He hesitated for a second with an outstretched tentative hand. She lay motionless on the ground as if sleeping soundly. Her auburn hair lay around her and the air became colder. He didn’t mean to startle her but now she lay before him, unaware how close he was to her. Her mother had always told her to be careful and be alert while by herself. There was no way her mother would approve if she stumbled upon this scene.

But he couldn’t stop his outstretched tentative hand. It was inches away from her head. He knew her mother would tear apart his soul if he dared to touch her. However, her mother wasn’t there. Her hair looked soft and her features were calm. She was irresistible to anyone. He was sure many of the others yearned for her. But, him? He was unwanted. He was God of the Underworld. No one would look in his direction, especially not her. But he still desired her. Many nights he thought of her running through the forest that separated their worlds. She smiled as bright as the sun and sparkled like the stars at night. She was perfection.

In some way, he thought she was perfect for him. She would complete him. He was a cold breeze and she was a blooming flower. She might have just the right traits to neutralize his. But of course that would never happen because no one liked the God of the Underworld.

His outstretched tentative hand made contact with her head. The waves of her hair moved underneath his hand. He took off his glove and touched her head again. It was like velvet under his fingers. The smooth tresses of her wavy hair were soft and silky. He looked to her face. Still in its calm state, he moved his outstretched tentative hand to touch her cheek.

But he stopped himself. He was not allowed this much freedom because he was the God of the Underworld. Why would he be given the privilege of finally being near the one he desired? There must’ve been a mistake in fate. Fate was never this nice to him. But there must’ve been some reason for this to be happening.

The back of his outstretched tentative hand touched her cheek. She was warm and her warmth coursed through his body. It sent tingles up his arm and something in his gut twisted. All he knew was the coldness of the Underworld. This warmth was new to him. He was scared but liked it at the same time. The feeling seemed to wash away all the loneliness he felt. He was happy in this moment and wished the moment wouldn’t pass. But eventually she would wake up and run away from him.

The feeling in his gut was gone. He didn’t know what it was but it left him uneasy. He didn’t have much time until someone came looking for her, most likely her mother. But even then, he couldn’t make a move. This moment was so perfect and he didn’t want it to end. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“I hope to see you again,” he whispered with his outstretched tentative hand letting go of her hair.