Accidentally Summoning the God of the Underworld

Hours had passed and the sky above the Underworld darkened. Aurelia still sat in the forgotten garden, her knees pulled to her chest as she gazed aimlessly at the tangled vines and withered blooms. Her tears had dried, but the ache in her chest remained, a hollow reminder of her earlier conversation with Hades.

The sound of hurried footsteps broke through her solitude, and she glanced up, startled. Thalia emerged from between the overgrown hedges, her cheeks flushed and her breath coming in short gasps.

"My Lady! Thank the moon and stars we found you!" the maid exclaimed, pressing a hand to her chest. "We've been searching everywhere for you."

Aurelia blinked, startled by the sudden interruption. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice hoarse from hours of crying. "I didn't mean to worry anyone."

Thalia, shook her head, her expression caught between exasperation and relief. "Worry? My Lady, Hades himself gave orders to ensure you were safe. The entire estate has been searching for you for hours!"

At the mention of Hades, Aurelia's stomach twisted. She turned her gaze away, unable to meet Thalia's concerned eyes. "I just needed some air," she said softly.

Thalia hesitated, then crouched beside her. Her tone softened, her earlier urgency fading into genuine care. "Are you all right, my Lady? You've been crying."

"I…" Aurelia faltered, her hands gripping her knees. She didn't know how to explain the storm of emotions raging inside her. How could she put into words the sting of hearing him dismiss her as just a mortal?

Thalia seemed to sense her hesitation and gave her a kind smile. "You don't have to tell me, but you should know… whatever has upset you, you're not alone. The estate may be vast and daunting, but there are those here who care about you."

Aurelia managed a small nod, though her heart felt no lighter. Thalia reached out and gently took her hand, pulling her to her feet. "Come, my Lady. Let's get you cleaned up and something warm to eat. You'll feel better once you're back inside."

Aurelia allowed herself to be guided out of the garden, though her steps were slow and hesitant. She honestly didn't expect anyone to worry about her whereabouts and felt bad for the people Hades had sent to look for her.

Little did she know, Hades himself had been pacing the estate, his jaw tight and his expression grim. The moment he heard word that she'd been found, he turned sharply and disappeared into the shadows, his mind torn between relief and guilt.

Thalia guided Aurelia through the winding halls of the estate, her soft reassurances filling the silence. Aurelia barely registered the words, her mind spinning as she tried to steady her frayed emotions.

When they reached her chambers, Thalia led her inside and turned to the small table near the hearth. "I'll bring some tea," she said gently. "And I'll have a bath drawn for you. Please, rest for a moment."

Aurelia nodded numbly, sinking onto the edge of the bed as Thalia disappeared through the door. Her fingers twisted in the fabric of her skirt, her thoughts returning to the garden, to Hades, to the pain in her chest that refused to subside.

The door creaked open, and Aurelia startled, her head snapping up. Thalia stepped in carrying a tray with a teapot and a delicate porcelain cup. She set it down on the table and began pouring.

"I added lavender and honey," Thalia said softly. "It'll help you sleep."

Aurelia forced a small smile. "Thank you."

As Thalia arranged the rest of the room, Aurelia sipped the tea, its warmth soothing her throat. She wanted to ask if Hades had been searching for her, but she was afraid of the answer. If Hades hadn't come looking, she wasn't sure if that would hurt more or less.

A gentle knock sounded at the door. Thalia glanced at Aurelia, who gave a slight nod, then moved to answer it. The door opened to reveal a tall, hooded figure. For a moment, Aurelia's heart leapt, thinking it might be him. But the hood fell back to reveal one of Hades' guards.

"My Lady," the guard said, his tone formal but polite. "Lord Hades has requested an audience with you."

Aurelia froze, the teacup trembling slightly in her hand. Thalia looked between her and the guard.

Aurelia didn't even have the chance to respond before Thalia stepped forward. She saw the tension etched into Aurelia's features, the faint redness around her eyes that betrayed her earlier tears.

"My Lady won't be attending," Thalia said firmly, stepping protectively in front of Aurelia. Her tone left no room for argument. "She's unwell and needs her rest. If Lord Hades has concerns, he can address them another time."

The guard's brow furrowed, clearly uncertain about defying Hades' request, but Thalia's unwavering expression gave him pause. After a tense moment, he gave a curt nod.

"Very well," he said, his voice tinged with reluctance. "I'll relay the message." He turned and exited the room.

Aurelia let out a shaky breath, grateful for Thalia's intervention. She hadn't realized how desperately she needed someone to shield her from the weight of her own emotions—and from Hades himself.

"Thank you," Aurelia murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Thalia knelt beside her and offered a small, reassuring smile. "It's my duty to tend to your needs," she said. "But more than that, I can see you're burdened by something."

Aurelia nodded. She couldn't face Hades. Not now, not when her emotions were so raw and tangled.

"Rest now," Thalia continued, standing and smoothing her skirts. "I'll be here if you need anything."

Aurelia nodded and leaned back, letting her eyes close once more as exhaustion pulled her into the edges of sleep.

*************************************************

For days, Aurelia became a shadow of the vibrant, cheerful woman she had once been. The maids who had once admired her for her infectious energy now whispered among themselves, their glances laden with concern. They noticed the change in her, a quietude that was not like her.

She no longer laughed with them during their lighthearted conversations or took part in the small joys of the estate. Her once enthusiastic greetings were replaced with soft murmurs and absent stares. She refused to join in the dining hall, instead requesting that her meals be sent to her room. Even when the food arrived, she barely touched it, the sight of it serving only as a reminder of how little appetite she had for anything anymore.

Thalia, ever the perceptive maid, noticed the change more than anyone. She would quietly deliver Aurelia's meals, sometimes standing for a moment to check on her, but it was clear that her presence only made Aurelia withdraw further.

And it wasn't just the maids who noticed. Hades, too, seemed to sense her withdrawal. He attempted to visit her a few times, but each time he was met with a closed door. Aurelia refused to see him. She couldn't bring herself to face him.

The days passed in a haze of solitude and contemplation. One evening, as she stood before the mirror in her room, she made her decision, one that she had been too afraid to face until now. It was the only way to free herself from Hades' hold. And if that meant standing before the gods themselves, then so be it.

Aurelia squared her shoulders, her eyes hardening with determination. She would fight for her freedom, even if it meant going to the very heart of their world, demanding release from the mark that bound them together.

She no longer cared for the fear, the uncertainty, or the broken pieces of herself that had once clung to him. She would find her way out of this tangled web, even if it took everything she had left.

She sent for Thalia and Lira, her two most trusted maids. Her voice was steady, though a quiet strength emanated from her. "Prepare me for dinner," she instructed.

Thalia and Lira entered the room swiftly. They moved in harmony, gathering the necessary materials to dress their lady.

Aurelia had already chosen what she would wear—a striking black turtleneck dress that hugged her body in all the right places, the floor-length design made from delicate lace that shimmered in the soft light.

Her makeup was minimal but deliberate—a subtle base, with bold, smoky eyes that matched the storm swirling inside her.

Thalia, always the more perceptive of the two, studied her closely as she finished the makeup. She glanced at Lira, who seemed to be quietly supporting her.

"I think she's ready," Thalia murmured to Lira, her tone proud. Lira nodded in agreement.

As Aurelia turned to face them, she stepped forward, giving them a small but resolute smile. "Thank you both," she said softly.

With a final look in the mirror, Aurelia strode to the grand dining hall. 

As she entered the dining room, the sight of Hades sitting at the long, opulent table startled her, though she kept her composure. He hadn't expected her to join him tonight. His sharp gaze lifted from his plate, his eyebrows knitting in surprise.

"Aurelia," he said, his voice steady but filled with a rare note of shock. "I wasn't expecting you."

Aurelia stood tall, a calm determination settling over her as she stepped forward. "I need to speak with you."

Hades studied her with a mixture of curiosity. He didn't speak for a long moment, his gaze lingering on her, taking in the sight of her attire.

"What is this about?" he finally asked, his voice quieter now, though there was still an edge to it.

Aurelia didn't falter. "I've made my decision. I want to face the gods. I'm going to seek an audience with Cronus."

The words were out before she could second-guess them. The shock on Hades' face was evident.

Hades blinked, as though his mind hadn't fully processed what she'd just said. "You're serious?" he asked, his tone shifting from disbelief to something more cautious, almost wary. "You've decided that now?"

"Yes," she replied, not backing down. "I've made up my mind. If I want to be free from the life that's been thrust upon me, I need to face the gods."

Hades opened his mouth, then closed it, still visibly stunned by her words.

"You're sure about this?" he asked again. His usual mask of indifference was slipping.

"I've never been more certain in my life," Aurelia answered, her eyes unwavering.

Hades leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. Finally, he nodded slowly, "Very well," he said. "If this is truly what you want, we shall begin the journey."