Chapter Text
Five Years after the Second Titanomachy
The scent of mugwort, rosemary, and ash curled through the rafters of Hecate’s cottage, nestled at the very heart of the Crossroads where three winding paths converged. Lanterns burned with moonfire, their pale blue flames casting dancing shadows over shelves heavy with scrolls, bone-colored candles, and bundles of dried herbs. Time held no dominion here—only the quiet power of old magic, the space between worlds, where truths too fragile for the Underworld’s throne room were whispered.
Hades stood near the wide oak table, hands loosely clasped but posture taut beneath the calm. The lines around his eyes deepened with worry tonight. From the kitchen alcove, Hecate’s voice floated, smooth and amused.
“You’ve been thinking loud enough to rattle the dead,” she teased, setting down two steaming clay cups. “Sit before you wear a hole in my floor.”
“I’m not pacing,” he grunted, lowering himself onto the carved bench.
She raised a brow, already reading the restless storm in his mind. Typical idiot, she thought, a fond smirk curling her lips. Always too stubborn to ask for help.
Hecate poured tea, adding a pinch of something fragrant that filled the air with an earthy sweetness.
“I got a call from Halcyon today,” she said softly, eyes narrowing like storm clouds. “At Hemlock Grove.”
“Gods, what did my brother do now?” Hades asked, voice sharpening. He was already picturing Poseidon entangled in another scandal—his favorite punishment fantasies involving a kelp-choked oubliette.
“The fish has done nothing, that I know of at least,” Hecate said dryly. “No, this was different. They wanted to speak to us about a shared client.”
“Doesn’t Corin usually handle those calls?” he asked, his suspicion rising. He didn’t like the way this was veering. Whatever it was, it wasn’t about diplomacy. He wanted to get back to Persephone—her silk skin, her warmth, their bed.
She smirked, catching the edge of his thoughts. “Usually. But this time, they asked for me directly. They wanted any files I have on a girl, Melinoe Psychari.”
He leaned forward, voice low. “Oh, she has been at Hemlock before?”
Hecate’s fingers traced a slow circle into the grain of the table. “Yes, unfortunately. In and out. Never for long. Her files with us indicate involvement in illegal sex work… as a child.” Hecate gritted her teeth; there was nothing worse to her, or Hades, than child abusers.
Hades fumed silently.
“She was rescued for the first time a year ago by our dear Detective Ariadne Alexiou . She’s been in and out of Halcyon for over a year. Each time released to Hemlock, but she never stays long.” Her gaze darkened. “Her team is not sure will make it much longer alive, but I spoke to Thanatos, she has never entered purgatory.”
Before Hades could respond, the door opened with a quiet creak, letting in a whisper of wind and sun-warm petals.
Persephone stepped inside, her golden hair fluttering behind her in loose waves, a crown of wildflowers tucked into her tendrils, placed there by the hands of soul-children who adored her. She brought light with her, even here.
“Hecate, I’m here for my lesson,” she called, closing the door softly behind her. Her eyes landed on Hades, surprised but pleased. “Oh, hello darling.” She tiptoed up to kiss his cheek, her fingers brushing his shoulder.
He softened under her touch, the tension in his jaw easing just slightly.
“Right on time, my dear,” Hecate smiled over the rim of her cup.
“Did I miss something?” Persephone asked, looking between the two.
“Yes. I was just trying to convince your husband to spend more time with some particularly vulnerable patients at Halcyon.” Hecate smirked at Hades.
Hades shot Hecate a look. Hecate . He warned in his head.
Persephone smiled at Hades, a small hint of humor in her lips. “And are you going to do that?”
“Persephone, you know that I am not a welcome sight at the hospital. Mortals, they still don’t understand that I am the God of the Dead and not the God of Death. I tend to scare people.” Hades protested slightly, knowing this would do him no good with both Hecate and Persephone on his ass.
Persephone gave him a glance that he recognized, calling him out on his anxieties. Fucking fates.
“Fine. I’ll go.” Hades relented, kissing the top of Persephone’s head.
“Ugh, get a room.” Hecate teased, turning her attention to Persephone and her polecat.