Inframundo, 2

A three-headed dog sniffs Persephone from head to toe. Then it looks at its master, who smiles. Verdict: approved. Thus begins her journey through the realm her mother taught her to fear. There are no bonfires or torments—only crystal caves, souls finally letting go of their rage, and a Hades who is awkward in his interactions, works too hard, and makes dry, clipped jokes. Then comes the moment to return home. He crosses the boundary effortlessly; she crashes against an invisible barrier. Above, Demeter transforms into a tide of stalks and branches, letting the world wither as she searches for her daughter. Below, an oath sealed by the River Styx begins to weigh heavy. Some cages may be fashioned from flowers, but the real challenge lies in discerning when you are bound by obligation—and when you have chosen to stay.