A Touch of Chaos (Hades x Persephone Saga, #4)

by Scarlett St. Clair

“I can end this, Ari,” Phaedra said, and the hard part about her words was that Dionysus knew she was wrong. “You can’t end this,” he said. “Even if you return to Theseus, he will still come for us, and there is no guessing what he might do to punish you.” There was a moment of quiet, and then Naia spoke. “You are not responsible for Theseus’s actions.” “I left. I—” “Fled,” said Ariadne. “You fled an abuser, Phaedra.” “He wasn’t—” She started to protest but glanced at Dionysus, swallowing her words. “How do you know Theseus was responsible for the attack on your house?” “Phaedra!” Ariadne gasped, “Perseus works for Theseus.” “You do not know that Theseus sent him,” Phaedra argued. “Perhaps Perseus acted on his own. It would make sense. Theseus would never threaten the life of his son.” Her words did not even anger Dionysus, because he had expected them. “Theseus would do anything to gain public favor. He wants to be a god!” “He does not want to be a god,” she said. “He wants freedom and fairness—” “If you really believe that, then you are a fool,” Ariadne snapped. Phaedra paled. She looked just as stricken as Ariadne sounded. Then she glanced from side to side, seeming to remember they had an audience, and she fled. For a few moments, Ariadne just stood there, stunned. Dionysus thought about putting his hand on her shoulder, or maybe he should draw her close. He was not sure what would be appropriate, but before he could decide, Ariadne left, calling after her sister.