A Touch of Ruin (Hades x Persephone #2)(21)

“That’s different.”

It was true Persephone had started her series on Hades with the intention of exposing his unfair bargains with mortals. Overtime, however, she’d learned his intentions were far more honorable than she’d originally assumed.

Lexa sighed. “Maybe, but isn’t that what Hades was telling you? Apollo is willing to punish without a second thought.”

Persephone averted her gaze, frustrated, and Lexa’s outstretched hand covered her own.

“I just want you to be careful. I know Hades will protect you, but I also know how hard it is for you to ask for help.”

Persephone managed a small smile. She knew Lexa was only speaking out of concern for her, but her best friend didn’t know the whole story. She still hadn’t told her about her boss’s ultimatum. She felt like she was in a bargain with Hades again, faced with losing two things she valued most. Perhaps if she explained, Lexa would understand, but as she started to speak, they were interrupted by a stranger.

“You’re Hades’ girlfriend, aren’t you?”

The voice startled them, and the question made Persephone cringe. A young woman had appeared beside their table. She wore a long shirt, tights and boots. Her phone was in hand, and she was pulling at the elastic holding her hair in a top knot.

“Can I get a picture?” The girl asked as she fluffed her hair and smoothed it over her shoulder.

“Sorry, no,” Persephone said. “I’m having lunch.”

“It’ll just take a second,” She leaned in to take a selfie, her camera on. Persephone shifted away, holding out her hands to stop the girl.

“I said no.”

“Just one,” the girl attempted to bargain.

“What about no don’t you understand?” Persephone asked.

The girl straightened and blinked at Persephone.

Then her eyes narrowed. “You don’t have to be a bitch. It’s just a picture.”

The girl lifted her phone and snapped a photo. Her outburst had drawn attention, and as Persephone watched her storm off, she noticed several customers had their phones pointed in her direction. She covered her face with her hand.

Lexa leaned across the table, “This would be a great time to use your powers for nefarious reasons.”

“Didn’t you just criticize my use of magic for punishment?”

“Yeah but...she deserves it. She was an asshole.”

“I think it’s time to go,” Persephone said, reaching for her purse.

They left money on the table to cover their bill. Lexa looped her arm through Persephone’s as they exited the cafe. The sidewalks were teeming with employees returning to work, tourists, and street vendors. It was a hot but cloudy day, and the air smelled like roasting chestnuts, cigarettes, and coffee.

“Do you have time to stop by the office?” Lexa asked. “I can give you a tour.”

Persephone checked her watch. She still had thirty minutes before she had to be back at the Acropolis.

“I’d love that.”

She wanted to see where Lexa worked and, if she were being honest, explore. She’d felt embarrassed when Lexa had listed off facts about The Halcyon Project, none of which she knew.

Lexa officed out of a building called Alexandria Tower. It was the opposite of Nevernight with an all-glass and white marble exterior. Lexa held the door open for Persephone. Like every place Hades occupied, the interior was luxurious. The floors were veined marble, the receptionist desk a pool of black obsidian, and gold accents sparked amid the dark furniture. Persephone felt right at home.

A nymph seated behind the receptionist desk stood quickly. Like all her kind, she was beautiful—all sharp angles and wide eyes. She was a woodland nymph—a dryad, evident by her almond-colored hair, mossy eyes, and the faint green-tinge to her skin. These were the nymphs Persephone had spent the most time with growing up in the greenhouse. She’d never considered it before, but now she wondered if they were just as much prisoners of her mother as she was.

“Lady Persephone,” the woman at the desk bowed. “You honor us with your presence.”

Lexa giggled, and Persephone blushed.

“I’ve brought Persephone for a tour, Ivy.”

The dryad’s eyes widened, and Persephone got the impression she didn’t like being surprised.

“Oh, of course, Lady Persephone. First...can I get you anything? A glass of champagne or wine, perhaps?”

“Oh, no, thank you, Ivy. I have to return to work after this.”

“Let me make a few calls,” she said. “I’d prefer everything to be perfect before you go up.”

“It’s alright, Ivy,” Lexa said with a playful laugh. “Persephone doesn’t care.”

The dryad paled. Several months ago, this behavior would have made Persephone uncomfortable. It still gave her anxiety, but she recognized it for what it was—a servant of Hades wishing to please, and Persephone didn’t want to keep her from that, so she stepped in.

“Take your time, Ivy,” Persephone said. “In the interim, a water would be nice.”

The dryad smiled. “Right away, my lady.”

Persephone took a few steps away from the desk and swept the room. She loved the character of the building. It wasn’t as modern as Nevernight, boasting antique accents like glass doorknobs, gold heating grates, and a radiator. A formal seating area was arranged in front of a set of large windows that overlooked the street. Persephone paused in front of it, admiring the busy cityscape on the other side.