"What was that all about?" Ken thought, his eyes fixed on the spot where the stranger had vanished into the darkness. "Was Laura right? Or is this just a series of coincidences?"
After a moment, the warmth of the heavy coat seeped into his skin. The rain had slowed to a light drizzle. Ken opened the umbrella and began the long walk home. He ran his thumb over the smooth, expensive handle of the umbrella, then touched the fabric of the coat, marveled by its thickness.
These are clearly costly, he thought. Why did he give them to me and walk into the storm? What if he gets sick?
Ken stopped and turned back,looking at the empty street the man vanished into
Maybe he lives nearby... but why me? Why did he choose to help me?
The coincidences were beginning to feel less accidental. Ken felt a prickle of skepticism and a hint of fear before he turned the corner toward his apartment.
At the Dark Tower, Hades entered the lobby, his clothes damp but his expression unbothered. Lex, the head of security, rushed forward in a panic.
"Lord Hades! If you required an umbrella, we have dozens in the building. You didn't have to walk into the rain... shall I prepare a hot bath for you, sir?"
"It is fine," Hades replied, not slowing his pace. "If I require your assistance, Lex, you will know."
Realizing he had overstepped, Lex bowed deeply. "My apologies, Lord Hades. It was foolish of me to question your decisions."
Hades didn't bother to answer. He took the private elevator to the penthouse, undressed, and sank into the scalding water of the hot tub. He reached for his phone and dialed Lance. He answered on the first ring.
"Lord Hades, how may I assist you?"
"The boy at the restaurant. I want a complete dossier on him. Everything. Bring it to me tomorrow morning."
"As you wish, My Lord."
Hades hung up and stared at the ceiling. He wondered why he had given a mortal his coat and walked in the rain. Whatever this spark was, he was going to dissect it until he understood it.
The next morning, Lance arrived at the library. Hades was scanning his tablet, tracking the company's global assets. Without looking up, he reached out a hand. Lance bowed and placed a new tablet into his palm.
The file was exhaustive.
Name: Ken McCall. Age: 19. Status: Freshman at Brighton University. Employment: Underpaid carrier for Luther News Network; bartender at Del's palace (a nightclub owned by one of the twelve Patrons of Death); waiter at Del-Vate.
The report covered everything: his mother's failing health, the medical debt, and the minor bullying he faced on campus. Hades scrolled through the details of Ken's life, his eyes cold and calculating.
Sylvia entered the room, checking her watch. "Lord Hades, the car is ready for your first day at the office. Shall we depart?"
"Sure," Hades said. He took both tablets and headed for the elevator.
As the Maybach glided toward the corporate district, they passed a young man frantically pedaling a rusted bicycle. Ken looked exhausted, his hair windblown as he struggled against the morning rush. Hades glanced at him through the tinted glass, then turned back to the screen displaying Ken's university schedule.
Upon reaching the company headquarters, Hades paused before the massive glass doors.
"Lance," Hades said suddenly. "You will be introduced as the CEO. I am no longer interested in company affairs. Something else has caught my attention."
Sylvia watched him through the rearview mirror, her brows furrowing. "What is it, Lord Hades?"
"It is none of your concern. Make Lance the CEO. Is that a problem?"
"Not at all, Lord Hades," Sylvia replied quickly. "It will be done."
"I won't disappoint you," Lance added, though he looked surprised. "Shall I give you a brief tour of the facilities and business proposals before the board meeting commences?"
"A tour only," Hades replied. "I have no interest in the board's concerns."
After the tour, while Lance and Sylvia headed into a high-stakes meeting, Hades felt the pull of the city again. He decided to visit Del-Vate for coffee.
Back at Brighton University, Ken's day had been a disaster. A bully had poured water on him, leaving him damp and frustrated. He was late for his shift at the restaurant and their rules were strict and the one job was one thing he couldn't afford to lose. He pedaled his bicycle with burning lungs, slipped through the back staff entrance, and threw on his waiter's vest.
At the same time, Hades entered through the front door. He sat at a corner table, his presence darkening the room like a looming storm. Laura approached with a bright smile.
"What can I get for you today, sir?" she asked.
Hades didn't look at her. His eyes were locked on the kitchen door as Ken emerged, adjusting his collar. Laura followed his gaze and smirked.
"Coffee for two," Sylvia intervened, noticing her master was occupied.
Laura took the order to the counter and shoved the tray toward Ken. "Here. Take these to your future boyfriend. I'm doing you a favor."
"Stop with the delusions, Laura,that's never happening." Ken hissed, though he took the tray. He wanted to thank the stranger for the favor he offered the previous night.
Ken walked to the table and set the cups down. Hades was staring at a tablet, seemingly oblivious to his presence.
"Um... hello," Ken stammered. Hades didn't look up. "Thanks... thanks for yesterday. I didn't think I'd see you here today. I... I forgot to bring the coat and umbrella with me."
"It is fine," Hades said casually, his voice smooth and disinterested. "You may keep them. There is no need to return them."
"They're both very expensive, I can't accept that," Ken countered, his voice gaining a bit of strength. "Please, let me bring them back to you."
Hades finally looked up. His eyes were cold, commanding, and ancient. "I said it is fine. They are of no relevance to me. Keep them."
Ken took a small step back, the weight of the man's gaze feeling like a physical pressure on his chest. He bowed nervously and retreated to the counter.
Sylvia stared at her master in confusion. "Lord Hades? What business do you have with a waiter?"
Hades took a slow sip of his coffee, his eyes following Ken's every move.
"Sylvia," Hades said, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous silkiness. "Change of plans. I have found a more interesting way to spend my time."
"What would that be, my Lord?"
Hades set the coffee cup down with a sharp clack. "I want to register at Brighton University as a freshman. I believe it's time I went back to school."