Hades

thank Rhea

Stella

Hades was nowhere in sight when I woke. I went to the kitchen, to find that empty as well. A note was on the table, from Lucinda.

Stating that Hades and Macaria had gone to work, and that she had an appointment with a friend in town.

I was all by myself.

I smiled. No matter how much I enjoyed Hades' company, and to a certain extent Lucinda's, it was nice to be alone.

I ate breakfast, and went to the part of the castle Lucinda didn't want me exploring. Granted, it was dustier, less used, I presumed.

I went to the fifth floor and found an abandoned music room. With a piano and harp and all kinds of classical instruments.

I didn't play, but I'd always been fascinated by the harp. And since the room was dusty, I figured it could be Hades hadn't put a spell on all the books. Turns out, he had.

I went back to the kitchen for lunch.

Chicken and bacon sandwich. And it was a joy, when Lucinda had baked for breakfast.

A sharp knock on the door was followed by the entrance of a young man.

I swallowed my last bite and slumped back into my chair. He didn't look like good news.

A dead carcass was slung over his shoulder, blood dripping slowly unto the floor.

He turned around, and he was the spitting image of Hades, only with a scowl, a furrow and eyes as green as emeralds.

We stared at each other for a long time.

"Is Lucinda here?" he asked. His voice a deep baritone, much deeper than Hades' voice.

I shook my head. "In town."

"Thank Rhea," he said, placed the dead, bleeding carcass in the sink and washed his hands. "I'm Zagreus, please tell Hades I was around, and that he can come visit whenever he wants. I'm not sticking around, waiting for Lucinda."

I smiled. "Not a fan?" I guessed.

"She talks too much," he grumbled. He dried his hands and looked at me, really looked at me. "Who are you?"

"Stella," I said. "Human, in a coma, as far as I know."

Zagreus nodded. "Okay. Well, good recovery." He smiled a weak smile, which somehow still seemed to reach his eyes. "Take care."

"You too," I said and watched him leave.

Well, that sure was interesting. I put the plate by the sink, now that was full, and went outside.