Chapter 5

Megara's POV

Time Skip... A Few Days Later...

   I'm out trying to run an errand on behalf of Hades on Earth, trying to weasel some important artifacts that are in the hands of people that shouldn't have them. I hate having to flirt so much to get my way but sometimes I don't have any other choice. Sometimes seduction is my last resort so when it doubt, put it out. These guys are old enough to be my grandfather and I seriously want to gag as I feel their bony arms and tell them how attractive they are. After a little while of this charade, they hand me over the artifacts I'm seeking and they saunter off into the sunset. When they're out of sight, Hades appears out of a cloud of self-produced smoke. 

     He gives me a wicked smile and wraps an arm around me. "Well done yet again my little Meglet. You've earned yourself a dinner of the Gods tonight. What do you want to feast on? I'll poof up any of your favorites." I grin at him. "Thank you Hades. Honestly, I'd be happy with a simple steak. I'm having a craving for it right now." He grins back. "Sure thing. Say, I'll even throw some wine in because of how well you did." Before we know it, we're back in his lair sitting at a dinner table with plates full of steak and a bottle of red wine pouring itself into wine glasses thanks to a couple of hand flicks from Hades.

       The heat rushes to my face a bit as I catch Hades staring at me intensely. "What is it? Do I have steak stuck in my teeth or something?" His eyes roam every part of my body and I shiver out of pleasure in my seat. "You just look ravishing today Meg. You have a glow about you right now that really intrigues me. Are you trying a new skin care routine or something? You look good." I run my hands through my hair and giggle a strange giggle that doesn't sound anything like myself. What is Hades doing to me? I'm turning into a bumbling fool around him. "I guess you could say that. I've been trying out some new lotions and what not. They smell good too so that's a bonus." 

         Hades nods with a smile before appearing behind me suddenly, giving me a shoulder massage as I sip on my wine. "You know Meg, I could picture you as a ruler. You have a lot of potential to lead an arm into battle. You exuberate confident that both most women and beings in general lack." I nearly drop my wine glass but catch it at the last second. "Thank you. I could picture myself in a leadership role too." I look up at Hades and catch him starring down at me with a serious expression on his face. "Meg, I want to give you something." He poofs up the contract I signed that in exchange for selling my soul to him, I would be his indentured servant until he gave me permission to be finished with the gig. 

          Seeing the contract in front of my face after having signed it what feels like eons ago shocks me enough to actually drop my wine glass this time. Wine spills all over the floor but I'm not too concerned about that. I look up at Hades in pure shock. "Hades, why are you showing me this? You don't show people these contracts... unless..." He nods and the realization dawns on me. He takes a step closer to me and whispers in my ear. "Meg, I'm giving you your freedom back. You no longer will be my prisoner. If you choose to stay, I want that decision to be a willing one. Since I'm feeling extra generous today, I'm also going to give you your soul back. How does that sound?" My heart races and I nod eagerly with tears forming in my eyes. I'm not much of a crier but I can't help but be emotional right now. "Thank you so much Hades, this means so much to me." 

         He shifts from foot to foot nervously. "I'm not the best at dealing with this mushy gunk and emotions but you've done a terrific job with every task and challenge thrown your way. I don't want to push you anymore." With the snap of his fingers, the contract disappears into thin air and a ghost like sensation enters my body, which I'm certain is my soul returning back to my body. I feel rejuvenated and I smile at Hades from ear to ear. "Hades, seriously, what inspired this change of heart?" He gives me a sad smile. "I-I've come to care about you a lot Meg. I don't want you to resent me any more. I've caused you enough misery. Now the next question is, do you want to leave the Underworld? 

          My head is saying 'Yes' but my heart is saying 'No.' For too long, I've neglected the needs of my heart and I don't want to do that when it comes to making this decision. I probably will sound like a lunatic but this place has slowly felt more homey to me, I think that's largely due to Hades. I smirk at him and say "No." He jumps back a bit as if he's stunned which is a rare reaction for Hades to have about anything. "Did you just agree to willingly stay down here in the Underworld? You're not my servant anymore Meg, you're free." I saunter up to him and lean into his chest, wrapping his arms around me. "I heard you loud and clear, but I'm choosing to stay." Hades doesn't recoil from my touch, allowing me to stay like this in him arms. "Why?" I shrug playfully with a grin on my face. "Why not?" He grins back. "If I'm being candid, I'm glad you're sticking around. You happen to be very decent company in this cold and lonely place." 

       I nod and he continues to hold me for a few minutes before we pull apart and he awkwardly clears his throat, excusing himself briefly to collect his thoughts. I sigh aloud, I'm falling for Hades... and so damn hard. 

I hope that you guys liked this chapter! :) -Mary