The bronze-engraved doors slammed shut behind him with an echoing thud. Lucas paused, taking in the interior of the palace.
There was no ivory or silver, no sunlight, nothing that was easy on the eyes. Instead, the palace truly lived up to the expectations of a palace of the dead. A polished bronze floor so pristine it reflected his image with enough clarity, Lucas would have thought it was a mirror.
The entry hall stretched before him, large enough that Lucas believed Harold could grow to its natural size and still not be able to touch the ceiling.
The walls were made of black obsidian, and under the torchlight, Lucas could make out carvings: kings being punished, warriors being dragged into the underworld. In the center of the hall rested a brass fountain that spewed green fire instead of water.
A skeleton in tattered robes came before him. Lucas figured it wanted him to follow, but the only sounds the skeleton made were the clacking of teeth. Understanding this, he didn't try to engage the skeleton in conversation but followed it between two staircases that flanked the room and instead went down the middle hallway, walking along a long, expensive red carpet that stretched on toward a distant archway.
During the travel, Lucas noticed that activity, passing between columns and entering and leaving doors, was more undead. Skeleton servants passed by with quiet grace, robes flowing behind them. Some carried scrolls. Others held vases of flowers made entirely of precious gems.
Lining the corridor, between the columns, stood the palace guards. A mix of warriors from different eras: there were warriors in ancient hoplite armor, redcoats in damaged uniforms, soldiers in camouflage with rusted rifles. Warriors from every era of war made to guard the palace of Hades.
Soon, he reached the archway, the skeleton guide stepping aside. Lucas understood that it had completed its task; now it was for him to continue alone. So he stepped through the archway and glimpsed the chamber where Hades awaited him.
To his left was a veranda overlooking not only the garden he had passed on the way into the palace, filled with dark roses and silver lilies, as well as trees that bore golden fruit. There were two simple chairs beside a small table, allowing one to not only watch over the garden, but watch over the distant Fields of Asphodel.
To his right was what surprised him: a large, soft, and fluffy dog bed, alongside what seemed to be a jewel-encrusted silver water bowl, and a mountain of toys that resembled corpses and skeletons.
But at the far end of the chamber, studying him as he studied the chamber, was Hades himself.
His throne was carved from black onyx, decorated with skulls and fractured with veins of glowing gold. He wore robes darker than night, and resting beneath his arm lay a helmet of what seemed like pure darkness.
His face was sharp, albino white, with tar-black eyes ringed faintly in gold. Long, greasy, black hair fell across his shoulders. Upon laying eyes on him, Lucas knew he was Hades, for the feeling he got from him was similar to that of a madman; danger naturally radiated from the god.
There was no Persephone, for her throne lay empty. Beside Hades was her throne, a wooden chair decorated with depictions of spring flowers, a simple throne compared to Hades's, but perfectly suited for Persephone.
Lucas bowed to the god, not in deference but in respect. "Greetings, Lord Hades. I have come to request an audience with Lady Persephone."
"She is not here. It is her time to return to the surface." Hades said at last. Having spent a few minutes after Lucas' question to determine his attitude towards the demigod.
Lucas hesitated, but continued. "Then, may I ask if there is a way to contact Lady Persephone?"
"No." Hades leaned back slightly into his throne, "But you may discuss with me. What brings you to the underworld, child of Hecate?"
Lucas thought about it; there wasn't much difference between asking Hades and Persephone. Lucas simply hoped to talk to Persephone, as Hecate was her close friend, meaning it would be easier and more effective, perhaps even safer, than communicating with Hades.
"I am in need of a few items I believed Lady Persephone could help acquire; three feathers of a siren willingly given, and an instrument once owned by a tragic artist."
Hades raised an eyebrow at the unusual assortment of items being requested.
He tapped his helmet in thought, considering the request, he was brought out of his thoughts soon after with a cold smirk.
"Child of Hecate, I can help on behalf of my wife to gather these items; however, surely you do not think of getting these items for free, right?"
Lucas nodded; he came willing to owe a favor to Persephone, hoping his mother's relationship would be enough to guarantee such a promise. But he didn't believe Hades would allow the same.
"What is it Lord Hades desires in return?"
Hades still held that cold smirk as he told Lucas what he required in return for those items.
"A quest. In return for completing a quest of mine, I will give you those items as a reward."
"And what exactly does this quest entail?" Lucas asked, already feeling this wouldn't be an easy one.
Hades seemed to pick up on that, as his smirk grew.
"Oh, nothing difficult for you, just go to Las Vegas and find a pair of demigods for me, after that you shall bring the children to Elysian; not only must you rescue those children, you must also guarantee their safety."