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

Chapter 20- Lesson Number 1: The Domains of the Underworld

Hades

I watch Samantha plunge her arm through the tension of the entryway of the Elysian Fields only to be pushed back.

When I created the domains of my realm, I infused their entry with my power to prevent intruders from stepping in. The gates of Tartarus especially, were infused with concentration of my essence. The purpose for the saturation of this particular domain however, was not to keep foreigners out, but rather to withhold its inhabitants in.

Samantha should have been able to easily pass the archway of the Elysian Fields. The Underworld has already recognized her as its queen, she has been granted access to all its regions. During her unconsciousness in the earthly realm, Samantha saw my symbols of the owl and the snake.

It took great effort on my behalf to not drift into a fool's paradise, for if she saw my symbols it meant my realm acknowledged her and left an impression on her. If Samantha can not cross the various regions of the Underworld, it is not because she can not. It is because she has not developed her own connection to the realm.

The Underworld speaks for itself. While it is a home for the deceased, it is very much alive. For this very reason, I believe her gifts originated from my realm's response to her distress. When her life was being threatened by Hecate, the realm sensed her affliction and sent her aid.

In doing so, however, Samantha has experienced unforeseen side-effects. Her attachment to the realm keeps her alive and safe while she remains within its bounds. It is when she travels to the surface that her gifts pose a threat to her life. Her mortality becomes much more vigorous in the earthly realm.

Watching her fail for the tenth time in gaining entry to Elysium, I realize perhaps I overestimated the reciprocity existing between her and the realm. She has only known me for less than a week, what had I expected? Still, the celerity with which the Underworld has accepted and welcomed her is nothing short of extraordinary.

"Samantha, perhaps it is best we move on?" I ask her gently, noticing her last attempt to break through the barrier. I place a hand on her shoulder, trying to discourage her from continuing. The development of her bond with the realm consists of time, not numerous attempts.

"Okay," she mumbles, disappointed. I motion for her to follow me.

"It is all a matter of time, Samantha. We will return to the Elysian Fields sometime in the near future. For now, it is best we continue the tour."

Samantha glances back at the entryway before following me.

"Hades?" she asks curiously, eyeing the fields as we leave.

"Yes?"

"If the Underworld is a place for the dead, how can plants and flowers grow?"

She looks at the greenery of Elysium and turns back to me expectantly.

"Everything that has walked and lived on Earth dies and returns to life here. It applies to all living forms on the surface," I respond, extending her an arm so we can float to the Fields of Asphodel. Samantha absentmindedly steps into my embrace, disregarding my hand.

"And they keep their full essence?" she asks looking at a bright, yellow flower decorating the arch of Elysium's entrance. I wrap my arms around her waist, summoning my power and elevating us off the floor.

"Correct," I answer, securing my hold on her and floating towards the next region of my realm.

"This place is amazing," she whispers to herself, causing me to smile. Not everyone appreciates the subtle beauty of my realm. Samantha seemed to like it the moment she stepped foot on its soil, I caught her admiring the rivers during her first visit here. Their murky, turbulent waters while deadly, can also glimmer in sinister beauty- something most tend to overlook.