After our talk in the music room, Hades starts to spend a lot more time with me. I don't know what it was that I did, but in the two months that followed, Hades started to make a much more obvious effort in ensuring that I was comfortable around him. I don't think he noticed it himself, but after that day, his demeanour also slowly started changing. He started smiling at least once a day, laughed a little more often, and generally looked a lot more relaxed when he was around me — almost nothing like the reserved, off-ish god I'd first met almost three months ago now.

I wasn't sure if that change was due to me or not, but I secretly liked to think so.

As time passed, I found myself quickly falling into a familiar, comfortable rhythm. So quickly, in fact, that I surprised myself one day, whilst curled up reading a book aloud to Hades, when I realised that I felt more at home in the Underworld than I ever did up on the surface. I came to the conclusion that it was because everything that I thought to be real was, in retrospect, all superficial; my family, my friends, even the future that I was being pushed to pursue. But down in Hades' palace, as ridiculous as it sounded, everything felt real, and I was finally in charge of my life, not a bunch of gods.

And when I realised that, I suddenly wasn't at all sure what I was going to do once my four months were up.

Despite the enormity of the palace, I found that I ended up hanging out with the same people almost every day. Every morning, I was woken up by my new maidservant Zola (who was grumpier, older and much less talkative than Calla), who found great joy in forcing me into a ridiculously frumpy Victorian dress — despite my many, many loud protests. If Zola ever felt that she hadn't sufficiently tortured me enough after that, she took vicious glee in telling me, at length, what a horrible person I was to have 'driven my first maidservant away'. In all honesty, she was lucky I didn't know where the Tartaros Pits were; I definitely would have tossed her into one if I'd been given the chance.

Once I eventually managed to evade her claws, I'd go and badger Kezia to entertain me, either with food experiments or palace explorations. The goddess knew the palace like the back of her hand, and she always had stories to tell that would have me in stitches. She also, ironically, had a very soft spot in her heart for Pluto; who had already grown to the size of a large dog, by the way, and loved accompanying me on my adventures around the palace.

I'd then spend most of my afternoons curled up in the library, either reading on my stomach on the sofa, or aloud to Pluto in front of the fireplace. Hades, on occasion, would appear while I was reading to the large black lion-cub, and would quietly sit on the couch and listen along. He never said a word, but from the way he leaned forward and visibly hung onto every word I said, I knew he enjoyed listening to me. And I never said anything to him about it, but I enjoyed reading to him even more.

My nights consisted of mindlessly watching Pluto wreak havoc in my room, or playing cards with Hades. He was still frustratingly good at poker, to the point where several nights ended with me throwing the cards at him and hiding in my bathroom in shame. Hades seemed to find my temper tantrums funny though, and would often leave chuckling under his breath.

Despite all the time I spent with him, however, I wasn't fully aware of just how dependent I had become on Hades' company until the day finally arrived where I didn't see him. All day. Not around the palace as I explored, not in the library for reading, and not in my room for a round of poker.

I frown as I peer around my room, crossing my arms over my chest. Hades has always been impeccable with timing; I couldn't begin to count the amount of times he'd frightened me by just popping into existence the exact moment the hour changed.

So where was he?

I swing open the bathroom door and look around. As hard as I look, all I can see is the big jacuzzi sitting proudly in the middle, with Pluto crouched in it, caught in the middle of cleaning an extremely private part of his body. He freezes when he sees me, his eyes boring into me.

"Sorry Pluto!" I grimace and back out of the room.

A sigh flickers through me as I lean back against the door. Realistically, I know I shouldn't feel as hurt as I do. Hades does have a job; I shouldn't expect him to just drop everything to entertain the silly little human girl he made a deal with.

But I still do.

A low rumble interrupts my thoughts. I startle and glance around, only to meet the piercing gaze of my young lion cub. He tilts his head to the side as he continues to stare at me. I hold my hands up in the air.

"What? I've already apologised; the best thing you can do now is forgive and forget."

Another low growl vibrates through Pluto. His tail twitches to the side. I can almost swear he winks at me.

Then he disappears out of my bedroom door in a flash.

My jaw drops. "What—? Pluto!"

I trip over my own feet as I chase after him. A low curse works its way through my lips.

"This is the exact reason Hades told me not to let him out." I mutter, to nobody in particular. "Why must he always be right?"

Pluto glances over his shoulder at me. A rough, rattling chatter bounces down the stone hallway. My eyes narrow even further.

Oh great. Now even the lion is laughing at me.

I'm about ten seconds away from giving up on the chase when I finally manage to catch up to Pluto. Unfortunately, I manage to do it in the most undignified way possible: by tripping over thin air and crashing loudly into the Judgement Room.

"Evie?"

"Yes?" I groan, rubbing my throbbing backside as I push myself up to my feet. I meet the bemused gaze of Rhadamanthos, and less than amused glare of Minos. I giggle awkwardly and wiggle my fingers in a sheepish wave. "Oh. Begging your pardon, your... Jurors?"

Rhadamanthos chuckles. Minos' steely gaze doesn't waver, even when Pluto wanders over to him and butts the dead king's legs with his head.

"There is no need to address us with such formality, my dear." Rhadamanthos smiles. "What brings you to the business end of the palace?"

"Business end? What do you— oh." It's then that I notice the never-ending line of flickering silhouettes, which start in front of two chairs in the middle of the room and wind out onto the horizon. I laugh nervously and turn back to Rhadamanthos. "Are those...?"

"Souls waiting to be judged? Yes." Minos replies bluntly. "And right now, you are delaying their chances at an afterlife."

Guilt washes through my veins like ice. I take a step back. "Oh, I didn't realise, I..."

"Oh, don't mind him. He takes his job far too seriously." Rhadamanthos rolls his eyes and waves a hand at Minos. The taller man shoots him a withering glare. "Why don't you take over for a bit, dear brother? There is no need to act so caustically towards our new... guest."

My brow furrows at his hesitation. Even Pluto tilts his head to the side quizzically. Rhadamanthos doesn't give Minos a chance to reply, instead slinging an arm around my shoulders and steering me away.

"So, Evie." He starts conversationally as he forcibly leads me away from the line of wavering souls. "How has the Underworld been treating you the past few months?"

"It's been... alright." I reply warily. I shake myself out from his grasp as casually as I can. "Where was Aeceus? Why wasn't he in the Judgment Room with you and Minos?"

"He hardly ever assists in judging the souls anymore. Ever since Hades suggested he relocate to... well, let's just call it animal welfare," Rhadamanthos gestures to the lion cub trotting between us. "Aeceus has had a tendency to shirk his expected duties."

Pluto huffs, curling his lip up at the taller man. I give him a look, scratching him behind the ears reassuringly.

"Oh. Why did Hades suggest that if he knew what Aeceus would do?"

"It is rare for one to know how the mind of the God of the Underworld works. Some go as far as to call him an enigma." Rhadamanthos replies jovially. He stops in the hallway and leans back against the wall. "Hades is very observant, however. Aeceus is not known to be a people person, you see. He much prefers the company of our animal companions. Perhaps our mysterious overseer noticed that and attempted to amend a possible oversight."

I mull over his words. "That was very kind of him."

"Some might say that, yes." Rhadamanthos crosses his ankles and folds his arms over his chest. He studies me closely. "I am curious though, Evie. What do you think of our young benefactor?"

"Young?" I repeat incredulously. "Isn't he basically as old as time itself?"

Rhadamanthos shrugs. "If you want to be logical, then yes. However, have you not had the impression that he might be slightly less... mature in other aspects?"

I stare at him, taking specific time to ensure my expression is carefully guarded. "What exactly are you saying?"

Rhadamanthos shrugs again. "Nothing in particular. I was just inquiring as to your thoughts on the god responsible for your being here. Surely you are frustrated with him, no?"

"Of course not." I shake my head. Rhadamanthos quirks an eyebrow inquisitively. I pause, picking my words carefully. "Hades has been nothing but kind and generous to me. I'm the one who made the deal with him, and he's done everything in his power to make sure that I'm comfortable, including spending time with me on most days. Why would I be frustrated with him?"

"Interesting. You must be a very special young lady indeed, Miss Evie, for Hades to give up so much of his time for you. Few of us are so lucky." Rhadamanthos smiles at me, though it doesn't reach his eyes. He pushes himself off the wall. "While I have thoroughly enjoyed our little chat, I fear I must return before my brother becomes even more irked by my impromptu break. It has been a pleasure, Miss Evie. I do hope we speak again."

Before I get the chance to respond, Rhadamanthos bows deeply and turns on his heel. I stare after his retreating back, my brow furrowing. I glance down and meet Pluto's gaze.

"Is it just me, or was that conversation weird?"

Pluto yawns in response.

"Evie?" I look up to see Kezia walking down the hallway. Her eyes light up when she sees me. "Oh, there you are. I've been looking all over for you."

"Kezia?" I frown. "What are you doing here?"

"You need to stop frowning all the time. It's going to give you terrible wrinkles." She replies bluntly, flicking my forehead. "Hades told me to look for you."

A small part of me rejoices at her words. At least he didn't completely forget me. "Where is he?"

"I'm not sure. Somewhere in the Underworld." Kezia shrugs. She doesn't quite hide the troubled look in her eyes, though. "He found me earlier and demanded I find you, before disappearing like an ass. I will admit he looked a little stressed though, which was probably the weirdest thing I've seen for at least 1000 years."

I relax for a moment. So he didn't just blow me off — something must have come up. Then Kezia's words resonate more within me, and alarm trickles down my spine. What's so bad that it has Hades stressed?

"Evie!" Kezia clicks her fingers in front of my face. I jolt and glare at her. Kezia smirks. "Welcome back to the world of the undead, princess!"

I roll my eyes. "What do you want, Kezia?"

"Evie, I'm supposed to be the one with a stick up their ass in this friendship. Kindly remove yours." She deadpans. I cock an eyebrow at her. "Okay, look. Seeing as the big H is off fighting monsters, and he asked me ever so kindly, I'm officially on Evie-sitting duty. But not by choice."

"So that's what you're all doing? Babysitting me? Trading shifts with each other on who has to look after the annoying little human?" I ask, a little more sour than I intended.

This time it's Kezia's turn to arch an eyebrow. "I was kidding, Evie. Look, you can stay here and mope like the angry little human you obviously are at the moment, or you can come with me to the garden."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap." I sigh, forcing a smile. "I'd love to go to the garden."

"Don't sweat it. Everyone has their bad days." Kezia shrugs. "Just remember that out of the two of us, one of us is the goddess of witchcraft and the other is just a witch." She winks at me. "Now, do you want to tag along and see the little surprise that almost shot me or not?"

"Sure." I fall into step beside her.

"Why are you, anyway?" Kezia asks. She groans at my quizzical look and flicks my forehead again. "Having a bad day, genius."

"I'm not."

Kezia snorts. "Don't lie to me, E. Try again."

I sigh in defeat and crinkle my nose up at her. "It's just... I don't know. I guess that I'm so used to Hades being around that it feels weird when he's not."

Kezia stares at me, an indecipherable look on her face.

"What?"

"Nothing." She replies lightly, the ghost of a smile on her lips.

"What is it, Kezia?" I stop walking and stand in front of her, my arms crossed. "I won't move until you tell me, witchcraft or no."

"You're too curious for your own good, has anybody told you that?" I don't reply, my glare becoming more biting. Kezia lets out a long breath, her expression softening. "It's just... nice to see that you're actually enjoying his company. That's all. Hades needs that more than you might realise." Then she utters something under her breath so quietly I almost didn't hear it. "She wasn't like that."

"She?" I repeat. Kezia's gaze narrows slightly. "Who is 'she'? Who are you talking about, Kezia?"

"You weren't supposed to hear that."

"Well, I did. And I think you wouldn't have said it if a part of you didn't want me to hear." I say. Kezia clamps her lips together, pushing past me. I grab her arm, giving her a pleading look.

"Kezia. Please?"

"Let me provide you with a quick little life lesson, Evie. There are moments where you really need to learn to drop things, particularly when others tell you to." She snaps. I blink, taken aback by her abrupt tone. "This is one of them. It is not my place to say. So drop it."

It takes all my sheer willpower not to scream out in frustration. It seems that every time I uncover a secret, a new one takes its place. It felt like I had fallen into a complicated, intricate spider web, and I was terrified I would be eaten by the spider of uncertainty before I figured it all out.

Kezia notices my silence, and glances over at me. Her expression softens. "Evie, I'm sorry. I know how you feel about people keeping secrets from you. I'm just not the right person to talk to."

"Who am I supposed to talk to, then?"

I know her answer before she even speaks. "Hades."

I laugh bitterly. "Yeah, because he talks to me."

Kezia shoots me a sympathetic look. "You just need to give him some time. Have you ever considered that he's this closed off for a reason?"

"Well... not specifically." I hesitate, guilt stealing through me for a moment. Kezia smiles in satisfaction and starts walking again. "How do you know him so well, anyway? I mean, you don't exactly seem like you're..."

"Friends?" Kezia asks bemusedly. "Well, I've been here to keep an eye on him ever since... well, you know. He wasn't exactly thrilled about that at first, but like that annoying wart you can't quite get rid of, I guess I've grown on him. He actually used to spend a lot of time with me before you showed up. Funnily enough, I appear to be the only person in the palace to treat him like he's not this big, revered, scary god."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. Did you know that he swears in Latin when you put a curse his furniture? His wardrobe sang to him for weeks before he begrudgingly approached me to break the curse." Kezia grins. I laugh, despite myself. "Hades needs that genuine interaction, more than people think. He's probably the most human out of them all."

"Really?" My nose crinkles in confusion. "Why do you say that?"

"Because he's seen humans in all aspects of their true nature, and still has to decide how their afterlives go. Wouldn't that humanise you?" Kezia asks. My heart twinges. "Trust me, he needs the distraction sometimes. That's where I come in. He doesn't talk much, but I know he always appreciates it."

I offer up a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry."

"For what? Taking him away? Don't be absurd; you don't need to apologise. You provide a much better distraction for him than I ever did." Then Kezia winks. "Besides, I actually like you, and you're much more compassionate than I'll ever be. Maybe you'll have a better chance at figuring him out than I have."

"You're talking like I'm going to be here for a while. I'm only here for another month, remember?"

"Maybe." She smiles at me, something unreadable flickering through her gaze. I narrow my eyes at her, but she doesn't say anything. Instead, she stops in front of a large wooden oak door. "Now, are you ready to go outside?"

I hesitate. "But Hades said—"

"Oh, who cares what Hades said? He's not the boss of me." Kezia scoffs. "Besides, we're not going out into the real Underworld. I'm not that stupid."

"Well..."

That's all the consent that Kezia needs, and she drags me out the door without a second thought.

I'm immediately blinded by a bright white light, and I have to blink several times so I can see again. When my eyes finally adjust, a delighted smile spreads across my lips. I'm standing in the garden Hades had brought me to all those weeks ago; but this time, we've exited the palace in what looks like the gardens. Flourishing planter boxes stretch out as far as I can see, bursting with an abundance of assorted vegetables and herbs. Cerberus' kennel stands shadowed in the distance underneath a big tree, with the skeleton of a half-constructed building next to it and the hunched form of a figure steadily hammering away. Aeceus. A bubbling stream winds through the garden like a twisting blue ribbon, decorated with an array of blossoming wild-flowers. It takes me a moment to process what I'm actually seeing — it's a sight for my sore, trapped-in-the-palace eyes.

"It's cool, huh?" Kezia smirks at my dumbstruck expression. "I will admit, this garden is a guilty pleasure of mine. And Hades' too, on occasion. Only he prefers to tend to the rose garden instead of the vegetable patch."

"It's amazing!" I follow her out and breathe in deeply. The smile on my face grows. "It even smells like I'm outside!"

"I know. That's another little treat of Hades'." Kezia chuckles. She points behind the big tree. "Go over there next — strict orders from the dark Lord himself. You'll find a little surprise waiting there for you. Just watch out for flying arrows."

"Wait, what?"