"Mmm…Hmm…"
The heavy drapes were not enough to block out the sunlight, and the goddess of spring stirred in her sleep. Persephone was covered with a white sheet, her auburn hair splayed out on the pillow. Truly, she was the perfect image of innocence and purity; no one would have guessed what she had been doing last night.
Mumbling incoherently, she turned over, reaching for the man next to her, but when her hand was met with nothing but the empty sheets, her eyes fluttered open.
Why? But he…he had slept next to her…
Her heart beating faster and faster, she scanned the room and brought her hand to her mouth. Where…where had Hades gone? Why wasn't he there with her?
Fear and guilt overcame her. What…what did they do last night? How did she succumb so easily? How could she forget everything her mother taught her? She had betrayed her…
No, you didn't… said a small voice in the back of her head. You didn't betray anyone. For once in your life, you simply did what you wanted.
Yes, she wanted this. She wanted it more than anything.
Her breath was caught in her chest as she recalled his touch, firm but gentle, his kisses, how it felt to be filled by him…
Persephone closed her eyes. No, this wasn't the right time to be thinking about it… Where was he? Had he left her?
As she buried her face in the pillows, she heard a quiet voice behind her.
"Good morning, my love…"
The King of the Underworld was standing by the door, unseen by the young goddess. He gazed lovingly at her, the woman he would now like to call his mate, his beloved. How beautiful and peaceful she looked… His heartbeat quickened and love filled his soul as memories of last night came to him.
His beloved Persephone had become his at last…
A small sigh of relief escaped her lips at the sound of his voice. "Good morning, Hades…" she muttered, and he sat next to her. He took her hand, pressing a soft kiss on the knuckles. Persephone shuddered, yet she pulled away.
"Wh-where have you been?" she whispered, her green eyes full of worry.
Hades frowned. "I went to my apartments to wash myself… I did not want to use your bathroom…"
It was then Persephone noticed that his hair was indeed damp. She ran her fingers through his hair, breathing in its fine scent and appreciating the smooth texture. Her hand slid down his cheek, and he looked deep into her eyes, the intensity of his gaze making her lower her head.
"Is something the matter, Persephone? Are you alright?" he asked, concerned.
"Yes…" she mumbled, her eyes darting to the floor.
"Is what happened last night troubling you?" he persisted.
Her face reddened. "I…It's just… I was worried because you weren't here when I woke up, and…" She gave him an imploring look, but he remained silent. "I was afraid you would leave me…or that I'd have to leave…"
"Persephone…" he said curtly, but he immediately softened once he saw her frightened face. It was, after all, too soon… She had not recovered completely. "Did that nymph's words hurt you so much then?" he asked quietly.
"No! I don't believe her, I don't believe her at all!" she exclaimed, shaking her head vigorously. "None of this is your fault… You could never have done this to Leuce…"
His eyebrows went up in shock. "Did she say such a thing?"
Persephone nodded. Righteous indignation washed over him, but it quickly subsided at the sight of his distressed lover. "Persephone…" he whispered, drawing her in his arms. "You have no reason to worry or question my feelings for you. I want you by my side, I need you. I cannot put this into words… But I would never let you go, because if you left, I would never be whole again."
She blinked, her eyes full of hope. "Really?" she blurted out, and he gently brought her head to his chest. Persephone snuggled closer, listening to his heartbeat, while he kissed her forehead.
"Really. My life has no meaning without you."
A timid smile brightened her features as she hid her face in his chest. Tears of relief were rolling down her cheeks and she did not want to upset Hades further… She saw him lift his right hand, as if holding something delicate, but she couldn't see anything. Curious, she looked up at him and she saw his face, concentrated, contorted, as he stared intently at his empty palm. His eyes were black and a cleft had formed between his eyebrows, but he did it. For a long moment, they were both studying the deep red rose with the small prickles in silence. Persephone squealed in delight once Hades offered it to her, carefully holding it to her chest and caressing its soft petals.
"I didn't know you could do that…" she whispered.
"It is not easy…" he admitted. "As a god of death, creating life requires a great amount of energy, but…I did it for you," he muttered, averting his eyes.
She beamed at him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you!" she said sweetly. "It's wonderful. It's so beautiful…"
He loved seeing her happy…
Persephone felt so safe and snug in his embrace, and seeing his serene countenance made her feel at peace…
"Will you stay with me?" he asked softly and she nodded, leaning forward for a kiss.
Despite the tumultuous state of Hellas, the gods were as cheerful and careless as ever, drinking and chatting about this and that. After all, things would return to normal sooner or later…
"Yeah, right," Ares muttered. "I'm telling you, there's going to be a war."
"Aw, Ares, this is getting boring!" Hermes yawned. "War, war, blah blah blah! They're gonna solve this whole thing peacefully," he declared, and Ares grunted.
"Either way, someone is to blame for this mess…" Dionysus said thoughtfully, studying his goblet.
"Hmm, I'm wondering who could it be!" Ares growled, glaring at the patron goddess of the most powerful city-state, Athens.
Athena pretended not to notice, focusing on her conversation with Hera instead.
"…And then he got mad and told me it was my fault, can you believe it? Please, I had no idea the peacock would assault her! Well, he soon forgot all about that nymph anyway!" Hera concluded, proudly raising her chin, while Athena laughed heartily.
The Queen looked at her for a few moments, a loving smile gracing her features. "It's so nice to see you laugh again, child," she said quietly. "I was truly getting worried about you; you looked exhausted."
Athena chuckled and raised an eyebrow, as if she did not know the meaning of exhaustion, but Hera would not fall for her tricks.
"Poseidon didn't look any better either," she added with a frown.
"What about Poseidon?" Athena asked coldly.
Hera shook her head. "Ah, he looked troubled lately. He was grumpier than usual."
"Poor him," Athena commented dryly, and Hera snickered at her icy tone.
Indeed, things between them were going worse by the day. But at this point, they've simply decided to ignore each other's presence. Athena glanced at Poseidon, who was laughing at Hermes' antics, and she felt emptiness in her heart.
"But my dear, will this enmity of yours never cease?" she heard Hera say. "Anyway, I've never seen him like this before. I have almost forgotten the sound of my brother's laughter; he has become worse than Hades…"
"Really, how did you like Persephone's dress at Hephaestus' wedding? Wasn't she stunning?" Athena promptly changed the subject.
"Humph. She was alright." Hera looked away and Athena smiled. She contemplated her father's wife. The Queen always carried herself with dignity and charm; it was hard to imagine she could through such terrifying fits of anger. She had made no attempt to harm Persephone, but the same could not be said for the rest of Zeus's illegitimate children.
Athena caught sight of Artemis and Apollo, engaged in a heated conversation. Yes, Hera held these two in particular disdain. She had hunted them down even before their birth, yet she could do nothing when Zeus decided they were to join the Olympians.
Apollo and Artemis, the inseparable twin gods, so similar yet so different, just like the sun and the moon.
"Why are you so cold?" Apollo asked bitterly. "You are my sister, you are supposed to be supportive-"
"Supportive!" Artemis snorted. "Your attitude regarding Persephone is terribly wrong! You still want to pursue her although you don't love her…"
"Persephone won't stay with him," he cut her off. "Demeter will never allow it. So, when she comes back, I-"
"You are a spoiled, self-centered child!" Artemis got up, her lips set in a thin line, but Apollo grabbed her hand, pulling her down again.
"Perhaps I am, but you still love me, don't you?" he asked playfully, a bright grin spreading across his handsome face, and at that moment, his blond hair truly looked as if made of pure gold.
Artemis bit her lips as she stared at his perfect smile and sparkling blue eyes- how could she ever resist him?
Athena turned her attention back to her stepmother.
"But… I hope she's happy with him…" Hera grudgingly admitted. Athena smiled a little, but she felt a pang of guilt at the thought of her sister.
"To add to the list of unhappy family members, Hades looked awful the last time I saw him…"
Athena's eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"
But before Hera could reply, the door flew open and everyone went silent, staring at the goddess who had just marched into the Parlor. It was not often that Aphrodite lost her temper.
"Athena!" she shrieked, her hands balled into fists.
Unfazed by her sister's bizarre behavior, Athena left her seat and waked to her. "Yes?" she inquired calmly.
"It's your fault!" she cried with a dramatic wave of her hand. "It's all because of you and your damned city!"
Athena's eyebrows shot up. The two goddesses made for a strange and beautifully antithetic sight. Aphrodite, furious and flushed, looked every bit the goddess of beauty she was, her golden curls framing her lovely face. Before her stood Athena, pale and proud, cold and rigid, her poise a rather ominous sign.
"Well?"
"The King of Rhodes! The King of my island, my daughter's island! He's dead, Athena!"
The gods were now whispering to each other. Actis was an intelligent, gifted leader, as well as a brave warrior, and despite his young age, he was a worthy king.
"I am sorry to hear this," Athena said grimly. She knew the tragedy of a city losing a competent king.
Aphrodite's laughter was almost hysterical. "Oh, you don't say! It was your spies that murdered him, Athena!"
"What nonsense are you spouting?" she asked icily.
"Weren't we all wondering who was causing this commotion?" Aphrodite cried to the rest. "Well, I found out! It's Athens, the so-called metropolis; it's them that have led to this mess! Instead of protecting the minor city-states as they should, the Athenians tyrannize them! The other states were afraid to stand up to them, but Rhodes decided to rid itself of its oppressors! And now their King was found dead!"
Athena was listening to Aphrodite's accusations, her face ashen. She was mistaken, of course, and…
Someone was watching her. A pair of aquamarine eyes was on her, and she could not breathe anymore.
And then she remembered. Rhodos was the daughter of Aphrodite and Poseidon…
Overcome with bitter rage, she turned to face Aphrodite, her eyes glinting. "Your accusations are false," she stated in a chilly voice. "Athens does protect the other states, and you cannot accuse the Athenians of such a crime without any evidence…"
"Please!" Ares snarled. "We all know you and your Athenian scum would do anything to gain control over the rest of Hellas! But if Sparta was in charge-"
"You are one to talk, Ares!" Athena spat venomously. "You, whose city would stop at nothing to achieve more power! You train your soldiers by killing slaves, you throw the weak and the sickly into the river! But I didn't expect any better from you… Physical prowess makes up for the lack of intelligence, isn't it so, brother?"
Ares jumped up, while Aphrodite continued her screaming.
"What does it matter? The King of Rhodes was killed, my daughter's precious son!" she bellowed. "The Athenians killed him to prevent Rhodes from rebelling against them!"
"Truly hideous," Apollo agreed, looking straight into Athena's eyes. It was obvious whose side he was on. "A king was murdered… You know what that means, right?"
Athena's face blanched. No…Not a war…
"Of course she knows, and she won't back down! You have no proof against her and her city!" Artemis rushed to her sister's defense, glaring daggers at Apollo.
"Listen to me, all of you!" Athena said loudly and silence fell in the room. "Athens does not tyrannize the other states! Perhaps its leaders are a little domineering at times, but that's because Athens is the capital city-state, the metropolis, a position they have rightfully earned! It is Athens who defends the rest from the barbarians, it is Athens that prevents the other city-states from turning against each other! So tell me, Aphrodite, where would Rhodes be now if it wasn't for Athens?"
Aphrodite did not reply. Although he had not participated in the discussion, Poseidon's eyes were on Athena, watching as her expression changed… She was so young, yet so strong, so powerful, more so than most of the gods in the room…
"I am not interested in the other states," Aphrodite said eventually. "Rhodes intends to declare war on Athens, and they will have my support, Athena."
"Mine too!" Ares growled.
"Very well!" Athena yelled. She could not keep this calm façade up any longer. "As you wish! I'm looking forward to seeing you all in the battlefield!" she sneered, looking at Aphrodite's delicate figure and her fine dress.
"You think we'll chicken out?" Ares barked.
"I'm certain you will!"
Ares was about to draw his sword, but the rumble of a thunderbolt stopped him, and everyone turned to look at Zeus who was standing at the door.
"Silence!" he commanded in his booming voice.
Aphrodite strutted to the King's side. "Father! Athens is-"
"Yes, Aphrodite, I heard you," he said curtly. "I heard everything. And I strictly forbid each and every one of you to interfere in this war! We gods should stand together and stay out of mortal affairs!"
He bit back a smile at the disappointed faces around him.
"But you can't just overlook this!" Aphrodite protested. "Rhodes is-"
"If the Rhodians want to fight the Athenians, it's their problem, Aphrodite. You will not assist them."
"But Father, this war is-"
"Don't have me repeat myself, Athena!" Zeus glared at her for a moment before addressing the crowd again. "If you disobey me, the consequences will be severe. Am I clear?"
No one spoke; they were all exchanging nervous glances.
"Am I clear?"
The gods nodded. With a satisfied smile, Zeus walked out of the Parlor and Hera went after him, a faint expression of distaste on her face.
"Poseidon!" Aphrodite screeched once the King was out of hearing range. "We need to talk!"
Everyone's attention turned to the King of the Seas who had remained silent during the entire argument. He contemplated Aphrodite for a moment before nodding. The blonde goddess stormed out of the room, Poseidon following her shortly after.
He passed by Athena, and their eyes met momentarily. Her gaze was cold and penetrating, but deep inside, he saw anger and a flash of pain.
Athena watched him go, while the rest of the gods were looking at them, waiting for another fight to break out. But once Poseidon closed the door behind him, all tension seemed to evaporate. Athena folded her arms on her chest and went to stand by the window. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ares staring at the closed door, his face red with anger. In his left hand he was clutching a goblet which he violently hurled at the wall, shattering it into pieces.
Athena lifted her eyes to the sky. If only she could express her indignation in such a vivid manner…
The Lord of the Dead was alone in the throne room. Although he was not conceited in the slightest, he truly looked majestic and threatening, his hands placed atop the arms of his throne and his jaw set. His face was pallid and his eyes were burning, black and full of icy hatred. Their murderous glint distorted his features, his black cloak underlining his stern disposition. It was no wonder everyone thought him a merciless, cold-hearted man.
"Bring her in," he whispered to the trembling guards that had just stepped in the room. The two men nodded frantically and hurried to carry out his order.
Hades closed his eyes. He hated this…
But she deserved it.
He heard the muffled cries of a woman, and soon the guards threw the blonde nymph at his feet.
Hades looked at the writhing creature, his expression inscrutable.
"You may leave," he said quietly and they complied, closing the door as they left.
"Oh…Great King, what have I done? Why was I dragged here? What do you want from me?" she asked in a heart-wrenching tone, her face hidden in her hands.
"You know why you are here, Minthe…" he said softly, yet his voice brought chills to her spine. "Persephone, my fiancée, almost got herself killed because of you and your lies…"
"But I didn't-"
"You pushed her to this," he hissed. "You hurt her; you even had the nerve to tell her I led Leuce to death…"
"Please, I never said anything like this…" Minthe begged, lowering her head.
"And you shall be punished for your actions!" he declared, his loud voice echoing in the room.
Minthe's teary eyes locked with his and she joined her hands together, resembling the heroine of some tragedy. "I beg you, my Lord, don't harm me, I'll do anything you ask of me…" she whimpered, her shoulders shaking. "Oh, what terrible fate awaits me?"
Appalled, Hades watched the nymph's theatrics. Despite her horror, it was obvious she enjoyed this, and she would definitely not mind if he punished her…She did not feel an ounce of guilt for what she had done…
His eyes hardened and he rose from his throne. "I'm not here to listen to your wails, nymph! How dare you? How dare you look at me after lying so shamelessly and besmirching my name? How dare you, when you nearly killed my fiancée?"
"I meant no harm…" she whispered, tremors of fear coursing through her body.
"You meant to destroy her and our relationship!"
"Great King-"
"I would have let you go if it was me you wanted to harm!" he shouted as she fell on the cold marble floor, sobbing. "But this… You accused me of Leuce's death! You endangered Persephone!"
"Hades, I-"
"You endangered Persephone," he uttered, stalking towards her. "And this, I will not forgive…"
Minthe let out an agonizing scream but he did nothing to help her. He simply stood there, staring down at her thrashing body in utter apathy.
Then the pain stopped abruptly and the nymph collapsed, breathing heavily.
"Get out of my sight, nymph," he said. "I don't want to see you ever again. Leave the palace. I wish I could banish you from the Underworld, but that's impossible. As long as I live, you will stay away from me and Persephone. Unless you truly repent for what you have done…"
A spark of hope lit Minthe's eyes…
"Perhaps you can return then," he went on. "But if you lie to me, I will know. And I will crush you."
Minthe gave out a faint cry as she slowly vanished, and Hades slumped onto his throne. He did not take any pleasure from acts of cruelty…but she deserved it. She deserved it.
His expression softened as he thought of his beloved Persephone. She had no reason to worry anymore… Everything was fine…
For how long?
Hades grunted, just when Hecate entered the hall.
"Hades, the River Acheron requests an audience with you."
"What is it, Aphrodite?" Poseidon asked as they entered the small lounge.
Aphrodite's back was turned on him, her golden curls dancing behind her. "That stupid, arrogant little-"
"What is it, Aphrodite?" Poseidon asked again, his voice louder.
She froze for a few moments, but then she turned to look at him. Her red lips were slightly parted, her head tilted to the side. She sashayed up to him, placing a hand on his chest. "Isn't it obvious?" she muttered. "I want my daughter to be safe… I want you to help our child win this war, Poseidon…"
He sighed deeply and pushed her hand away before he moved to sit in a chair, his eyes distant…
"Damn you, Hephaestus! Damn you!" Ares roared, yet Aphrodite did not seem to care, her delicate wrists bound by the heavy chains. Hephaestus' trick was simple and effective. He had lied to Aphrodite, telling her he would have a busy night in his forge, and had placed an invisible net on their bed. Ares did not hesitate to dishonor his brother, and he slept with Aphrodite on his wedding bed…
Well, I cannot blame him, Poseidon had thought, leering at Aphrodite's voluptuous naked form. He wanted her so much at that moment…And it was so easy to have her…
"Enough, Hephaestus," he said in his deep voice. "You had your revenge. Time to set them free. Ares will compensate for his…actions- I guarantee this. Now, release both him and…" he looked deep into Aphrodite's eyes. "…the goddess of beauty."
Hephaestus frowned at his words, but he knew there was nothing he could do. "You are much more powerful than I, Uncle. I'll let them go…"
A laughing Aphrodite had immediately left for Cyprus, but not before throwing a meaningful glance at him. Mere minutes later, he was in a cave near a shore.
Aphrodite was waiting for him. "How can I ever thank you for what you did…You saved me…" she whispered, running her hands up and down his chest.
"I might have an idea or two…" he muttered, taking her dress off and pulling her down on the cave floor. And that's how Rhodos was born…
"Are you listening, Poseidon?" Aphrodite purred, her lips brushing against his neck. She let her hands slide to his tanned shoulders, massaging them in circular motions. "Were you perhaps thinking about…us?"
He shook his head. "I can't help you, Aphrodite," he said calmly. "You heard Zeus; there's nothing I can do. You too should stay out of this war, don't-"
"Shh," she whispered, her tongue teasing his earlobe. "I must support my daughter's island…Please, Poseidon…"
He did not reply.
"What is more," she continued, "you are one of our most skilled warriors…This is your chance at revenge…"
He drew in a sharp breath. "What do you mean?"
"You two are enemies, right? Just imagine her face when she sees the dead bodies of her soldiers… And you will be victorious, having defeated Hellas' most prominent state…"
Aphrodite chuckled, and he was cold, yet he was burning…
"After all…you hate Athena, don't you?"
And just like that, the spell she had woven over him broke.
"I will help you," Poseidon answered, his eyes almost black, and Aphrodite smiled triumphantly.
Acheron strode purposefully through the palace halls. He would talk to Hades… Yes, as a good friend and a loyal subject, he had to warn him. His King had the right to know…
A mocking smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. This was his chance… He had the perfect plan. If Hades took safety measures, Demeter would not be able to infiltrate the Underworld. And thus…she would be in need of his help again… Now that Hades would seal off the other rivers, only he would be kind-hearted enough to be moved by the grieving mother's pain and help her…
For a price.
He broke into loud laughter as he went up the stairs. He had to have her… He just had to… Never before had he desired a woman as much as Demeter… He loved having his way with her… How much he had enjoyed her cries of pain… Just thinking of them aroused him so… He would do anything to have her again…
"Hades, the River Acheron requests an audience with you," Hecate had said.
Hades was sitting on his throne, his eyebrows knitted together. What could Acheron want?
A well-built man entered the room, leaving small puddles of water that soon evaporated into thin air behind him. Hades raised an eyebrow. He knew Acheron, and that meek face he wore was beyond suspicious.
"What can I do for you, Acheron?"
"Greetings, Lord Hades," the river god said, dropping to his knees. "There is…something I would like to tell you. Something that might concern you."
"I am listening."
"It's about the goddess Demeter, my Lord," he said, his head lowered, as if ashamed for revealing a god's secret to another. "I saw her by my banks, gathering herbs…"
"What herbs?" Hades asked sharply, although he knew. His hands started to tremble slightly; his stomach was in knots…
"Herbs growing close to my river, my Lord. Herbs that she, as the goddess of harvest, could use to create a connection between herself and the Underworld… She's trying to get her daughter back…" he said, his voice a furious whisper.
Hades shook his head, uncaring of the show Acheron was putting up.
Demeter…Demeter, in his kingdom…
"That's impossible," he hissed. "The agreement was clear. Demeter has sworn on the Styx; she cannot…"
His voice faded as he recalled the events of the trial.
She was crying, but after Poseidon made her swear… When she left, she looked calm…
"It would seem that she has tricked you all…"
Yes… Yes…He remembered…
Demeter had only sworn to not abstain from her duties as a goddess.
"I must tell Zeus!" he cried, all color drained from his face.
"No!" the River jumped to his feet. "I mean…" he cleared his throat as Hades narrowed his eyes at him. "You don't have any proof against her. And you don't have enough time… She'll probably be here by the time Zeus decides to act…"
Hades sighed.
Acheron was right… He did not have enough time; he did not have any time at all…
No…
No, he would not allow this… No one would take Persephone from him…
"But you still can stop her, if you take the right measures…" the river god said casually, his eyes on the floor.
Hades looked up. "Yes…Measures…"
No… No one would enter the Underworld… No one would take Persephone away…
"But why do you care?" he inquired, unsure of the River's motives.
"I merely did my duty as your subject!" Acheron claimed. The earnestness in his voice left no room for doubt.
They exchanged a silent look, until Hades nodded. "Thank you. You are dismissed."
Acheron disappeared in a swirl of water, and once he was alone, Hades hid his face in his hands. No...Not now… Not more problems…
How could he live without her? What would he do if he could not bask in her presence, if he could not hear her laughter? How could he go on if he could not touch her, if he could not see her? He had told her this very morning: His life would lose its meaning if she was gone… What reason would he have to open his eyes every morning if she would not be there to greet him?
The door opened and a smiling Persephone waltzed in, holding a small bouquet of flowers.
"Won't you come down for dinner?" she asked, her soft, sweet voice caressing his ears. He pulled her to him, his grip around her tight, as if wanting to keep her there forever, unwilling to let her go, and the flowers scattered about on the floor.
"H-Hades?" she whispered, overwhelmed by his fervor, but she soon let herself relax in his arms, eagerly accepting his kiss and gently stroking his hair.
No. He would never let anyone take Persephone away from him. Not even her mother, his own sister. No one.
Author's Note: No one in this story catches a break. Ever. Anyway, this note is a wee bit long, but I suggest reading at least the first part.
Rhodos or Rhode was a sea nymph, the daughter of Poseidon and…well, it depends. The candidates are Amphitrite, Halia and Aphrodite, but I went with the goddess of love because it's convenient for the plot. Rhodos was the wife of Helios, with whom she had seven sons and one daughter (Collectively known as the Heliades). Actis was one of those sons, and I just picked him at random and named him King of Rhodes. Helios was the patron god of Rhodes and named the island after his wife, isn't this the most romantic thing ever? Also, there was indeed a war between Athens and Rhodes. Well, more like Athens VS Rhodes, Chios, Kos, Byzantion and their allies. But I found out about that war after I've already come up with the idea of Rhodes rebelling against Athens. Please don't blame me; I never paid attention at school when we were taught about the Athenian Hegemony. So, some Athenian and Rhodian soldiers and kings that will appear in future chapters are products of my imagination and are not based on any historical figures. If anyone's interested in the actual war between Athens and the aforementioned islands, I suggest looking up Social War (357- 355 BC), or War of the Allies.
Now, to answer a review.
Anon: Hmm, I guess you can say that Persephone's weak. Though I like to think of her as emotional and insecure rather than weak. Ah, but what to do? Not everyone's brave and strong, right? Perhaps Persephone will grow more confident, or perhaps she won't. We'll see! Also, wow, this is the second time I'm asked to write a HadesxHecate story. I had no idea these two were a popular pairing. But I'm afraid I'll have to say no, since I absolutely adore Hades and Persephone together, and I only ship them with each other. Plus, seeing the way I write Hecate… I can't see her having a relationship with anyone!
A few chapters ago, a guest said they will be sad when this story is over. THIS IS THE SWEETEST THING I'VE EVER HEARD, LEMME HUG YOU! Same goes to nalu1717 for saying chap.20 made her cry! I consider a fic that makes me cry good, so I'll take her words as a compliment ^.^ On the whole, a big THANK YOU to everyone who takes their time to read my little story. You are all very supportive and kind, and I really wish I could buy you ice cream or something. And thank you for patiently waiting for my updates. Alas, I'm a master procrastinator!