The Return of the Hades

Lucas Fairchild

61

The morning light barely crept through the curtains as Darien awoke, his mind already racing with the events of the previous day and the daunting task ahead. The thought of facing Cersei, his estranged wife, after everything that had transpired was heavy on his heart.

He could imagine her sitting in a cold cell, her pride the only thing keeping her company. 'She'll blame me,' he thought, 'but her actions, driven by greed, led her here. She shot that old man without a second thought.'

As he prepared to leave, his movements were mechanical, his mind elsewhere. He took a taxi, and the drive to the police station was a blur, his thoughts consumed by what he would say, how Cersei would react, and whether she would reveal anything useful about the Golden Apple's sale.

Upon arrival, he was led to a small, sterile interview room where Cersei was already waiting, cuffed and looking defiant despite her circumstances. The sight of her stirred a complex whirlwind of emotions within Darien—ang