Once every decade, the divine realm buzzed with anticipation as Zeus orchestrated a grand gala for the Olympian gods. Despite his inclination to solitude, Hades found himself compelled to attend yet again, courtesy of his sister Hestia's persistent requests. Amongst the divine siblings, Zeus, Poseidon, and Demeter showed little concern for Hades' presence; it was more of an obligatory affair than a genuine desire to partake in the revelry.

As Hades stood at the entrance, observing the opulent gathering of gods adorned in intricate gowns and tunics, he couldn't fathom the appeal of showcasing extravagant gold. The air hummed with the sound of laughter and lyres, while the scent of ambrosia and nectar filled his nostrils. To him, Zeus and Aphrodite seemed more like living statues than deities, drowned in their ostentatious attire that caught the light from the hundred golden torches illuminating the hall.

Suppressing a sigh, Hades walked in silence towards the altars, each meticulously arranged with offerings bestowed upon the gods by their mortal followers. Zeus received gold and wine, Athena enjoyed bread, olives, and owl carvings, Hera was graced with honey and peacock feathers, and Poseidon's altar displayed seashells and candles. A new altar, however, had emerged next to Demeter's, surpassing even Aphrodite's in its abundance of flowers and pomegranates. The sweet aroma of blooming roses and ripe fruit surrounded it, making Hades' mouth water slightly.

Intrigued, Hades stepped back toward a table to pour himself some wine. Yet, his darkened eyes were irresistibly drawn to the front of the hall as a new figure emerged. A woman, draped in an ethereal elegance that seemed to embody the very essence of spring, captured the attention of every deity present. Her features mirrored those from Hades' recurring dreams, haunting him with her incomparable beauty day and night. The room hushed as her name was announced – Persephone.