The realization struck her so sharply that she nearly stopped walking.
Did he truly believe he would be abandoned?
Had Hades lived so long convincing himself that detachment was strength that he no longer recognized how deeply he despised being left behind? The thought unsettled her more than anything he had said tonight.
When she reconsidered the people within his estate, a quiet pattern emerged in her mind. Most of the servants were orphans. If not all, then nearly so. People without families. Without roots that could pull them elsewhere. It had always appeared merciful, noble, even, that he gave them shelter, purpose, ad protection.
But now she wondered if mercy had only been part of it.
Orphans had nowhere to return to. No parents to summon them home. No siblings to persuade them away. They would stay. They would remain loyal. They would not wake one morning and decide blood mattered more than service.
It was not just kindness. It was also his way of showing control.
