A Touch of Ruin (Hades & Persephone, #2)

by Scarlett St. Clair

“A list,” he answered. “Just some … supplies I need.”

Lexa’s eyes glistened with tears.“I was happy,” she said. “Yes, you were happy,” she said, hope ballooning in her chest. Maybe she was remembering. “The happiest person I knew, and you were in love.” That gave Lexa pause and her brows knitted together. “No,” she shook her head. “I was happy in the Underworld.”

It was like she was being told Lexa was going to die all over again. She didn’t know a lot about souls, didn’t know what it meant to have a broken soul. But she could guess. It meant that she would never have the Lexa she knew before the accident.

“Did you miss the part when I asked about Hades?” “You’re just going to piss him off.” “You want Hades pissed off. Don’t lie to me, Sephy. You’re looking forward to hot makeup sex when you two reconcile.” Hermes shoved the dress into Persephone’s hands. “Now, go.”

“Sephy, I have known Apollo for a long time. He’s a lot of things—selfish and self-centered and rude—but he is also lonely.”

Apollo doesn’t know anything about genuine relationships. It’s why he fucks up all his lovers.” “He doesn’t even try to get better.” “Because he doesn’t have to. He’s a god.” “That isn’t an excuse.” “And yet it is still an excuse.” “You aren’t like him.”

Power wasn’t a replacement for intelligence.

“So, you were afraid to be alone with me?” Apollo asked. “I am not afraid to be alone with you, I just didn’t want to be alone with you.”

“Hades doesn’t feel worthy without trust. He needs you to believe in him, to find strength in him.”

“He was a Spartan Prince. Hyacinth. He was beautiful. Admired and pursued by many gods, but he chose me,” he swallowed. “He chose me.”

“I tried to save him. I’m the fucking God of Healing. I should have been able to heal him, but each time my magic worked to close his wound, it opened again. I held him until he died.”

She’d never considered the smell of sin before, but now she knew it for what it was—sultry and sexual. It filled her lungs, ignited her blood.

“Forgive me if I am a little on edge. I have been forced into celibacy.” Persephone rolled her eyes. “No one ever said you couldn’t fuck me.”

“You really know how to kill a boner, darling, I’ll give you that.”

“He said he blamed you for his death.” “He did.” Hades response was short. “Much like you blamed me for Lexa’s accident.” “I never said I blamed you,” she argued. “You blamed me because I couldn’t help. Apollo did the same.”

“Apollo didn’t ask to see his lover. He asked to die.”

He wished to be thrown into Tartarus. To be torn to pieces by the Titians. It is the only way to kill a god.”

“He was outraged, of course, and took his revenge in the only way he knows how—he slept with Leuce.”

“I tend to want to forget that part of my life, Persephone.”

messed up terribly.” “I’m sure it is nothing that can’t be fixed.” “I’m sure it cannot,” Persephone said. “I have made so many mistakes, Hecate. I have destroyed my best friend’s life, bargained with a terrible god, and sacrificed my relationship with Hades.”

“You might not be queen by title, but the souls call you their queen.” “That does not mean I should wear a crown or sit upon a throne in the Underworld.”

Nemesis!” Hermes yelled when he glimpsed the Goddess of Divine Retribution and Revenge. “I have a bone to pick with you!” Persephone tried not to laugh. Hearing Hermes use mortal idioms was hilarious.

He hesitated and paled. “Does he remember …?” “He still loves you,” she said. “And he has forgiven you.” She was surprised when Apollo looked at her with a severe expression on his face. “Why?” he demanded. She blinked. “What?” “Why would you do this for me?” he asked. “I have been so unkind to you.” “Everyone deserves kindness, Apollo.”

don’t you join them?” she asked. Thanatos’ smile was sad. “I am not made for merriment, my lady.”

“So, you want to fuck me? That doesn’t mean you want an actual relationship. It doesn’t mean you will trust me again.” Hades stopped inches from her and narrowed his eyes. “Let me be perfectly clear. I do want to fuck you. More importantly, I love you—deeply, endlessly. If you walked away from me today, I would love you still. I will love you forever. That’s what Fate is, Persephone. Fuck threads and colors … and fuck your uncertainty.”

“I’m not uncertain,” she said. “I’m afraid, you idiot!” “Of what? What have I done?” “This isn’t about you! Gods, Hades. You’d think you of all people would understand.”

“I’ve longed for love all my life,” she said. “Longed for acceptance because my mother dangled it in front of me like something I had to earn. If I adhered to her expectations, she would grant it; if I didn’t, she’d take it away. You want a queen, a goddess, a lover. I can’t be what you want. I can’t … adhere to these … expectations you have of me!”

“The path to paradise begins in Hell.” ― Dante Alighieri

“You would burn the world for me?” she asked, recalling words he’d used when she’d spoken to him about Apollo, recalling how fervent he’d been when he’d told her never to use the god’s name in their room again. Their room. Power gathered in her hands. “I will destroy it for you.”

“You demonstrated great power in the forest, Persephone,” Hecate said. She couldn’t place the tone of the goddess’s voice, but she sensed a mix of admiration and fear. She looked at the goddess. “Are you … afraid?” “I’m not afraid of you,” she said. “I’m afraid for you.”

“You halted Hades’ magic. You used his magic against him, Persephone. He is an ancient god, well-practiced. If the Olympians find out …” “If they find out …?” she prompted when Hecate’s voice faded away. It was the other woman’s turn to shake her head. “I suppose anything could happen. They might want you to become an Olympian, or …” “Or?” “They might perceive you as a threat.”

Mark my words, Persephone, you will become one of the most powerful goddesses of our time.”

Ruin

“I lied when I said I didn’t remember who gave me life,” she admitted. “But I was afraid. Demeter reminded me over and over that she would take it all away if I didn’t obey. I’m so sorry, Persephone.” Leuce hid her face. “You were so kind to me, and I betrayed you.”

“She will lash out,” Leuce said. “I am sure of it.” “Oh, I expect it,” Persephone replied and looked at the nymph. “She is my mother.”

I feel sorry for you. You would rather be alone than accept something you fear.”

“You’re giving up everything for him.” “No, mother, Hades is just one of many things I gained when I left your prison.”

“Is this Tartarus?” Lexa asked. Her voice was hoarse, as if it had rusted from disuse. Persephone’s brows knitted together. “What?” “Is this my punishment?”

“You spend all your time in the Underworld and yet know nothing about death.” Lexa was silent for a moment. “I felt … peace.”

“My body clings to the ease of death, searches for its simplicity. Instead, I am forced to exist in a distressed and complicated world. I cannot keep up. I don’t want to keep up.” Lexa looked in Persephone’s direction. “Death wouldn’t have changed anything for us, Seph,” Lexa whispered. “Being back? That changes everything.”

“I’m really sorry about Lexa, Persephone. If it means anything to you, just know … I didn’t actually know her soul was broken when I healed her.”

“This mortal has distressed you,” Zofie said. “Do you want me to kill him?”

You think Hades will be the one to dismantle you?” Persephone asked, taking deliberate steps toward the mortal. Demetri tensed, unnerved by whatever he saw in her expression. She shook her head and continued, “No. Your fate is mine to unravel.”

Lexa had taken her own life. She was a suicide. She was going to drink from the Lethe, which meant she would forget everything, including their friendship.

Your actions have condemned Lexa to a fate worse than death.

He helped me understand that power comes from confidence, from belief in your own worth. I am a goddess.

“You’re … a demigod?” A wicked smile cut across his face. “Son of Zeus.” “Oh gods, no wonder you’re such a fucking creep.”

Persephone screamed, and the thorns thickened until they exploded in shards and splinters. Pirithous was blown back. He landed against the wall, his body sagged to the ground; a massive stake speared his chest. He was dead. There was a beat where Persephone sat quiet, breathing slow. Then, all of a sudden, she was slammed with an unspeakable feeling—it was a combination of shock and horror. She had killed someone.

“I will tell you if you will promise me one thing,” she said. He raised a brow, waiting, and her eyes fell to his lips. “When you torture him, I get to join you.” “That is a promise I can keep.”

“Fuck me,” he muttered. “I’m like a fucking teenager.” She laughed. “Do you even know what it’s like to be a teenager?” “No,” he answered. “But I imagine they are always horny and never quite sated.”