Related Chapters
The Return of the Hades Regrets
47Theodore stumbled back, hand flying to his reddened cheek, eyes wide with shock and disbelief. Felicia's mouth hung open, her previous arrogance now replaced by a fear that chilled her to the bone."Show some respect," Flint growled, his voice low and dangerous. "This man, is not who you think he is. He is Commandant French, a hero of the highest order, and you would do well to remember that."But Theodore, ever the fool, found the audacity to retort through gritted teeth, his own fists now clenched in a futile gesture of defiance. "A hero? This... healer? You expect us to believe that?"Felicia, though visibly shaken, tried to stand by her husband's side, her voice quivering as she spoke. "Yes, it's... it's impossible. We refuse to believe such nonsense."Darien, who had been a silent observer to the escalating confrontation, finally stepped forward. His coolness was a stark contrast to the heated exchanges, his demeanor calm and composed."Believe what you will," Darien said, his
The Return of the Hades Shop1
48Once outside, Flint quickly caught up to Darien, matching his pace with a sense of urgency. "Commandant... I mean Hades" Flint began, his voice low and filled with a mix of confusion and disbelief. "How... how are you still among the living? We mourned you. I thought you were dead."Darien, walking with a steady pace, kept his gaze forward. His face was calm, but the tightness around his eyes betrayed the pain and fatigue that lay beneath. "I was meant to be," he said, his voice just above a whisper. "But fate had other plans."Flint's steps faltered for a moment, his mind racing. The revelation shook him to his core. He had looked up to Darien, known as Hades, for his unmatched leadership and the victories he led Usatti to. The thought that he had been alive all this while, hidden in shadows, was almost too much to process."But why? Why let us believe you were gone?" Flint asked, his brows furrowed, trying to understand.Darien stopped walking and turned to face Flint. "After th
The Return of the Hades Mockeries at the shop
49Despite the varying look of disdain, shock and disbelief that was thrown at him, Darien dismissed their looks and trudged forward to where the bratty receptionist stood waiting with malevolent intent,As he walked the short distance, that ironically felt long, he could still hear their derogatory comments.“Must be lost or something, maybe he thinks this is an antique store.”One man scoffed to his companion,"He looks like a deer caught in the headlights, they better keep an eye on him. He probably is here on ulterior motive,” the woman leaned to her companion’s ear, and conspiratorially whispered-yelled for the benefits of all,“They better keep an eye on him. He probably is here to steal, that coat must have compartments to aid in his mission."The few people who had heard her comment, nodded their heads in agreement and looked at Darien’s direction.Darien was unmoved by their remarks, his sole mission was to get the gown that had caught his attention, and as he thought of Lavin
The Return of the Hades You're next on the list!
50Darien and customer spoke at once, and all eyes turned to Darien, as they began to chuckle in a disbelieving manner, humour colouring their feature."Did I just hear him correctly? Wants to buy the moon, does he?""He's certainly joking, I must tell you!” "Oh, sure, and I'm here to purchase Jupiter. Got a good deal on its moons?"Laughing, another one said, "Maybe he's looking for a good lunar property. Heard the Sea of Tranquility is lovely this time of year." "I've got some oceanfront property on Mars to sell him next!" "Next, he'll be asking for the rings of Saturn as a wedding gift. Can you imagine?"Chucklingy, someone said, "my friend, the only moon you'll own is the one in your dreams.""Better start saving now; the lunar market is really taking off!" "Wait, let me guess, he plans to commute from Earth on his private spaceship?" "And I was just considering buying the Sun, but I was worried about the heating bills. Any advice, Darien?"The laughter and mockeries filled t
The Return of the Hades Wizard!!!
51The man Darien pointed to, flinched to the book and gaped at him, as he absentmindedly pointed at his chest, he gasped before he stuttered out,“H-hey! Take that back! Do you think I'm like the lady over there who you casted your stupid spell over?!” He snarled and snapped at Darien, before he stomped his feet, “Well news flash! I'm not!"Darien quirked his eyebrows at him and shook his head, there was no need to try to explain anything to a dead horse.The people began to murmur amongst themselves, they didn't know what to make of the situation, the lady was lying unconscious on the floor just as soon as the man had spoken, and now he had targeted another fellow, they truly didn't know what to make of the situation. It was disturbing and alarming to say the least.In a split second, as everyone's eyes darted between Darien and the said man, their widened eyes trying to take in whatever drama that would occur.“This man is a wizard!"“Next thing we'll hear is someone's going to die
The Return of the Hades Save their lives
52Darien looked the man over and smiled calmly, the echoes and agreements of all the other patrons did nothing to sway him."Yes! I support!""Someone have the police on dial!""This man should really be arrested!"Darien’s smile widened slightly, a mixture of amusement and regret evident in his eyes. “I assure you, I have done nothing that needs undoing. My intentions here were never to harm or frighten anyone.” His voice was steady, cutting through the crescendo of accusations and panic.The crowd, however, was not easily placated. Fear had taken root, and with it, the need for a scapegoat.“But you did something to him!” a woman shouted, pointing at the man struggling for breath on the floor.“And about her, the lady!” another chimed in, her voice tinged with hysteria.Darien sighed, his gaze sweeping over the faces around him, each twisted in fear, suspicion, or anger. “Fear often leads us to seek blame outside ourselves. These...incidents, though unfortunate, are not of my makin
The Return of the Hades Eveline Carter
53As Darien stepped out into the cool evening air, the noise of the shop's interior felt like a world away. He had barely taken a few steps when a voice called out to him, "Wait, please!"Turning, Darien saw a woman hurrying towards him. She was striking, with long, wavy auburn hair that caught the fading sunlight, and green eyes that sparkled with a mix of urgency and hope. She was slightly out of breath when she reached him, her chest rising and falling rapidly beneath her simple but elegant dress.Darien's brow arched in curiosity. "Can I help you?" he asked, noting the earnest look on her face.She nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I... I saw what you did back there. In the shop."He regarded her quietly for a moment, "And?"She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I'm Eveline Carter," she said, extending a hand, which Darien took, noticing her fingers were cold."Darien French," he replied with a nod, releasing her hand.Eveline bit her lip, her eyes searchin
The Return of the Hades Dr. Leroy
54Eveline's eyes turned molten as she glared at him, with her eyes throwing daggers,she replied him via a set jaw,“Unlike you, I made an attempt to find a cure for Emily! What have you done Ethan?! All you do is stand and judge people! Show me some damn respect and give me some damn accolades for my effort.”While she spoke, her chest was heaving rapidly and her fists was clenched tightly, her brother was her undoing, still glaring at him, she questioned through gritted teeth once more, “I repeat, what have you done?!"“At least he didn't bring some lowlife pathetic looking drag into the sanctity of our home!”The clear voice rang out causing Eveline to gasp and bite her lips tightly, tears glistened her eyes as she glanced over at her mother. Lady Elizabeth faced her daughter with a scowling face, sneering as she did. Lady Elizabeth could barely cast a glance at Darien, for she felt insulted by his presence.Darien stared at the lady and wondered to himself if he was the one she ha
Latest Chapter
- The Return of the Hades
167
167The mayor's eyes widened in surprise at Lavinia's bold declaration, a flicker of fear crossing his features before he quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Of course, Ms. Luciano," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I'll do everything in my power to assist you in your investigation."But as Darien and Lavinia left the mayor's office, they knew they couldn't trust him. As Darien and Lavinia exited the mayor's office, their minds still reeling from the encounter, they were suddenly confronted with an unexpected sight. Standing before them, blocking their path, were Cersei, her brother Bennett, and their mother Marcela.Darien's jaw clenched instinctively as he locked eyes with Cersei, the source of so much turmoil in their lives. He could feel Lavinia tensing beside him, her anger palpable in the air.Cersei's lips curled into a malicious smirk as she regarded Darien with contempt, her eyes flashing with animosity. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the noble
- The Return of the Hades
166
164One week had passed since Darien's intense battle with Gangatsu. The victory had left him physically exhausted but emotionally elated. As he sat in his study, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on his mind, he poured over maps and scrolls, searching for any clue that could lead them to Emma.Lavinia entered the room, her expression grave and her brow furrowed with worry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of how Darien would react to the news she bore."Sir French," she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "there's something you need to know."Darien glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What is it, Lavinia?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension. "What's happened?"Lavinia took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Darien's heart skipped a beat, a cold feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "Try me," he re
- The Return of the Hades
165
165One week had passed since Darien's intense battle with Gangatsu. The victory had left him physically exhausted but emotionally elated. As he sat in his study, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on his mind, he poured over maps and scrolls, searching for any clue that could lead them to Emma.Lavinia entered the room, her expression grave and her brow furrowed with worry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of how Darien would react to the news she bore."Sir French," she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "there's something you need to know."Darien glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What is it, Lavinia?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension. "What's happened?"Lavinia took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Darien's heart skipped a beat, a cold feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "Try me," he rep
- The Return of the Hades
164
164Darien's heart pounded in his chest as he dodged Gangatsu's lethal strikes, his muscles burning with exertion. He couldn't afford to lose focus now, not when victory was within reach.Gangatsu's lips curled into a cruel smile as he lunged forward once more, his movements swift and deadly. "You can't escape, Darien," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Your fate is sealed."Darien gritted his teeth, his mind racing as he searched for a way to turn the tide. He couldn't let Gangatsu win - not after all they had been through. With a determined growl, he launched himself at his opponent, fists flying in a desperate flurry of blows.Each strike landed with satisfying force, driving Gangatsu further back with every blow. But the villain was relentless, his attacks coming with ferocious speed and precision."You think you can defeat me?" Gangatsu sneered, his eyes burning with hatred. "You're nothing but a foolish child."Darien's blood boiled at the insult, fueling his determina
- The Return of the Hades
163
163Darien made his way back home, the weight of the night's events heavy on his shoulders. With each step, his mind churned with thoughts of Emma and the dangerous journey ahead. He couldn't afford to fail her, not after everything she meant to him.As he entered his home, Lavinia approached him, her expression a mix of concern and hope. "Sir French, did you find her?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.Darien's heart sank as he met her gaze. "Unfortunately, no," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But I promise you, Lavinia, I'll do everything in my power to bring her back safely."Lavinia's eyes brimmed with tears, her hands trembling at her sides. "Oh, sir French," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "She's like family to us. I can't bear the thought of her in danger."Darien's chest tightened with emotion as he reached out to comfort her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I know, Lavinia," he murmured, his voice soft with empathy. "But we have
- The Return of the Hades
162
162Gangatsu staggered backwards under the force of Darien's onslaught, surprise and fury mingling on his bloodied face. "How?!" he spat through clenched teeth. "The poison should have weakened you!"Darien drove forward with relentless intensity. "It'll take more than that to keep me down," he growled. Gangatsu rallied, blocking the blows with growing desperation. But Darien was in his element now, striking with lightning speed and laser focus. Gangatsu's defenses slowly crumbled under the assault.Finding an opening, Darien landed a crushing blow to Gangatsu's jaw, followed by a punishing kick to his midsection. Gangatsu crashed to the ground, gasping for breath. But he was far from beaten. With a roar of rage, he swept his leg in an attempt to trip Darien. Darien leapt nimbly over the attack and responded with a flurry of punches, driving Gangatsu further back. "Give up!" Darien demanded through gritted teeth. But Gangatsu only snarled, launching himself back into the fray with
- The Return of the Hades
161
Darien squared his shoulders, his gaze unwavering as he met Gangatsu's chilling stare. "I'm here, Gangatsu," he replied, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "Ready to settle this once and for all."Gangatsu's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Bold words, Sir French. But words won't save you now." He gestured towards the clearing where they stood, surrounded by the towering trees of the forest. "Shall we begin?"Darien nodded, his hand hovering near the holster of his gun. "Let's not waste any time."Without a word, Gangatsu lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. Darien barely had time to react, ducking and weaving to avoid the flurry of blows raining down on him. His heart pounded in his chest as he fought to keep pace with Gangatsu's relentless assault."You're not bad, French," Gangatsu taunted, his voice dripping with condescension. "But you're out of your league here."Darien gritted his teeth, his muscles burning wi
- The Return of the Hades
160
160Darien made his way back home, the weight of the night's events heavy on his shoulders. With each step, his mind churned with thoughts of Emma and the dangerous journey ahead. He couldn't afford to fail her, not after everything she meant to him.As he entered his home, Lavinia approached him, her expression a mix of concern and hope. "Sir French, did you find her?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.Darien's heart sank as he met her gaze. "Unfortunately, no," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But I promise you, Lavinia, I'll do everything in my power to bring her back safely."Lavinia's eyes brimmed with tears, her hands trembling at her sides. "Oh, sir French," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "She's like family to us. I can't bear the thought of her in danger."Darien's chest tightened with emotion as he reached out to comfort her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I know, Lavinia," he murmured, his voice soft with empathy. "But we have
- The Return of the Hades
159
159As Darien left the room, his mind swirled with thoughts. He knew trusting Barnet was a risk, but finding Emma took priority. He strode through the halls, footsteps echoing with purpose.Barnet scrambled after him, still shaken. "The Shadow Broker frequents The Drunken Rogue tavern at dusk," he informed. "I'll send word of your meeting. But come alone - he's paranoid."Darien stopped and turned, eyes boring into Barnet's. "This had better not be a trap. For your sake."Barnet nodded fervently. "I want this nightmare to end as much as you. Please...just spare me once you have her." Without waiting for a reply, he scurried away like a frightened rat.Darien sighed heavily. As much as he hated it, Barnet may be his only lead. He had to take the chance.Night fell as he entered the tavern. Patrons drank and gambled rowdily, paying him no mind. Scanning the dim room, his eyes fell upon a hooded figure in the corner, sipping alone.He approached cautiously. "The Shadow Broker, I presume?