Inside, the palace was even more grand. Soft-golden stone made up the floors and interior, while stark black encased it all in a vastly high ceiling. Grim carelessly strutted down the hallway, running his hands down a table. A lamp exploded, causing Artemis to jump. 

The hallway opened up to a ginormous throne room, laden with black silk curtains and the aura of death. On an ebony throne sat Hades himself.

Grim always thought his dad resembled one of those scary, conspicuously evil CEOs from a children's movie. Except, instead of telling the preteen heroes that he wasn't going to save the environment, he sent people to Hell. He also wore a black cloak similar to Grim's.

"Son," Hades murmured, rising from his throne. His voice boomed, shaking the walls of the throne room. He meant well, but unfortunately, when you're a god, everything booms and you always sound like you're smiting puny mortals.

"Catch," Grim called, producing the soul from his sleeve. He tossed it across the room, and Hades caught it with ease, letting it hover above his palm. "So, what is it, old man?"

Hades formed a cool smile. "I just thought I would see how your day was going."

Grim propped his arm against a pillar, watching Artemis, who had shifted into his wolf form and was sitting erect at the door. "The usual. Moony and I went out driving and stuff. Had to go do that stupid mission you assigned me."

"It seems like you two had fun. Is that right, Artemis?"

Artemis flinched, and Grim noticed he had been staring almost longingly at he and Hades. His black fur shot up in alarm, and he frantically nodded.

Grim rocked on his heels, crossing his arms bitterly. "You're treating me like I'm a kid. I'm like, what, a couple thousand?" he muttered, frown twisting.

Hades touched his hands together, smiling innocently. "That reminds me. We need to discuss something, Grimslay."