The Deep Paths of the Underworld
Hades walked slowly, his steps echoing along the silent obsidian corridor. Faint pale-blue ghostlights flickered on either side, casting long shadows across his sharp features. In his hand, he spun a small black coin between his fingers, its clink the only sound besides the faraway weeping of souls.
Ahead of him, Hera emerged from the darkness.
She moved quickly, her robes swirling behind her like dark clouds. But she stopped when she saw him leaning against the carved basalt wall, arms folded, his dark eyes unblinking.
"Hera," Hades said, voice low and even.
She didn't speak. Just stared at him with that cold, regal glare. The same one she used on the other gods when they stepped out of line.
Hades pushed off the wall, walked forward, and stopped just a few feet away. His gaze flickered to the lingering shadows behind her, then back to her face.
