Queen Of Hell & Paradise (Immortal gods: Book 1)

Chapter 9- Young Mortal

Hades

The hospital smells of antiseptic and palpable disease.

It is the first thing I take note of when Samantha and I enter the second level chambers, and it seems even mortal beings can sense the stench of slow decomposition. Those present flit their eyes about nervously, searching for something comforting as the sensation heightens when I brush past them. I am not Death itself, but I am his master, and my presence makes that known to receptive, live souls. 

Relief swells within my breast as a pair of black wings blur past my vision, prompting me to amble in the direction of their cloaked owner, summoning what little power I harbor to clothe myself in invisibility. What luck to have found Thanatos amidst his labors! 

He seems to sense my presence, and turns to regard me. His whirling, void-like eyes widen in surprise, further drawing attention to the black veins tainting the pale skin surrounding them, granting him a suiting complexion which is expected of Death personified. 

"Lord Hades?" 

With furrowed brows he stalks to me, furling his wings into themselves though no mortal eye can detect us. We unite in the middle of the corridor, and I embrace each remaining fiber of my energy so as not to reveal my form to those present. It would be disastrous for humans to regard me or another supernatural being --in their sensitive, ill state-- for it could disrupt the natural order of life, more so if they caught sight of Thanatos. Mortals would perish even was it not their allotted time, and Fate highly dislikes being slighted by Death.

He approaches me swiftly as my inconspicuousness begins to wear away, unfurling his wings and cloaking them around me to shield my form, reaching me just as my digits begin to taint discernibly. 

It is a good thing his labors have brought him to this hospital, he routinely calls upon his essence to travel the world in his physical place, so that it may guide mortals into the realm of the dead and accompany them to their corresponding proceedings. Thanatos seldom escorts anyone personally, however, I suspect that the recent shortage in souls has allowed him the spare time he now utilizes to usher the current deceased.  

The murmur of a soft voice behind me beckons my attention, making me motion for Death to angle me in its direction, its silkiness luring both our forms to the enchanting owner.

"Hades?" 

Thanatos parts his appendages a fraction so that I may regard Samantha, her striking irises flickering about in confusion, searching for me subtly, attempting to find my countenance amidst the tangible atmosphere of sorrow and ailment. Even she seems susceptive to the foul odor of illness, her nose turning up in repulsed fashion.  

We approach her with caution, wary not to reveal ourselves as I lower my lips to her ear. 

"I will return soon."

She startles at the warm tease of my breath on her skin, parting her mouth slightly as she intakes a small, keen bout of air, nodding discretely as she reaches into the small cavities of her rose-colored garment. 

Withdrawing the keys to her vessel, she turns around, the sound of her heels occupying the stale hospital air. I observe her walk away, as does everyone else in the room. Even Thanatos --with his prevailing, reticent demeanor-- can not resist glancing her direction, though he feigns he is not. 

We retire our gazes to their previous place after she has gone, becoming aware of the short line of tepid souls which has formed behind us, waiting to receive instruction and explanation. Regarding them, Death turns to silently ask for permission, waving his hand in a circular motion upon my nod, creating an active portal.