33 Hecate The Witch Queen...

Hades POV

After reaffirming their oaths, Pallas and Styx did not stay for long. Instead, they chose to explore the Underworld to become comfortable in their new home.

After the tumultuous events that had taken place in my once bustling throne room, I finally found myself back in my imposing seat. The silence that had replaced the chaos was a welcome relief, but I knew there was still work to be done. I surveyed the empty space before me, considering the weight of my responsibility. With a deep breath, I resolved to see the task through to the end. 

Having gained the loyalty of the children of Nyx, established my rule over the five rivers of the Underworld, and surprisingly gained the allegiance of Pallas, only a few minor deities of the Cthonic realm who had yet to pledge their loyalty to me. While I was confident that most of them would eventually come to me, having recognized that they had no place in the world of Gaea, there remained one last immortal whose allegiance I needed to secure - the powerful Hecate.

Many gods and goddesses are known throughout Greek mythology for their power and influence. However, among them all, Hecate stands out as one of the most important. This is not only because of her immense power but also because of her ability to control the Mist. This power would prove invaluable in the future, as it would separate the Immortal world from the mortal one.

Hecate was also known for being the mother of the Empousai, the Greek mythology equivalent of vampires. Her connection to these beings only added to her impressive reputation as a powerful and influential deity.

Suffice to say it was important I earned her allegiance.

Typically, it would be a challenge to locate the elusive Goddess of Magic. But luckily, I was the God of Divination, which meant that without Ananke's intervention, it was almost impossible to conceal one's location from my scrying abilities.

It was surprising to learn that the place where she lived was nestled among several less prominent mountains that encircled Othrys. However, concealing oneself in plain sight can sometimes be an effective tactic.

I shed my regal attire and relinquished my crown, donning a plain black chiton instead. As I stepped into the darkness of Erebus, its embrace carried me swiftly toward the looming mountain cave of Hecate. The shadows seemed to converge around me, shrouding me in a veil of mystery as I drew closer to my destination. Finally, I arrived at the foot of the mountain.

As I began my ascent up the mountain, I moved with quiet footsteps, not wanting to alert anyone to my presence. Surprisingly, Hecate, the Goddess of Magic, had neglected to cast protective spells to deter potential intruders. I found it relatively easy to locate and approach the entrance to her hidden cave. Despite her godly powers, it seemed that Hecate had grown complacent in her isolation, making my journey up the mountain smoother than I had anticipated.

As I approached the entrance, two empousai with stunning blond hair and alluring features blocked my path. They seemed nervous, but their beauty was undeniable, and it was clear that they could lure men into their trap. However, having spent much time surrounded by Goddesses, I was not easily deceived. While I could appreciate their beauty, I remained utterly immune to their charms.

As my pride swelled within me, I felt an urge to obliterate Hecate's daughters for daring to oppose me. However, I quickly realized that such an approach wouldn't be the best way to start my negotiations with Hecate. Despite the difficulty, I exercised restraint and shrouded them in a cloak of shadows, allowing me to move forward with my walk without any hindrance.

Upon entering Hecate's abode, I was immediately struck by the sheer amount of Magic that seemed to permeate every inch of the place. The walls themselves appeared to be intricately woven with mystical energy, imbuing the entire structure with an otherworldly sense of stability and strength. Various curious and ancient artifacts scattered about the room, each seeming to pulse with a faint but undeniable aura of arcane power. And then there were the potions - bubbling, hissing concoctions that seemed to defy explanation or reason, each resulting from some intricate and esoteric alchemical process. All in all, it was a place that felt simultaneously wondrous and dangerous, a testament to the incredible power and knowledge of its enigmatic owner.

A strong sense of caution crept in as I wrapped up my thoughts. The realization hit me hard - I was now in Hecate's realm, and it was crucial to be mindful of my steps. Even though I was confident in my abilities to confront Hecate, it would be unwise to challenge her in her seat of power.

As I stood there, I heard a voice that seemed to come out of nowhere. "Why would a son of Kronos dare to enter my realm so brazenly?" I turned around and saw the stunning figure of the Goddess of Magic, her beauty leaving me in awe.

The woman's body was incredibly inviting, with curves that seemed to be made for embracing. Her figure was accentuated by her flowing black dress, which split at the sides, revealing her legs' soft, pale flesh. The dress was cut in a perfect triangle, revealing just enough of her ample bosom to capture your attention. Her physical features were nothing short of perfection. Her regal bearing was immediately apparent, and her long, flowing black hair seemed to shimmer with a purplish hue. Her eyes were absolutely enchanting, alight with a green flame that seemed to draw you in. It was impossible not to be captivated by her ethereal beauty - she was truly one of the most stunning beings I had ever laid eyes on.

The company of numerous goddesses led me to believe I had grown immune to beauty. But Hecate proved me wrong. Her presence was a striking reminder that true beauty can still take one's breath away. Her aura radiated an otherworldly charm that was impossible to ignore.

How she was connected to the Underworld and how Magic seemed intertwined with my domain of Forbidden Knowledge made her divine nature even more alluring than her physical features.

After returning to my senses, I addressed the figure, "Hecate, the mighty Goddess of Magic, did you think you could remain hidden here forever?" Despite my words, the deity remained expressionless, so I continued, "You ought to be grateful that it was I who stumbled upon you instead of my siblings; they wouldn't be as merciful as I am."

I knew my brothers well, and them finding Hecate all alone like this wouldn't have ended well, ignoring the dark feelings that swelled up at the thought...

"I appreciate your concern for my safety, son of Kronos," she said calmly, but I sensed a hint of tension in her muscles. "But rest assured, I have managed to evade the lust of many Titans long before your birth." Despite her confident tone, her guarded posture gave away the gravity of the situation.

"Although you may dismiss my worries as unfounded, I implore you to consider the potential consequences. Given the vast capabilities you possess, it would be imprudent to leave you unsupervised. My family will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on you should you choose to remain here. Inevitably, they will eventually discover your presence." My tone was firm and resolute, conveying the gravity of the situation.

Hecate spoke with a calm and collected tone, her eyes fixed on me. "As you know, your brother has chosen to spare the Titanesses, granting them the freedom to roam Gaea as long as they remain loyal to Olympus. It begs the question, why would my fate be any different?"

"I want to point out that you, unlike the others, pose a threat, and the destiny of your fellow Titanesses may not be as optimistic as you believe. Think about why my brother felt it necessary to safeguard them from the depths of Tartarus," I tried to convince. "He didn't do this just out of the goodness of his heart."

In a brief moment, Hecate's nearly perfect composure faltered, revealing the anxiety that lay hidden behind her veneer of self-assurance. "So, did you travel all this distance just to alert me about your relatives?" she inquired, her voice laced with unease.

"I'm afraid you already know that we, the Cthonic Gods, aren't welcome on Gaea," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. "But if you swear to me, I can offer you sanctuary in the Underworld," I spoke softly, hoping to persuade her with my words.

Hecate's gaze shifted toward my direction, and her eyes narrowed as if she was scrutinizing me. After a brief examination, she appeared content with whatever she was looking for, and her expression softened. "Let me get this straight," she said with a sarcastic smirk, "all I have to do is pledge my eternal loyalty, and you'll shield me from your family?"

"Swearing oaths to someone is inevitable, but why not swear to me instead of my brother?" I continued persuading her, noticing her contemplating. "I'll grant you full freedom to use your magical abilities and provide you and your children with shelter and safety in the Underworld."

"Very well," she responded confidently, a smug smirk spreading across her lips. "However, I must inform you that in exchange for my fealty, you will be required to become my apprentice and learn from me."

"I don't think this should be a deal breaker; instead, I find it a fantastic opportunity. The idea of being able to control the Mist and discover the secrets of Magic is truly intriguing, but I can't help but wonder - what drives you to want to teach me?" I inquired with genuine curiosity.

Hecate's lips curved up in a sly smile, and she addressed me in a tone that bordered on playful. "If you aspire to dominate me, you must possess a fundamental understanding of Magic. I cannot pledge allegiance to an unrefined brute who lacks even the most basic grasp of the intricate and complex art of Magic."

As soon as she uttered those words, I felt a sudden constriction in my throat, as if I had swallowed something too big to go down. I was taken aback, and before I could even gather my thoughts, she spoke again, the tone of her voice now more grave and weighty. "You should know that your Forbidden Knowledge domain is not merely limited to discovering secrets. It holds within it the power to manipulate the dark aspects of Magic - a skill that will be crucial for you to master if you wish to reign as the King of The Underworld and survive the dangerous challenges that await you."

"Then we agree, oh great Goddess of Crossroads. I, Hades, do at this moment swear that you, Hecate, and all those who share your Ichor, will always have a place by my hearth. The protection of the Underworld will be yours as long as your service remains faithful." These words echoed like thunder across the mountain range, and I had no doubt they would reach Olympus, which would no doubt cause my brother to kick up a fuss.

As I stood before Hecate, she lowered herself in a bow before me. Her voice resonated with power as she spoke, "As the Goddess of Magic, The Mist, Crossroads, Necromancy, and The Night, I pledge my eternal loyalty to you, Hades. I vow always to serve you and uphold my oath until the end of time." 

As her pledge of loyalty reached my ears, I watched in awe as a green glow enveloped Hecate, illuminating the darkness around us. The sky above us darkened, and the sound of thunder grew louder, warning of my brother's increasing anger and disapproval of our alliance. Despite this, I stood tall, feeling reassured by Hecate's unwavering dedication to me.

As the darkness of Erebus enveloped us, I felt a sense of weightlessness, as if the ground beneath my feet had disappeared. Hecate, the goddess of Magic and witchcraft, and her children were by my side, and together, we descended into the depths of the Underworld. 

After successfully acquiring Hecate's allegiance and the potential to master the art of Magic, I felt a profound sense of contentment. Even the prospect of listening to Zeus' constant complaints about my recent actions failed to diminish my elation.

After all, everything seemed to be going well for the God of the Dead...