The hours spent with the children were one of the most blissful moments in my life. Never before have I felt so very happy and the warmth that enveloped my entire heart made me feel as though I had died and gone to heaven, living the rest of my existence in paradise.

Yes. That was the word.

Paradise.

It didn't took me long to suddenly become so motherly to Macaria, Melinoe and Zagreus. I didn't even know I possessed such motherly qualities. It had been locked inside of me for who knew how long, and I guess seeing my children triggered its appearance. And I was glad. I thought that being a mother would be really difficult, but it turned out to be as easy and natural as breathing.

Well, to me.

In between, I chatted with Hecate, who sat next to me on the couch like a proper lady. I asked her all sorts of questions regarding the Underworld, and she was kind enough to answer them with patience. Despite her witchy appearance, she was actually very nice. It made me glad that I had called her my friend and confidante.

All the while, I would glance at Hades, who played with the children and watched them perform all sorts of tricks with their powers. I couldn't stop myself from smiling at the way he acted like such a good father.

Before I met him for real, I always pictured the mythological Hades to be impassive, never once showing emotion. But now, I knew for real that he was truly loving, sweet, kind and gentle, but still protective, vicious and violent when angered.

I really was glad that he had found me. Truly, I was. And now, being surrounded by a good friend and three lovable children, it helped to increase my joy.

Just then, one by one, the children started to slowly fall asleep; Zagreus on Hades' lap, Macaria on mine, and Melinoe in the space between us.

As I stroked Zagreus' cheek with my finger, I heard Hades say to Hecate, "Return to the Underworld. Put them to bed."

My heart broke a little when he said that. I didn't want to part with my kids. The two hours spent with them didn't seem enough. I wanted more. I wanted them to be with me.

Hades managed to sense my sadness, because he then reached out to cup my cheek. "Don't worry, my dear. We'll see them again very soon."

I sniffled slightly and whispered, "Do you promise?"

From the corner of my eye, Hades nodded his head and said, "I promise on my life."

I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder, and I turned to the other side to Hecate, whose scarlet lips were pulled into a gentle and assuring smile. "Indeed, Lady Persephone. And I can very well promise you that the children will be awaiting for your and Lord Hades' return."

I smiled at her words, and murmured, "Thank you, Hecate. And I must also thank you for taking care of them properly in my absence. Indeed I am grateful to have a good friend and caretaker in you."

Her lips formed a grateful smile, and she bowed her head graciously and gracefully. "Such kind words from the gracious Iron Queen. Indeed, I shall cherish it."

I turned away from her them and placed my attentions on Macaria. "My little flower? It's time for you and your brother and sister to go home."

Macaria's orange eyes opened slowly, and she whined through a sleepy voice, "But I don't want to go home now, Mother. I want to be with you and Father."

I pressed my lips into a thin line to try and prevent the hot tears at the back of my eyes from flowing out. I bent my head down to kiss her forehead, and I whispered against her cool, creamy skin, "I wish for that too, my dear. But I'm afraid it cannot happen."

Melinoe woke up then, and she exclaimed in a murmur, "Then you come home with us, Mother! You and Father could come back to the Underworld now!"

The tears were really burning my eyes now, and I looked to Hades for comfort. His lips were pursed, and his fathomless black eyes looked very sad.

He sighed and ruffled Melinoe's black-russet hair. "I really wish we could, my dear. But terrible circumstances have prevented me and your mother from returning to the Underworld now. We'll have to wait a bit longer."

The both of us didn't notice that Zagreus had stirred awake until he murmured against Hades' chest, "But how long, Father? When will you and mother return?"

I couldn't help myself then. I reached over to stroke his soft cheek with the back of my fingers, just as the first of the tears began to fall. "Soon, my love. We will return soon. I promise."

But I knew of course that it would be a promise I might never fulfil.

Hecate then appeared in front of Hades and he carefully gave Zagreus to her. She carried my son like how a mother carried a new-born, and I immediately wished that it was me that was carrying him to bed.

Macaria rubbed the sleep away from her eyes with tiny hands before she slid off my lap. For a split second, I wanted to pull her back, to hold her tightly in my arms and feel the warmth that radiated from her ichor. But I stopped myself, because I knew it would only cause me much more sadness if I did.

She nudged Melinoe awake, like a dutiful big sister. The little Goddess of Ghosts grumbled as she woke, and it made me giggle as it made Hades smirk.

The both of them walked to Hecate, who stood in front of the television with Zagreus sleeping in her arms. Hades and I got up and walked over to them, preparing to say our farewells. I bent down to meet Macaria and Melinoe's levels, and my two little girls then took a step closer to me.

"Be a good big sister to your siblings, alright?" I said to Macaria after I kissed her chocolate hair. "If they ever make you mad, don't punish them so badly, understand?"

Macaria nodded determinedly. "I promise, Mother. I love them too much to become mad at them."

I smiled and ran my fingers through her tresses. "Good girl," I said proudly.

Then I turned to Melinoe, and she smiled as I gave her a kiss on her cheek. "Listen to your big sister, and take care of your little brother, alright? Be a good little girl."

Melinoe nodded fiercely. "I promise to be the best little girl in the Underworld, Mother! You will see!"

I giggled, and so did Hades and Hecate. I hugged my precious daughters and whispered to them about how much I loved them and will return to their sides soon. When I had let go, I stood up and made my way to a sleeping Zagreus.

I leaned my face to his ear and whispered, "You're a good little boy. I know you are. You're my lovely Zagreus. But please. Just remember that Mother loves you very much, and she will be awaiting to return to you side."

I heard him mumble something unintelligently, but I couldn't make out the words. But it did elicit a smile from me.

Then I turned to Hecate and gave her a gentle hug. "Until next time, Hecate," I whispered.

When I pulled away, she smiled a gentle smile and nodded her head. "Until next time, Lady Persephone."

I then took a step back and watched as Hades said his goodbyes to the children and Hecate. I bit my lip as I blinked furiously, trying hard to prevent the tears that pooled inside me.

Finally, Hades then took a step back and held an arm around me. We watched as Macaria and Melinoe waved goodbye, and we waved as well.

Suddenly, shadows began to form around them once again. I stifled a gasp as I watched the darkness blanketing them fully. I was so tempted to hold on to them, to attain just a few more minutes. But I restrained myself by hugging Hades tightly.

After a few minutes, the shadows faded away, leaving nothing in its trace.

It was once again me and Hades alone.

I stayed silent and still as I kept my eyes on that spot. I didn't know how long I had stood there until Hades whispered, "Are you sad, my love?"

I breathed out, and was both surprised and proud of myself of the fact that I had managed not to cry so much. Turning to face him, I smiled.

"No, my love. Now, I am more determined to return with you to the Underworld. No matter the cost."

And for my newfound bravery, I was rewarded with a smile and a kiss.

Clotho looked at Lachesis and Atropos with serious green eyes. The other two were silent as they watched her, waiting for her to speak.

And finally, with a deep breath, she then said, "Sisters. Now is the time for the turn of events to begin."

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Hades asked me, studying my face with weary eyes.

I gave him a reassuring smile and nodded my head. "I'm sure, Hades. Don't worry, please?"

He sighed and looked down at our entwined hands. The glow from the sleek dashboard of his Camaro shone dimly on our hand, tinting it blue. He ran his thumb over my knuckles with the lightest of touches.

"It's hard to not worry, Persephone," he murmured without looking at me. "Especially when you're still in a fragile state."

I raised my free hand to cup his cheek. He leaned into my palm, his eyes now gazing at me.

"I'll be fine, Hades. I promise."

I leaned into brush my lips fully against his. He kissed back, and I sighed in pleasure. His kisses were so addicting, I could get drunk from them. It was like my own special drug or alcohol, which I wouldn't care if I got too intoxicated by it.

Fortunately – or unfortunately - , clear conscience was still within me, and I pulled away from him and got out of the car. As I waved, he said, "Give me a call if there's trouble alright?"

I nodded, and blew him a kiss. He smiled at the gesture, but I could not see that smile for too long as I had already shut the door and was now making my way up the sidewalk to the walkway of my house.

When I had reached the front porch, I could hear the Camaro driving away. Taking a deep breath, I fished my keys out of the pocket of my skirt, slid it into the keyhole, turned the lock, and walked inside.

It was dark, and I didn't know if Mom was back or sleeping. But just to be safe, I became silent with my movements. I silently shut the door and locked it and then quietly made my way to the stairs.

But just as I had climbed one step, the lights of the dining room unexpectedly turned on.

"Spring."

I froze in my step and felt my heart stammering immediately. Slowly, I turned around, and immediately saw my mother standing at the entryway to the dining room. She was dressed in her yellow sleeping robe, with her arms crossed over her chest. But despite her hostile stance, her face was blank.

I cleared my throat and gave her a small smile. "Hi, Mom. Why are you still up?"

She just remained where she was, expression still blank, as she said, "I couldn't sleep, and so I waited for you to come home."

I then took a step down so that I stood on the same level as her. "You really didn't have to do that, Mom," I said. "Really, you didn't."

I watched as she shook her head and noticed how screwed shut her eyes were and how pursed her lips were. When she looked at me again, she said, "No, I really had to. Because I think it's time we had a talk."

If I wasn't immortal, I knew that my heart would stop beating at the moment.

Mom gestured me to the dining table, and I obeyed without questions. I took seat on one side, while she took the seat on the other, just across me. I noticed that the table was bare except for an empty glass and a clear glass bottle with chalky water in it.

I was wondering why the water was so chalky, until Mom started talking.

"I've noticed a change in you, Spring. And I'm beginning to get very worried," she said softly.

I didn't say anything in return, waiting for her to continue.

"I don't know what's wrong, and I've been waiting for you to voice your problems to me. But you didn't, and it truly made me very worried. And I had no choice but to make guesses. And-"

"And?" I said gently, my tone urging for her to continue.

She bit her bottom lip and looked very hesitant to continue. And at that moment, I realized that whatever she was going to say was not going to sound like music to my ears.

Mom took a deep breath, and breathed, "I think it has something to do with this town. And I find it best that we should move away."

In a flash, I stood up from my chair abruptly. The sound of the chair legs dragging against the floor echoed loudly throughout the silent house. My mother looked at me with shocked eyes, while I stared at her with bewildered ones.

"What do you mean 'move away'?" I shouted at her in disbelief. "I can't move away! I won't move away! This is my home! I spent my entire life in Heatherton! And I refuse to leave!"

In truth, the reasons I had stated were the least of my concerns. I was actually worried about Hades. I was afraid that I would be separated from him again. The thought of being away from him was already enough to make my heart feel pain.

Mom did not back down, and instead calmly told me, "Sit down, Spring. Calm yourself."

Exasperatedly, I sat down and covered my face with my hands. I didn't want to believe that all of this was happening. I wanted to ignore the amount of negative emotions that were piling up inside of me. I needed comfort.

I needed Hades.

Suddenly, I felt her hand on mine and I tore away to look at her. She looked at me with gentle olive green eyes, though I doubted that they were really gentle. In her hand, there was a cup of chalky water from the glass bottle.

Running her fingers through my hair, caressing my face in her palm, she cooed, "Do not worry, dear Spring. We're not moving instantly. There will be more time for you to think about change. In the meantime, have a drink of this tonic. I made it especially for you."

I had no mood to argue with my mother. Anger and bitterness drained me of energy very quickly. Tiredly, I took the glass from her hands and held it in mine for a short while.

I took a very deep breath, trying to calm myself of the stammering of my heart, before I brought the glass to my lips.

But suddenly, something extremely strange began to happen.

As I looked at the foggy water in my glass, watching it come closer to my lips, I saw it glow a slightly green color in an instant.

And that was what made me throw the glass to the wall in a panic.

Mom screamed when she heard the sound of the glass breaking sharply, but I simply stood from my chair in lightning speed, and glared at my mother with pure hatred and outrage.

Why would I do that?

Because I had just found out she had attempted to feed me the waters of Lethe.