👑| Hades |👑

Helheim was still silent. The bluish light of the eternal torches barely reflected off the black columns of the palace when Hades opened his eyes. It wasn't a sudden awakening; it never was. The king of the underworld sat up calmly, as if even time itself obeyed him. From atop an obsidian beam, the cockatoo watched him. I had been there all night. Seeing how Hades stayed awake longer than necessary. Listening to the sigh that escaped from her lips just before dawn. —…it's time — murmured Hades, running a hand through his silver hair. He stood up, took his coat, and walked to the balcony overlooking the vast underworld. Below, the souls continued their course. Judgments, orders, balance. Everything in perfect control… except for one thing. Her eyes drifted, almost involuntarily, to a small white flower growing in a nearby pot. A flower that did not belong in Helheim. Hades stared at her for a few extra seconds. "It's not wise," he said to himself, with a faint, tired smile. The cockatoo lowered its head. Oh, yes, it was for him. —You— Hades barely turned his face— . Go. The bird flapped its wings, alert. —Make sure he's okay— he continued . Nothing else. The cockatoo let out a small, clearly amused sound and jumped off the coat rack. —And don't interfere— added Hades, knowing it was a useless request. The bird took flight, crossing the palace corridors and leaving Helheim towards the world where she was. Hades remained on the balcony, his gaze lost in thought. "Just keep watch..." he whispered. Without knowing that, like every morning, everything he did, said and thought was about to become the gossip of the day.