Haidou

Beginning

Kore marched down the long corridor, vehemently cursing her short legs. It had been a long time since her husband had sought her out, and she wished mere curiosity quickened her steps instead of the unbridled hope and longing that took root in her heart.

She stopped when she reached a large door made of heavy oak and steel with ornate carvings and sparkling jewels. Taking a calming breath, she tucked a stray curl behind her ear before she entered. As she crossed the checkered floor, the gems set in the center of each tile sparkled. A crystal chandelier hung from the center of the high ceiling, filling the room with just enough light to see. Hunched behind an oak desk with his dark hair falling over his eyes, her husband's hand clutched a pen scratching across a piece of parchment.

Kore cleared her throat. Getting no response, she ventured further inside. "Hades."

"What is it," he snapped without looking up.

Kore stiffened. More and more of the same. She'd flitted down these halls once again like a fool hoping for something more than contempt from the man that claimed to have been so beside himself with love for her that he couldn't help but take her for himself all those years ago. Now that he had her, that uncontrolled passion for her was nowhere to be seen. Their silence filled the room, wall to cavernous wall until finally, he shoved his parchment to the edge of his desk. When his eyes settled on her he sighed, standing to approach her. Placing a gentle hand on her cheek, he urged her to tilt her head back and meet his gaze.

"I'm sorry. You know I'm out of sorts when it's time for you to leave me."

"I know that you used to be. Just as you used to be sincere," she answered.

He frowned, brows knitting together as Kore stepped closer and pressed a hand to his chest. The other slipped behind her back into the folds of her belted gown. "You choose to ignore me, but I see you clearly. I know you have others to share your sincerity with."

Hades chuckled. "You sound like Hera."

"Do I?" Demure smile in place, she cocked her head. "I suppose that's fitting."

Hera, hateful cow that she was, rarely let betrayal go unpunished. Kore had for far too long. Once she'd been a naïve child, obediently accepting what was offered to her and doing what was asked. She'd learned to love the one who'd stolen her away and forget the family that abandoned her. In her weakness, she'd done what was easiest. Now, as she studied his dark eyes glittering with smug self-satisfaction, the last of her desire to remain compliant washed away. With it, the last of any love left in her heart.

In one swift motion, Kore whipped the dagger from her belt, slicing the soft leather before plunging the blade into his chest. She rose to the tip of her toes to softly whisper. "The difference is, I know where the blame lies."

She quickly releasing the hilt as he crumpled. Scrubbing her palms on her skirt, She watched him gasp for breath, unable to look away. The accusation in his eyes, the betrayal there, held her captive. A crisp knock on the doors refocused her attention. She hurried across the room, swinging the doors open and immediately closing them after her guard entered with a stiff bow.

"Quickly," Kore commanded impatiently.

His amber eyes flashed over the glistening ichor coating her gown, the checkered tiles, and his master's chest before meeting hers. "What have you done?"

"What has been done, Abaddon. Did you bring what I asked?" The sword at his hip sang as she freed it from its scabbard. The bursts of blue sparking through the dark stone glowed in tandem with the dagger in the subdued lighting. Returning to Hades' side, she hefted it over her head.

"Think," Abaddon urgently hissed. "You cannot come back from this."

"I've made my decision." Deliberately, she brought the blade down on her husband's neck. Seizing the severed head in one hand, she pushed away the sudden flush of emotion. Sadness, guilt, fear, it was too late to dwell on them now. She'd made her decision. Facing Abaddon she straightened her spine and lifted her chin. He studied her in silence, clenching and unclenching his fists at his side. Silently, he reached around her to wrench the dagger free, wiping the blade clean on his trousers.