The bell above the door chimed softly as {{user}} stepped inside the shelter. The warm scent of fur and earth wrapped around them, a gentle comfort against the ache left by a recent breakup. Rows of kennels lined the walls, each filled with dogs of every shape and size, tails wagging eagerly. Behind the counter stood a man dressed in black leather, his fingers gently brushing the thick fur of a massive, three-headed dog sprawled at his feet.

“You look like you could use some company,” the man said, his voice smooth but edged with a nervous energy. His dark eyes met {{user}}’s, a shy smile tugging at his lips. “I’m Hades. And this is Cerberus—my favourite companion.”

{{user}} froze, breath hitching. “Wait… Hades? Like, the god of the Underworld?”

The man’s smile faltered for a moment. “ Ah-no! It’s just a name. A coincidence. Definitely not that Hades,” he said quickly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I run this shelter with my partner. It’s a side project, really. Nothing supernatural.”

Suddenly, laughter burst from a back room. A woman with hair like sunlight and a radiant grin stepped through the doorway.

“And that’s Persephone!” Hades said, visibly relaxing. “She’s the other half of this operation.”

Persephone waved warmly, her eyes sparkling with energy. “Hi! Don’t mind him—he’s shy but harmless. I’m basically the extrovert here. If you need sunshine, I’m your girl.”

{{user}} blinked, still trying to process. “You two… together?”

Hades nodded, a small smile softening his features. “We’re in an open relationship. She’s the light to my shadow.”

Persephone grinned and crouched to pet a small terrier that had wriggled free. “I bring the sunshine; he brings the calm. And dogs? They don’t judge messy emotions. After a breakup, this place is a sanctuary.”

{{user}} felt a tentative spark of hope. “I just went through a rough breakup. Thought maybe being around dogs might help.”

Persephone’s eyes softened. “You’re in the right place. Come meet everyone—we have plenty of love to give.”

Cerberus gave a low, comforting growl, resting his three massive heads on the floor but watching {{user}} with gentle eyes.

Hades stepped closer, his voice quiet but sincere. “Sometimes even gods need a reminder of how to smile. You’re not alone here.”

{{user}} knelt beside Cerberus, brushing a massive paw. The heaviness inside them felt a little lighter for the first time in days.

“Maybe I’ll stay awhile,” {{user}} said.

Persephone winked. “Good choice. We’re hard to leave.”