Lyra clung to the cliff edge, fingers scraping rock as her toes teetered over the abyss.
The wind howled like restless spirits, whipping her long brown hair into a frenzy.
A reckless step and everything went dark.
She plummeted into darkness, screams echoing off canyon walls.
Time froze as Lyra fell into nothing, memories flashing through her eyes.
her childhood, her parents death, her first love.
When she opened her eyes, she laid on a charred riverbank, the skies above were burning hot.
A figure emerged from the fog, a tall, broad shouldered man. His features were something she had never seen before, from his strong jawline to high cheekbone, to his blazing blue fire eyes.
His voice woke her up from her thoughts.
"Welcome, Lyra," he said, voice low and smooth.
"I'm Hades, Lord of this realm and You're unexpected."
Lyra moved back, heart racing like a wild animal.
"How do you know my name?" she asked.
His smile sent shivers down her spine.
"You're not the first mortal to fall from grace, but you're the first one to intrigue me ."
Lyra moving backwards slowly, heart racing like a wild animal
"Intriguing? You mean doomed, right, my soul, trapped forever..."
Hades chuckled low in his throat.
"Trapped, yes but forever, no, that one depends on you."
He offered his hand, palm up.
Lyra hesitated but later taking it.
His touch sparked electricity through her veins, as he pulled her up, close to his chest.
"you are shaking, fear or cold?"
"F-fear," Lyra stammered, gaze locked on his.
Hades released her, but his eyes still held hers.
"Clever girl, most say cold but their heartbeat never lies."
Suddenly, a chariot thundered down the riverbank, pulled by black stallions with eyes glowing red.
Hades gestured toward it.
"Get in, We'll talk more comfortably."
Lyra hesitated, then climbed aboard.
Hades sat beside her, his presence alone made her shiver.
The stallions launched forward, racing along the river.
The underworld blurred around Lyra, twisted trees, burning fires, wailing spirits.
She turned to Hades, voice barely audible.
"What do you want from me?". She asked.
His gaze pierced hers.
"Everything eventually."
Lyra's breath caught in her throat.
"What does everything mean exactly?"
Hades' smile grew wider, showing hint of sharp teeth.
"Your heart still races, Lyra, are you still afraid of me or something else entirely."
The chariot swayed violently, throwing Lyra against Hades.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to his chest.
The stallions galloped faster, wind whipping Lyra's hair into Hades' face.
He didn't flinch, eyes burning into hers.
"You're trembling again, Lyra. Why?" He asked.
Lyra's voice barely audible over wind.
"Because, you're holding me like you own me."
Hade's grip tightened slightly.
"Perhaps I do. You fell into my realm, my domain, my kingdom, my land." He said, his voice was louder this time. " Everything that is here, I own, so maybe I own you too."
His hand reached for my chin, raising it up slightly.
The chariot swayed again, Lyra's face inches from Hades now.
His breath whispered against her skin, sending shivers down her spine, again and again.
Suddenly, he released her waist, but his hand slid down from her arm to her hand.
Fingers intertwining, sparks flying.
Lyra gasped softly, eyes locking onto his.
Hades' voice low and husky.
"Does my touch scare you, Lyra or intrigue you like the Underworld itself?"
Lyra's throat went dry, heart racing faster.
"Intrigue scares me more than death itself."
Hades' eyes gleamed with surprise and delight.
"An honest answer, Lyra, most lie to me and themselves."
He leaned in closer, voice whispering against her ear.
"Intrigue can be delicious and my realm has much to offer you."
Lyra shivered at his breath on her skin.
"What could the Lord of Death offer me besides death?"
Hades' lips brushed her earlobe
"Immortality, by my side are you Interested, Lyra?
Lyra's heart skipped beats as Hades' lips grazed her ear.
" Immortality with the god of death."
She pulled back slightly, eyes searching his.
"You mean as your queen?"
Hades nodded slowly, voice low and husky.
"Yes, you will share my throne, my power and my bed."
Lyra blushed at the last word.
But curiosity also lingered .
"What would being your queen entail, exactly?"
Hades smiled, leaning back against the chariot seat.
"Ruling beside me, making decrees and fulfilling wifely duties to my satisfaction."
Lyra's eyes widened slightly at his boldness.
"And if I refuse or disappoint you?"
His expression turned intense, piercing.
"Refusal isn't an option, Lyra and disappointment would be painful for you."
The chariot halted abruptly, throwing Lyra against Hades again.
This time, he wrapped both arms around her, holding her close as he whispered.
"But pleasing me, would bring you eternal bliss."
The palace gates loomed behind him.
Lyra felt trapped by his arms, his eyes and his words.
Did she dare accept his offer or try to escape?
Lyra's mind reeled as Hades held her close.
"Eternal bliss or eternal damnation." She thought to herself.
She pushed against his chest, creating space between them.
"I need time to think, I can't make a lifetime decision in just a moment."
Hades' eyes narrowed slightly, then he nodded curtly.
One night, Lyra, one night only.
" Dine with me tomorrow evening and give me your answer then."
He stepped out of the chariot, offering his hand.
Lyra took it, and he led her into the palace.
A maid awaited them, curtsying low.
"This is Charon's daughter, Nina. She'll prepare you for dinner and tomorrow's decision."
Nina smiled warmly, leading Lyra away from Hades.
As they walked, Lyra asked Nina, "What's he like — truly?"
Nina's smile faltered for a moment.
"Complex, my lady. Loyal to those he cares for but ruthless to others."
" Choose wisely tomorrow, my lady, because tomorrow can alter your entire life decision,"Nina said .
And within Lyra, she knew Nina was right, will she choose the god of death or pick herself.