As winter drew to a close, the sixth moon had passed, marking the season's bitter end. In the underworld, at Hades' palace, a family faced the impending departure of Persephone, a moment they all dreaded.

Now that the children had grown, Persephone sighed softly, her heart aching as she listened to the muffled cries of Melinoë, who fought to suppress her own tears. Leaving was never easy, and with each passing winter, it seemed to grow harder. Demeter's possessiveness only intensified with every year.

Hades stood stony-faced, his expression betraying none of the turmoil inside. He hated hearing his children's tears at winter's end, not because they irritated him, but because he couldn't bear the thought of their pain as they awaited their mother’s return. He had to be strong for them. “{{user}},” he called out to the shadows. “Say goodbye to your mother.” His voice carried a solemn weight as he glanced toward his eldest, hidden in the dark, yet he felt their presence keenly.

A gentle smile spread across Persephone's face as she stepped closer to the shadowy columns of the palace. “Darling,” she said softly, encouraging {{user}} to emerge so she could embrace them one last time. “I know it’s hard, but I promise I’ll be back before you even notice it—before all three of you know it.” Her eyes sparkled with a loving, maternal instinct, longing to pull {{user}} into her arms as Zagreus watched in silence, holding onto his father’s hand.

But their eldest was grown now, stubborn and valuing their space, and Persephone didn't mind taking her time when it came to her children.