The ground cracked between her feet and the earth began to rumble and separate a few steps away from her. As the earth opened, fog rolled out and the clouds began to darken the sky and black out Apollo's beloved sun. Persephone's breathing quickened as she wondered if she had made a mistake. She had never seen such power or control and it scared her. Her fear melted quickly though. Hades emerged from the cavernous hole atop his chariot, his raven colored hair slicked back, and his steel eyes fixed on her.

"I didn't know if you would come." Persephone said softly.

"I didn't know if you would call." Hades replied, a small smile creeping to his lips. "are you ready, my lady?" He held a hand out to Persephone and she didn't hesitate.

Persephone set the basket of goodies on the floor of the chariot and took Hades hand. In one fluid motion Hades pulled Persephone up and into his arms with her back to him, he encircled her as he held the reigns and urged the horses on. The chariot made its way deep down to the core of the world. Hades kingdom, the Underworld. Persephone regretted her attire; she began to shiver as they descended further into the depths of hell. Hades could feel the girl shaking against him and realized it was the first time she had not had the sun to warm her skin. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, doing his best to keep her warm. Persephone nuzzled closely to Hades as they rode to his castle. She looked at her surroundings as they touched down on solid ground and made their way to the large gates that served as an enchanted barrier to keep any escaped ghouls from entering. It was dark and her eyes were still adjusting but what she saw in front of her was awe inspiring. There were the large, iron gates that lead to Hades castle which was the most beautiful thing Persephone had ever seen. Everything in Olympus was done in whites and golds, all the furniture overly lavish and everything seemed so similar with big rounded shapes and shine. Hades castle was the opposite. It was dark, but beautiful. The spires reached high into the air and the windows were long and thin but plentiful. She had never seen architecture like this, and she thought it was such an injustice that there are no paintings or drawings of this ethereal place. Hades was worried when Persephone remained silent. He wondered if she was too scared to run or scream or maybe she was in shock. His head fell a little and he felt a sting in his chest. The gates opened as Hades chariot approached. Cerberus was running to meet them, Hades had never brought guests and he worried that Cerberus might turn into the devil dog he really was. He intercepted the beast just before he reached the chariot. Cerberus' tail stayed low and flicked from side to side as his three heads focused on the intruder. All three heads snarled and drooled as Persephone stepped off the chariot and walked over to the beast with her basket in hand. Before Hades could say a word, Persephone walked straight to the animal and extended her hand to reveal a large bone. Cerberus main head stopped snarling and started to sniff at the woman, then the bone. The more he sniffed the calmer the other two became. It was only a moment before the pup sat down with a thud and took the bone from Persephone's hands. The jovial head licking her as the other two fought over the bone. Hades watched in amazement as this small woman stood face to face with the guardian of the Underworld and reduced him to the puppy he was at heart. Hades couldn't help but smile at Persephone in adoration.

"This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I had no idea what I thought it would be like, but this exceeds every expectation I had." Persephone turned to face her host.

"Thank you." Hades was rarely complimented, and it felt strange but not unpleasant. "Let's get you inside, it will be much warmer there."

Persephone slid her arms under his as to be escorted. She smiled up at him and nodded.

The inside of the castle was even more beautiful than the outside. Marble pillars and floors, deep hues of blues and reds were used on the upholstered furniture and the curtains were of velvety crimson. The high ceilings were painted with scenes of beauty and pain. Candelabras and chandeliers lit the long hallways and various rooms.

"It's absolutely stunning…" Persephone trailed off as she continued to survey her surroundings.

"It's my home, I suppose I don't see it as beautiful or ugly, just home." Hades stood with his hands in his suit pockets as the goddess made her way up the main hall that led to all the rooms of his castle. She stopped short when she ran into the library. Without thinking or asking she ran straight into the room and started scanning the books he had.

"You're a reader? I wouldn't have guessed." Hades leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed.

"Why would you think I wasn't a reader? Do you think I'm dumb?" Persephone looked up to him while pulling a book from his shelf.

"No! No, not at all, I just figured you were more of a hands-on, outdoorsy type." Hades tried his best to remove the foot he had placed in his mouth.

"I am, but have you ever watched grass grow? Not very exciting, so I read to pass the time." Persephone thumbed through the large tome and scanned the pages quickly.

Hades sauntered over to the large piano in the corner of the room and sat on its bench as he watched Persephone study his collection. She was a work of art and he felt he could sit and watch her forever and be content.

"Hades, do you have any book about the Underworld? I've never seen any." The goddess spoke to him but kept her eyes on the books.

"I do, there are books out there about my realm though I doubt many would find them an interesting read." Hades sighed heavily.

"I would. My mother has given me all my books and I've gotten a few from Artemis as well, but no one has ever let me read a book about your kingdom." Persephone seemed sad at the fact and Hades didn't like it. He immediately rose and walked towards her. Persephone closed the book she had in her hands and clutched it protectively to her chest. Hades stopped just before their bodies touched and reached high to the shelf behind the goddess. The book he pulled was old and tattered but still well bound.

"Here." Hades offered the book to her.

"What's this?" Persephone set the first book she had pulled back into its place before taking the one offered her.

"It's a book about the history of the Underworld. I wouldn't say it's a particularly exciting read, but it should sate your curiosity if nothing else. Please, keep it as a gift." The same awkward smile crossed Hades lips as Persephone eagerly took the book. Her green eyes wide with excitement.

"Are you sure? I can bring it back to you once I'm done reading it!" The young girl plead her case.

"No, it's yours now. I know everything there is to know about this place. The book will only collect dust in my library." Hades brushed a stray strand of hair from Persephone's face and smiled warmly at her.

"Thank you, I will treasure it." Persephone blushed as Hades' cold fingers swept across her cheek. "Oh! I almost forgot. I have something for you too!"

With that statement Persephone scurried down the hall where she had first set her basket down and retrieved it.

"I hope you like it!" Hades could hear her say as she came running back up the hall, her bare feet making a pitter patter on the marble as she ran. Hades realized he had never heard another's footsteps happily running towards him. It was a sound he enjoyed immensely.

"I made them myself!" Persephone lifted the basket up with a huge grin. Hades just stood dumbfounded. "Here!" the goddess persisted and pushed the basket closer to his chest.

"Thank you, what are they?" He took the basket and pulled the cloth back to reveal delicious looking pastries. "These look very appetizing. I don't think anyone has ever made me anything before. At least not something that I didn't commission or ask for at least."

"Well there's a first time for everything, right?" She beamed at him.

"I certainly hope so." Hades spoke with hidden meaning.

"Can I see the rest of the castle?" Persephone clutched her new book to her chest.

"You can see and have whatever you want while you're here with me." Hades gazed down at her and she knew he meant every word he said. He was intense, but she enjoyed his intensity, it was so opposite of the air-headed nymphs and egotistical gods.