Hades was seated at his desk, the dim light of flickering candles casting shadows across his weary face. His eyes, normally sharp and piercing, were now dulled with exhaustion, dark circles beneath them betraying the countless sleepless nights spent immersed in his work and consumed by thoughts of Kore.

As he glanced up from his paperwork, surprise flickered across his features, momentarily overshadowing the weariness etched into his expression, as he beheld the unexpected sight of Kore standing before him.

For a fleeting moment, Hades wondered if his tired mind was playing tricks on him, conjuring visions of his beloved Kore amidst the shadows of his study. But when Hermes spoke, his voice ringing out with unmistakable clarity, announcing Kore's presence, Hades knew that this was not an illusion but a miraculous reality.

He stood up abruptly, his heart pounding with disbelief as he beheld the figure before him. "Ko... Kore?" he stammered, his voice tinged with a mixture of shock and joy.

Kore's eyes shimmered with emotion as she met his gaze. "Hades," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, filled with longing and love.

Hermes, sensing the tender moment between the reunited lovers, excused himself with a sheepish grin. "Well, I hate to leave the party early, but duty calls," he announced, gesturing towards the piles of paperwork scattered across Hades' desk. "Thanatos and Charon will have my head if I don't get back to work."

Hades turned away from his desk, his attention fully focused on Kore. With a mixture of surprise and happiness, he enveloped her in a tight embrace, his arms encircling her shoulders protectively. "You're really here," he murmured, his voice filled with wonder.

Kore returned the embrace, feeling the weight of her longing dissipate in the warmth of Hades' arms. "I had to see you," she replied softly, her voice trembling with emotion.

Hades released her from the embrace but kept her hand clasped tightly in his own as he led her to the nearby sofa. "Forgive me, my dear," he said, his voice tinged with remorse. "Where are my manners? Please, have a seat."

Kore settled onto the sofa, her eyes never leaving Hades' as he took a seat beside her. Despite the weariness etched into his features, there was a glimmer of joy in his eyes, a spark of life reignited by her presence.

As they sat together on the plush sofa, Hades turned to Kore, his gaze searching hers with a mix of curiosity and concern. "How did you come here, Kore?" he inquired, his voice gentle yet tinged with urgency. "And why take the risk?"

Kore took a deep breath, steeling herself to explain her daring journey to the Underworld. "I couldn't bear to be separated from you any longer, Hades," she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions swirling within her. "Every moment apart felt like an eternity, and I knew I had to see you, no matter the cost."

Hades listened intently to her words, his expression softening with understanding. Yet, a shadow of worry lingered in his eyes as he considered the consequences of her impulsive decision. "You know the risks, my love," he reminded her, his voice tinged with concern. "If Zeus discovers you here, there will be dire consequences for both of us."

Kore met Hades' gaze with unwavering determination. "Do you not want me here, Hades?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Are you afraid of Zeus?"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Hades' eyes widened in disbelief at her questions. "Kore, how could you even think such a thing?" he replied, his voice filled with genuine surprise. "You are my greatest desire, my deepest longing. I would give anything to have you by my side forever."

He paused for a moment, his expression grave as he continued, "I am not afraid of Zeus, at least not for myself. But I fear for you, and for the souls that come to the Underworld for their eternal rest."

Kore reached out, putting her hand on his pale cheek. "That's why I took the first step, Hades," she said earnestly, her eyes shining with determination. "To show Olympus that this was my decision, that I chose to come to the Underworld of my own accord. No one can blame you, no one can wage war against you."

As Kore spoke, a wave of guilt washed over Hades. He closed his eyes and gently placed his hand over hers, which rested against his cheek."I feel pathetic, making you do this for me," he admitted, his voice heavy with remorse.

But Kore shook her head, her expression filled with conviction. "It's not just for you, Hades," she insisted, her voice unwavering. "It's for both of us. Together, we can face whatever challenges come our way. Together, we can defy the gods themselves if we must."

He rose from his seat and strode purposefully to his desk, where he rang a special bell with a solemn yet decisive hand. With the echo of the bell still lingering in the air, he returned to the sofa, where Kore awaited.

Their conversation flowed, punctuated by moments of tender concern and genuine curiosity. Hades, his eyes filled with worry, gently inquired about Kore's well-being during her time in confinement. "Kore, did they hurt you?" he asked softly, his voice laced with a hint of anxiety.

Kore, touched by his concern, reassured him with a warm smile. "I am unharmed," she replied, her voice soft yet resolute. "The only injury I suffered was the ache in my heart from being apart from you."

As she looked at him, Kore couldn't help but notice the weariness etched into his features. Concerned, she reached out, gently placing her hand on his arm. "And what of you, Hades?" she asked softly, her voice filled with genuine concern. "You look weary, my dear. Has the weight of the Underworld taken its toll on you?"

Hades, momentarily taken aback by her perceptiveness, offered her a faint smile, grateful for her attentiveness. "I am well, Kore," he assured her, his voice tinged with warmth. "But I cannot deny that the responsibilities of ruling the Underworld lately have been... taxing, to say the least."

Kore nodded in understanding, her eyes reflecting the depth of her concern. "You carry a heavy burden, Hades," she murmured, her voice filled with empathy.

Moved by her words, Hades reached out, taking her hand in his own as he gazed into her eyes with a depth of emotion that stirred his very soul. "You are my strength, Kore," he murmured, his voice filled with reverence. "Your presence brings me more comfort than you could ever know."

Their intimate moment was interrupted by a soft knock on the door, followed by the entrance of Hecate, goddess of magic, and the wise and faithful servant of the Underworld. Hades turned to her with a sense of urgency, his eyes alight with determination. "Hecate," he began, his voice commanding yet tinged with warmth. "I need you to ensure that Kore is well-accommodated during her stay in the Underworld."

Hecate nodded solemnly, her gaze unwavering as she met Hades' gaze with a silent understanding. "Of course, my lord," she replied, her voice filled with unwavering loyalty. "I will see to it that she is provided with suitable chambers, gowns, and whatever else she may require."

Kore, grateful for Hades' thoughtfulness, offered Hecate a warm smile of appreciation. "Thank you, Hecate," she said earnestly, her voice tinged with gratitude. "Your kindness is truly appreciated."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Hecate withdrew from the room, leaving Kore and Hades alone once more. As they settled into the quiet comfort of each other's company, a sense of peace washed over them, knowing that together, they would weather whatever challenges lay ahead.