Pat Twice

Chapter 12

Sorry for the long time between chapters. Now that the school year is starting, I won't have as much free time to update. Please know that I have a plan for the story, and full intentions of continuing it for everyone. I love the support and motivation. Enjoy :)

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The sun slowly rose over the horizon, causing Persephone and Hades to squint. Persephone felt like she had been punched in the stomach, unable to fill her lungs. Panic traveling throughout her body.

"I need to hide you," Hades said urgently, shooting out of bed and grabbing her hand. Persephone was nearly dragged out of the room and down the hallway. She had to jog to keep up with his long strides. Hades said nothing, taking her down hallway after hallway. She had never seen this much of his house before. With every second that passed, sunlight filled the house.

"Where are we going?" She asked, afraid to break the silence between them.

"I can't let him find you, I need to make sure you'll be safe," he said stiffly. He stopped abruptly and she ran into his back.

"Sorry..." she mumbled, taking a step away from him. They reached the end of a hallway. A dead end. Hades placed his hand on the wall and waited.

"The light has come," Hades said solemnly. The area around his hand lit up.

"Welcome, Aidoneus." A cold, mechanical voice replied. The wall slowly opened up to them, revealing a tunnel lit by torches.

"Kore, you have to get in," Hades tuned to her, his face full of concern.

"You're not coming with me?" She asked him, holding his hand tighter.

"I have to see Apollo. He'll burn the Underworld to the ground if I don't. And... I can't let him get to you. Cerberus can go with you, he'll keep you safe," Hades lifted his head and whistled for the dog to come. His eyes dropped back down to Persephone, trying to soak her all in.

"Okay," she said in a defeated tone. She wanted to stand up for herself, she wanted to tell Apollo to screw off herself. But she was afraid. Cerberus turned the corner and ran down to them, his tail wagging. The hallways was completely lit now, allowing Hades to see every detail of Persephone's terrified expression.

"Okay boy, you're going with Kore," Hades said sternly, nodding his head towards the tunnel. Cerberus' ears went down and he let out a low whine.

"I know you don't like it, but you have to protect her, okay?" Hades rubbed Cerberus' head, causing the dog to practically nod at him.

"Hades?" Persephone said quietly, pulling his attention back to her.

"Yes?"

"P-please be careful..." She said in the smallest voice he's ever heard. His heart dropped to the floor. Gods she's perfect.

"Of course," He said to her, meaning every syllable. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, lowering his head to meet her eye level. She looked back at him with wide eyes, wanting to stay with him for as long as she could.

"Oh, Kore..." he said in a pained tone, taking her into his arms and hugging her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled her face in. She took in a shaky breath, trying to hold in the tears she felt threatening her. Hades squeezed her tight, wanting to live in this moment forever.

SCREECH!

Persephone's heart jumped out of her chest, her eyes flying open.

"Oh gods... he's here," She squeaked. Hades let her go and guided her into the tunnel.