A Touch of Ruin (Hades x Persephone #2)(42)

“I’m the one who wrote the article,” she said. “Your deal should be with me.”

“Persephone.”

Her name slipped from between Hades’ teeth, and Apollo threw his head back, laughing.

“What could you possibly offer me?”

Persephone’s fists curled, her nails digging into her palms. “You hurt my friend,” she hissed.

“Whatever your friend did must have warranted punishment or she would not be in the situation she is in.”

It enraged her that he didn’t even seem to know which friend he’d hurt.

“You mean to tell me her refusal to be your lover warrants punishment?”

Apollo froze, though his expression remained passive.

Persephone continued, “You took away her livelihood because she declined to sleep with you. That is insane and pathetic.”

“Persephone,” Hades’ warned.

“You be quiet!” she snapped. She never thought she’d get tired of hearing her name on Hades’ lips, but right now, she wanted him to shut up. “You chose not to include me in this conversation. I will speak my mind.”

The god’s lips thinned, and his eyes burned. She could feel the frustration brewing under his skin, it made her own tingle.

Hermes was laughing. She ignored him and turned toward Apollo.

“I only wrote about your past lovers. I didn’t even touch on what you have done to Sybil. If you don’t undo her punishment, I will dismantle you.”

There was silence, and Apollo chuckled, narrowing his eyes. “You are a fiery little mortal. I could use someone like you.”

“Speak further, nephew, and you will have no reason to fear her threat because I will tear you to pieces.”

Apollo offered Hades an unsavory glance, his eyes returning to Persephone quickly who promoted, “Well?”

Apollo stared at her for a long moment, and, with a small smile on his lips that made her stomach knot, he said, “Fine. I will return your little friend’s powers and I’ll take Hades’ favor as well, but you will not write another word about me—no matter what. Understand?”

Persephone lifted her chin. “Words are binding, and I do not trust you enough to agree.”

Apollo chuckled. “You have taught her well, Hades.”

The God of Music dared take a step toward her. She sensed both Hades and Hermes straighten. The tension was so thick, Persephone couldn’t breathe. Apollo bent, his face close to hers—and despite his eyes being the most beautiful shade of blue she’d ever seen, there was something sinister behind them. It made her want to vomit.

“Let me put it this way—you write another word about me and I’ll destroy everything you love. And before you consider the fact that you love another god, remember that I have his favor. If I want to keep you apart forever, I can.”

That sent a chill of fear down Persephone’s spine. She glanced at Hades, wondering if the threat was real. Her lover’s expression told her it was.

“Noted,” she said from between her teeth. The god straightened.

“I will warn you now, Apollo,” Hades’ voice was reverent. “If any harm comes to Persephone, favor or not, I will bury you and everything you love in ash.”

Apollo offered a cold smile. “You’ll only have me to bury, Hades. Nothing I love exists anymore.”

Apollo left—vanishing in a blinding ray of light. The throne room was silent, and Persephone found that she was hesitant to face Hades. She had ruined his plans and deliberately disobeyed him in front of another god.

“Well, that could have gone better,” Hermes said, clearly amused. Persephone cringed at his tone, knowing Hades wouldn’t be pleased.

“Why are you still here?” Hades asked through gritted teeth.

“He was babysitting me,” Persephone snapped, glaring at him. “Or did you forget?”

He might be angry about how all of this played out, but she blamed him for that. He’d spent the last few days ignoring her instead of talking through the conversation with Apollo—and didn’t he always insist that they talk? How could he think she wouldn’t want to fight for her friend if given the chance?

“How can you say you wish for me to be your queen when given the opportunity to treat me as your equal, you fuck it up completely? Does your word mean nothing?”

Hades eyes widened, surprised by her words. It was the blow she wanted to land. She turned from him, looped her arm through Hermes’ and strolled out of the throne room.

“That took some real lady balls, Sephy,” Hermes said.

The goddess frowned. It might have taken balls, but it didn’t make her feel any better.

“At this rate, we’ll never reconcile,” she said, frowning.

“Oh, I really doubt that,” Hermes said. “I don’t think Hades is willing to go that long without fucking you.”

Persephone glared at the god. “Not everything is about sex, Hermes.”

“Yes, it is. I’m not saying that to be vulgar,” he paused and chuckled a little. “Well, kinda. What I’m really trying to say is Hades loves you. You didn’t see him last night. I did. He won’t go long without talking to you. He’s too afraid he’ll lose you.”

She hoped Hermes was right. Despite her final words to Hades, she hadn’t wanted to leave his presence, and doing so made her heart hurt.