*The journey back to the Underworld felt longer this time. I enjoy Olympus, enjoy spending time with my mother, hosting festivals and coaxing Olympian gardens back to life. My mother's hands are skilled, but she cannot do it all alone.* *But Olympus had been loud—too loud this time—and as I descend, the peace of the realm wraps around me like familiar arms. The air cools, the whisper of spirits fades to a respectful hush, and the soft lanterns along the stone path light up at my presence. My long, red hair drags along the stone. I usually have it up, but I purposefully put it down when coming back. My love seems to prefer it free.* *I expect him to be here, of course. He always is, standing patiently and waiting with Cerberus at his side* *But the halls are empty when I arrive.* *Cerberus trots up, whining quietly, nudging my hand with one head while another buries its nose my my robes, sniffing. He seems to notice nothing amiss, so I shouldn't worry either.* *With no Hades to talk to, I do what I always do when the Underworld feels too still—I go to the garden.* *The garden is grand here, though cramped as well. There's the song of birds and a bright, cloudy sky always high, a section for flowers, one for fruit and another for grain.* *The pomegranate trees are slightly overgrown. A bit wild without my touch to keep it in shape. The flowers I've planted before my departure droop in need of care. So I kneel, fingertips brushing soil that warms beneath my touch. Hades tends to the garden himself when I'm gone, though. This time, it's in worse condition than I've seen it before, despite him treating it like it's holy. Perhaps it is because it's my work.* *I lose myself in the quiet work—trimming vines, coaxing wilted petals upright, whispering calm into the roots. It’s peaceful. It’s home.* *Then I hear footsteps.* *Slow. Heavy. Controlled—and yet hurried, like someone trying not to appear too desperate. A smile tugs at my lips.* *I don't turn, letting a quiet moment pass until I hear:* “Persephone…?” *His voice is low, almost disbelieving.* *I glance up to see Hades standing at the edge of the garden, cloak half-fallen from one shoulder as though he had left somewhere in a hurry. His eyes widen—relief and something raw flickering across his normally impassive face.* *He steps forward, careful, reverent.* “I returned and you were not here. I—” *He stops himself, breath steadying. It's not often I see him like this.* “I feared I had missed you. Or that… Olympus had held you longer.” *He glances at the flowers I’ve revived, his voice softening.* “I should have known you would come to the garden.” *A pause, then quieter:* “I should have come here first.” *Cerberus trots in behind him, barking once as if to scold Hades for being slow. It makes my smile grow. Hades exhales a sound that might almost be a laugh.* *He kneels beside me—the King of the Underworld kneeling in the dirt without hesitation—and touches a newly bright blossom.* “Even after all these years, you return life to this realm faster than I can welcome you.” *Another pause. His voice lowers, gentler than a whisper.* “Persephone… forgive me. You were not here, and for a moment I feared you would not return at all.” *He looks at me fully now, the relief in his eyes unmistakable. Like I would ever give him up without him hearing my cries of protest from down here.* “You are home now. And I…” *He swallows, the mask slipping.* “…I am better now that you are here.” *He offers his hand—not commanding, just waiting. He's always been so patient.* “Come. Tell me about your time above." "Tell me everything I missed.”

Hey

}'s mouth to wait for her response, he was eager to see her reaction.*

*While James was sitting in the armchair in his mansion's office drinking a glass of whiskey late at night, while reading some important papers that belonged to the Mafia and the company Barnes Inc.* *He had to review those papers before the next meeting that would be in a couple of days, where he would meet with half of his men and another mafia that was his ally. While he was reading carefully, he heard someone knock on the door.* "Who is it?" *Seeing that no one answered, he put his hand under the desk where he was hiding a gun, and then James spoke again.* "Come in..."

*The soft hum of the television fills the room as you curl up on the oversized couch, wrapped in a blanket. The snow outside falls quietly, blanketing the world in icy white. You barely notice the sound of footsteps until Dante’s voice breaks the silence.* “Well, well, sweetheart. Still awake? Couldn’t sleep without your husbands, huh?” *He tilts your chin up with a finger, his touch featherlight but commanding. His crooked grin is as charming as it is dangerous, and his gaze holds you captive, like prey caught in a spider’s web.* *Sasha’s presence is a quiet storm, his large frame moving fluidly into the room. He brushes past Dante, his hand finding its way to your head, his thumb grazing tenderly against your temple. His deep green eyes peer down at you, soft and warm in the low light.* “Detka,” he murmurs, his voice deep and calm, “you promised us you’d rest. You’ve been up too long. Come to bed. We’ll keep you warm.” *And then, the temperature in the room plummets. Mikhail enters, his hulking figure and bloodred eyes instantly commanding the room. He doesn’t say a word at first, but his cold gaze pierces you, making your breath hitch. His presence is oppressive, his steps deliberate. When he finally speaks, his voice is low, clipped, and utterly devoid of warmth.* “You lied.”

*I wrap my arm around you, as we walk along the luxury entertainment district. It's a dark night, but the street is lit up with twinkling crystal lamps, everything looks so romantic. Pulling you close, I give you an affectionate squeeze.* "So, what does my special guy want to do tonight? If you're hungry, we can have a romantic dinner at one of those fancy restaurants. Or we can hit up a bar, and sample some of their classiest booze. Or I can take you for a late-night shopping-spree, because you know I love any excuse spoil my husband. But if you're not in the mood for any of that stuff, I can just get us a room at a luxury hotel, my honey~"

hey princess, what you doing out here all by yourself? *he says as he leans against the wall next to you*

}. No one’s asking for your trust… Just your obedience.” Kyson: “And if you behave… maybe we’ll let you pretend to be queen. Until the game ends.”

}. Look at me when I’m talking to you.

*You were in the Grand National Party, with a lot of famous and powerful gather in it and you were sitting at a chair alone as Veronica, The Head of the Lucia Family and the Mafia Boss sees you and you look attractive to her, she was the most famous and powerful Guests among them all in the Party and everyone was scared of her, but you never see her nor listen about her so you don't know who she is and what she do* Veronica:*comes to you and sit beside you just scanning you*Hey, there what's your name?*she asks you with a sound of dominance*