A Touch of Ruin (Hades x Persephone #2)(97)

She smiled at him and approached.

“Last time I checked, I was the one who was supposed to do the summoning,” he said.

“I didn’t summon you,” Persephone said. “I invited you. You didn’t have to come.”

Apollo’s jaw tensed.

“But I’m glad you did,” she added, and the god’s brows rose. “Come, I’d like you to meet someone.”

She led Apollo outside where the maypole was raised, and the dead danced. It took her a moment, but she finally found him standing with a crowd of souls. Hyacinth, the young man Apollo loved. He was well-muscled and beautiful, with a swath of golden hair. When he smiled, his teeth gleamed, when he laughed, it was like music. She knew when Apollo saw him, because Apollo stiffened beside her.

“Go to him, Apollo,” she said.

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.”

Especially those who hurt others, she thought but didn’t say.

“Go,” she encouraged. “You don’t have much time and you must make the most of it.”

Still he stared at her, as if he couldn’t figure her out.

After a moment, he turned and took a deep breath, set his shoulders, and strolled toward Hyacinth. The young soul did a double take and his expression melted into shock when he spotted the God of Music approaching. He put his drink down and threw his arms around Apollo’s neck, drawing him close. When their lips met, Persephone felt a pang in her chest—a reminder of how much she missed Hades.

She shook her head and wandered from the courtyard into the gardens. She hoped to spend a few minutes alone but stumbled upon a shadowy figure, startling her.

“Thanatos,” she breathed, her heart calming. “You startled me.”

“I am sorry. That was not my intention.”

She frowned. She hadn’t seen the God of Death since she’d yelled at him in the hospital. She could feel a difference in the air between them. Once friendly, it was now tender.

“What are you doing out here?”

“Enjoying the revelry,” he answered. He wasn’t looking at her as he spoke, his eyes on the maypole ahead, illuminated by the nymphs’ light.

“Why don’t you join them?” she asked.

Thanatos’ smile was sad. “I am not made for merriment, my lady.”

She frowned. “Please call me Persephone, Thanatos.”

He bowed his head. “Right. I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry,” she said. “There is no excuse for how I treated you. I can...scarcely believe it myself.”

“It’s okay, Persephone. I’m used to it.”

She winced. “It pains me to know that. I wish it weren’t so—you deserve better, especially from a friend.”

Thanatos met her gaze, smiling. “Thank you, Persephone.”

They stood together for a while, watching the residents of the Underworld celebrate.

At some point, Persephone reentered the palace. She roamed from room to room looking for Hades. The more time that passed without his presence, the more frustrated she became. How could he not come to a celebration in his own realm? Not only was it important to his people, it was important to her. She’d helped plan it and he knew it was happening tonight. What was keeping him?

The party neared its end with no sign of Hades. Unable to rest, she waited up for him.

And waited.

And waited.

It was close to five in the morning before he returned. His presence was familiar and unlike previous times when he had inspired need within her, she felt cold.

When Hades entered the room, she turned to face him. His dark gaze assessed her from head to toe. She hadn’t removed the crown Ian had made for her, or the dress Hecate had crafted. Hades did not comment on her ensemble, instead he said, “I did not think you would be awake.”

“Where were you?”

“I had a few things to take care of.”

Persephone’s fingers fisted. “Were these things more important than your realm?”

Hades brows lowered. “You are angry that I was not at your party.”

So he hadn’t forgotten.

“Yes, I am angry. You should have been there.”

“The dead celebrate everything, Persephone. I won’t miss the next one.”

“If that is your view, I’d rather you not come at all.”

Hades seemed surprised by her comment. “Then what do you want from me?”

“I don’t fucking care how much they celebrate. What’s important to them should be important to you. What’s important to me should be important to you.”

“Persephone...”

“Don’t,” she cut him off. “I understand you don’t know what I don’t tell you, but I expect you to be aware of what I am planning and show interest—not only for me, but for your people. You never once asked about the solstice celebration, not even after I asked you for permission to host it in the courtyard.”