Hades's Arc

Chapter 1 of 5

Hades ruled the dead, but no one shared his throne. He sat alone in the great ivy-draped hall, its stone walls cold and quiet. He was tall, dark-haired, and handsome, with eyes that burned bright blue. Yet the empty seat beside him mocked him every day. He wanted a wife. He wanted a woman from the world above who would choose the underworld freely, who would sit beside him and rule. Wings rustled in the doorway. Thanatos stepped inside, his dark feathers folding against his back. He was the god of death, Hades's oldest friend. His face was kind but hard, like stone worn smooth. He carried two cups and handed one over. "You've been staring at that empty chair again," Thanatos said. Hades took the cup but did not drink. "I want someone to fill it. A bride. Not a shade. A living woman." Thanatos raised an eyebrow. "Then go up and find one." "That's the problem." Hades set the cup down hard. "I never leave this place. When I walk among the living, they see death itself. Any woman I approach will scream and run. I can't hide what I am." Thanatos said nothing. He tilted his head toward the door. "Walk with me." They left the hall together. A massive black dog rose and followed, its three heads swinging low, six yellow eyes glowing in the gloom. Cerberus padded behind them, quiet for once. The path wound past a grove of low trees heavy with red fruit. Hades stopped beside one and touched a split pomegranate. "Even the flowers here belong to the dead," he said. Thanatos plucked a fruit and turned it in his hand. "You think mortals fear your face. They don't. They fear the cold you bring. The chill in the air when you draw near." He looked up. "Go up and see what you will find. Walk amongst the people for a while. If it is in the gods will, you will find your queen.” Thanatos crushed the pomegranate in his fist. Red juice ran between his fingers and dripped to the ground. Cerberus growled low, all three throats rumbling. Hades stared at the dripping fruit. The plan turned in his mind. "You're right," Hades said. His voice was steady now. Thanatos wiped his hand on the grass and then placed his hand on Hades’ shoulder. He knew his friend wanted to find someone who would truly care for him. Hades looked up toward the world of the living. For the first time in years, the empty throne did not feel so heavy.