Chapter 240: Chapter 84
The Underworld was alive in a way it had never been before.
For the first time since its creation, the realm of the dead—normally quiet, solemn, and shrouded in eternal twilight—was filled with movement, laughter, and the hum of divine excitement.
Every corner of Nox, the grand capital city of the Underworld, was brimming with light.
Rivers of soul fire streamed through the streets like glowing veins, carrying shimmering lanterns made from fragments of purified souls.
The obsidian towers of the city reflected the glow, turning the eternal darkness into a sea of living starlight.
Today was no ordinary day.
Today was the day their King, Hades, the ruler of shadows and the eternal warden of death, was to be wed.
Divine spirits, heroic spirits, and gods of craft and architecture had come together for weeks, working tirelessly to raise a temple worthy of the event.
The result stood in the heart of the city—a colossal gothic temple, towering and magnificent, its spires reaching high into the darkness above like obsidian spears.
It was said that the walls themselves were imbued with the essence of soul flame, so that the temple would glow faintly for all eternity, its black stone veined with silver light.
The central hall was vast enough to contain all of Underworld population—every hero, god, and divine being of the Underworld could stand within it and still have room to breathe.
Every arch and pillar was carved with ancient runes of life and death, creation and eternity.
Above the grand altar, a single enormous crystal floated, pulsing faintly with divine energy, illuminating the hall in soft shades of blue and gold.
The architects whispered that in the far future, this very place would become the sacred ground where all grand weddings of gods and heroes would be held.
Meanwhile, high above the gleaming streets of Nox, two goddesses stood watching the scene unfold from the balcony of a silver chariot drawn by spectral steeds.
Rhea—the Great Mother, Queen of the Titans, and mother of the Olympians—stood with serene grace beside her eldest daughter, Hestia, the gentle keeper of hearth and home.
Both of them watched as countless souls, spirits, and divine attendants prepared garlands, decorations, and banners adorned with symbols of the King—black lilies entwined with silver laurel leaves.
"The Underworld," Rhea murmured softly, her golden eyes glimmering as she watched the city pulse with life, "has changed greatly since I last descended here. It was once a land of quiet shadows and silence. Now, look at it... it breathes like the world above."
Hestia smiled faintly beside her, her calm, warm gaze following the movement of spirits carrying lanterns through the streets.
"That is Hades’ doing. He brought order, beauty, and meaning even to death. The souls here no longer wander aimlessly—they live with purpose, they dream even after life." Her voice grew soft, tender with pride. "And now, at last, even he has found something to live for."
Just then, their chariot slowed, and the two wondered why and turned to look, they immediately saw Themis approached to greet them.
The Titaness of Justice stood tall and radiant in her ceremonial robes, her scales of balance gleaming faintly with divine light.
Though she once served on Olympus, her loyalty now belonged to Hades, who had granted her the authority to oversee judgment in the Underworld.
Her voice was calm but carried the weight of authority as she bowed respectfully before the two goddesses.
"Rhea, Hestia," Themis greeted, "it is an honor to receive you once again. The King has instructed that you be treated as the highest guests of the realm."
Rhea inclined her head graciously. "It is good to see you, Themis. I hear you have become the voice of justice in this world."
Themis allowed herself a rare smile. "Justice must exist even among the dead, sister. Here, fairness is no longer bound by the whims of the living."
With that, Themis extended her hand, motioning for them to follow as she began to lead them through the streets of Nox.
As they walked, she spoke with quiet pride, describing the city in vivid detail—the way it was structured into seven rings, each dedicated to a different aspect of death and rebirth.
She showed them the radiant bridges over the River Lethe, where heroic spirits who have grown bored of underworld can chose reincarnation would cross after receiving Hades’ blessing.
She pointed toward the Gardens of Demeter, an ethereal field where flowers of light bloomed from the purest souls, glowing eternally under a sky of black diamond.
She spoke of the Halls of Memory, where the stories of mortals who had achieved greatness were engraved into crystalline monoliths, to be remembered until the end of time.
Finally, her gaze lifted toward the heavens of the Underworld—a vast, endless void illuminated by floating islands of black stone.
At the highest point floated the Hanging Fortress of Pluto, Hades’ personal citadel.
It glowed faintly like a dark star, suspended above Nox by the power of his divine will.
Its countless spires pierced the sky, and from its base cascaded a waterfall of pure soul energy that flowed down into the city below like silver rain.
"That," Themis said reverently, "is the Hanging Fortress of Pluto. The King’s home and the throne in which he ruled the underworld."
Rhea’s gaze lingered on the fortress, and for a moment, her expression softened. "He truly has built his own heaven within the realm of death..."
Themis nodded, her eyes, covered in blindfold, glowing faintly. "And soon, it will become home to not just one—but three queens."
At that, Hestia smiled quietly, her heart warm. "Then let us not keep them waiting. I want to see the brides my brother has chosen."
Themis turned to face them, her voice formal yet tinged with warmth. "As you wish. I shall take you now to Hera’s temple. The brides await your presence."
And so, as the divine chariot carried them through the radiant streets of Nox, the bells of the Underworld began to toll once more, announcing to every being, spirits and divine, that the wedding of eternity was about to begin.
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On the sacred grounds of Hera’s temple, the air was heavy with divine fragrance and anticipation.
Inside, the three goddesses stood before tall silver mirrors that reflected not just their beauty, but their very essence as goddesses who had captured the heart of the King of the Underworld himself.
Hera, regal and composed, wore a gown that glimmered faintly like liquid starlight, woven from divine silk spun by the Moirai themselves.
Her silver hair was braided with white lilies and pearls that glowed faintly against the soft luminescence of her skin. Her presence exuded authority and grace, truly like the true Queen of all Queens.
Beside her, Aphrodite radiated warmth and allure, her beauty so breathtaking that even the divine attendants could barely keep their eyes off her.
Her dress was lighter, flowing like the ocean breeze, its fabric tinged faintly with pink and gold.
The goddess of love smiled playfully as the nymphs adjusted her veil, the faint scent of roses trailing behind her every motion.
And then there was Hecate — mysterious, radiant, and serene. Shadows and light both clung to her figure as if uncertain which side to belong to.
Her gown was white, gold at the hems, glowing faintly with ancient runes of moonlight.
Around her shoulders, mist and magic swirled gently like a living veil. Her purple eyes were calm, but beneath that calm was a deep tide of emotion she rarely allowed anyone to see.
Around them, the divine spirits and nymphs moved gracefully.
The Nymphs whispered soft blessings as they tied ribbons, adjusted jewelry, and arranged veils.
Laughter occasionally broke through the silence—soft, musical, full of reverence and affection.
Nekyria, Hades’ daughter, sat upon a crystal chair, nibbling a small piece of ambrosia cake, her eyes gleaming with pride and fondness.
She can finally have three more moms! And they are the big sisters who always takes care of her!
Hera, although Nekyria finds her strict, would sometimes read her bedtime stories and sing lullabies.
Aphrodite was bubbly and would take her around underworld to see many things and give her lots of delicious foods.
Hecate was the one Nekyria likes the most. She always gives her potions with various effects. Like that one potion that Nekyria used to have her hair glow.
Aside from the groom and the brides, she is the happiest person of this marriage.
Demeter stood quietly nearby, her orange hair cascading like wheat in sunlight.
She had a serene smile on her face, the type of smile only a goddess who has seen the rise and fall of ages could wear.
Her heart ached with nostalgia, remembering the young god who once buried himself in solitude and duty.
Now he was about to step into the light again, not as a ruler of the dead, but as a man loved by three goddesses.
Persephone, however, was less composed. She crossed her arms, her cheeks puffed slightly as she glared at Aphrodite — or tried to, at least.
The goddess of beauty noticed and chuckled softly, tilting her head as she teased, "You’re glaring too hard, little flower. You might wrinkle that pretty face of yours."
Persephone huffed, her voice sharp but trembling with embarrassment. "Don’t act all smug, Aphrodite! Just because he chose you doesn’t mean it’s over! One day, Lord Hades will see that I’m better than you!"
Aphrodite only smiled knowingly, her sapphire eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, darling, confidence looks good on you. Keep that spirit, it makes you adorable."
The attendants giggled softly at their exchange, while Hera sighed in amusement and shook her head, murmuring,
"Even on the day of our wedding, you dumb goddess still can’t help but tease Persephone."
Hecate smiled faintly, her tone cool and teasing. "Well, it’s rather cute. I think Persephone really admires Aphrodite since she keeps sticking to her."
Persephone almost choked, "W-Wha!? No I do not! Who would admire her!?"
Aphrodite flipped her hair, "Oh sweet Persephone, the world admires my charm, and the heavens are jealous of my beauty. It’s only natural for you to admire me."
"You wish!"
The room erupted with soft laughter, the tension easing into a warm, radiant atmosphere.
Just then, the door opens, and Themis, with Hestia and Rhea following her, walked in.
Hera and Demeter’s eyes brightened.
"Mother!" But before they can greet her, Aphrodite already appeared before Rhea, clasping her hands, "Mother, I am Aphrodite, one of Hades’ soon-to-be wife, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Rhea blinked, startled, but she soon chuckled in amusement, "Ah, it is nice to meet you as well Aphrodite. Thank you for loving my son, he’s quite a difficult one."
"No, no, that should be my line mother. Thank you for bringing Hades into this world. Without him, I don’t know what kind of state I would be."
Hera and Demeter finally snapped out of it. They have been in a daze since earlier, surprised at how good Aphrodite was in sucking up to her mother-in-law.
"Hey, you dumb goddess! Get your hands off my mom!" Hera glared at the goddess of beauty.
Normally, she would’ve yanked her off by her hair or clothes, but she didn’t do that this time. After all, Aphrodite spent a lot of time and effort to do her hair and dress.
"She’s my mother now too!" Aphrodite sticked out her tongue.
Aphrodite was actually excited thinking of having a mother. After all, she doesn’t have any parents.
Rhea stared at their interaction and she just knew that they get along really well.
That son of his really chose some good girls to bind himself with.