There was something very wrong about the situation. Hermes could feel it as he pushed through the crowd to find his young friend, that sense of impending misfortune. He did not understand how, but he knew that there was something off about that god, something that threatened without saying a word. Hades simply suggested it with his demeanor; his sinister eyes betrayed his intentions despite his handsome smile. The only mystery was what he wanted.

"Kore! You're here earlier than I expected!" He took the opportunity to admire her golden curls and shining green eyes. She was still so lively, like the child that she would always be. She reminded him of life in its simplest form.

"I just couldn't wait to come! I've never been somewhere as – " She paused, unable to find the word.

"What is it, Kore?"

"I'm sorry, Hermes; I'm just not sure what to think in a place like this. It seems unreal..."

Hermes fought a laugh. "You've only seen one room! Nothing's happened yet! Come on – there's a feast down the hall. It's like nothing you have ever seen."

She hesitated. "Can I meet you there? There's just one thing I wanted to do."

He watched as his nephew left the girl at the doorway, disheartened. She seemed so alone, as if she never knew who to follow. He understood them why he had been drawn to her – he could give her guidance; he could take her away from her childhood and offer her something that no one else would.

She would give him hope.

"Lord Hades?" Her melodic voice broke through his musings. Her eyes no longer looked up at him with fear; green the color of life invited him to stay close to her, to have faith in his decision. "Pardon me, but why are you standing here alone when the gods of Olympus are ready to feast? Do you not eat?"

He offered her his most sincere smile. "I hardly have any friends waiting for me in the feasting hall, lovely Kore. Remember who I am, and I'm sure that you will understand. Here," he added as he swept his flower out of her hand, "it would look better in your hair, next to your face."

She felt her cheeks burning as Hades secured the flower above her ear. Never had anyone but Demeter and Hermes been so close to her, and even Hermes had been nothing more than the games of her childhood. Hades was an adult; he was so near that she could smell the scent of earth that emanated from his skin. She had always been told to stay away from him; she was told to be afraid, but as this man offered her his arm she could find nothing but admiration for him.

His steps were swift and long as he guided her to the feasting hall; he walked with the ease and confidence of a rich man. Kore imagined that she looked like a goddess at last as she walked beside him. Hades seemed to know where to sit, as if the seat were made for him alone. He pulled her chair back for her and waited for her to sit before he took his place.

Hades caught Hermes' eyes; the boy was wounded that Kore had not chosen to sit next to him. The girl did not want to be with her childhood friends; they restrained her, smothered her, and only Hades could let her be free. She was ecstatic, he realized, to be the center of attention – she would be a lovely queen.

Hermes watched as heoffered Kore a drink from his goblet; there was something malicious about the gleam in his eyes, bitterly anticipating. Hades' eyes met Hermes', gray and unfeeling, knowing the boy's intentions as well as he knew his own. He was taunting Hermes – he was unyielding, timeless and more sure of himself than Zeus had ever been. Hermes finally understood in that moment why the people of the earth feared the lord of the underworld.

Kore was his old friend, and her mother had trusted him to keep her safe. The girl had known how unknowing and vulnerable she could be – Hades knew it better than she did. Why did she let this cold man charm her away from safety? Why did she tempt the Fates?

He would have to warn Demeter.