The Underworld had changed.
With the fall of Kampe, Hades had proven his rule was not to be questioned. The land of the dead now moved according to his will, its rivers and mountains shaped by his silent decree. No force could challenge him here.
But above, in the heavens of Olympus, the gods were watching.
The golden halls of Zeus were filled with murmurs. The Olympians had thought little of Hades when he departed, assuming him to be a specter ruling over dust and silence. But now?
He had defeated a Titan's beast. He had claimed Death itself as his ally.
And Olympus could no longer ignore him.
Mount Olympus – The Throne of Zeus
Zeus sat upon his throne, lightning pulsing through his fingertips as he listened to the voices of the gods. Poseidon stood beside him, his trident tapping against the marble floor, his expression unreadable.
"A threat," said Ares, arms crossed. "He's growing too powerful."
Hera scoffed. "You fear the Lord of the Dead?"
Ares' eyes burned with defiance. "I fear what happens when power grows unchecked."
Athena, ever the strategist, folded her arms. "It is not his strength that concerns me. It is his independence. He does not ask, he does not seek counsel. He simply takes."
Zeus remained silent, his storm-blue eyes fixed upon the skies beyond Olympus. He was not a fool. He had sensed the tremors of the Underworld, the raw power awakening beneath their feet.
His brother was not the same Hades that had crawled from Cronus' stomach.
And that made him dangerous.
"Summon him," Zeus commanded at last. "I will speak with my brother."
Poseidon exhaled sharply. "And if he does not come?"
Zeus' gaze darkened.
"Then we make him."
The Underworld – The Throne of Hades
Hades sat in silence. He had felt the ripple of power in Olympus. He knew what was coming. The gods wanted to summon him like an underling.
He smiled, cold and without humor.Let them try!!