Lyra woke up early, before sunrise.
She dressed quickly in her simple tunic and headed to the village bakery, her family's old shop, now run by neighbors.
Lyra had offered to help them sell bread at the morning market as she used to do.
Acting normal comforted her from all the underworld adventure.
As she arranged fresh loaves on the market stall, Michael appeared beside her, helping without a word just like old times.
Lyra smiled at him, feeling grateful for his friendship and maybe something more, as he had hinted her under the oak tree last night.
The market bustled with villagers buying fresh produce.
Lyra and Michael worked together seamlessly, exchanging warm smiles and occasional touches.
As morning turned into noon, sales slowed down.
Michael turned to Lyra, his eyes sparkling with suggestion.
" Shall we take a break and walk by the river." He asked.
Lyra nodded, heart skipping a beat at the prospect of alone time with Michael.
She covered the remaining bread with cloth and followed him through the village streets.
As they strolled along the calm riverbank, Michael took Lyra's hand gently.
" I'm glad you're back, Lyra, You were missed especially by me." He said,
Suddenly, Lyra felt a chill run down her spine as if someone was watching her from the shadows.
Lyra turned around slowly, scanning the trees and bushes behind them.
At first, she saw nothing, just villagers walking in the distance.
But then, a figure stepped out of the shadows, it was Athena, Greek Goddess of Wisdom, standing before us, her gray eyes fixed on Lyra. I've been sent to protect you, Lyra.
My father Zeus plans to bring you to Olympus.
Michael's eyes widened, clearly unsure what to make of Athena's claim.
"Lyra, what's she talking about?" Micheal asked.
Lyra sighed softly.
" It's connected to Hades, Michael and my time in the Underworld." She replied to his question.
Athena nodded.
" There's no time to explain fully, We must leave now before Zeus' minions arrive."
Lyra hesitated, then turned to Athena.
" I appreciate your warning, but I'll stay here with Michael."
Athena nodded understandingly.
" May the gods watch over you, Lyra."
Athena vanished into thin air – wiping Michael's memory of her short visit with Lyra.
Lyra took his hand, and they continued their walk along the river.
They found a quiet spot with soft sand and sat together, watching the calm water. Michael turned to Lyra, his eyes filled with affection.
" I've wanted to do this for so long," He leaned in close, his lips almost touching hers.
Lyra's heart raced with excitement, Suddenly, the sky darkened as if night fell in an instant.
A cold breeze swept across the river, dust flying everywhere.
Michael pulled back slightly, looking around in surprise.
" What's happening?" He asked.
Lyra knew instantly, this was Hades doing, his underworld power was affecting the mortal world.
Without warning, Michael cried out in pain – a dagger protruded from his chest.
Lyra screamed as he fell into her arms, blood spreading across his wound..
A second dagger flew towards Lyra but this time she dodged it.
But a third struck her shoulder, causing her to collapse beside Michael.
As her vision blurred, Lyra saw the attackers – Zeus' minions, Harpies – invisible to mortals, but not to her.
Suddenly, a dark figure emerged from the shadows – Hades, wielding his long black sword.
He charged towards the Harpies, slashing through the air – his strikes perfectly aimed at the invisible foes.
" Backstabbing cowards." Hades roared, his sword slicing a Harpy's wing.
"Leave her alone."
The Harpies screeched, retreating into the sky – but not before one of them struck Hades' chest with a poisoned dart.
Hades stumbled back, eyes widening in shock.
" No, not again." He said.
Lyra crawled towards Hades, her shoulder wound burning.
" No, what have they done to you?" She cried.
Hades collapsed onto his knees, the poison spreading fast. .
" Lyra, you're hurt too." He said.
She shook her head, tears falling, " that doesn't matter, why didn't you save yourself." She asked.
He just looked at her, his eyes filled with a deep affection
" I would rather die than leave you, especially after what I just saw, you with him, happy, Lyra's eyes widened slightly, Hades was jealous of Michael."
But before she could respond, Hades' body slumped forward , unconscious from the poison.
Michael laid dead beside them and Lyra felt her own strength fading.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching – Athena and Poseidon appeared, looking shocked at the scene before them.
Athena rushed to Lyra's side, examining her wound quickly.
"This is Zeus' doing, through his Harpies." Athena said.
" We must act fast , if we want to save both of them." Poseidon said, as he gently lifted Hades' unconscious body.
" I'll take my brother to the Underworld, our healers will save him, while you take Lyra to Olympus – Hera will save her."
Athena nodded, scooping Lyra into her arms.
"Hold on, Lyra, we'll save you both and bring Zeus to justice for this. "
Athena soared through the skies with Lyra, leaving Poseidon to descend into the Underworld with Hades.
Soon, Athena landed on Mount Olympus – in front of Hera's palace.
Hera, Zeus' wife and queen, rushed out to meet them.
" What madness is this, Athena," she asked.
Hera lost her word upon seeing Lyra's wound.
"Zeus has lost his mind." Hera said, as Athena laid Lyra on a nearby couch.
"His Harpies attacked her and Hades, Mother, while Michael, her mortal friend, is dead." Athena explained the situation to her.
Hera's expression turned grim.
" I will heal Lyra but Zeus will pay for this atrocity."
As Hera began chanting healing spells, Lyra felt her strength returning slowly but grief for Michael still lingered.
Just as Lyra sat up fully healed, Hades appeared in the doorway – his dark eyes locking onto hers.
" You're safe, Thank the gods." Lyra said.
He looked paler than usual, but Poseidon stood behind him, a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Lyra rushed to Hades, embracing him tightly.
"I'm so glad you're okay, I was terrified I had lost you too."
Hades wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
" I will always come back to you, Lyra." He said.
Hera cleared her throat softly, interrupting their intimate moment.
"We must discuss Zeus' punishment, His actions demand severe consequences."
Athena nodded vigorously.
" I agree with Mother, Father's behavior is treasonous – against both mortals and gods." Athena stated
Hades released Lyra slowly, his expression turning cold.
" I have a punishment in mind, one that fits Zeus' crimes perfectly." Hades' voice was low and menacing.
" We will overthrow him, then lock Zeus in Tartarus – the deepest, darkest prison in my realm."
Poseidon nodded firmly.
"My trident will ensure no sea creature interferes." Poseidon said.
Athena drew her sword.
" My wisdom and strategy will guide our attack."
Hera stood tall, her maternal rage unleashed.
" I will rally the other gods against my husband."
Just as they concluded their plan .
Zeus appeared in the doorway – a sly smile spreading across his face.
" Foolish family, I've anticipated your betrayal." He said
He raised a small, ornate box, the Pandora's Box , a legendary container of evils.
"This will ensure my victory," Zeus said .
Zeus opened the box, releasing dark tendrils of smoke.
The smoke wrapped around Hera, Poseidon, and Athena – petrifying them instantly.
Hades grabbed Lyra's hand, pulling her into a swift escape.
We must flee – now!
As they ran through Olympus corridors, Lyra glanced back at the horrifying scene.
"What have we gotten ourselves into Hades?" she asked.