Chapter Text
Why did his brothers and sisters cast him away to this dreadful school?
Hades, the god of the Underworld and eldest brother, had attended Merlin Academy for nearly three months with no purpose in sight. Sure, his young appearance helped pass him off as a teenager, but he was older than any of his classmates by a few millennia. The classes were incredibly boorish, and he grew tired of correcting his teachers.
Hades couldn’t complain too much. His brothers ensured he would have his own room, so he wouldn’t dare to sleep with a mere mortal. While away, the gods would take turns overseeing his kingdom and contact him only if or when an issue arose. His siblings made it seem like he was on a well-deserved vacation, until his true mission came to light.
Speaking of his siblings, who all knew, they kept the details of the objective completely secret.
Originally, Hades thought he had been sent to keep an eye on his niece, Uliana. Since his arrival, Hades noticed her attempts to take over the student body through fear and manipulation. The classmates either moved out of her way or joined her crew to avoid her wrath. Uliana tried convincing her uncle to join her, but Hades refused. He didn’t want any part of her ploys or schemes, especially when he believed he’d be leaving the school in just a few more days.
And yet, those days have turned into weeks.
The only saving grace for the entire debacle had to be Bridget, the Princess of Wonderland, who came to Merlin Academy just a few days before him.
Unlike all the blokes in that school, Bridget knew who he was and the powers he contained due to her homeschooling in Wonderland. Within the first week of attendance, Bridget asked for his assistance. She has a hobby of making delicious treats and desserts with magical twists. In order to ensure those aspects work correctly, Bridget requested Hades be her official taste tester, since he could reverse the magic with no issues. In return, Bridget would make his favorite meals and the closest thing to ambrosia she could make.
Hades was skeptical of Bridget’s baking skills. After all, ambrosia is a treat only the gods can eat. Besides, he has tried many different ambrosias that come in various flavors. There was no way some princess could recreate the gods’ food of choice.
And yet, Hades found himself pleasantly surprised when the delectable treat tasted better than anything he had in his entire life. Once he reluctantly admitted to enjoying the food, it started the weekly tradition of trying new creations, while trying to get his niece to lay off the princess. As Hades had half-expected, that only made Bridget an ongoing target of the onslaught of bullying taking place at the wretched school.
All Bridget wanted was to be friends with everyone, since she grew up with no friends in her kingdom. Uliana, for who knows why, saw that as a threat, so she instilled fear in everyone so they would avoid the princess. The only mortal who didn’t care or listen to the young sea witch was Ella, the stepdaughter and servant to Lady Tremaine. The two young ladies grew close quickly, yet Ella would make an excuse to leave every time Hades approached them.
It never bothered Hades when people did everything they could to avoid him. With how dark and edgy he dressed, meaning to represent his kingdom, he wasn’t exactly the most approachable or easily liked. Bridget, however, noticed the change in attitude and lightly reprimanded Ella for it, insisting she would be friends with both her and Hades.
That friendship began to change for the worse—
When a fairy started her first day at Merlin Academy.
The morning started the same as usual for the god of the Underworld. He zoned out of his first class—Ancient History—while trying to come up with theories on what his siblings wanted him to do while acting like a student.
Helping Bridget certainly wasn’t the answer, even though he wanted to stop when one of her treats permanently changed his hair blue instead of his normal raven-black color. No amount of magic or use of his magical ember would allow it to change back. The princess was so lucky Hades liked blue, and he looked good with it, or else there would’ve been a massive casualty.
Anyways, after mulling over various ideas for however long the class lasted, Hades decided he had had enough.
Frustrated by his circumstances, the god marched through the halls, determined to get some answers from his brothers and, if not them, his sisters. Just as he was to turn down the hall toward his dorm room, he abruptly stopped in his tracks when he caught sight of someone standing at the front entrance—
The most beautiful creature Hades had ever seen.
Now this was no exaggeration, considering how long he’s lived and how far he has traveled.
Although she had the appearance of a young woman, there was no mistake that she was something special. Her skin, which was barely visible under the endless layers of loose fabric that swayed with her every movement, was nearly as pale as the full moon on the brightest night. Her luscious brown hair fell down her back, reaching just below her waist. Her green eyes showed signs of once containing mischief and happiness, but all they held now was worry, fright, and sadness. The one thing that made her stand out the most was the two massive horns that protruded and curved from her head.
Unable to move or make a sound, Hades could only observe her from afar. The young woman clutched the cloak around her frail figure while the headmaster delivered the usual spiel for those joining Merlin Academy. The teacher practically ignored the way the new transfer shuffled and stumbled with each step. In fact, he didn’t notice she wasn’t wearing any shoes as they walked through the main courtyard. Her eyes darted everywhere, and every little movement and sound made her flinch.
Hades didn’t know a single thing about that beautiful woman, but learned from watching her that she’s been through hell—
And needed his help.