1. Topside

L oneliness grows slowly, twisting its hold around you like a rabid vine, growing and covering you until you can't escape.

As I walk down the halls of the palace I feel that familiar ache start creeping in.

Generally, I would distract myself with the souls I oversee or sparring, but it's growing harder and harder to ignore.

Stalking down the hallway, I stop so quickly I nearly topple over.

Maybe it's time...

" Lainie! "

My voice echoes through the empty halls accompanied by the loud clicking of my heels as I resume my search. The combined sounds bounce off the slick black granite wall that make up the labyrinth of my palace.

Where is that girl? You'd think after centuries at my side, I would know where to find her.

Lainie is the only servant who is loyal and trustworthy, she does the job of a dozen and doesn't bat an eye.

Even if she is a servant, we've grown close over the years. But the halls are far too empty with only her as company.

I love that she is here with me as my constant companion, but I long for the touch of a man. It's been decades since Seph and I broke up.

I start my search in the kitchen, the sleek blood red appliances hum but the room is empty. I head to the lounge, maybe she's tucked in watching one of her shows, but the empty black couch tells me that I'm wrong. After scouring all the other rooms of the palace in search of my missing servant, I finally locate her in the library.

There she sits in front of the fire, nose stuck in a book and utterly ignoring my calls. This is Lainie's favorite room, the walls lined with shelves full of books. They range from classics to modern day new releases.

Why didn't I think to explore this room first?

Oblivious to anything but what she holds in her hands, she doesn't notice when I lazily stroll up behind her. A wicked grin spreads across my face as I lean in close, my blue hair swinging almost too close and giving me away.

"Lainie," I whisper in her ear. Startled, she sends her book flying into the air. With a swipe of my hand, the weathered tome soars back to its spot on the shelf, instead of the fireplace where it had been heading.

"Lady Hades," she exclaims, her hand resting on her chest as she takes in heaving breaths. "I'm sorry. Did you call for me? That book is enthralling! Please, forgive me."

She stands and her eyes fall to the floor, "I'll do better to keep an ear out next time."

I wave off her excuse. After spending my time looking for her I don't want to focus on anything else .

"I have come to a decision, Lainie," I say, raising my chin and straightening my spine.

"Lady Hades?" she gasps, a dainty hand covering her mouth. "You mean…"

"I will no longer wait in the dark of the Underworld until my one true love arrives. I'm going to reap his soul."

"It's about time, my Lady, and what is it that you need from me?" Lainie questions with a huge smile on her lips.

"Please book me a suite, I will start my search in Vegas," I inform her as I return her smile. Lanie seems to melt at my words.

"Oh, Hades, Sin City, what I wouldn't give to go with you," she replies with a wistful sigh. "What made you decide to begin there?"

"The location is comparable to the Underworld—surrounded by a lot of nothing and glorious heat. I think if I am to find my mate, that's as good of a place to start as any. If I return empty handed, at least I know that I didn't just sit around and do nothing," I say as I prop my elbow on a high backed chair opposite of Lainie.

As if on cue for his dinnertime meal, in trots my precious pup, Cerberus, tail wagging as he places two of his heads on Lainie's lap and extends the last toward me. I reach down, scratching his soft smoky gray fur behind his ear as he nuzzles my arm in contentment. He smells like embers and a small tuft of smoke forms above his nose as he sighs in contentment. His icy blue eyes on each head scan the room once more before all six land on Lainie.

"I swear, Lainie, if I didn't know better, I would think that Cerberus likes you more than me."

"He is only sucking up because I'm the one that feeds him," she replies with a laugh. Her fingers dig into his scruff on both necks so his tongues lull out.

So much for a fierce, three-headed hellhound.

"You make a valid point. However," I pull my gaze from my adorable Cerberus and level her with a serious look, "I want you to get the reservations in order. I would like to get the hunt started as soon as I can."

"Of course. Come, Cerberus. I'll get your supper ready and do the mistress's bidding."

With both of them gone again I'm left by myself once more. Something I was quickly starting to loathe.

I stroll back to my chambers as my loneliness consumes me. Each clack on the smooth floor, echoes that remind me just how alone I am. I may deal with the dead, but I want to feel alive, to fill my castle with more than just darkness and silence.

With a wave of my hand my door creaks open to reveal my room. Instead of flicking on the lights I opt for the warm fire of my torches. They cast the room in a familiar glow that does nothing to stave off the sadness creeping into me. Even though I added electricity to the palace, mostly for Lainie's convenience, I prefer the torch light.

Instead of settling somewhere comfortable I head for the bathroom, the torches flare to life the moment I enter.

What I need is a change. I can't go to Vegas looking like I do. It might be Sin City but I look every bit like a creature from the underworld.

In the flickering torch light, I take in my reflection and begin my transformation.

My brothers and I are gifted with the magic to change our appearance at will. Sadly, first to go is my pale blue skin that I trade for a warm ivory. It's not a bad look on me, but I prefer my natural coloring .

Next up is my hair, I love my azure locks with electric blue highlights. Seeing the change leaves me heartbroken, but I wave a hand and my blue fades to golden blonde.

As I gape at the woman staring back, I can hardly believe my icy blue eyes. Fuck, now I see where Aphrodite gets her beauty.

But this isn't me.

With a huff I wave my hand over my hair and grin as a few of my highlights flare back to life. They don't have the same glow but they're more ‘me' than before.Until I look down.

My black long sleeve button up shirt, matching pencil skirt, black pantyhose, and heels are a bit too formal.

With a snap of my fingers, my outfit is replaced with a dark, blood red halter top cocktail gown. My bland black heels are replaced with a new pair of sparkling red ones.

Even I admit that I look hot as… well, hell.

"Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore," Lainie calls from the doorway.

A laugh escapes my lips as I turn toward her. "Too over the top?"

She whistles, her green eyes sparkling with amusement, "It's hot as Hades in here."

"Now I know why I keep you around," I tease. "Were you able to get me a suite?"

"Yes, of course. There's a new hotspot in Vegas for the rich and powerful. It's a hotel and casino right on the strip called 4 Horses. The decor is an amazing mix of each of the four horsemen, can you believe it? What better place for Hades… am I right?" she asks as she hands me a small handbag. Her light, easy laughter fills some of the emptiness inside of me.

"Lainie, I'm going to miss you. I don't know how long I'll be gone. I will make sure the other's know that you are in charge in my absence."

This was the first time I've left the Underworld in a millennia I was freaking out a little just thinking about it. Lainie was more than capable of running it, but what if it took months to find what I was searching for. Could I find my soul-mate, would Vegas be where he was hiding?

"Lady Hades, you don't need to worry, I'll just be a phone call away. I mean, the cell service down here is a nightmare, but my phone will be on me at all times. Texting will be the best way to reach me. If that doesn't work, please try the mirror. There is nothing you can't handle," she assures me.

"Pssh, going topside isn't what worries me. It's the mortal dating. I'm ancient, what do I know of their rituals? It's been so long since I've mingled with mortals. Gods… I may come back empty handed. What if I am doomed to rule alone?"

The loneliness switched to panic and I had to take a deep breath as fire started to roar around me. Even Lanie took a few steps back.

"Well, I'm sure your brothers can help you in that area. They are topside more than they like to admit. They may have some sound advice."

"I'd rather spend eternity having both eyes pecked out than take their advice," I groan and shake my head in protest. There are some lines that you just don't cross.

Laughter rumbles in her chest. "Then stop worrying. You'll do just fine; take your time and relax a little. Don't let this stress you out. I filled your purse with any mortal items you may need, including your cell phone, ID, credit cards, as well as currency. Take care and enjoy this journey! I'm delighted that you are doing something so proactive. "

With a burst of flames I'm no longer in hell. Instead I'm in the middle of a busy lobby. Peeking around the pillar I materialized behind, my eyes widen at how many people fill the space.

"I'm definitely not in Hell."