The cheers for the celebration were still echoing when a blinding, pure white light erupted in the center of the hall. It condensed into the forms of a man and a woman, their presence so vast it felt like the room had shrunk.
"We are Hemera and Aether, Primordials of Day and Air." As they introduced themselves, the very atmosphere in the hall became heavy and thick, smothering the music and chatter into a profound, awed silence.
"Greetings, Lord Aether, Lady Hemera." A wave of bows swept through the assembled deities. Zeus alone remained seated on his throne, his knuckles white where they gripped the armrests.
"Please," Zeus stated, his face an emotionless mask, though a muscle twitched in his jaw. "tell us what we can do for you?"
Aether snapped his fingers. A dense, cloudy fog billowed through the hall, obscuring everyone. When it cleared moments later, only Metis, Rhea, and her children were visible within the misty circle. Aether and Hemera's voices echoed from the clouds themselves. "Zeus, you have taken the place of Cronus. Now you must also carry his burden."
A vertical scar tore open in the air before them, a jagged rift into nothingness.
Rhea's pupils constricted to pinpricks. Her lips trembled, and the words were a horrified whisper. "...The Giant Chasm."
Everyone looked at her, stunned and confused. Only Hades and Hecate remained calm, their expressions knowing.
"Yes, the Giant Chasm," Aether and Hemera confirmed, their voices resonating with ancient gravity. "This is a gateway to another dimension where the world's most dangerous calamities are imprisoned."
"There are four Giant Chasms. One in the Earth Realm, guarded by Gaea. One in the Ocean, once guarded by Pontus but now transferred to Oceanus."
Poseidon murmured, his voice low, "...Master."
"One in Tartarus, which is guarded by Hades." As his name was called, all eyes shifted to him. Hades offered them a mild, unreadable smile.
"And one in the Sky, which was guarded by your father, Cronus. And now... this is your DUTY."
"I will," Zeus replied, his voice stern and resolute.
The dense fog vanished as suddenly as it appeared.
"Court is adjourned," Zeus announced. The crowd quickly dispersed, leaving only Rhea, Hades, and Hecate behind. Hades stepped forward. "Zeus, don't take this lightly. Even a small mistake can create a catastrophe."
Zeus snorted. "I know. You don't need to tell me."
Rhea moved to stand beside Hades, her face lined with worry. "Zeus, Hades is right. What that prison holds—"
"I know, Mother," Zeus interrupted, his voice sharp with impatience as he cut her off with a sharp gesture. "The Primordials already told us. You don't have to repeat it." He stood, turning his back on them. "Now, I am tired. Please, let me rest."
Rhea's eyes narrowed into a furious glare, but Zeus was already walking away, utterly unfazed.
---
Hades and Hecate were in their guest room on Olympus, preparing for the night's party. An array of beautiful dresses was strewn across the bed, and Hecate stood examining them with a critical eye.
"Ah! Which one is best?" She held up two: a black peplos with golden embroidery and a white chiton similarly adorned.
"Hecate, how do I look?"
Hecate spun around. Her eyes widened as they swept over his outfit. Polished black leather shoes with a subtle shine led up to perfectly tailored black trousers. A buttoned black vest and matching shirt created a sharp, refined silhouette, completed by a long black overcoat draped over his shoulders.
She stumbled slightly, catching herself on his arm. "The outfit is... unusual," she admitted, her hand sliding over the fine fabric of his coat. "But you look incredibly handsome in it."
Hades smiled, a genuine, warm expression that reached his eyes. "Thank you." His gaze then swept over the disarray of dresses. "Wifey, why are you still not ready?"
Hecate sighed, the sound full of frustration. "I can't choose the right dress for the party." She looked at him hopefully. "Can you select one for me?"
His eyes, glowing faintly with amethyst light, swept over the garments. He turned to her, a playful idea sparking in his gaze. "Hecate, would you wear something in my style?"
Hecate narrowed her eyes, considering. "Hmm…" she finally said, a slow smile gracing her lips. "Okay."
Hades snapped his fingers. Two golden wisps emerged from the shadows at their feet, swirling around Hecate. The simple chiton she wore began to shimmer and transform, the fabric weaving itself into a new creation. A gown materialized, shimmering like a piece of the night sky itself. The deep midnight blue fabric was adorned with constellations and celestial patterns that seemed to twinkle with their own light. Flowing layers cascaded down like starlit waves, while intricate gold filigree wrapped around the bodice and shoulders like captured moonlight.
Hecate looked down at the dress, then at her reflection in a nearby mirror. A blush crept onto her cheeks. "It's... very beautiful."
Hades lifted her chin slightly. "You are the one who enhances the dress." He leaned in and lightly kissed her. Hecate's face flushed a deeper red, and she gave him a gentle push. "Dear, now is not the time."
She tried to walk away, but Hades caught her hand, pulling her back against him. "Time doesn't decide that," he murmured, his lips brushing against her neck. "I do."
Knock. Knock.
Suddenly, someone rapped sharply on the door. Hestia's voice called out, "Hades! Hecate! Come quickly! The party has already started!"
Hades pulled open the door. "Yes, sister. We are just coming."
"Oh! Wow!" Hestia's eyes widened, her mouth falling open in a small, surprised 'o'. A slight admiring blush touched her cheeks. "You both look absolutely gorgeous!"
"Thank you, sister."
As they were about to leave, Hecate called out, "Nixi!" A small black kitten leapt from her shadow onto her arm. Nixi's fur was unusually shiny and silky, as if groomed for the occasion.
They arrived at the garden party on Olympus. Deities chatted in animated groups, some danced in the grand ballroom, others enjoyed nectar and ambrosia. The moment Hades and Hecate entered, the focus of the room shifted toward them.
A wave of murmured admiration followed them.
"Wow! Gorgeous! Who is that goddess?"
"Look at her dress! It's like she's wearing the night sky!"
But mixed with the admiration were whispers of disdain.
"Look, the grim reaper and his witch have arrived! Hahaha!"
"What rubbish they are. That's why I feel disgusted just having a party with chthonic deities."
A group of goddesses, led by Metis and Hera, glided over to Hecate. "You look so beautiful tonight, Lady Hecate," Metis said, her compliment gracious and seemingly genuine.
Hecate offered a genuine smile. "Thank you, Lady Metis. But you also look quite gorgeous tonight."
Hades left Hecate with the group and made his way to the bar. A servant immediately served him a cocktail of nectar and wine. He drained the glass in one go.
"Drinking like that is not good, Lord Hades." Prometheus took the seat next to him, sipping his own drink with more decorum.
Hades answered, his eyes never leaving Hecate across the room. "Then what do you want me to do? Put on a fake face and make worthless conversation with other fake-faced individuals?"
Prometheus finished his drink and faced the crowd, his expression thoughtful. "I did not mean that, Lord Hades." He paused for a moment. "I meant that you have such a beautiful wife. You should dance with her."
Hades side-glanced at him. "Keep your suggestions to yourself." Hades's voice dropped, calm and sharp. "State your business."
Prometheus flustered, waving his empty glass. "No-no-no, I don't have such a motive, Lord Hades." He lifted his empty glass. "I just came to join you for a drink."
Hades turned his head fully, giving him a flat, disbelieving stare. Prometheus tried to hold the gaze but sighed in defeat after a few seconds. "Yes. I have a small request."
Hades signaled for another drink, his gaze flicking back to Hecate, who was laughing with the other goddesses. "Say."
Prometheus leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I know Zeus's personality. He will surely make life hell for the neutral faction and the family of Cronus's allies." He took a long, steadying breath. "So, I request that you take all members of the neutral faction as refugees in your realm."
Hades thought, Hmm…He's right. Refugees would solve our lack of working hands in the Underworld. And as for spies... once they are in my domain, they can do nothing against my will. He gave a single, curt nod. "Alright. Send them to the Underworld."
Prometheus bowed his head, a genuine weight seeming to lift from his shoulders. "Thank you, Lord Hades. I will never forget your grace."
Hades asked, "Who have you chosen to work in the Underworld as per demand?"
Prometheus answered sincerely, "Epimetheus, my younger brother. He is a little bit clumsy, but he is kind and a hard worker."
Hades nodded. "Hmm…" and turned his attention back to his drink. Prometheus followed suit, and they enjoyed a companionable silence.
---
Meanwhile, in the ladies' group, the conversation was a whirlwind of gossip and fake laughter.
Hera approached Hecate, a glass of nectar in her hand. Her eyes lingered on Hecate's dress, and her smile was a forced, brittle thing. Huh… a duck trying to be a swan.
She deliberately stumbled, her movement just a little too theatrical. "Ah!? Oops!" The nectar flew from her glass straight toward Hecate's gown.
Hecate's lips curved into a slight, knowing smile. She snapped her fingers. 'Psychic.'
The nectar, and Hera herself, froze mid-air. With a casual wave of her hand, Hecate corrected Hera's posture and guided every last drop of nectar back into the glass. She plucked the glass from the air and walked over to a stunned Hera. Hecate was smiling, but her amethyst eyes were cold chips of ice.
"Oh! Are you okay, Hera?" Hecate's voice was sweet, but her grip on Hera's wrist was like iron as she leaned in close. Her whisper was a venomous chill down Hera's spine. "I know what trick you tried to pull. It's worthless. It's better you stop. My husband and I came here with goodwill. Do not try to spoil our mood. That path leads to a place you do not want to visit."
She released Hera's wrist, which was already reddening from the pressure, and stepped back as if nothing had happened.
Hera narrowed her eyes, clenching her teeth as she stared at Hecate's retreating back, cradling her sore wrist. She murmured under her breath, "You will pay for this… witch."
Hecate's eyes found Hades, who was still at the bar but whose gaze was fixed intently on her. She left the group and walked to him, offering her hand. "Let's dance."
Hades was stunned. "No, no, no. You know I don't know a single thing about dancing. And you want to do it in front of everyone?"
From behind, Prometheus gave him a firm push. "Don't be shy, Lord Hades!" Hades shot a glare over his shoulder, and Prometheus immediately turned back to the bartender. "One more glass, please!"
Hecate fixed Hades with a stern, unwavering look. "Hades…"
He sighed in utter defeat and stood, taking her offered hand.
They walked to the center of the ballroom. Hades placed one hand in hers, the other hesitantly on her waist. They began to move, but his steps were clumsy and rigid.
"Hades," Hecate instructed softly, "look at my eyes. Nothing else."
"But—" he started to protest, his eyes darting nervously to the watching crowd.
Her stern glare silenced him. He forced himself to meet her gaze, to get lost in her beautiful amethyst eyes.
"Do you love me?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Then show me."
His eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. "But how?"
Hecate smiled. "Free your body. Let your emotion control your motion." She leaned closer, her whisper for him alone. "Don't think of anything but me… feel what you feel for me."
"Hecate…" Hades murmured. He closed his eyes, and a flood of memories washed over him: their first meeting, their battles side-by-side, their quiet, precious moments together. When he opened his eyes again, they were different. The sharp, calculating edge was gone, replaced by a soft, focused warmth. A small, genuine smile touched his lips. The rigid tension in his shoulders and back melted away.
Hecate's eyes widened. Her face flushed with heat, and her heart began to beat a rapid, frantic rhythm against her ribs.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice now a soft, intimate rumble.
"Nothing," she whispered, trying and failing to calm the storm he had unleashed in her simply by looking at her like that.
They began to dance again. There were no flashy moves, no complex steps. It was a simple, intimate dance. But they had forgotten the party, the music, the mocking and admiring stares alike. The world narrowed to the space between them, to the point where their hands met and their hearts synced. In this crowded hall, it was as if only the two of them existed.
Prometheus watched the beautiful couple, his drink held loosely in his hand. His face was slightly flushed, his eyes half-closed. "There are many beautiful and gorgeous deities at this party," he mused to himself. "But still, the so-called witch and the evil god appear the most beautiful of all."