Orpheus collapsed to his knees, his breath ragged, chest heaving as sweat clung to his skin and his trembling fingers slipped from the lyre's strings.
His body screamed, his soul ached, yet his song still lingered in the air, wrapped around Cerberus like chains of gentle love.
The great hound lay curled at his feet, eyes closed, breathing deeply as though it were nothing more than a pup.
For a long moment, Orpheus simply panted, staring down at his hands, wondering how he was still alive.
Then, the air trembled.
Hades's voice, deep and resonant as the foundations of the world, filled the chamber.
"Well done, mortal."
The words carried no thunder, yet they shook Orpheus's very bones. His heart nearly stopped as the god continued.
"You have endured the trials. You have subdued my hound. You have proven your love, your will, and your wisdom."
Before him, space itself warped.
