A Game of Gods (Hades Saga, #3)

by Scarlett St. Clair

They were on a burning battlefield, and he lay at Persephone’s feet, speared by her magic. It reminded him of Katerina’s vision, the one that would come true if the ophiotaurus was slain. “Hades,” Persephone said, her voice shaking. She fell to her knees beside him as if she had been struck. “I thought…I thought I’d never see you again,” he whispered, and he lifted a trembling hand to her face. She pressed his palm flat against her cheek. “I’m here,” she whispered and closed her eyes against his touch, until his hand fell away. “Hades!” “Hmm?” “Stay with me,” she begged through her tears, taking his face between her hands. “I cannot,” he said. “What do you mean you can’t? You can heal yourself. Heal!” “Persephone,” he whispered. “It’s over.” “No,” she said, her mouth quivering. “Persephone, look at me,” he said, desperate for her to see, to hear his final words. “You were my only love—my heart and my soul. My world began and ended with you, my sun, stars, and sky. I will never forget you but I will forgive you.” “Forgive me?” It was then she realized what Hades already knew—that she had raged against him and destroyed the Underworld. She had destroyed him. Was this why she refused to harness her magic? Because she feared this potential? This reality? Hades had to be honest. He feared this too, and it only got worse as Persephone tried to undo her magic, as she begged Hades to stay. “No, please. Hades, I didn’t mean—” “I know,” he said slowly. “I love you.” “Don’t,” she beg...