A Touch of Ruin (Hades x Persephone Saga Book 2)

Persephone relayed the disastrous conversation she’d had with Hades to Lexa at lunch the next day. They’d chosen a booth at the back of their favorite cafe, The Yellow Daffodil, that gave them relative privacy. Despite the roar of the restaurant, Persephone felt paranoid talking about Hades in public. She leaned over the table toward Lexa, whispering.

“I’ve never seen him so…”

Unyielding. So obstinate. He was usually willing to at least hear her out, but from the moment Apollo’s name had left her mouth, Hades had been finished with the conversation.

“Hades has a point,” Lexa said, leaning back in her chair, crossing her legs.

Persephone looked at her best friend, surprised she would side with the God of the Dead.

“I mean, do you really think you can touch Apollo’s reputation? He’s the Golden Boy of New Athens.”

“An honor he doesn’t deserve considering how he treats the men and women he ‘loves.’”

“But…what if people don’t believe you, Persephone?”

“I can’t worry about whether or not people will believe me, Lex.”

The thought that Apollo’s victims would be ignored because of his popularity infuriated her, but what enraged her more was that she knew Lexa was right, there was a chance no one would believe her.

“I know. I’m just saying…it might not play out like you think.”

Persephone frowned, confused by her friend’s words. “And what do I think?”

Lexa twisted her fingers together on the table in front of her and shrugged, finally lifting her gaze to Persephone’s. Her eyes looked more vivid today, probably due to the smokey shadow she wore.

“I don’t know. I mean, you are literally hoping for reason from a god who can’t take rejection. It’s like you think you can magically change Apollo’s behavior with some words.”

Persephone flinched, and noticed that Lexa’s eyes shifted to Persephone’s shoulder. In her peripheral, she saw green, and when she looked, a thread of vines had sprouted out of her skin. Persephone clapped a hand over them. Of all the times her magic had responded to her emotions, it had never manifested liked this. She pulled the vines free and blood spilled down her arm.

“Oh, my gods!” Lexa shoved a wad of napkins into her hands and Persephone pressed them against her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Has this ever happened before?”

“No,” she said, peeling back the napkins to look at the wound the vines left behind. The gash was small, like she’d been scratched by a throne and the bleeding minimal.

“Is that a goddess thing?” Lexa asked.

“I don’t know.”

She’d never seen her mother’s powers manifest this way, or Hades’ for that matter. Maybe it was just another example of how terrible she was at being a goddess.

“Will you tell Hades?”

The question surprised Persephone, and her gaze shot to Lexa’s. “Why would I tell him?”

She listed the reasons, “Because it’s never happened to you before, because it looks painful, because it might have something to do with being the Goddess of Spring?”

“Or it’s nothing,” Persephone said quickly. “Don’t worry about it, Lex.”

A beat of silence passed between them before Lexa reached a hand across the table to draw Persephone’s attention.

“You know I’m just worried about you, right?

The Goddess of Spring sighed. “I know. Thank you.”

There was more silence and then Lexa shrugged. “I guess none of this really matters. You already promised Hades you wouldn’t write about Apollo…right?”

Persephone was reluctant to meet Lexa’s gaze.

“Persephone—”

“What about Sybil? Are we just supposed to let her suffer?” Persephone asked.

“No, we’re supposed to be her friends,” Lexa said.

“Which means I should do everything in my power to ensure Apollo is exposed.”

“It means you should do what Sybil wants you to do.”

Persephone frowned. Sybil wanted Persephone to leave this situation alone, but silence was part of the problem. How many people had been hurt by Apollo and not spoken up?

“Are all the Divine wired for revenge?” Lexa posed the question off-handed, as if she were asking it rhetorically, but it didn’t sit well with Persephone.

“What do you mean?”

Lexa shrugged. “You all want to punish. Apollo wants to punish his lovers so you want to punish him, and he will probably punish you for that. It’s insanity.”

“I don’t want to punish him,” she said, defensively.

Lexa raised a brow.

“I don’t! I want people to know they shouldn’t trust him.”

“Just like you wanted people to know not to trust Hades?”

“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.

“I thought you weren’t thirsty,” said Lexa as she joined her by the window.

Persephone smiled and said, “You can never have enough water.”

“Really, what was that? I could have had this tour underway.”

The goddess sighed. “I’ve learned a few things since being in the Underworld, Lex. You see me as your best friend, so bringing me here means nothing but a bit of fun for you, but these people—they see me…differently.”

“You mean they see you as the Queen of the Underworld?”

She shrugged. That was definitely true of the residents of the Underworld. “They serve Hades, and no matter how much I argue, they seem to think they serve me by association.”

More than likely, because they were ordered too, she thought.

“Being of service pleases them. The more I fight it, the more I offend, I think.”

“Hmm,” Lexa said after a moment, and when Persephone looked at her friend, she found her smiling mischievously.

“What?” Persephone asked, skeptical.

“Nothing, Queen Persephone.”

Persephone rolled her eyes and Lexa laughed, turning away from the window.

Ivy intercepted them carrying a silver tray with two glasses of water.

“Today’s flavor is cucumber and ginger.”

Persephone took the glass and a napkin. She knew the dryad would be eager to know if she liked the drink, so she sipped it immediately.

“Hmm, very refreshing, Ivy, thank you.”

The nymph beamed and then handed Lexa a glass. Ivy disappeared once more and when she returned, she was still smiling, as if she were on a high.

“They’re ready for you, Lady Persephone, Lexa.”

Persephone’s stomach was suddenly in knots. She’d been able to handle this one interaction well, but would she do as well with more?

“Finally!” Lexa said unceremoniously.

As they ascended the stairs to the second floor, Persephone turned back to Ivy.

“Thank you, Ivy. I appreciate everything.”

She didn’t look long enough to register the nymph’s reaction as she followed Lexa up the stairs.

What they found when they got there stopped them in their tracks. The hall was lined on either side with employees who had stepped out of their glass offices to greet Persephone. There was also a man taking photos.

“Lady Persephone, it is an honor,” a woman approached. She was mortal and had a crown of black curls. She shook Persephone’s hand. “I’m Katerina, Director of The Cypress Foundation.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Persephone said.

“Please, allow me to tell you a few things about our progress. I’m sure you will be pleased.”

Persephone exchanged a look with Lexa. Her lips were pinched together, and her jaw clenched. This wasn’t what her friend had imagined when she’d suggested a tour. Persephone tried to ignore the sudden guilt that came with this whole experience. All Lexa had wanted to do was show off her new workplace, neither of them expecting to be treated this way. They’d have been better off coming here after hours.

Katerina narrated their walk, quoted some facts that Lexa had already shared. It was clear she had an elevator speech prepared for all situations.

“We were very excited when The Halcyon Project was announced,” Katerina said. “We’ve worked on several initiatives with Lord Hades, but never something quite like this.”

“Other projects?” Persephone promoted. This was news to her.

Katerina smiled. She seemed genuinely excited to have communicated something Persephone was unaware of, and explained, “The Halcyon Project is just one of many initiatives under The Cypress Foundation.”

“Tell me more.”

“Well, there’s Cerberus House, a non-profit for animals. The organization has founded fourteen no-kill animal shelters in New Greece and pays for pet adoption fees. We’re very excited to be opening a fifteenth location in Argos. There’s also the Safe Haven Project which helps families pay for funeral and burial costs. So far, we’ve aided over three hundred families in their time of need.”

Persephone was speechless, and yet, the woman kept going.

“Lord Hades’ longest-running charity is Chariot, a fund that provides training for therapy dogs for children in need.”

She swallowed a lump in her throat.

“Th-that’s amazing.”

Her feelings were all over the place. She felt awe that Hades had started so many wonderful organizations, but frustrated and embarrassed that she didn’t know about any of them. Why hadn’t he told her? Why hadn’t she stumbled across any of this during her research of the God of the Dead?

Gods, she looked like such a jerk, having written such slander about him. Perhaps that’s why so many of these people were eager to tell her about all his accomplishments, to further prove her wrong.

Damn his humbleness.

The tour continued a little while longer, and several introductions were made. Persephone met the people behind each of Hades’ charity initiatives. At the end, Katerina turned and said, “If there’s nothing else, I’d be happy to escort you downstairs, my lady.”

What about Hades’ office?

Luckily, Lexa intervened.

“I’ll take it from here, Katerina. Persephone and I need to finalize some plans, anyway.”

“Oh…”

“Thank you so much Katerina,” Persephone said before the woman could protest. “I’m very excited to tell Hades how wonderful you’ve been.”

That worked like a charm. Katerina smiled and gave a very flustered, “Why, thank you so much, Lady Persephone.”

When they were alone, Lexa leaned forward. “You wanna see Hades’ office?”

“You know it.”

They giggled like schoolgirls as Lexa led her up a third flight of stairs. This floor was all dedicated office space, and Persephone and Lexa wound their way through a set of cubicles before reaching a row of offices at the back of building.

“Here it is!” Lexa said, gesturing to the space with her arms spread wide as she stepped inside.

It was a glass box.

Persephone hesitated at the door. It reminded her of her mother’s home, and for a moment, she had the strange feeling that this was all a well-orchestrated trap. Hades desk sat before a lead-detailed window that made it appear like he was sitting upon a throne while he was at his desk. It was over-the-top and intimidating, and she would bet money he used this desk less than the one in his office at Nevernight.

She stepped inside just as someone call for Lexa.

“Crap,” she looked at Persephone. “I’ll be right back.”

Persephone nodded as her best friend disappeared. Her eyes dropped to Hades’ desk. There were only two things on it: a vase of white narcissus and a picture of her. It was snapped in the Underworld, in one of Hades’ gardens. She picked it up, wondering when he had taken it.

“Curious?”

Persephone jumped, dropping the frame. Before it could hit the ground, Hades caught it and returned it to its place. The goddess twisted toward him, bracing a hand on the desk.

How did someone with such mass move so quickly, she thought. He stood close, his scent hitting her hard, and she was reminded of last night when he’d taken her to bed, claimed her, marked her, possessed her. She hadn’t expected a simple conversation about Apollo to set him off, but it had in ways she’d never imagined.

“How long have you been here?” she breathed.

One of Hades’ powers was invisibility. It was possible he’d been in this office the whole time, even more likely that he’d followed along on the tour without any of them knowing.

“Always suspicious,” he said.

“Hades—” she warned.

“Not long,” he said. “I received a frantic call from Ivy who chastised me for not letting her know you were stopping by.”

Persephone’s brows drew together. “You have a phone?”

“For work, yes,” he said.

“Why didn’t I know that?”

He shrugged. “If I want you, I will find you.”

Still, Persephone didn’t feel like that was a good enough reason for her to not know he had a phone…or the million other things she didn’t know about her lover.

“You are displeased,” Hades said, and it wasn’t a question.

Persephone’s gaze lifted to his again.

“You embarrassed me.”

It was Hades’ turn to frown and his eyes softened. “Explain.”

“I should not have to learn about all your charities through someone else,” she said. “I feel like everyone around me knows more about you than I do.”

“You never asked,” he said.

“Some things can be brought up casually, Hades. At dinner, for instance—hi, honey. How was your day? Mine was good, the billion-dollar charities I own help kids and dogs and humanity!”

Hades’ was trying not to smile.

“Don’t you dare,” she pressed a finger to his lips. “I am serious about this. If you wish for me to be seen as more than a lover, then I need more from you. A…history…an inventory of your life. Something.”

Hades’ eyes darkened, and he closed his fingers around Persephone’s wrist. He kissed her fingers.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “It did not occur to me to tell you. I have existed so long alone, made every decision alone, I am not used to sharing anything with anyone.”

Persephone’s gaze softened and she pressed her palm to his face.

“Hades, you were never alone, and you certainly aren’t alone now,” she pulled her hand away. “Now, what else do you own?”

“Lots of morgues,” he said.

Persephone’s eyes widened. “You’re serious?”

“I am the God of the Dead,” he said.

She couldn’t help it, she smiled. Their gazes held for a moment, and then Hades prompted in a deep, sultry voice, “Tell me, what else can I share with you now?”

Persephone glanced at the picture on his desk.

“Where did you get this?”

His eyes followed, and she knew it wasn’t because he had to be reminded about the picture. He was taking his time answering.

“I took it.”

“When?”

“Obviously when you weren’t looking,” he said, and she rolled her eyes at his humor.

“Why do you have pictures of me and I do not have pictures of you?”

His eyes glittered.

“I did not know you wanted pictures of me.”

She scoffed. “Of course, I want pictures of you.”

“I may be able to oblige. What kind of pictures do you want?”

She swatted his shoulder. “You are insatiable.”

“And you are to blame, my queen,” he said, and his lips traveled down her neck and along her shoulder. “I’m glad you are here.”

“I couldn’t tell,” she replied, shivering.

“I’ve wanted to pleasure you in this room, on this desk, since I met you. It will be the most productive thing that happens here.”

His words were flames and they ignited her. She swallowed thickly.

“You have glass walls, Hades.”

“Are you trying to deter me?”

She narrowed her eyes and teased. “Exhibitionist?”

“Hardly.” He leaned a little closer, and she felt his breath on her lips. “Do you really think I would let them see you? I am too selfish. Smoke and mirrors, Persephone.”

She leaned into his heat, “Then take me,” she whispered.

Hades’ growled and snaked an arm around her waist when someone cleared their throat. They turned to find Lexa standing in the doorway.

“Hey, Hades,” she said with a smile on her face. “Hope you don’t mind. I brought Persephone for a tour.”

“Hi Lexa,” he said, smirking. “No, I don’t mind at all.”

Persephone gave a small laugh and stepped away from Hades’ warmth.

“I have to get back to work,” she said, meeting Lexa at the door of Hades’ office. She turned to look at him. He was power, standing behind that desk, silhouetted by that beautiful glass. “I’ll see you tonight?”

He nodded once.

As they returned to the first floor, Lexa said, “I know you’ll go to the Underworld on Friday for the weekend, but don’t forget we’re helping Sybil move Friday.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said.

The two hugged at the door.

“Thanks for everything, Lex. I’m sorry you couldn’t give me the tour yourself.”

“I won’t lie. It was weird seeing people fall all over themselves in your presence.”

The two laughed together at that. It was strange, even to Persephone, but then Lexa said something that made Persephone’s blood run cold.

“Imagine when they find out you’re a goddess.”

Persephone walked back to the Acropolis. This time she begrudgingly made her way to the entrance between screaming fans who were kept at bay by a makeshift barrier security had put in place.

“Persephone! Persephone look over here!”

“How long have you been dating Hades?”

“Will you write about other gods?”

She kept her head down and didn’t answer any questions. By the time she made it inside, her body was vibrating, her magic awakened from the surge of anxiety she’d felt being at the center of the crowd. She made a beeline for the elevators, all the while thinking about Lexa’s last words before they’d parted at Alexandria Tower.

Imagine when they find out you’re a goddess.

She knew what that really meant:

Imagine when you can no longer exist as you once did.

Suddenly, the elevator seemed too small and just when she thought she couldn’t take another breath, the doors opened. Helen popped up from behind her desk, smiling, oblivious to Persephone’s internal battle.

“Welcome back, Persephone.”

“Thanks, Helen,” she said without much of a look in her direction. Despite this, Helen followed Persephone to her desk. As she stored her things, she found a white rose sitting on her laptop. Persephone picked it up, careful to avoid the thorns.

“Where did this come from?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Helen said, frowning. “I didn’t accept anything for you this morning.”

Persephone’s brows knitted together. A red ribbon was tied around the stem but there was no card attached. Maybe Hades had left it for her, she reasoned, and set it aside.

“Do I have any messages?”

Persephone assumed that was why Helen had escorted her back to her desk.

“No,” Helen said.

That was unlikely. Persephone waited.

“They can wait,” Helen added. “Besides, they’re all leads for other stories, and I know you’re working on that exclusive—”

Persephone’s eyes must have flashed because Helen stopped speaking.

“How do you know about that?” Persephone’s mood dampened.

“I…”

She’d never seen Helen stumble over her words before, but all of a sudden, the girl couldn’t speak, and she looked close to tears.

“Who else knows?” Persephone asked.

“N-no one,” Helen finally managed. “I overheard. I’m sorry. I thought it was exciting. I didn’t realize—”

“If you overheard, you’d know it wasn’t exciting. Not for me.”

There was silence, and Persephone looked at Helen. “I’m sorry, Persephone.”

She sighed and sat in her chair. “It’s okay, Helen. Just…don’t tell anyone, okay? It…might not happen.”

She hoped.

Helen looked panicked. So she had heard a lot more than she was letting on.

“But…you’ll be fired!” she whispered fiercely.

Persephone sighed. “Helen, I really need to get to work and I think you do, too.”

Helen paled. “Of course. I’m so—”

“Stop apologizing, Helen,” Persephone said, and then added as gently as she could. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

The blonde smiled. “I hope things get better, Persephone. I really do.”

After Helen returned to her desk, Persephone started research on Apollo and his many lovers. She realized she’d promised Hades she wouldn’t write about the God of Music, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t start a file on him and there was no lack of information, especially from antiquity.

Almost all the stories about Apollo and his relationships ended tragically for the other person involved. Of all his lovers, there were a few who stood out and illustrated his heinous behavior, in particular the stories of Daphne and Cassandra.

Daphne was a nymph and swore to remain pure her whole life. Despite this, Apollo pursued her relentlessly, declaring his love for her as if that might sway her to change her mind. Left with no other options, and fearing Apollo, she asked her father, the river god Peneus, to free her from Apollo’s relentless pursuit. Her father granted her request and turned her into a laurel tree.

Laurel was one of Apollo’s symbols and now Persephone realized why.

Gross.

Cassandra, a Princess of Troy, was given the power to see the future by Apollo, who hoped the gift would persuade her to fall in love with him, but Cassandra wasn’t interested. Enraged, Apollo cursed her, allowing her to retain the power to see the future, but making it so that no one would believe her predictions. Later, Cassandra would foresee the fall of her people, but no one would listen.

There were other ancient lovers—Coronis, Okyrrhoe, Sinope, Amphissa, Koronis, and Sibylla, and newer, modern lovers—Acacia, Chara, Io, Lamia, Tessa, and Zita. The research wasn’t easy. From what Persephone understood, many of these women had tried to speak out against Apollo via social media, blogs, even going so far as to tell their story to journalists. The problem was no one was listening.

She was so consumed by her research, a knock on her desk made her jump. Persephone found Demetri standing in front of her.

“How’s the article coming?” he asked.

She glared and answered in a crisp tone, “Coming.”

Her boss frowned. “You know if I had a choice—”

“You have a choice,” she said, cutting him off. “You just tell him no.”

“Your job isn’t the only one on the line.”

“Then maybe that’s a sign you should quit.”

Demetri shook his head. “You don’t quit New Athens News without consequences, Persephone.”

“I didn’t know you were such a coward.”

“Not everyone has a god to defend them.”

Persephone flinched, but recovered quickly. She was really starting to hate that people assumed she would ask Hades to fight for her.

“I fight my own battles, Demetri. Trust me, this will not end well. People like Kal, they have secrets and I’ll dismantle him from the inside out.”

A glimmer of admiration sparked within Demetri’s eyes, but the words he spoke next were a threat to her foundation.

“I admire your determination, but there are some powers journalism cannot fight and one of those is money.”