Hades

Persephone

Hades

I handed Charon Lucinda's lunch and rode back to the castle when dusk had fallen. The ride felt long, and the fresh air amazing.

Lucinda was in the kitchen, sitting in the corner with a book.

"Hey," I said.

"Dinner's in the fridge," she said, distracted.

I opened the fridge and pulled out two glorious looking sandwiches. And a beer.

Eating in silence, with Lucinda occasionally turning a page, felt relaxing. It felt like home.

I cleaned up after myself and bid Lucinda goodnight.

"Hey, Hades, wait!" she said put her feet down on the floor.

I looked back at her. "Yes?"

"Uhm, we went shopping. She didn't meet anyone she knew, and I think she's got everything she needs."

"Thank you," I said.

Lucinda smiled a crooked smile. "She's been holed up in her room all afternoon."

"I'll check if she's okay." I promised and left the kitchen.

The castle felt quiet.

Persephone waited on the first floor landing. "Hades, long time no see," she said.

Her dress was a deep purple which accentuated her green eyes. Her blond hair was braided with flowers that lightened the overall outfit.

"Yeah, how's things?" I asked.

She shrugged. "It has come to my attention that the girl has arrived?"

I nodded. "Too early." I said. She wasn't supposed to be here for another few days.

Persephone nodded, arms loosely crossed. "Listen, she was on the computer and the music device."

"I've wired them so she can't access anything which might spark someone she knew personally." I assured her. "I made sure that was fixed last weekend. Just in case."

Persephone nodded and smiled. Her face lit up, creating the glow that made her so beautiful. "In Olympus they've discussed whether demi-gods should have more rights. It's a big topic, and they're leaning towards implementing it gradually."

"Sounds fair enough. To let them take responsibility for their actions."

Persephone smiled. "Yeah, that's what I thought you say. Will I ever meet this girl?"

I shrugged. "Lucinda said she'd been in her room all day. I'm about to check on her."

"I'll be nice," she assured me.

"Thank you," I said. I kissed her cheek and went to Stella's room.

I knocked on her door and waited.