Vowed to Hades (Romancing the Seas #4)

34. Persephone

PERSEPHONE

T he throne room of the Underworld felt more oppressive than usual, the weight of the decisions they faced hanging in the air like a thick, suffocating fog.

Persephone sat beside Hades, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, trying to steady the turmoil brewing inside her. Around them, the others stood, their faces etched with the seriousness of the situation.

Hades leaned forward in his throne; his voice steady but carrying an edge. “Loki is tearing through the realms. We need Osiris. His power could turn the tide in our favor.”

Captain Stone, always the skeptic, crossed his arms and shook his head. “And what if Osiris is just as dangerous as Loki? Zeus warned us that bringing him back could mean the end of everything.”

Hades's eyes narrowed. “Zeus? The same Zeus who’s been playing both sides? He’s not exactly trustworthy.”

Prince Edward, who had been quiet up until now, couldn’t hold back any longer. “And you trust Isis? The goddess who killed our father without a second thought right after he gave her exactly what she wanted? You really think we can rely on her?”

The room went silent.

Tension crackled in the air as everyone’s eyes darted between Hades and Edward.

She could see the struggle in Hades's expression, the battle between logic and desperation.

Serena’s voice broke the silence, her tone calm but firm. “If anything, that’s even more reason to do what she asks. Get her the bones and then deal with whatever comes next. We can’t afford to hesitate.”

Ava nodded; her eyes determined. “And let’s be honest, do you really want both Loki and Isis as your enemies? We need allies, not more adversaries. If we play this right, we could turn this to our advantage.”

Hades leaned back in his throne, his fingers drumming on the armrest as he weighed their words. “Edward, I get it. You’re worried. We all are. But Osiris's power could be the difference between victory and defeat. Without him, we might not stand a chance.”

Edward’s jaw tightened. “But what if Zeus is right? What if bringing Osiris back is a bigger mistake than we realize?”

Persephone could see the conflict in Hades's eyes as he met Edward’s gaze .

The room felt like it was holding its breath, everyone waiting for Hades's next words.

Hades finally spoke, his voice low and resolute. “Then I’ll take responsibility for that. But I refuse to sit back and let Loki destroy everything. I won’t let him take Persephone from me again.”

A jolt of something electric shot through Persephone at the intensity in his voice.

It wasn’t just about the Underworld, or the balance of power among the gods. Hades was still fighting for her.

She stood. “If we’re going to do this, we need to be smart. We can’t afford to let our emotions cloud our judgment.”

Serena nodded, her voice firm. “Then it’s decided. We retrieve the bones, and we use Osiris to stop Loki. We can’t let fear hold us back.”

Ava stepped forward, her gaze sharp and focused. “Hercules and I will rally as many gods as we can. We’re going to need all the help we can get.”

Hades glanced around the room, meeting each person’s gaze in turn. “Alright. Persephone and I shall go to Olympia to steal the bones.” He looked out at Captain Stone, Georgette, Serena, and Edward. “Stay here and build your strength. Isis is expecting you to deliver the bones, so it must be the four of you. Once Osiris is back and on our side, we take the fight to Loki.”

T he grand palace of the gods was a glittering labyrinth of opulence and decadence, but today, it was anything but serene.

As Persephone and Hades stepped through the gates, the air was thick with the scent of ambrosia and tension, a heady mix that made Persephone’s stomach churn.

The grand halls, usually a testament to divine splendor, were now awash with chaos.

Golden light spilled from the towering windows, reflecting off polished marble floors and ornate columns, but the beauty was marred by the din of bickering deities.

The party was supposed to be a celebration, a show of power, but instead, it was a battlefield of words and veiled threats.

Hera’s voice, sharp and commanding, cut through the noise like a blade. “How dare you, Zeus? How dare you entertain this farce while our world teeters on the brink of ruin?”

Zeus, ever the king, lounged on his throne, a goblet of wine in hand. He looked every bit the part of a ruler, but his eyes were glazed with boredom as he waved Hera off. “Relax, Hera. It’s just a little war. We’ve been through worse.”

The corner of his mouth lifted as his gaze swept over the shapely body of a nymph who flashed him a cheeky smile. When she turned to walk away, he pinched her bottom, prompting a squeak.

Hera’s face turned crimson, and her eyes blazed .

Persephone exchanged a glance with Hades, who rolled his eyes.

“This is the Parthenon’s idea of preparation?” he muttered under his breath; his voice laced with disdain.

They moved deeper into the palace, navigating through clusters of gods and goddesses. Some were placing bets, their voices filled with dark amusement.

“I’m putting ten on Loki,” one god said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “That trickster always finds a way to wriggle out of things.”

Another scoffed. “Isis is no fool. She’ll have him strung up by his entrails before the week is out.”

Persephone’s unease grew with every step. She could feel the tension radiating off Hades, his grip on her hand tightening slightly as they passed through the throng.

This was not the way of things. The gods, with all their power and might, were acting like squabbling children, oblivious to the storm brewing on the horizon.

Hades leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. “We need to find those bones and get out of here before we’re caught up in this madness.”

Persephone nodded, her eyes scanning the room. “And how do you propose we do that with all these eyes on us?”

Hades smirked, a dangerous glint in his eye. “We sneak in, grab what we need, and if anyone tries to stop us… well, I’ve been meaning to remind them why the Underworld is feared. ”

They moved with purpose, slipping past the revelers and deeper into the palace. The further they went, the quieter it became, the noise of the party fading into the distance.

Persephone’s heart pounded in her chest, a mix of fear and anticipation coursing through her veins.

They reached a long, dark corridor, the entrance to Zeus's private chambers.

Hades motioned for her to stay close as they edged toward the door.

But just as they were about to enter, a familiar voice stopped them in their tracks. “I see you two have kissed and made up…”

They spun around to find Hermes leaning casually against the wall, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Zeus wants to see you,” he said, his tone almost playful.

Hades's eyes narrowed, his body tensing as he prepared for a fight. “We’re not here to play games, Hermes. Where are the bones?”

Hermes shrugged, pushing off the wall and strolling toward them with an easy confidence. It was a far cry from the trembling mess of a man back on the volcanic island. “You’ll find out soon enough. But first, you’ll need to come with me.”

Persephone’s mind raced.

They couldn’t afford to waste time, not with the stakes so high. But Hades, ever the strategist, knew when to play along.

With a reluctant nod, they followed Hermes down the corridor .

They were led to a grand chamber, where Zeus sat on a throne of gold and ivory, flanked by Hera and a few other gods.

The air was thick with tension, and Persephone could feel the weight of their gazes as they entered.

Zeus greeted them with a lazy smile. “Hades, Persephone. How lovely of you to join us.”

Hades cut straight to the point. “We’re here for the bones. Hand them over, and we’ll be on our way.”

Zeus chuckled; his eyes gleaming with amusement. “You make it sound so simple. But I’m afraid I can’t just let you take them.”

Persephone’s heart sank as she realized what was happening. They were being played.

Zeus had no intention of giving them the bones—not without something in return.

Hera, her eyes flashing with anger, leaned forward. “Do you think you can just waltz in here and take what you want? This is not your domain, Hades. You forget your place.”

The room was charged with a dangerous energy, the kind that precedes a storm.

Hades's jaw clenched, his eyes darkening. “You want a reminder of who I am, Hera? I’d be more than happy to oblige.”

Before things could escalate further, Persephone placed a hand on his arm, grounding him. “We didn’t come here to fight,” she said, her voice steady but firm. “We came because we need those bones to stop Loki. This isn’t just about us. It’s about all of us.”

Zeus regarded her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a casual wave of his hand, he signaled to Hermes.

“Take them to the cells,” Zeus said, his voice dripping with indifference. “They can stay there until all of this blows over.”

Persephone’s stomach dropped as she realized they had walked right into a trap. Before she could react, they were surrounded by a shimmering barrier of magic, a prison that no force could break.

“This isn’t a game,” she murmured to herself, disgusted by the spectacle before her.

Zeus smirked, but it was an ugly, twisted expression.

“Be gone, I’m done with you both,” he said, waving a hand.

The next moment, the world spun, and Persephone found herself in a dark, damp cell, the air thick with the scent of ancient magic.

“Zeus!” Hades roared, his voice echoing off the stone walls. But the king of the gods was nowhere to be seen.

Frustration boiled in Persephone’s veins. They had come so close, only to be thwarted at the last moment. But her anger was quickly overshadowed by a different, more urgent need as Hades turned to her, a familiar fire in his eyes.

“Persephone…” Her name on his lips sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. He clasped the tops of her arms. “Do you remember how you learned to wield the powers of death?”

The skin prickled on Persephone’s arms. She shook her head, her mind drawing a blank.

A flash of disappointment crossed Hades's face, but then he gave her a soft smile.

“You are different now…” He traced circles over her knuckles. “There’s a tender side to you that I haven’t seen for a very long time.”

He looked down in thought. “I suppose you are suppressing some memories. In your current mental state, they would be distressing.” He ruffled his hair with a sigh of frustration. “But we need you to wield your powers more than ever.”

Persephone watched Hades wrestling with his thoughts, then she touched his shoulder.

He returned his attention to her.

“What use are any powers in this cell, anyway?” She tried waving her hand, feeling nothing. “I cannot even conjure a twig.”

Hades caught her hand and caressed it with a tender smile. “If we are to be trapped here, then perhaps we can use that time to teach you.”

Persephone sucked in a nervous breath of anticipation. “A wise idea. Now, how do I…”

She hissed at the razor-sharp teeth pinching her neck.

In a swoop, Hades had her in his arms and sucked on her like he was teasing the life force out of her. He licked the sting away and made a trail of sensual kisses up to her earlobe .

“What are you doing?” she whispered, rolling her head back as a rush of tingles shot through her.

Hades had his hand in her dress, touching her in a way that only he could.

“Do you feel that?” he asked, after giving her a firm pinch.

A jolt followed that took Persephone’s breath away.

Then he took her hand and lightly traced over her palm with his finger, creating tingles in its wake. “And this… do you feel this?”

A heat rose from Persephone’s skin. Sharp, burning, and intense.

Persephone took a breath to steady herself.

“I feel…something,” she said. “But I still can’t do anything with it.”

Hades pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to one side. Then he slid the Grecian gown down Persephone’s shoulders, revealing her round breasts.

He looked pleased with himself as he eyed her and licked his lips.

Heat pooled between Persephone’s legs under his hungry stare.

Then she crawled into his lap.

It did not matter that they were locked up in Olympia. For that quiet moment, they were falling in love all over again. Like a pair of newlyweds unable to keep their hands off each other.

Persephone fumbled with his breeches, until her hand found what she wanted. Then she lifted her skirts and slid onto Hades's hard length with a sigh .

Maybe the world could burn after all, she thought as she rode her husband.

Just then, a distant bang had the couple jump apart. The sound of approaching footsteps made Persephone’s heart rate quicken as she and Hades straightened their clothing.

A door opened with a bang, and the very last person they expected to see was standing there.

Hera stepped inside, her face a mask of fury. She took out a large ring of keys and unlocked the cell.

It opened with a squeal.

“You,” she hissed, throwing a bag at Hades's feet. “Here are the bones. Take them and go.”

Persephone blinked. “Why are you helping us?”

Hera tilted her head to give her a strange look, then she inhaled. “It smells like love in here. I truly hope Hades treats you like a goddess.”

Persephone glanced at Hades, who was pulling his shirt back on. He ruffled his hair.

“Hera, Zeus will be furious…” he warned, but he stopped at Hera’s wicked grin.

“I am counting on it.”

With the bones secured, Hades and Persephone returned to the Underworld.

They found the crew dining in the banquet hall, their voices low in serious conversation.

But when they entered, Captain Stone looked up and everyone fell silent.

“Well?” Serena urged, rising to her feet.

“Did you get them?” Georgette asked.

Hades marched to Captain Stone and handed him the bag of bones. “It’s time to end this. Once and for all.”

The room was filled with shocked silence as everyone exchanged looks.

“When you’re ready, you may take the portal to Imerta. Just picture the island in your mind before you step through,” he instructed.

There was a collective breath.

Persephone pulled Serena and Georgette in for a hug, and she willed her tears not to fall. “Just keep safe. This will be over very soon, and we can all go on and live our lives.”

“Our curse will be lifted,” Georgette whispered to Serena, her hand hovering over her stomach.

Captain Stone shook Hades's hand. “Thank you for your help, we could never have done this without you both.”

After they said their goodbyes, the crew left on their final mission.

Hades turned to Persephone and puffed out a nervous breath. “Their work is almost over, but ours is just beginning.”

Persephone hummed. Then her stomach exploded with butterflies. “Is there no way of telling how this is going to end?”

She hated surprises, and they’d already faced so much.

Sensing her concerns, Hades stroked her hair away from her clammy forehead. “You will reclaim your power, and we shall build an army of our own. Then we will finally destroy Loki and reclaim our happy ending.”

When Hades kissed her, he did so with such sincerity, she almost believed him.

Almost.

“There’s something we need to do.” She rested a hand on his chest, pushing him back before he could claim her lips again.

Hades frowned.

But then Persephone nodded toward the River of the Dead. “You made a promise, and he is your brother. Do you not think he should join us in the battle?”

Hades followed her line of sight and groaned. Then he rested his forehead on her shoulder. “Can we not stay in one place for more than a day? We have so much catching up to do.” His hand reached for her thigh, and he pinned it to his waist. “So much I need to teach you.”

He lifted his head, and Persephone laughed against his mouth.

Finally, his shoulders slumped with a defeated sigh.

“Very well. Let’s go to Atlantis and get this over with. Then I’m taking you to bed, and we’re not leaving for a full week.”

“Oh, sounds like a terrible punishment… I can’t wait,” Persephone teased back as they headed for the Land of the Living. But before they could reach the arch, a group of strange figures were waiting for them in front of the arch .

Persephone glanced at Hades with a frown.

He stopped in his tracks and planted a false smile on his face.

“Why, it’s The Fates! What do we owe this delightful surprise?”

The three cloaked figures removed their hoods, and Persephone had to bite her lip to stop a shriek from escaping her mouth.

The Fates were three females. A tall, thin, and frail looking woman. A small child-like woman with soft, blonde curls. And a young adult woman with ebony skin. All of them had pure white eyes, with no iris to be seen.

“Zeus has granted us the permission to give you a gift,” the tall woman said.

Hades and Persephone exchanged curious looks.

“Why, that is very kind of you. Please, allow us to get you a drink.”

“No. We cannot stay long,” the child snapped. She held out a glowing orb, which Hades took.

“Thank you,” he said.

Without so much as a goodbye, The Fates vanished.

Persephone turned to Hades, but before she could ask about the orb, Hades had turned on his heel and marched off.

Persephone had to run to catch up.

“Care to enlighten me on what the hells just happened?” she asked out of breath.

When they finally reached the throne room, Hades paused, holding the orb like it was a stick of dynamite.

“What is it?” she pressed.

Hades's eyes were hollow as he looked up at her. “It’s… a prophecy.”

Persephone inhaled, her insides squirming with nerves. She wanted to know how this ended, but facing it was another matter.

“If Zeus wants us to hear it, then we should,” Persephone said. “Unless you think this is another trick? I’m sure he’ll be furious about us taking the bones.”

Hades shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Even Zeus cannot control The Fates. Whatever this is, it is important.”

With a sound of frustration, Hades smashed the orb at their feet.

A song poured out from the shattered glass in the most beautiful voice Persephone had ever heard.

W hen Osiris breathes once more,

With an iron fist, he seals the door.

Yet, hope is born in star-crossed hearts,

Where foes unite, their love imparts.

If blessed by fate, they win the fight,

But if cursed, the earth shall quake in fright.

The temple falls, the end draws near,

And no man shall live to witness here.

B efore they could register what the prophecy meant, the ground trembled as an ear-splitting bang shattered the silence.

Hades and Persephone clung to each other as another tremor struck them, and several fractals fell from the ceiling.

Then the throne room doors opened, and a strong figure stood, bathed in the blue light of the Underworld.

“What did you do?”

The roar flooded the throne room, making Persephone’s ears ring.

The intruder marched in, with long, purposeful strides. Then he shook his dark hair out of his eyes, and Persephone gasped as their eyes met.

Loki.

They were not ready. She hadn’t developed her powers yet.

Still, she curled her fingers to make a fist and set her jaw.

She would not shrink away or show fear. She had come too far, and finally reclaimed her place at Hades's side to lose now.

But then Loki’s eyes glistened, and he fell to his knees.

“What did you do?” he repeated, the strength in his voice fading.

Hades and Persephone stared at him in stunned silence.

When, finally, Loki spoke again, his words struck Persephone like a bolt of lightning .

“Osiris lives, and his rage and power are like nothing this world has seen for a million years. Everything I did… I was doing it to protect us. All of us. Now look at what you’ve done. You’ve condemned us all.”

P ersephone’s heart pounded in her chest as she looked at Hades, the weight of the prophecy and Loki’s words crashing down on her like a tidal wave.

What exactly had they just unleashed upon the world?