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The Return of the Hades two slaps
19Cersei's heart skipped a beat as Lavinia stepped forward, the crowd parting like the sea for Moses. This couldn't be the same Lavinia she had crossed swords with just days ago. That slap still stung, Turning to the mayor, her voice quivered, betraying her rising panic. "You... you know her?" she stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief.Mayor Thompson, looking somewhat puzzled by Cersei's sudden unease, nodded. "Yes, Miss Smith, I've had the pleasure. I'm acquiring the Golden Apple as a gift for Miss Lavinia Luciano," he said, his tone proud, as if announcing this was a coup for him.Cersei's mind raced, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. 'Lavinia? A big shot? But how? Last I knew, she was nothing, a nobody,' her thoughts screamed. Her fists clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms as she fought to maintain a semblance of composure. "I...I had no idea," she managed to say, her voice a mix of confusion and fear. 'This changes everything. If Lavinia is the one behind the G
The Return of the Hades Hand the combination!
20As the spotlight shone on Darien, surprised murmurs rippled through the crowd. Darien stood tall yet calm, meeting Lavinia's steady gaze with gratitude. Lavinia turned to Cersei, her eyes hard. "You have shown your true colors, Cersei. Accusing an honest man while peddling your own lies." With a swift motion, Lavinia raised her hand and struck Cersei across the face. The sharp crack of impact rang out across the silent plaza, followed by collective inhales of surprise from the gathered crowd. Cersei cried out, more in shock than pain, as she reeled backwards. Her hands flew up instinctively to clutch her reddening face, unable to believe what had just transpired. Warm tears sprang unbidden to her eyes, spilling unrestrained down her ashen cheeks. This was no mere slap - it was a brutal blow, charged with venomous fury. Cersei's skin burned as if branded, the heat spreading through her entire being. She had felt Lavinia's wrath once before, just days prior, but this strike far
The Return of the Hades Hospital
21Cersei stood there, her whole body trembling with a mixture of rage, humiliation, and an overwhelming sense of defeat. Her mind was a tumultuous storm of thoughts and emotions, each wave crashing harder than the last. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, drawing blood. Her teeth gritted so hard she feared they might crack. "No," she whispered fiercely to herself, "I won't give them the satisfaction."Lavinia, her brow arched in expectation, extended her hand. "The combination, Cersei. Now," she demanded, her voice cold and commanding.Cersei's eyes rolled defiantly, her pride the last vestige of her crumbling facade. "Never," she spat out, her voice quivering with a mix of fear and defiance. "You'll never get it from me."Lavinia glared at her, her eyes cold. "Pride will be your downfall, Cersei. Do not test me further." But Cersei was past the point of reason, consumed by wounded ego and spite. "You think you've won?" she sneered. "You know nothin
The Return of the Hades Difficult decision
22The old man rushed through the hospital doors, Darien close behind carrying a small bag. "This way," the man said, breathless with worry.They arrived at a room where a little girl lay lay pale and weak in the bed. At the sound of footsteps, her eyes fluttered open weakly. "Grandpa?" she called in a frail voice."I'm here sweetheart," the old man said, taking her tiny hand in his wrinkled ones. Tears welled in his eyes as he gazed at her frail form. Darien approached carefully. "I have brought something that may help." He held up the Golden Apple for them to see.The little girl's eyes widened. "The magic apple?" Darien nodded solemnly. "Yes child."The little girl stared at the Golden Apple in awe and wonder. Darien approached the bedside slowly and looked upon the frail granddaughter with compassion. "May I?" he asked gently, motioning toward the ailing child. The old man nodded eagerly, her eyes filled with hope and tears. "Half of this apple should be enough to save your g
The Return of the Hades Criminals
23Darien entered the room, his heart heavy with the decision he had made. The weight of the Golden Apple in his pocket was a constant reminder of the choice that lay ahead.The brother, noticing Darien's approach, stood up abruptly, his eyes wary. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice edged with tension."I'm someone who wants to help," Darien replied, his voice calm and steady. He observed the sister lying on the bed, her breaths shallow, her skin pale. The sight stirred a deep sadness within him."Why should we trust you?" the brother's fists clenched at his sides, his body tense, prepared for any threat.Darien reached into his pocket and pulled out the half of the Golden Apple, its surface gleaming softly in the dim light of the hospital room. "Because I have this," he said, holding it out for them to see.The sister's eyes widened with a mix of hope and disbelief. "Is that...?" she began, her voice trailing off."The Golden Apple," Darien finished for her. "It has the power to h
The Return of the Hades Terrorists
24Darien watched intently, taking in every detail while his mind raced. These men were clearly planning something sinister, and the mention of poison sent a chill through him. As an herbalist and healer, the thought of using such deadly toxins went against his principles. But more than that, his gift of prophecy stirred uneasily. While the details were unclear, he sensed their scheme could have far-reaching consequences if not stopped.The scarred man's sneering tone sent a chill down Darien's spine. He could see the nervous man with graying hair clench and unclench his fists, a sheen of sweat appearing on his brow as if wanting to object further but fearing retaliation. After several tense minutes of planning, the figures began making preparations to depart. Darien knew he had to act quickly. As they started moving boxes and crates, one of them accidentally knocked over a satchel, spilling its contents on the floor. "Careful you fool!" growled the scarred man, arching his brow in
The Return of the Hades The Smiths
25Cersei seethed as the guards led her away in handcuffs. Her cheek still burned from the slaps as she replayed the humiliating scene over and over in her mind. How could it have all fallen apart so quickly? She had been so close to securing power over this town. As the jail cell door slammed shut behind her, Cersei collapsed on the hard bed, tears of rage and despair streaming down her face. 'That witch Lavinia has ruined me,' she thought bitterly. 'And Darien, with his smug smiles and secrets. I'll make them pay for this humiliation.' In the wake of Cersei's arrest, news rippled through the city with the swiftness of a wildfire. Whispers turned to discussions, and discussions into debates. The tale of her dramatic downfall at the plaza was recounted with varying shades of incredulity and schadenfreude.---**At the Smith Household**Marcella sat in her living room, her fingers wrapped tightly around a cup of tea, though it had long since gone cold. Her knuckles were white from th
The Return of the Hades The poison
26Lavinia, reacting with the speed and precision of a seasoned soldier, closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. Her hand struck like a viper, disarming Marcella with a swift, practiced motion. The gun clattered to the floor, its threat neutralized.Darien, his heart pounding in his chest, watched the scene unfold, a mix of relief and disbelief washing over him. He had never imagined things could escalate to this point, yet here they were, standing on the brink of disaster.Marcella, now disarmed and defeated, could only stare in shock, her plans unraveling before her eyes. Bennett, nursing his bruised ego and jaw, stood helplessly on the floor beside his mother, his earlier bravado evaporated.Lavinia, moved to stand beside Darien, her stance protective.Marcella, her eyes flashing dangerously, pointed a finger at Darien. "You'll regret this. We will have our justice."Darien, breathing heavily from the altercation, fixed Marcella with a steely gaze. "Leave now, while you st