~Hades~

Returning to my castle after the chaotic confrontation with Zeus, I collapsed onto my shadowy throne, releasing a deep sigh of defeat. Zeus's tantrum had been as exhausting as it was predictable. I'd managed to drop off Arges and Steropes at the blacksmith shop and handed Brontes a lengthy list of crafting projects. That, at least, had gone well—Brontes had practically vibrated with excitement, declaring that with his brothers' help, they'd accomplish tenfold more.

Though I can't just be sitting here all day I need to get to work and start finding my future employees. To start off I need to return to Tartarus, I needed to find the Manor of Night and talk to Nyx.

Teleporting to the ominous entrance of Tartarus, I stopped to steady myself. Standing before the vast, jagged expanse, I closed my eyes and focused, tapping into a skill I'd discovered just days ago. A surge of energy flowed through me, and with it came the familiar weight on my back. Two large, black-feathered wings unfurled, their span casting a shadow over the entrance.

With a few tentative flaps, I rose into the air, the motion becoming more natural as I ascended. These wings were an unexpected discovery, but they made traversing Tartarus far less agonizing. Hours passed as I flew over the barren, toxic landscape until I finally saw it—the foreboding Manor of Night, a gothic structure shrouded in an aura of eternal darkness. Slowing my pace, I descended carefully, landing before the ancient door.

Knocking firmly, I waited. And waited. Nearly an hour crawled by before the door cracked open slightly. A young girl peeked out, her appearance strikingly dismal, her eyes void of life. "What do you want?" she asked flatly.

"I'm here to see Lady Nyx," I said, inclining my head politely. "I need her assistance."

The girl stared at me for a moment before silently shutting the door. I sighed but remained patient. It wasn't long before the door creaked open again, and the girl stepped out. "Follow me," she said, her tone just as lifeless.

I followed her through the dimly lit halls, climbing a winding staircase until she stopped before a grand room. Inside sat two figures. The first was a breathtakingly beautiful woman with long black hair and deep, abyssal eyes. She wore an elegant black dress that seemed to shimmer like the night sky. Next to her sat an old man, his hair silver and his wrinkled face resembling crumpled parchment. Despite his age, his black eyes carried a sharpness that seemed to pierce through the shadows.

The woman gestured to a seat across from them. "Sit," she said. I obeyed, bowing my head respectfully as I took the chair.

"I am Nyx," she said, her voice smooth and commanding. She gestured to the old man. "This is Erebus."

"It's an honor to meet you both," I said sincerely. "I've come seeking your help."

Nyx tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "Help with what?"

"Workers," I replied plainly. "I need to hire some of your children."

She raised a brow, intrigued but cautious. "And who, exactly, are you looking for?"

"Thanatos, Keres, and Moros," I said. "I have a specific task in mind for them."

Nyx leaned back slightly, studying me. "Why them?"

I took a deep breath, ready to make my case. "Humans have begun appearing in the mortal world—souls that should be moving on but aren't. As the god of the Afterlife and Souls, it's my duty to ensure every soul reaches the Underworld and is properly sorted. But I can't do this alone. Thanatos, Keres, and Moros are perfect for the job. I want to appoint them as my Grim Reapers."

Nyx's expression didn't change, but I continued. "They'll oversee the dead, appearing to those who die in specific ways and escorting their souls to the Underworld for judgment. This isn't just a convenience; it's necessary for maintaining order."

Nyx sat quietly, her gaze thoughtful. Erebus, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "It's a clever idea," he said, his voice low but approving. "The role suits them well."

Nyx glanced at him, and after a moment, she nodded. "I'll summon them," she said simply, rising from her chair and leaving the room.

I sat back, relieved that the first hurdle had gone smoother than expected. Erebus watched me closely, a faint, amused smile tugging at his lips. "You've thought this through," he said. "Nyx values practicality, and you've given her just that."

"It's not just practicality," I admitted. "It's necessity. The Underworld is my domain, and I intend to rule it properly."

Erebus chuckled, his laughter dry but genuine. "We'll see how your rule shapes up, young god. I suspect you'll surprise us all."

Erebus and I were alone, the silence between us only broken by the soft flicker of shadows in the dim room. The old man leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his weathered face. "So, how is my domain of Darkness treating you, young god?" he asked, his tone light but carrying an unmistakable weight.

I froze. Of course, he would know. Erebus, the Primordial of Darkness, would feel whenever someone tampered with his domain. I mentally kicked myself for forgetting such an obvious detail. Slowly, I offered him a respectful smile and inclined my head. "My lord Erebus," I began carefully, "thank you for allowing me to wield your domain. It has been a great help."

His smile widened, and he gestured for me to continue. Taking a deep breath, I elaborated. "I've used it in many ways, but most notably, I created a dome of darkness over my dunes to muffle the screams of those being punished. It prevents the sound from reaching the ears of others in my realm. The Underworld has been a much more calmer place withought the screams."

Erebus chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Clever," he mused. "I wondered who was bold enough to mold my essence so intricately. You've done well." His sharp, black eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned forward. "But tell me, young god, why aren't you surprised by my… old form?"

I grinned, my confidence returning. "Because, my lord, age does not equate to frailty. The Primordial of Darkness may appear old, but I would be a fool to believe you weak."

Erebus's laugh filled the room, deep and hearty. Shadows began to coalesce around him, swirling like a storm. The air grew heavy, and before my eyes, his form shifted. Gone was the old man; in his place stood a younger figure, tall and imposing. His pale skin contrasted sharply with his long, black hair, which was tied into a neat ponytail draped over his shoulder. He wore elegant black robes, his pitch-black eyes glinting like voids.

"You're sharper than I expected," Erebus said, his voice smoother yet still commanding. "When I learned of a young god born with my domain, I didn't know what to think. But now, speaking with you, I suspect we will be great friends."

I straightened, a genuine smile spreading across my face. "Does this mean, my lord, that you seek a friendship between the House of Hades and the House of Night?"

Erebus grinned. "Indeed. Consider us allies. After all, you came all this way to beg for my children's help."

I scoffed, crossing my arms. "Begging is a stretch. I'd call it… negotiations."

His laughter echoed through the room again, and just then, the door creaked open. Nyx entered, her ethereal beauty striking as always. Beside her stood three younger gods. Thanatos and Moros bore a strong resemblance to their father, with pale skin and dark features. Keres, however, had her mother's sharp elegance, her white hair cut into a neat bob that gave her an air of precision.

Nyx ushered them forward. "Hades," she said smoothly, "these are my children. Thanatos, Moros, and Keres."

I smiled warmly at the three. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Hades, god of the Afterlife and Souls." I gestured for them to sit. "Now, let me tell you why I've sought you out."

I explained the current chaos with the souls, how they were scattered and misplaced in the mortal realm. "I need order," I said firmly. "You three are perfect for the role of Grim Reapers. Thanatos, Keres, and Moros, you would retrieve the souls of the dead and ensure they reach the Underworld for judgment. It's a vital role, and one I believe you would excel in."

They listened intently, exchanging glances. I added, "You would reside in my castle, given the importance of your roles. Your presence will ensure the smooth transition of souls into my domain."

The three siblings took a moment to deliberate before nodding in unison. "We accept," Thanatos said, his voice calm but resolute.

I stood, bowing deeply to Nyx and Erebus. "Thank you, Lady Nyx. Lord Erebus. The Underworld will always remain open to you and your kin."

Nyx nodded graciously, while Erebus offered a sly smile. "We'll hold you to that."

Excusing myself, I followed the young girl who had first greeted me out of the manor. At the entrance, I summoned my wings again, their dark feathers catching the faint light of Tartarus. With a powerful flap, I soared into the air, making my way back to my castle.

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In the dimly lit halls of the Manor of Night, Erebus leaned against a shadowy pillar, arms crossed, his dark eyes thoughtful. Nyx sat gracefully on a throne of blackened obsidian, her gaze lingering on the now-closed door through which Hades had departed. The room was steeped in a heavy silence, broken only by the faint crackle of shadowy tendrils that coiled around the edges of the chamber.

"Well," Erebus finally said, his voice smooth and calm. "What do you think of the young god?"

Nyx tilted her head, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Hades is… intriguing. Bold, certainly, to come here uninvited and seek our aid. But he carries himself well for one so young. He has ambition and vision—qualities that can either raise a god to greatness or lead them to ruin. Time will tell which path he takes." Her black eyes glimmered as she folded her hands in her lap. "I admire his understanding of his domain. Few gods comprehend their purpose so clearly this early in their existence."

Erebus chuckled, the sound low and approving. "I thought the same. His use of my darkness shows ingenuity, though I suspected he wasn't fully aware I'd notice. Clever and resourceful, but not arrogant." He uncrossed his arms and began pacing slowly, his black robes trailing like smoke. "It's rare to see a god so respectful while still maintaining their pride. He acknowledged my power without groveling—it felt refreshing."

Nyx nodded, her expression thoughtful. "He also saw through your guise," she said, amusement flickering in her tone. "Not many would recognize your strength beneath that frail form."

Erebus smirked. "Perceptive, isn't he? And he doesn't lack for confidence, though I suspect that confidence is well-earned." He paused, turning to face Nyx. "You know, when I first felt him wielding my darkness, I was… wary. Another god tampering with a primordial domain rarely ends well. But now that I've spoken with him, I believe he has the potential to use it responsibly—and effectively."

Nyx inclined her head slightly. "Potential, yes. But we should watch him closely. Ambition is a double-edged blade, and he walks a fine line."

Erebus's smirk widened into a grin. "Of course, my dear Nyx. But I have a feeling Hades will be more than just another Olympian playing at godhood. There's something about him… something different."

Nyx leaned back in her throne, her eyes narrowing as if peering into some unseen distance. "Perhaps," she murmured. "But whether that difference will lead to greatness or disaster remains to be seen."

Erebus chuckled again, his voice laced with amusement. "Either way, it will be entertaining to watch."