he kissed her, savoring it, "—how much life you've brought to the Underworld—she'll understand."

Hecate, who had been quietly observing, placed her goblet down with a decisive clink. "Perhaps the key is not choosing between them but showing them both who you truly are. You're not just Demeter's daughter or Hades' queen. You are Kore."

Eos nodded thoughtfully. "Hecate's right. Maybe if your mother sees how you've grown, she'll understand that you're not a little girl anymore."

Hades leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I will find a way to ease her fears, Kore. I've taken you from her, and for that, I owe her... something."

"You didn't take me," Kore said firmly, gently grabbing his jaw as she kissed him. "I chose you, Hades. I'll always choose you."

The room fell silent again, the weight of her words settling over them like a tangible thing.

Selene broke the quiet with a soft laugh. "Well, that's quite the heartfelt start to the year. What about the rest of you? Any resolutions?"

Helios grinned. "I'm perfect as I am."

Eos rolled her eyes again. "I resolve to stop rolling my eyes at you."

As the gods shared their resolutions and the evening wore on, the underworld seemed a little brighter, the promise of renewal hanging in the air.