A Touch of Darkness (Hades & Persephone 1)

“Well, I do spend a lot of time in the company of mortals, and always in their worst or hardest moments.”

She frowned. It seemed sad that this was Thanatos’ existence, but the God of Death quickly soothed.

“Do not mourn for me, my lady. The shadow of death is often a comfort to the dying.”

She decided she really liked Thanatos.

“Shall we find these souls you wish to speak to?” he questioned, quickly changing the subject.

“Yes, please,” she said, handing him the list she’d made her first day at New Athens News when she’d begun her research into Hades. “Can you take me to any of these?”

Thanatos’s brows came together as he read the list, and he grimaced. She did not think that was a good sign.

“If I may, why these souls?”

“I believe they all had something in common before they died,” Persephone said. “A contract with Hades.”

“They did,” Thanatos agreed. It surprised Persephone that he knew. “And you wish to…interview them? For your paper?”

“Yes.” Persephone found herself answering hesitantly, suddenly unsure. Did Thanatos

share Minthe’s view of her?

The God of Death folded the piece of paper and said, “I will take you to them. Though, I think you will be disappointed.”

She didn’t have time to ask why, as Thanatos stretched his wings, folded them around her, and teleported.

When she was released from his feathery hold, they were at the center of a field. The first thing she noticed was the silence. It was different here—a tangible thing that had weight and pressed against her ears. The grass beneath her feet was golden in color, and the trees tall and lush, heavy with fruit. The place was beautiful and peaceful.

“Where are we?”

“These are the Elysium Fields,” Thanatos answered.

“I...don’t understand.”

The Elysium Fields were known as the Isle of the Blessed, reserved for heroes and those who lived a pure and righteous life dedicated to the gods. That was far from the truth of the souls on the list she’d given Thanatos. These were people who had struggled in life, made bad decisions—one of those being a bargain with Hades—that ended their life.

“The list of names you offered,” Thanatos said. “Those souls reside here. In Elysium.”

“But, Elysium is paradise.”

Thanatos offered her a small smile, as if he understood her confusion. “It is a paradise. It is a sanctuary. It is where the pained come to heal in peace and solitude—it is where Hades sent the souls on the list you gave once they died.”

She looked out at the plain where several souls lingered. They were beautiful phantoms—dressed in white and glowing, but more than that, she knew this place was healing. Her heart felt lighter, unburdened by the frustration and anger she felt over the last couple of months.

“Why? Did he feel guilty?”

Thanatos gave her a confused look.

“He is the reason they died,” she explained. “He made a bargain with them, and when they couldn’t fulfill it, he took their soul.”

“Ah,” Thanatos said, as if he understood now. “You misunderstand. Hades does not decide when souls come to the Underworld. The Fates do.”

“But he is the Lord of the Underworld. He makes the contracts!”

“Hades is the Lord of the Underworld, but he is not death, nor is he destiny. You may see a bargain with a mortal, but Hades is really bargaining with the Fates. He can see the thread of each human’s life, knows when their soul is burdened, and wishes to change the trajectory. Sometimes the Fates weave a new future, sometimes they cut the thread.”

“Surely he has influence?”