II. The King of the Underworld

"Uncle! You're going to be late and make me late - again!" I called out to him from downstairs of our 3-bedroom house, making us both breakfast in our kitchen. We needed to leave in fifteen minutes, and he was still in bed. I heard him groan, acknowledging what I had said for the second time, yet remaining in his bed.

I lived with my uncle for as long as I could remember. My brother Max had moved out a couple of years ago. He didn't jell well in our loving family home. We owed our lives to Dorian and I would never forget it, but it meant nothing to Max. Max always preferred being alone and outcast from any family activities. There was always something dark about him. I think he never really recovered from our parents' murders and had turned the wrong corner on his way to healing.

I could hardly remember the murder of my parents or what really happened. I had therapy for a better part of my teen years and it really helped me. Time was truly a cure for everything. I had to appreciate what I had, and my uncle was all I needed. Though I missed my parents, I was grateful to have Dorian and Max still with me.

"Uncle please get ready; I really don't want to be late." He groaned again. By the creaking of the floorboards above me, I could tell he had finally begun to get out of bed. Thank god. Although he was the head of our company, I didn't like using it as an advantage. Turning up late for work was no exception to anybody, even Dorian. We worked for U.O.G. – Unity of all Gods, in a sky-high and hell-low, glass building. Most days the tip was reaching into the early morning clouds. Thousands of people worked with us, the whole place was like a maze filled with little ants.

"Uncle, the car is here!" I called out for the last time, before getting into the car and waiting for him there. Dorian had worked hard his whole life to be able to afford everything we had. A private chef, a driver, dinners with the Gods in expensive restaurants on Earth and Olympus. Despite it all, I enjoyed doing things for myself and hardly took advantage of Dorian's wealth and connections.

After almost ten minutes of waiting, he rushed out, locking the door behind him, and getting into the car with a mouth full of his toast. The bags under his eyes were a dark grey and his cheeks had begun to dent from how little he'd been eating. Taking a break was not an option. I turned on his iPad checking the day's schedule to make sure they hadn't missed anything. As I scrolled through it, I noticed Hades under 3 PM.

"You're meeting Hades at 3 PM. King Hades of the Underworld?!" Completely amazed, I sat with my mouth slowly dropping open. Though the Gods came around for meetings every once in a while, it was Dorian who usually travelled to Olympus and the Underworld to meet the Gods. I had never met one in person. I wasn't allowed to attend any of the meetings that Dorian was invited to either. I always wished.

There was plenty to be said about Hades. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

He's cruel. He is death himself. He's heartless. He's kind to humans, but only because he looks down on us. He has no respect for others. He's a workaholic. He has no heart. His heart is made of ice. He has no mercy. He's a titan.

I had no opinion on somebody that I had never met. I dared not to speak badly of a God. If he was so cruel, so awful, so merciless, then perhaps it was best to avoid bad-mouthing him.

"Yes." He replied sternly. He fixed the silver cufflinks that I had gifted him, avoiding any eye contact with me. You could hardly see the grey poking through at the root of his hair with his hair already a fair blonde colour. Though he was my uncle, we looked nothing alike. My hair was a dark chestnut colour and his a blonde, now grey colour. My eyes were a deep blue and skin a light pink, while his eyes were a calm green and skin a smooth olive.

I couldn't tell if he was grouchy because I kicked him out of bed, or if he was sick of me talking about the Gods like they were pop stars on the radio. I wasn't really asking for a lot. I was okay with being who I was and doing whatever Dorian wanted me to, but inviting me to one of the meetings with the Gods wouldn't kill him. I enjoyed the work I was doing, but I wanted more. Some responsibility, above paperwork.

Once we arrived at the office, I watched Dorian's every move, hoping to get a glimpse of Hades the King of the Underworld. I hoped to drop in on their meeting by pretending to deliver some of Dorian's paperwork and hopefully meet Hades myself. The chances of that happening were slim, but I wasn't going to let it go without giving it a try.

"Afternoon Miss Lockwood. How is Mr. Lockwood today? He looked rather distracted this morning." Allison was a friendly co-worker who did a job similar to mine. Some time ago I thought she would be a good match for my uncle. She had short brown hair and was in her early 40's without any children or a husband. She was quiet and sweet, but my uncle didn't seem to show any interest in women for a long time. She had shown some interest in Dorian but didn't bother making any advances.

"Hello, he was a bit cranky this morning. He has a meeting with Hades, so maybe he's just stressed." I smiled, rolling my eyes. Uncle was usually cranky in the morning. "I'm sure he will be much friendlier after his lunch." Allison nodded her head with a smile, before placing a folder of paperwork on my desk.

The clock was ticking away slowly but it finally reached 2:55 PM and the elevator doors opened. The elevator had a different sound, depending on whether the elevator was coming from below or above. Security lined up at the chime of the door but quickly parted ways allowing Hades to walk through. Time seemed to stand still as Hades smoothly exited the elevator. The office had never been so quiet. All eyes were on Hades. I was eager to approach him, but that disappeared once I laid my eyes on him. Nerves paralyzed me. His tall physique was intimidating. One hand in the pocket of his trousers, the other brushing through his dark, charcoal hair. I felt my mouth run dry instantly. He approached Dorian's office door steadily when I peeked another look. His eyes quickly scanned the room, as he placed his hand on the handle of the door before his eyes landed on me. I felt all of the oxygen sucked out of my body, as I turned around, reaching for the paperwork that I had placed on my table, pretending I hadn't been staring. In my haste, my hand bumped the coffee cup on my table knocking it off the table. I flinched away, knowing it was going to go all over me and burn me having asked for it to be extra hot, but there was nothing. I didn't hear it hit the floor, but I heard the whisper and the gasp of the coworkers around me. I opened my eyes looking at the coffee cup that was lingering in the air for a second, before black smoke and a haze surrounded me and Hades was standing right in front of me, holding my cup of extra hot coffee.

At close proximity, his stare was even more suffocating. His skin looked to be made of wax and his eyes were piercing through into my soul.

"Careful." His deep voice and tall stature were enough to wash my body in a sweat as he handed me the cup. I watched my fingers as I wrapped them around the cup, making sure I didn't touch his. I didn't venture for another glimpse at his curious good looks or terrifyingly deep eyes. I was too petrified. So I kept my head down.

I'd seen a couple of other Gods in Dorian's office before, but Hades looked different. He looked like a King. He was tall and had strong energy that surrounded him. He was put together and mature, unlike the God's that have come around previously.

My coworkers watched me sink into my seat, still murmuring under their breaths and wondering what I had done to deserve such pleasure. The pleasure I had begged for a couple of minutes ago and now regretted. My heart was thundering inside my chest as I kept hold of the coffee cup for a couple more minutes.

I continued to work, convincing myself that I wasn't going to steal another glance at the King. Our encounter was enough. I had embarrassed myself enough. After an hour of silence and everyone waiting patiently for Hades to leave the office, I heard Dorian's office door open. I lifted my head despite the hour of convincing myself otherwise, to take my last look at the King, when I noticed Dorian looking around the office, before finally spotting me and waving at me. Please don't do this to me uncle. I know I asked for it, but I take it all back. I'd embarrassed myself enough for one day.

I quickly brushed my hands through my hair and nervously pretended to be doing work again. I felt both of their shadows cast over me as I nervously looked up at them both standing by my table.

"This is Eve, my niece." I quickly rose from my seat in front of them. Do I bow? Do I shake his hand? I had no idea what to do with myself. I felt selfish making eye contact with Hades. Who do I think I am?

"Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you, Sir." Hades offered me his hand with a friendly smile. I placed my hand in his and suddenly I was overwhelmed by the images of my cream, bloody carpet. My parents' faces and their screams. The small bed I laid in awaiting my own death. The titan that murdered my parents. I quickly yanked my hand out of his grasp, as my heartbeat accelerated.

"Are you alright Miss Lockwood?" Hades stared at me, insulted by my rude behaviour. I was one in thousands of people honoured enough to meet a God, a King, let alone shake his hand and introduce myself, and I had the audacity to behave this way. I bowed my head shamefully. My eyes began to water at the sheer pain that a little flashback had caused me.

"Yes, I'm so sorry. It was a pleasure to meet you, Sir." I quickly began walking away, giving myself a minute to figure out what had happened. It was as clear as day. Like it had been happening all over again. The pain, the fear, the cold. I felt it all. I had almost forgotten all of it and was unable to remember my parents' faces until that moment. My hands were trembling, and my view was spinning out of control.

"Actually Eve," I heard my uncles' voice, as it echoed inside the walls of my chest, "we came to talk to you for a reason. Could you come with us please?" My uncle said walking towards the elevator with Hades. My heart and hands were trembling uncontrollably, but I followed them. I was afraid to touch either of them in case they were the ones causing my flashbacks. Everybody stared at us as the elevator doors closed and we began descending towards the lowest floor. We all stayed in silence. I could see from the corner of my eye that Hades was staring at me, analyzing me. Probably wondering whether I'm an uneducated klutz. I refused to confront his look with mine, it was already awkward enough.

We finally approached the last level of the floor, but to my surprise, the elevator kept going. Before I knew it, we were on the -12th floor and still descending. I hadn't ever been down there so there was no telling to how many more floors were under us.

"Hayden here asked me for an extra pair of hands, and I offered you. Hence we are descending into the Underworld." My uncle had sold me out to Hades like I was a goat. I stared at him in awe. I know I asked for this, maybe not out loud and not so much of it, but I regret it now. This is too much. I've learned my lesson. I'm happy to just go back and continue as I had. This is way too much pressure. Though we were descending deep into the Underworld, my anxiety was skyrocketing.

I looked over to my uncle meekly, unsure of what I could possibly say other than - "Who is Hayden?"

"Me." Hades turned to me with a smile. You. You have a human name? I had just caught my own tongue before it came spilling out of my mouth. Bite your tongue, Eve. He's a God. He's a King. You're a nobody.

"Oh, of course. Sorry." I smiled timidly. Hayden and Dorian had been friends for years and Dorian had been to the Underworld and Olympus several times. I envied how important he was and though everybody seemed to think that because he was my uncle I had a free pass to join him whenever I chose to, I was never allowed to go to either Underworld nor Olympus and it seemed Dorian had put me on the back burner. I was never considered for promotions or any kind of higher ranking. It was as though he only wanted me as his assistant and nothing else. To do his paperwork, which he had several other people for, so it was strange that he had suggested for me to work with Hayden. What happened? What changed?

He had been so quiet and weird in the morning when I asked about Hayden - Hayden? Hades. I don't know which one I prefer. For a second my heart fluttered at the thought. What changed? Why did he just suddenly change his mind? Strange.

"Are you interested?" Hayden's deep voice broke my nervous thoughts.

"Of course, Sir, I would be honoured." I replied with a smile. Pleasing the client is always a priority. Pleasing a God is certainly a priority if you enjoy life and living.

"Just Hayden to you Miss Lockwood." He smiled. He was tall, taller than any tree, muscular, bigger than any person I had seen - is he a person? He was a God and a King and yet his smile was the most intimidating at that moment. His teeth were white and reflected the fluorescent elevator light. His eyes were dark and I hadn't come to a conclusion on their colour. "Are you ready? You've never been down here so pace yourself. The air is a lot tougher; you'll need to get used to it. Mundane's are fragile so take your time." Hayden explained stepping forward. I nodded my head agreeing and inhaling a deep breath just in case. He pushed a button, opening the door to what looked like a dungeon. I stared in awe as we walked out into the darkness with doors on both sides. Mist and darkness swallowed any object that was in further view. We made our way through, walking past a large, scary man with a puppy by his feet. Of course, as soon as they recognised Hades they moved out of his way and allowed us to pass, but suddenly the puppy began running after me. I turned around confused, but he made no noise. He sat down in front of me with his fluffy little paws in front of him and just stared. He looked so adorable I felt compelled to stop and pet him. I bent down to my knees and began to pet him, but his expression didn't change, he just stared at me. He looked confused or just very calm for a little puppy. His fur felt like silk, softer than any dog I had ever touched. He was well looked after. I could hear the faint footsteps of my uncle and Hayden, walking on without me, but I felt compelled by this little puppy. Every time I felt like I should catch up, I was back to petting the little pupper.

Suddenly I could hear somebody running behind me and yelling something that I couldn't make out. My mind was hazy and my vision was a little blurry like I had really been compelled by the puppy. I got to my feet, turning around to look at my uncle desperately running towards me.

"Eve! Eve, get away from him!" I could see my uncle running towards me and Hayden calmly pacing after him. I couldn't figure out what was happening and whether it was all just a figment of my imagination. All of a sudden, a large shadow loomed over me and I slowly turned around to find that the little puppy had gone, and a large three-headed beast was standing behind me, gritting its teeth at me.

"It's okay, just stay still." I heard Hayden whispering in my ear. I could feel his breath on my neck, but I could still hear him pacing behind me. His shoes echoed across the marble floor and yet I could feel his breath on my neck. How is he doing this? What is happening?

The beast was drooling like it was ready to eat me, so I stayed completely still. Its breath had swept my hair from my shoulders as he took small steps closer and closer to me with his saliva dripping from his teeth. I'm going to die. Within my thoughts, the beast lunged right at me and there was nothing that I could do, but close my eyes and let myself fall to the floor. After a couple of seconds of nothing, no pain, no sound but the ringing in my ears I opened my eyes to find Hayden in front of me, petting the beast like it was a pet and whispering something in its ear. Vastly the beast turned back into a puppy and sprinted over to me, licking my arm. Is this an apology? I flinched away from the puppy, rejecting it's sudden change of emotion and rush of affection.

"Are you okay Miss?" Hayden held his hand out and helped me up to my feet. "Sorry, I always forget about him." Hayden smiled like it had all been a test. My heart was racing, and I could hardly catch my breath. His intimidating smile was no longer so intimidating as anger had brushed all of that to one side. "Be nice Mihai." He chuckled like he was mocking me. What the hell? That's a pretty big thing to forget.

"You forgot that you have a three-headed beast?" I snapped, insulted by his lack of empathy for the situation. I looked up at him annoyed, before realising who I was speaking to. I could see his face change, surprised by my sudden burst of courage.

"Evelyn?!" My uncle always taught me to be respectful. His expression was appalled, but Hayden seemed amused by my annoyance.

"I'm sorry." I bowed my head and carried on walking after them with my heart in my hands, beating out of control.

We continued as if nothing had happened. As if I wasn't just almost eaten by a three-headed beast. The expression on Dorian's face was still worried some, but we never returned to discuss what the hell just happened.

We walked out of the dungeon into a world that looked normal, just like Earth, but brighter and more beautiful. Their sky looked more purple than blue and although it was daytime, there was no sun up in the sky. It was a lot more colourful than I had imagined. I assumed it would be like the deepest depths of hell. All black and red. Potentially bloody and full of monsters like Mihai. But it was clear and beautiful. There were no monsters, in fact, most of the Underworlders looked human. There were no beasts in the corners or scary alleys. There were people in black uniforms walking around, which I had known to be the Black soldiers. They were like the mundane police but for the Underworld and Olympus.

"Here we are." We approached a tall glass building that looked like an expensive hotel. I looked up, trying to count all the floors, but they reached way beyond the purple clouds.

"A hotel?" I asked. Having so little information about the Underworld made me look like an idiot. It's not like I could read about it online. It wasn't publicized for the entire world to see. Imagine the chaos. Only the people working in the U.O.G. knew that these Gods existed. The rest of the world was left to speculate.

"No," he chuckled, "this is my office. The top few floors are living spaces for our peak periods and traveling staff." Hayden replied with a smirk, walking inside. I felt my heart drop. I couldn't tell if he was laughing with me or at me. My first impression so far is lacking.

"Wow, it's beautiful." I didn't know in which direction to turn my head. The inside of the building looked completely transparent. I could see the swaying trees and the purple clouds. It was just as beautiful inside as it was outside. There was more space than furniture and a couple of girls behind the counter under a big RECEPTION sign.

"If you do choose to take this job, you will have to stay here with me." He said walking me through the building. Wow. I hadn't prepared to move all the way to the Underworld and leave my life behind. I wasn't leaving much behind other than Max and Dorian, but Earth had been where I lived my whole life. The thought of having to move into the Underworld, somewhere hardly any human's resided, was overwhelming. I would be all alone for the first time.

When I was little I used to imagine what it would be like to live in Olympus or the Underworld. What it would be like to marry a God. What it would be like to have been born there and be immortal. Every wish I made on birthdays and shooting stars was to be able to experience life with the immortals or have my parents back. I didn't realise what that wish entailed.

"For how long?" I asked, instantly reaching my grown-out nails to my mouth, nervously.

"As long as I need you." We stopped in a large foyer with a sky-like ceiling. I felt shivers run down my spine. I wanted to please Hayden and my uncle and it would be a great story to tell in my future, but I was afraid. My mouth was dry and I suddenly felt freezing cold. I chewed on my inner lip, looking for some relief, but my anxiety was overwhelming.

"What does the job entail exactly?"

"Data entry, meetings, and anything else I need help with." He replied in his confident and strict manner. I didn't say a word. I carried on looking around and contemplating whether I was comfortable moving. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but could I handle it? Would I be okay without Dorian at my side? Without seeing my friends every day? Living in the Underworld?

"Evelyn? Have you swallowed your tongue?" My uncle spoke, breaking the stare that Hayden imprisoned me with. I felt anxious just at the thought that I potentially looked ugly or unflattering and found myself posing to appeal to him more. What are you doing? Inhaling a deep breath, I tried to accept that this was where I was going to be living soon. This building. New people. New place. A new world.

"No, sorry. It's just a lot to process." I could feel my uncle's harsh stare digging into my skin. He would never let me live this down if I rejected Hayden's offer. I'm sure he worked hard to get me this job. There wasn't much of a choice that I had to make. I hardly had a choice. I had to say yes. Working with a God, with a King - who would reject such an honour?

"Take a couple of days to think about it if you'd like." Hayden smiled. He was so polite and clean. Strikingly handsome. I'm a klutz. I'm only going to get in his way. I had never felt more self-conscious in my life.

"No, that's okay, when would you like me to start?" I smiled, giving into my uncle's stare. My chest felt heavy. I hoped it was the right decision. Think of the experience and the adventure. Living along, working with the Gods, that's a dream come true.

"As soon as you can, Miss Lockwood." My heart was beating heavily in my chest. So much had happened in a frame of ten minutes. I went from being nearly eaten by a beast to agreeing to work down there with it.

"Well, I need to go back home and pack, but..."

"That isn't a problem, we can get somebody to deliver your belongings here." He seemed thrilled that I had said yes, but my heart wasn't so sure. I thought I would have some time, but it seemed this was it, I wasn't going back up to Earth.

"Thank you," I replied and carried on looking around and hide my worried expression. I had never lived away from my uncle. He and Max were the only family I had left. I had been holding on to them for dear life and now I had no control over anything.

"Let me show you to your room." Hayden proceeded and we began walking across the long hall. Each step made my heart echo louder and louder inside my chest. I live here.

"I shall leave you to it now Eve. I will come to check on you later in the week." My uncle didn't follow us. I felt my heart drop, looking at my uncle in the distance. Saying goodbye felt like I was never going to see him again. A knot formed in my throat and I had to smile through it and stop myself from crying. It was all too overwhelming.

"Don't worry Dorian, I will take good care of her." Hayden smiled, reassuring Dorian.

"Bye honey." Dorian waved goodbye and left the building, leaving me behind.