Perched upon his majestic throne, Zeus, the ruler of Olympus, beckoned Hermes to his side. With a furrowed brow betraying his concern, he interrogated him about his knowledge of Hades and Kore's clandestine rendezvous.

"Why did you not report about Hades and Kore's meetings?" Zeus inquired, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Standing before the king of the gods with unwavering deference, Hermes replied firmly, "My lord, I am a messenger, not a spy. It is not my place to pry into the affairs of others."

Though Zeus nodded in acknowledgment of Hermes' explanation, a palpable sense of unease permeated the air. In the wake of the decree, he harbored concerns that Hades might rebel—a scenario that could spell disaster for both mortal and divine realms alike. However, despite these apprehensions, Zeus also possessed a deep-seated trust in Hades' character. He knew him to be an honorable deity, unlikely to instigate conflict for personal reasons. While some gods may view Hades as malevolent, Zeus and his four siblings recognized his virtue, especially during and after the Titan War. However, despite this awareness, many still held reservations, believing that the responsibility of ruling the underworld could potentially corrupt even the most virtuous deity.

Meanwhile, Hades strode back and forth in his throne room, his footsteps echoing against the stone walls, his mind consumed by the weight of Zeus' decree. The thought of never seeing Kore again gnawed at him like a relentless beast, yet he knew that defying the ruling would only lead to further discord among the gods. A war among them would have dire consequences, not only for them but also for the mortal souls whose fates were intertwined with their actions. It was a precarious balance between his longing for love and his duty to maintain order in the divine realm.

Just as Hades felt the walls of his palace closing in on him, Thanatos, the god of death, entered with a grave expression etched upon his features. "My lord," Thanatos began, his voice carrying the weight of the troubling news he bore, "the floods and earthquakes caused by Demeter's anger during the trial have led to an unprecedented influx of shades seeking entrance to the Underworld."

Hades clenched his jaw, a surge of frustration coursing through him at the mention of Demeter's wrath. "It seems I am once again left to clean up the mess created by the whims of the gods," he muttered bitterly, his eyes dark with turmoil.

Thanatos nodded in solemn agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, my lord. The influx of shades threatens to disrupt the balance of the Underworld," he replied, his voice tinged with concern.

Feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down upon him, Hades turned to Thanatos with determination in his eyes. "Gather Hermes and Charon immediately. We must ensure the smooth passage of the shades and maintain order in the Underworld," he instructed, his voice unwavering despite the turmoil within him.

As Thanatos departed to carry out his lord's command, Hades couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that washed over him. The burden of being the ruler of the Underworld weighed heavily on his shoulders, especially in times of crisis like this. Yet, he knew that he had to set aside his personal desires and focus on his duty to the realm he governed.

While Hades grappled with the aftermath of the trial, Kore, confined to her chambers, longed for a means to reach out to him. Seeking solace, she called upon Hermes, pleading with him to deliver a message to Hades on her behalf.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"I cannot allow communication between you and Hades, Kore," Hermes apologized, his expression sympathetic. "The decree forbids it."

"Then," she began, her voice trembling with emotion, "have you heard anything of him? How is he faring amidst the aftermath of the trial?"

Hermes offered Kore a sympathetic smile, though his expression betrayed a hint of uncertainty. "Ah, Kore," he replied, his tone gentle, "Hades... well, let's just say he looks lifeless."

Kore's brow furrowed with concern, her heart heavy with worry for the lord of the Underworld.

Seeing her worry, Hermes chuckled softly, attempting to lighten the somber mood with a jest. "Oh, you know how it is," he quipped, "being the God of the dead and all. That’s not a strange look on him, if you catch my drift."

Kore managed a weak smile at Hermes' attempt at humor, though it did little to alleviate the ache in her heart. "But still, I cannot help but worry for him."

Hermes nodded in understanding, his expression mirroring Kore's concern. "I understand, Kore," he replied earnestly. "But unfortunately, I cannot defy the decree. Communication between you and Hades is strictly forbidden."

Kore's shoulders slumped with disappointment, her hopes of reaching out to Hades dashed once again by the constraints of divine law. "Thank you, Hermes," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "I suppose there is nothing more to be done."

Hermes offered Kore a reassuring smile, though his heart ached for the sorrowful goddess before him. "Do not lose hope, Kore," he urged gently. "Perhaps in time, the gods will reconsider their decree, and you and Hades will be reunited once more."

With a heavy heart, Kore bid Hermes farewell, retreating once more into the solitude of her chambers, her mind consumed by thoughts of Hades and the forbidden love that seemed more elusive than ever.

Later, Artemis, goddess of the hunt, visited Kore in her chambers, offering her support and companionship. Kore poured out her heart to her friend, seeking solace in her understanding gaze. As they sat together, Illuminated by the gentle moonlight seeping through the window, Kore's words tumbled forth, each one laden with the weight of her longing.

"Artemis," she began, her voice tinged with desperation, "I cannot continue to live like this, trapped within the confines of my mother's control. I know she means well, but I cannot abide by her wishes any longer."

Artemis listened intently, her expression one of empathy and concern. "Kore," she replied gently, "I understand your frustration, but you must remember that Demeter only wants what she believes is best for you. She worries for your safety and well-being."

Kore sighed heavily, her resolve hardening with each passing moment. "I know, Artemis," she admitted, her voice tinged with determination, "but I cannot live my life bound by her expectations. I know what is best for me, and it is not to be confined with no power over my own life."

Artemis nodded in understanding, her gaze unwavering as she pledged her support to her friend. "Whatever you decide, Kore, know that I will stand by your side," she vowed, her voice filled with unwavering loyalty.

“Well then, I decided to escape this confinement.” Kore declared, resolve was clear in her eyes.

Artemis, her brow furrowed with concern, placed a comforting hand on Kore's shoulder. "Kore, I understand your desire for freedom, but defying Demeter could have grave consequences," she cautioned.

Kore met Artemis's gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I cannot bear to be controlled any longer," she whispered, her voice quivering with emotion. "I need to find a way to be with Hades, even if it means defying my mother and all the gods' wishes."

Artemis sighed, torn between her loyalty to Kore and her concern for the potential fallout. "I will help you, Kore, but I fear the consequences of such defiance," she admitted, her voice tinged with worry.

Kore nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Artemis," she said softly, her voice filled with determination. "You’re such a good friend."

As the night wore on, Kore's resolve only strengthened, fueled by her love for Hades and her unwavering determination to be reunited with him. With Artemis by her side, she began to formulate a plan, each step bringing her closer to the freedom she so desperately sought.