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Persephone

“We need to meet the Gods.”Hades curses. “They’re all probably here anyway, after that show the two of you put on.”

I shoot him a cheeky smile. “It was a good show.”

“Perhaps it’s best not to poke the God, my Persephone.”

“You’re probably right.”I try for my first time to speak back to her mind. When she smiles, I smile, too. I add,“He is a bit touchy.”

“You’re talking to her again, aren’t you?” Hades demands low.

“Yes.”

“Do you think you could include me in the conversation?”

I fold my arms over my chest. “She told me not to poke you.”

“Poke me?” His brows rise.

“Yes. Poke you. Piss you off.”

“I’m not pissed off, Persephone.”

“He’s not,”Hydra says.“But heisjealous.”

It’s my turn to frown. Hades curses again. “What now?”

“Are you jealous? Of my bond with Hydra?”

Hades’ lips thin. They part before closing again. He shakes his head and finally admits, “I don’t know, little goddess. I’m—I’m upset that your soul sought sanctuary with hers in your death. That you never tried to find me.”

“You did try to be with him. He could not see you. You were cloaked, and only the Moirai can answer why.”

I move to him. To my lover, my soul mate, my God. “Of course, I tried to be with you. I already explained that Hydra brought me to you, and you weren’t able to see me.”

“How many times?” Hades asks softly.

“What?”

“How many times did you try?”

“I—I don’t know.”

Hades’ eyes slide to Hydra, the question in them not to be missed. Her answer is soft in my mind.“Once was painful enough, my Persephone.”

I flinch.

Hades waits. He prompts, “Well?”

“Hades…”

“Persephone.”

My voice cracks. I echo Hydra’s words. “Once was painful enough.”

He looses another curse as he hangs his head between his shoulders. Then, clipped, he says, “The Gods are here. They are waiting.” His eyes move again to Hydra. “I don’t suppose you’d be content to wait here?”

Hydra shakes her head, with all the others wrapped snuggly around it. Nine sets of eyes focus on him.