If she and Hades had been on Earth, it would have been evening. Instead, it was another continuous dark night in the Underworld, and Trista made her way to Hades's suite. He had a large room in the back of the castle, fixed with trimming of skulls and garnets. The doors to his room were majestic and ancient, with old-fashioned handles made of pure silver. She walked to his door and knocked. Opening it, Hades appeared. "Ah, dear Trista, you do not have to knock. Do come in."

This was a strange thing to do, but Trista felt it necessary after speaking with Oracle. She had never been in a man's room before. Inside was a four-poster bed with magnificent drapes of deep maroon. In the corner there appeared to be some sort of washroom or something, and a mirror, large and ornate with garnets, peeked from this corner.

"Do you like it?" Hades thundered into her observation.

"It's very elegant," she replied. She turned to him, her eyes full of worry. "I spoke with Oracle."

"Ah, well, no wonder you seem preoccupied. Perhaps I can offer you some wine?"

Trista nodded. "Sure."

"Please, sit down." Hades gestured towards a red velvet couch behind her. He then walked to a stone table near his bed and gathered two glasses, filling them with deep red wine. After he finished filling them, he came over to Trista and offered her a glass. She accepted it, with a nod of thanks. Sighing, she sipped the wine. "So you spoke with Oracle? Do not fret over what she has to say, dear Trista. She only means well, and is mysterious by nature."

"I figured that, but I have to wonder if Fate and Oracle know really what's best for all of us. I mean, they couldn't see the last time someone tried to take over."

"They are not infallible. However, they are the best we have. Should we lose our faith in them, their power would diminish and be no more."

Trista nodded, sipping more wine. Goodness, this stuff is strong, she thought. She needed something strong right now though. Looking at Hades and seeing his strength—well, if she didn't know better, she would say she was turned on by how powerful her Lord was. She tried to shake that thought from her head though, hoping Hades didn't notice her checking him out. "I just worry about the future. I only saw certain parts of it, and am unsure about the rest."

Hades put a hand on her shoulder, while Trista tried to control herself from not reaching out to him. "Dear Trista, it will be all right. Things do happen for a reason, and things are said for a reason. You should know that by now, having been in the Underworld and all."

She just nodded, not knowing what to say. Sipping more wine, she began to feel a little tired. "I should really go turn in," she sighed.

"No, not yet," Hades pleaded. "I like your company, and you being in my room of all places—it's rather unusual and probably won't happen again anytime soon."

"True," she said, feeling bolder because of the wine. "What, then, do you propose?"

"I propose to love you," Hades whispered.

"Ah, you do? Are you sure you want me, a woman with great power and with an age far beyond yours?"

"How old are you exactly?"

Trista giggled. "That's none of your business."

"Oh really? I'll find out. I know your one weakness."

"And what's that?"

Hades leaned forward and kissed her sweetly. It was a short, simple kiss, but it was enough to make Trista even more drunk. Now she felt she couldn't contain herself anymore, and kissed him back with more passion. They both dropped their glasses and wrapped their arms around one another, feeling every part of each other there was.

This is going to be a long night, Trista thought.