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January 15 - January 16, 2022
Hades was literally a mafia boss.
It was strange to realize that Hades wasn’t just powerful because of the control he had over his magic. He was powerful because of the deals he’d made, and this proved it.
“You never said anything about blackmail,” Persephone countered. “What does Kal have against you?” “Nothing,” Hades said. “He merely wishes to have control over me, as all mortals wish.”
“I think I’ve heard enough tonight,” she answered. “I’d rather go home.” “Would you like Antoni to take you?” She smiled a little, realizing that he thought she meant she wanted to return to her apartment. “You might as well take me,” she said. “We are going to the same place, after all.” His lips curled, and he put an arm around her waist, drawing her close before teleporting to the Underworld.
Hades hadn’t succeeded in capturing the brightness of the sun, but he’d managed the moon well.
There was something relaxing about baking. Maybe she liked it so much because it felt like alchemy, measuring each ingredient to perfection, creating something that would bewitch the senses.
“Just because it is the truth right now, doesn’t mean it will be the truth forever. If anyone can make a name for themselves in this business, it’s you, Persephone.” “Flattery will get you nowhere, Demetri.”
A realization settled upon her—Demetri knew Kal was a Magi.
She was going to have to tell Helen to stop accepting unmarked gifts and envelopes.
“Why are you really here?” Persephone asked. “Is it so hard to believe I am concerned for you?” “Yes.” “I have only ever had your best interest in mind, even if you refuse to see it.”
“I will never forgive you.” Demeter smiled coldly. “Daughter, for that threat to work, I would need to want forgiveness.”
can a daughter of spring truly be death’s bride? Can you stand beside the god who let your friend die?”
“You think any god is innocent?” She paused to laugh, and the sound was chilling. “Daughter, even you cannot escape our corruption. It is what comes with power.”
“What? Being a bad person?” “No, it is the freedom to do whatever you want. You cannot tell me if, given the opportunity, you would defy the Fates in favor of saving your friend.” “Those decisions have consequences, Mother.”
“Keeping her alive for your own benefit isn’t a kindness. She is in pain, and you are prolonging it.”
Murder doesn’t suit you, goddess.”
don’t know how to lose someone, Hades,” she sobbed into his chest. He took her face between his hands, attempting to brush her tears away. “I know,” he answered. “But running from it won’t help, Persephone. You are just delaying the inevitable.” “Hades, please. What if it were me?”
Alone in the throne room, Persephone expected to feel overwhelmed by the reality that within the next twenty-four hours, Lexa would be dead. Instead, she felt a strange sense of determination. Consequences for gods? she thought. There are none.
are so fucking dense that you forget you'll still be able to see her in the underworld?!?! gods!
“I’m fine,” she said quickly. “I need your help. Where does Apollo hang out on Thursday nights?”
“I remember the names of all my oracles, all my lovers, all my enemies.” “Are they not all the same?” Persephone challenged.
“Of course. Because if you were, we’d have to address the elephant in the room. He doesn’t know you are here, does he?” “Why does everyone keep asking that?” she complained. “I don’t have to ask for permission to be here.” Apollo’s lips curled. “Perhaps not, but I am certain he will feel utterly betrayed when he discovers you came to me for aid. After all, he offered up a favor of his own to save you from me last time.”
Apollo seemed to think that was particularly funny. “If my healing works? Little goddess, do you know how many healers I have fathered?” “I don’t want to know anything about that part of your life, Apollo.”
Could she rule a world that was responsible for the unbearable pain she felt? “There is no way I can be the goddess he wants.”
“Asclepius,” she said. “Second floor, ICU.” “Oh, yes—my son’s namesake. Did you know Hades complained of his skill so much my father killed him?” “His skill?” “He could bring the dead back to life,” Apollo said. “I imagine Hades put him in Tartarus for that.”
“I’ll be in contact,” he said. “Your duties begin soon.” Then he vanished. And in the noisy ICU, Persephone wondered what she had done.
It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Apollo’s healing powers, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong.
The threat of death took more than one life. The thought brought tears to her eyes. How was she supposed to rule a kingdom that caused so much pain? That brought suffering to the living?
“She was going to die—” “She was choosing to die!”
“And instead of honoring her wish, you intervened. All because you are afraid of pain.”
“I am afraid of pain,” she snapped. “Will you mock me for that as you mock all mortals?”
There is no comparison. At least mortals are brave enough to face it.”
“You never once came with me to the hospital when I had to watch my best friend lie unresponsive. You never once stood by me while I held her hand. You could have told me when Thanatos would start showing up. You could have let me know she was … choosing to die. But you didn’t. You hid all of that, like it was some fucking secret. You weren’t there.” For the first time since she was dumped in front of him by the Furies, he looked shocked and sounded a little lost when he said, “I didn’t know you wanted me there.” “Why wouldn’t I?” she asked, and there was a twist in her voice, a note of her
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“That’s your problem. You’ve been the God of the Underworld so long, you’ve forgotten what it is really like to be on the brink of losing someone. Instead you spend all your time judging mortals for their fear of your realm, for their fear of death, for their fear of losing who they love!”
“So you were angry with me,” he said. “And once again, instead of coming to me, you decided to punish me by seeking Apollo’s help.” He spat the god’s name, his hatred evident. “I wasn’t trying to punish you. When I decided to go to Apollo, I no longer felt like you were an option.” Hades eyes narrowed. “After everything I did to protect you from him—” “I didn’t ask that of you,” she snapped. “No, I suppose you didn’t. You have never welcomed my aid, especially when it wasn’t what you wanted to hear.”
You are not above the law of my realm, Persephone!” Clearly not. The Fates had come after her.
What happens if you and I,” she paused, unable to say the words. “If the Fates decide to unravel our future? I don’t want to be so lost in you, so anchored in the Underworld, that I don’t know how to exist after.”
“The Fates,” he said bitterly. “I have waited for you so long, I ignored the fact that they rarely weave happy endings.” “You cannot mean that,” she said. “I mean it. You’ll find out why soon enough.”
“You should know that your actions have condemned Lexa to a fate worse than death.”
There may not be consequences for gods but there are consequences for me.” “There are always consequences. The difference between you and other gods is that you care about them.”
“My dear, you are trying to be someone you’re not.” “What do you mean? All I have been trying to do is be myself.”
“You are holding onto a life that no longer serves you. A job that punishes you for your relationships, a friendship that could have blossomed in the Underworld, a mother who has taught you to be a prisoner.”
“And if you need any more evidence that you are denying yourself, look no further than the way your magic is manifesting. If you do not learn to love yourself, your powers will tear you apart.”
“You think in extremes,” Hecate said. “You are either a goddess or a mortal, you either live in the Underworld or the Upperworld. Do you not want it all, Persephone?”
It is what happens when two powerful people meet.” “Discord?” Persephone asked. “And passion and bliss.” Sybil was smiling completely now.
You were always meant for greatness, Persephone, but getting there will be war.” She shivered.“Not literal war, right?” Sybil didn’t say.
“Hubris is the downfall of humanity and should be punished,” he said. “I will be the punisher.” “He is a child!” she argued. “If he is guilty of hubris, you are, too. Is your pride too wounded to let him live?” Apollo clenched his fists. “His death is on your hands, Persephone.”
She waited until he was out of sight to turn to Apollo and kick him hard in the balls.
“Don’t you ever put me in that situation again,” Persephone’s voice shook with anger. Apollo breathed heavily, glaring up at her. “We might have an agreement, but I will not be used. Fuck you.”
“The souls miss you, Persephone,” Hades said at last. She looked at him, unsure where he was going with this. Did he miss her? “Do not punish them because you are angry with me.”
“I am exhausted, Hades. I’m tired of you and sick of your excuses.” She pointed to the elevator doors as they opened. “Leave.”
