It has been so long since I last uploaded. I have never forgotten my stories. I just have been going through my battles. I planned uploading more chapters, however, I suffered a miscarriage. I could not upload, let alone look at FanFiction. After months of grieving and even going to therapy, I am back nd ready to write new chapters. I have big plans for this story. I hope everything is going well for you guys. Now without further a due...

Enjoy!


BPOV

The only sound that could be heard was the cackling of the fire. I tried to steady my breathing and still my hands. My nerves were on edge. I desperately wanted to close my eyes and turn away but I held his gaze. I did not want him to see how nervous I was.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, the right corner of his mouth moved upwards and he bowed his head.

"As you wish." He said as he turned around and order Laia and Tula to bring our dinner.

Without his eyes on me I was finally able to take a deep breath and regain my composure. Once I noticed that he was beginning to turn around I looked into his eyes and my nerves began to melt away. I took a couple steps towards him and extended my hands towards the chairs.

"Please sit."

I walked ahead of him and settled down as he lowered himself as well. Despite his large, intimidated structure, he moved so calmly and gracefully. I cleared my voice and tried to calm my racing heart. I briefly looked into my hands as my nerves returned yet again.

Be sure to ask things about him.

I could hear Rosalie's voice loud and clear in my mind. It gave me the courage to straighten my back and look him in the eye. He was lying back in a comfortable position. His right arm was draped over the back on the chair while his left arm rested on his thigh. His legs were open slightly as he leaned back into the seat. His gray skin had a warm glow as the flames flickered their light upon him. His red eyes were not looking at me but the flames. He could take my breath away.

"I was always curious..." As soon as I began talking his eyes switched form the fireplace to mine. "What is it exactly does the god of the Underworld do?" His eyebrow peaked with interest at my question. His left arm lifted from his thigh and softly rubbed his chin.

"I never thought you would be interested in what I do? Why?" He asked. The corner of his mouth lifted up. It made me feel more comfortable. His question felt more inquisitive than defensive.

"My mother told me stories about most of the gods. Whether legend or true I do not know but they provided good entertainment. However, I hardly knew anything about you. I know I met your advisors and they help you. But I do not know what you actually do."

He nodded his head and looked towards the ground. He was silent. It might have been mere seconds but it felt like hours. Fortunately the silence was broken as the door opened and Laia and Tula walked in. Tula placed an assortment of food in front of us as Laia poured me water and Hades some wine. After everything was set, they both stood near the wall to await further orders. I felt awkward having them so close. Although I was beginning to care for my slaves, their presence was making the room feel odd. I gently dismissed them to stand outside.

I reached for my water as he broke the silence. "I am the ruler of the Underworld. Most people think that just because I deal with the undead that it is chaotic." I drank from my cup but used listened intently at his words. "This role I have is not an easy one. Every soul that comes here has to be judged. It is not as simple as one would think. When I look upon a soul I am judging I am able to see every unjust, malicious crime they have ever committed. I can feel their emotions when they committed it and listen to their thoughts during that time."

"That sounds like a terrible burden." I blurted out. Realizing that I had spoken, I quickly covered my mouth.

"It is." He said while softly nodding his head and sipping his wine. "However, it is the same when a good soul is presented before me. I can see their kind deeds, feel their innocence. It is bittersweet to have them before me. I hate that someone so pure or young would have to die but they can have rest." He finished as he began eating his food. I followed his lead in silence.

My mother had told me stories of how dark and hellish the Underworld is. How Hades himself was an evil man. How I used to fear those tales. They would even bring me nightmares. But hearing this man talk about the burdens made me feel so uneasy. I too had called him a monster but was he really? If I had been in his shoes would I have acted the same way he does now? I looked towards the ground in shame.

We may have ate in silence but I could only nibble. Once I couldn't tolerate another bite of food, I took a deep breath and spoke into the silence.

"Can we turn over a new leaf?"

He froze at my words and so did I. I was hesitant of his reaction but I continued. "If I am to be here, I do not want to be miserable. I never did thank you for letting me visit the village nor did I say my thanks for letting me into your garden. I know we had a rocky beginning, due to how we came together. However, I do not want to fight or continue to harbor ill feelings towards you. I-I want to get to know you." I could feel the heat in my cheeks as I averted my eyes. I had used up all of the courage inside me causing my nerves to hit me full force.

HPOV

Her words truly caught me off guard. This whole night had. I did not expect her to want to dine alone with me. Now she wanted to get to know me.

I sat up straight on the chair and leaned forward. Her head was cast aside, using her hair as a shield. Her perfect brown locks was covering her reddening cheeks. I slowly lifted my hand and pushed her silky locks behind her ear. I heard her gasp as I gently held her small chin between my thumb and forefinger as I moved her head towards mine. Once her brown orbs connected to mine, a small warmth flooded my chest.

"Then I must first apologize to you." I whispered lowly but loud enough so only she could hear. "It was I and I alone who placed you in this unfortunate predicament. I brought you here for my pleasure. You were right to call me a monster. For I truly was. I too wish to start over anew."

Her eyes widened at my words. They were nothing but the truth. Never before have I apologized for my actions. I had always placed myself and my needs first and foremost. But this girl. This seductress captured me the very first moment I laid my eyes on her. She made me feel myself come alive with emotions I had long forgotten. Or maybe just pushed away. I could only hope that she could see it in my eyes.

BPOV

His words shook me too the core. I never that Hades would ever apologize to me. That seemed like a far off dream. But it was unknowingly coming true. A part of me believed him to be lying. He was known for his treachery. But his eyes…I could see so many emotions in them. Sadness, anger, acceptance, and there was one more but I could not place it. But whatever it was, it solidified his words.

He was not lying.

I did not know how to handle his words. I could feel my eyes stinging and my lip tremble. I quickly stood and looked away from him. My skin began to prickle and grow hot. What the fire blazing? It was becoming too much. I needed to clear my head.

"I did not mean to upset you." I heard him say. I could hear him step closer. I didn't know what to do as a sob came out. I covered my mouth with my hands to cover my sobbing as tears leaked down my face.

"I have upset you. I will go to give you a moment alone." He said quietly in the air. I could hear him retreating from me.

I should have felt relieved by his words. But the further he went away from me, the more I cried. I didn't know who to feel.

"I am sorry." He said as I heard the door open.

"Wait!" I yelled as I turned around. Despite my vision being muddled by my tears, I could see the door open a crack and his silhouette. I had no control over my body. My feet did not listen to reason. My brain was cut off and my emotions controlled me. I ran swiftly to him and wrapped my arms around his torso.

"I forgive you."

I forgave him the moment he said the words. I think I began to forgive him the moment he showed me his garden. Then it hit me. The garden. Meeting his advisors. The moon drops. Was it his way of apologizing? Although he could never undo what he had done, what he always trying to make things right?

I cried harder into his chest. I should hate him. I should scratch and claw him. But I felt nothing but forgiveness and mercy for him. I felt it deep within my heart. I no longer wanted to hate him.

We just stood there together. I held onto him for dear life as my tears turned into streams and my sobs into hiccups. Slowly, I felt his arms wrap around me. Despite his stone gray features, he was warm. Warm and comforting in this awkward moment. It only made me cry harder as I realized in this moment what I felt. Standing in his room, no longer a prisoner. No longer hating him. I finally felt what I had been missing this entire time.

Safe.


I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I want Bella and Hades to move forward. Don't you? Let me know what you think.

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