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“She didn’t stutter,” Hermes said, taking a step forward.

“But—”

“You must have forgotten the way out the door.” Hermes took another step. “I’ll show you out.”

“Sybil—”

Oh, fuck.Enough.

Hades sent his magic barreling toward the mortal, who vanished from sight.

There was a moment of shock, and everyone looked at Hermes.

“That wasn’t me,” he said and looked at Hades, who made no move to explain what he’d done, which was what he should have done from the beginning—sent Ben to a deserted island.

“I think we all should go. This storm is only going to get worse the longer we stay.” Persephone looked at him. “Hades, I’d like to make sure Helen, Leuce, and Zofie get home safe.”

“I’ll call Antoni.”

The cyclops arrived in minutes, and they filed inside the limo. The sound of sleet was louder in the car and filled the space with a sense of dread.

Hades sat beside Persephone, one arm braced around her while Leuce, Zofie, and Helen sat opposite them.

“Did anyone else really hate that Ben guy?” asked Leuce.

What a ridiculous question, Hades thought. Of course everyone hated him.

“Sybil should keep a blade beneath her bed in case he comes back,” said Zofie helpfully.

“Orshe could just lock her door,” Helen suggested.

“Locks can be picked. A blade is better,” Zofie insisted, and Hades couldn’t disagree. Someone like Ben wasn’t going to let a lock get in the way of what he wanted, just like he wouldn’t let the wordnostop him.

Hades was glad for the silence because it let him think, though what he had to do next wasn’t exactly exciting. He had to visit Apollo and learn what truly killed Adonis, and he needed to know soon before any other attacks like this took place.

He would much rather return to the Underworld with Persephone and pick up where they left off in the bathroom, but he would have to wait until later, after this task was complete.

She wouldn’t be happy.

Antoni dropped off Leuce and Zofie. They watched until the two were safe inside their apartment before leaving and continuing on to Helen’s home.

The woman sat quietly for a while, but after a moment, she spoke, not looking at either him or Persephone.

“Do you think Ben is right? That this is the work of the gods?”

Hades felt Persephone’s body go rigid against his, and his hold tightened on her.

“We’ll find out soon enough,” he answered.

They arrived at Helen’s, and Antoni helped her out of the car.

“Thank you for the ride,” Helen said as she left.

Persephone burrowed closer to him as the cold filled the cabin, and he gladly let her.

Now they were heading home, and Hades began to dread arriving. He was content to be here with Persephone, warm and in the back of his limo.

He felt Persephone look up, and after a moment, she spoke in a quiet voice.