Several days had passed after Alecto's capture from the mortal realm. Edward decided to go and visit the mortal realm to observe its current situation.
As Edward rode his chariot through the skies, the dark clouds parted, revealing the vibrant green of the mortal realm below. The world had changed since Alecto's capture. The atmosphere was calmer, the mortals unaware of the chaos that had narrowly been averted.
But Edward's thoughts were not on the mortals. They were on a figure he had seen only a few days ago, dancing gracefully among the nymphs.
He guided his chariot down to the outskirts of the small village where Demeter and Persephone resided. The chariot, pulled by his four formidable black horses, came to a halt at the edge of a dense forest.
He dismounted, his dark cloak billowing in the soft breeze as he stepped silently into the shadows. His presence was concealed from the eyes of any who might pass by.
The garden where Persephone often spent her days was hidden away, a secret place known only to those who belonged to it. It was a sanctuary of life and light, a stark contrast to the shadowy world Hades ruled.
The garden came into view. It was a secluded haven, surrounded by tall cypress trees and wildflowers that swayed gently in the wind.
The garden seemed almost enchanted, with flowers blooming in vivid colors, and vines twining elegantly around marble statues. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoms, mingled with the earthy scent of freshly turned soil.
Amid this splendor, Persephone knelt, her delicate hands brushing over the petals of a blooming rose as she hummed softly to herself, unaware of her silent observer. Her fiery red hair caught the fading sunlight, her hands gently tending to the plants as though they were precious treasures.
Demeter was not home today, giving Persephone the chance to roam freely. Edward lingered in the shadows, his gaze fixed on Persephone. She wore a simple white chiton. The fabric was flowing around her like water, and her fiery red hair was loosely braided, a few strands escaping to frame her face.
The way she moved, the way she tended to her garden with such care, it was as though the very essence of life radiated from her. She moved with such grace, such a natural affinity with the earth, that he felt like an intruder in a world he could never truly belong to.
But as he watched her, something in the way she moved or perhaps the quiet power she exuded compelled him to step closer. He had no intention of revealing himself, content to watch her from afar, but fate had other plans.
As he shifted his weight, a twig snapped beneath his boot. Persephone's head snapped up, her eyes scanning the tree line where Edward stood. For a moment, he considered retreating, but something within him held him in place.
"Who's there?" she called out, her voice calm but firm.
Hades hesitated, torn between retreating into the shadows and stepping forward. Finally, he decided on the latter, emerging from the gloom with slow, deliberate steps. The late afternoon light caught the edge of his dark cloak, casting long shadows across his face.
"I apologize," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I did not mean to disturb you."
Persephone's gaze met his, and to his surprise, there was no fear in her eyes, only curiosity. "You didn't. But you were watching me, weren't you?" Hades tilted his head slightly. "I was."
"But I do wonder what brings you to my garden", she said. "I was passing by and was drawn to this place. It is… unlike any I have seen." He replied and a soft smile bloomed on her delicate lips.
Persephone studied him for a moment, her eyes lingering on his features as though trying to place him. "You're not from around here, are you?"
"No," Hades replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I come from a place far removed from this one."
"What is your name?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. Edward paused, considering his options. "Aidoneus," he said finally, using the name Hades had once been known by in ancient times.
"Aidoneus," she repeated softly, testing the name on her tongue. His gaze lingered on her face and said, "This place is… different from the rest of the mortal realm."
Persephone smiled, a gentle curve of her lips that seemed to brighten the very air around them. "It is special to me. This is my mother's garden. I've nurtured every plant here with my own hands. They're like my children."
"And you have done a remarkable job." Edward complemented making her cheeks flush a delicate pink, but she did not shy away. "Thank you. It's rare to have visitors here, especially ones who appreciate the beauty of nature as you do."
Edward found himself drawn in by her warmth, the ease with which she spoke to him despite his intimidating presence.
"By the way, I am Persephone", she introduced herself. "The name is known even in the darkest corners of the world," Hades said, his voice tinged with admiration. "But the reality far surpasses the tales."
Persephone smiled softly at that. "You speak as though you've come from those dark corners."
"I have," Edward admitted, stepping closer, though he kept a respectful distance. "But I find myself here now, in the light, and it is… a welcome change."
Persephone seemed to relax slightly, her curiosity overcoming her caution. Her eyes held his for a long moment, as though she were searching for something in his gaze. Then she smiled again, a smile that reached her eyes and made Edward's chest tighten in a way he had never felt before.
She took a step closer to him, her gaze still locked on his. "You speak like someone who knows much of the world, Aidoneus. What do you see when you look at me?"
Edward was taken aback by her frankness, but he held her gaze steadily. "I see strength, resilience, and a light that draws others to you. You are a force of life, Persephone, one that even the gods would envy."
Persephone's eyes flickered with something he couldn't quite decipher what it was. Was it recognition, or perhaps understanding? He mused.
"And you, Aidoneus? What force do you bring?" She asked and Edward hesitated, knowing the weight of his true identity could shatter this fragile connection.
"I bring… knowledge of the world, of the balance between light and darkness. I have seen things that most cannot imagine", he replied.
Persephone's gaze softened, and she reached out, her hand hovering near his. "Perhaps, that is why you find yourself here, in a place of life. To remind yourself of what still exists beyond the shadows."
Her words struck a chord deep within him, and for a moment, Edward felt the barrier between his two worlds blur. He had never expected such insight from one so young, but Persephone's wisdom was beyond her years.
"Perhaps you are right," he murmured, his voice almost lost in the gentle rustle of the garden. "Perhaps that is why I am here."
Persephone smiled. It was a warm and genuine smile that seemed to dispel the last of his lingering doubts. "Then stay a while, Aidoneus. Walk with me and tell me of the places you've seen. I would like to know more about the world beyond this garden."
Edward felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through him at her invitation. "It would be my honor, Persephone."
As they began to walk side by side, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long, golden shadows across the garden. They spoke of many things- about the world, nature, the mysteries of life and death.
As the evening deepened and the first stars began to twinkle in the sky, Edward knew it was time to take his leave, he could not stay much longer. But he found himself reluctant to leave her side. "Thank you for your company, Persephone," he said as they reached the edge of the garden.
Persephone turned to him, her eyes reflecting the fading light. "Will I see you again, Aidoneus?" Edward looked at her, standing there under the evening stars.
"If you wish it, you will." He replied and Persephone smiled, a smile that held a promise of more to come. "Then I shall look forward to it."
With that, Edward stepped back into the shadows, his form dissolving into the twilight. But as he left, he couldn't help but glance back at her one last time.
She stood there, watching him go, her hand resting lightly on a blooming rose. Edward felt a spark of anticipation for what the future might hold.