Luna led Hades around the mansion, showing him every corner and sharing the mories tied to it.
Hades listened with quiet eagerness, taking in each story about the land her grandmother had once shaped with her own hands.
"This is where I always ran to whenever I wanted to cry or when Granny scolded ," Luna said, pointing toward a narrow gap between two thick vines that climbed the back wall.
It was a little hidden place, tucked away behind the mansion, perfect for being alone without anyone noticing.
"This has been my ho for years. I know every inch of it," Luna sighed, though a soft smile never left her face as she clung gently to his arm.
Hades smiled and said honestly, "This truly is a place worth falling in love with. The calm here is addictive."
Away from the world, far from politics and dangers, this land carried the kind of peace most people could only dream of.
His gaze drifted, as though lost in thought. "This is almost identical to the house I imagine building one day... a ho for and my family."
Luna’s heart ward at his words. She could feel how at ease he was here, and her smile deepened.
"Don’t get too comfortable," a stern voice cut in from behind.
Both Luna and Hades turned to see a woman they hadn’t noticed before.
She had flowing light-pink hair and piercing ruby-red eyes. Her face carried the delicate lines of age, yet none of it dimd her beauty. Her sharp gaze locked on Hades, weighing him silently.
"Grandma," Luna exclaid, hurrying toward her.
The woman’s expression softened as she opened her arms, and Luna rushed into her embrace.
Hades couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Luna’s joy. No words passed between the two, yet it felt as though their hug carried a long, silent conversation.
"You’ve put on weight," her grandmother said at last.
Luna blushed. "Really?!" She quickly turned to Hades, her eyes wide. "Do I look fat?"
Hades shook his head without hesitation. "All I see is my beautiful Luna."
Her grandmother scoffed. "Must be his influence. You’ve been slacking on your training too."
Luna pouted. "We et after so long and all you do is point out my flaws."
The older woman chuckled. "Old habits die hard. Now, let’s head inside." She then shifted her gaze to Hades. "You too."
Hades nodded and followed them in.
The inside of the mansion opened up before him—larger than he had expected.
High ceilings soared above, wide galleries stretched along the halls, and the lack of clutter or needless decorations gave the entire place an open, airy grace.
They stepped into the reception area, where Diana was already waiting for them.
Hades settled onto one of the sofas, while Luna sat close beside her grandmother.
Maids appeared soon after, serving steaming cups of tea along with a tray of cookies.
Hades couldn’t help but notice how many people worked here—and every single one of them was a woman.
Almost as if she had plucked the thought from his mind, the lady of the mansion spoke. "Betrayal made lose my trust in n."
Her words were calm, but they carried a weight that lingered in the air.
Luna’s eyes flicked between the two of them, concern etched on her face. She knew sothing had happened long ago—sothing that had hardened her grandmother’s heart against n.
Leaning forward, the lady shifted the conversation. "So... how did the eting with the Sage go?" She held out a cup of tea, which Hades accepted with both hands, leaning forward politely.
"She told us to visit the Temple of Samarella," Hades answered truthfully.
The older woman’s crimson eyes narrowed. "That explains why you are brimming with draconic presence."
Hades stiffened, his grip on the cup tightening. "Is it that easy to sense?"
"For those with sharp senses or refined mana perception, yes," she replied. "But I doubt those crude detectors humans built would react to you."
Hades let out a quiet breath of relief.
If the dragon sensors scattered around the capital had reacted to him, he would never have been able to visit his mother. In fact, he might not have even made it this far.
’No wonder Maylie panicked when I said I wanted more ti in the human realm.’ He thought grimly. If it were discovered that he was a dragon walking in human skin, he would beco a hunted target.
"I see you’ve already marked her," the older woman suddenly remarked.
Hades looked up, startled.
Luna shifted uneasily, her fingers curling around her skirt, her face red with both nerves and embarrassnt.
Hades gave a small nod, then bowed his head slightly. "Forgive for introducing myself so late, Lady Fiona. But I sincerely ask for your blessing in our relationship."
Fiona studied him for a long mont before humming softly. "She isn’t my blood granddaughter. I can’t stop her from doing as she pleases."
The words carried no warmth. The air in the room grew heavier, as though pressing down on the three of them.
It was clear—Fiona did not favor the idea of Luna being with him.
But, as she had admitted, all she could do was advise. She no longer had the power to decide Luna’s life for her.
After a long silence, Fiona suddenly rose from her seat. Her voice was firm, almost commanding.
"Let’s talk."
Hades quickly placed his cup back on the table and stood as well.
"I was also—"
"You stay here," Fiona cut her off, her sharp gaze locking onto Luna.
Luna’s shoulders slumped, her eyes soft and pleading, but her grandmother’s glare didn’t falter. With a heavy heart, Luna sank back into her seat.
Fiona turned and walked away. Hades followed her quietly, sensing that whatever she wished to say was not ant for Luna’s ears.
They stepped out of the mansion and into the cool air of the garden. For a while, neither spoke—the crunch of gravel beneath their steps the only sound between them.
Then, without warning, Fiona broke the silence.
"I was hung on a tal wire... and drained of every drop of blood, until I was nothing but a husk." Her voice carried no tremble, only the weight of mory. "For three days, I stared at death, and yet... my captor would not let die."
Hades faltered mid-step, caught off guard by the rawness of her words.
Her eyes didn’t leave the path ahead as she continued, "When I was no longer useful, I was thrown onto the streets like garbage." Finally, she turned her crimson gaze to him, steady and cold. "Do you know who it was that kept alive only to discard ?"
Hades had already guessed. And her next words only confird it.
"It was my husband."
With a sigh, she added, "What I am going to tell you is practically betraying what oath I took years ago go never trust a man again." With her gaze hardened, she added, "However, that girl trusts you with her life. It’s only right for you to know about her."
°°°°°°°°°
A/N:- This small arc would be wrapped in a few Chapters before we walk into the dragon realm.
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