A Touch of Ruin (Hades x Persephone #2)(107)

“You wrote an article that resulted in negative publicity for this company and hurt your reputation. What do you expect?”

“It’s called journalism, Demetri, and I expect that you’ll stand up for me.”

“Look, Persephone, no offense, but when it comes down to saving my own ass or saving yours, I’m choosing myself.”

Persephone nodded. “You’ll regret this, Demetri.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“No,” she said. “I’m offering you a peek into the future.”

“Do us a favor, Persephone. Stop sending your god after your problems.”

“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.”

With the prophecy spoken, Persephone turned on her heels and left Demetri’s office.

***

Lexa was in the kitchen the next morning with another pot of coffee. The same thick, burnt sludge she had made the day before, but Persephone didn’t care. She accepted the drink, sitting at the bar.

“Are you alright?” Lexa asked. Persephone was so surprised by the question, she burned her lips trying to sip on her coffee.

“I’m sorry, what?” Persephone asked.

“Are you alright?”

Persephone sat her mug down. “I should be asking you that question,” she said and sighed. “I guess I’m just not looking forward to work.”

She explained what had happened the day before.

“When I started there, I was so...ecstatic. I was ready to find the truth, to give a platform to the voiceless. Instead, I’m made to make copies, edit obituaries, and make up predictions.”

“I think it’s time to start your own paper,” said Lexa.

Persephone shook her head. “How?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know, but how hard could it be? Just do what you already do—give a voice to the oppressed.”

Persephone tapped her nails against the countertop, considering Lexa’s proposal. It was something she’d joked about before, but this didn’t seem funny. It felt like a real possibility. She thought of all the reasons journalism had appealed to her—she’d wanted to find the truth, serve justice, speak for the voiceless—all things she could do on her own with no Demetri and no Kal.

“Thanks, Lex. You’re amazing. I hope you know that.”

Lexa smiled, and she focused on the counter for a moment before suggesting, “Maybe...we could go sometime. Like...before. It’ll take your mind off everything.”

Persephone’s smiled.

“I’d like that.”

For the first time in a long time, Persephone felt like she might be able to heal the guilt she felt over this whole ordeal.

“I’m sorry, Lex,” Persephone said. She’d never actually apologized to her for what she’d done—for the deal she’d struck with Apollo.

“I know,” Lexa said. “But I forgive you.”

***

When Persephone arrived home from work, she found Sybil getting ready in her room. Her hair was curled, her makeup done, and she wore a pretty, floral dress.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Sybil said. “I needed a place to get ready and Lexa’s in the shower.”

“No, of course not,” Persephone said. “I just came home to check on her. How’s she doing?”

Sybil nodded. “Better.”

“Are you...going out?”

The oracle blushed. “I have a date.”

Persephone grinned, excited for her. “With who?”

“Aro,” she said quietly.

Before Sybil became an official oracle, the three had been inseparable. Persephone was glad they had reunited.

“When did this start?”

She shrugged. “We’ve always been friends and after Apollo fired me...we started talking again.”

Persephone smiled. “Oh, girl. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, Seph.”

Persephone felt bad for not saying goodbye to Lexa, but she sent a text to let her know she’d be back in the morning, then teleported to the Underworld, appearing in the library. She’d had the intention of curling up by the fireplace and reading, instead, she found Hades waiting.

“What are you wearing?” Persephone giggled.

He had on a black shirt, pants, and what looked like black rain boots. She had only seen him this casual once, and that was when he came to her house to bake cookies.

“I have a surprise for you.”

“Those pants are definitely a surprise.”

He smirked. “Come.”

He held out his hand, and she took it, fingers tangling with his as he led her outside. At the front of the palace, two large, black horses waited. They were majestic, their coat glistened, their manes braided.

“Oh!” Persephone clasped a hand to her mouth. “They’re beautiful.”

The horses snorted and pawed the ground. Hades chuckled. “They say thank you. Would you like to ride?”

“Yes,” she answered immediately. “But...I’ve never...”