The Heir Of The Underworld

Prologue

Author's Note: 

I don't own this image and I don't know who the artist is so I can't credit them. I just wanted to include it because it is the image that inspired this scene/part and perhaps even this whole story. On with the story, hope you enjoy it!

The shadows swelled and twisted around the couple like inky black serpents. They clutched hands tightly, fearing that this would be their last real talk, the last moment together. The woman's shinning blue eyes met his dark ones; they gazed upon each other in the way of someone that's madly in love. Which they were, only madly isn't the proper word. No words could describe the relationship that they shared, it was too magical for definition.

"You know I have to go back Evelyn." the man said breaking the silence.

The woman stared longingly into his dark eyes and ran her left hand through his midnight black hair. "Of course." she admitted. Then with an affectionate, yet mournful glance at him she added, "I knew the day of that would come as soon as I met you."

"Then you shouldn't- Why did you stay with me Evelyn?" the man asked, placing a hand on her cheek and brushing her blonde hair from her face. "Why would you choose someone like me? Why would you put your future child through this?" he was not asking but begging, for these were the questions that constantly plagued his mind.

"Because, I love you." Evelyn answered simply.

"But why? Why is it so? Why risk it for me?"

"I wanted you, needed you. I decided to enjoy you while I could and relish in the memories of you when I could not. But I had to make the memories first. If I had chosen differently I would have regretted it my whole life. I desired you more than any other, and will never prize any man as much as I do you." Evelyn answered.

"Your child may be male." the dark haired man pointed out.

"Then I'll love you equally."

The man smiled and placed a hand on her stomach. Even in pregnancy she looked beautiful. "I wish Persephone had loved me as you do."

"She was a fool if she didn't. Why would she go to another god's kingdom? Why would she choose any god over you?" the woman asked.

"I suppose she wanted someone... else." the man answered. "Eternity is a long time. People change. Still, I've never come across anyone quite like you before, Evelyn."

"Now that you've broken your vow, will you be able to return to the sea, Olympus or the underworld?" Evelyn asked nervously.

"Zeus broke his vow, there shouldn't be much for him to argue with. I don't think that there'll be trouble. Plus I'd handle it if there were." he grinned.

"Don't get cocky with Zeus, keep out of trouble for me." Evelyn sighed, "I merely wish you could be here for your child's birth."

"You know I couldn't. If... well you know what I mean Evelyn. I want you to send the child to camp half-blood, it's the only place that they'll be safe." the man reminded her.

"You know I don't want to, I want to keep them close to me... whoever they'll become."

The man took his lover's hands in his and forced her to look at him. "This child will be... special. You know that the monsters will come for them. This will be my first and only child, god or half blood. I don't want another child with anyone but you, and I've put you in enough danger with one." he told her, "Promise that you'll send our child away if the monsters begin to come for them, promise me Evelyn."

"I promise." she vowed with a sigh, "What you said about not wanting a child with anyone else..."

"It's true. I don't. No god or mortal is worth you to me." the man replied passionately.

"Not even... Persephone?" Evelyn asked with shock.

"No, not even she."

"That's- That's-" Evelyn stuttered, "that's such... an honor. How could you love me more then the female goddess you practically tied your heart to?"

"Because, I love you, and you love me back. She choose someone else, someone of a totally different realm, and I'm not speaking of the sea." he informed her. The two didn't speak, but Evelyn was touched by his romantic words. They touched each other's cheeks, drawing each other in. They kissed passionately for the last time, pale lips colliding. They rose to each other's shapes, fitting together like matching pieces in a puzzle. They belonged together, it was heart breaking for each to imagine life without the other. Evelyn loved him and his affection, wondering often how a physical touch of affection, a kiss so warm, soft and beautiful, could come from a man that owned and lived in a realm so dark and cold. Their hands traced one another's body shapes, their minds eased and soothed by each other's touch.

"I have to leave now." he whispered sighing, "and we will never meet again." 

Evelyn nodded.

"I love you Evelyn."

"I love you more."

He smiled at her, glancing her over one final time. Then he pressed her close, his hand on her chin, lifting her face towards him. "I hope the baby takes after you, they deserve to inherit your beautiful face," the man whispered. Then purple-white light appeared behind him, creating a small breeze that pulled their hair to it. The light penetrated the shadows, as it enveloped him, engulfing him in it's power. Then he was gone, lost in the shadows as though he had never existed.