Page 23 (1/2)

Prologue

Hades glanced at the lily propped atop the ainst the black silk to which it was pinned, light against the darkness He reached up, tracing one petal with an unsteady finger He saw the tre back from the flower as if it had burned him

Turning abruptly from the fire, he made his way to his chair and sat heavily There was a sweetness to his burden, but it was no less a burden

He leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees and covered his face with his hands

What had he done? How could he ? Using his powers to aid a mortal would seeainst Deainst Olympus

And yet, he felt whole

The raw eh on an eternity, no longer threatened to consuhter and endless conversation, had changed his world irrevocably

If not for her, he would have rery He would not have interfered at Cyprus He would never have thought to champion the mortal, Ariston…

“My lord” Her soft voice interrupted his thoughts

He lifted his head from his hands, surprised

Persephone stood, beauty to behold, watching hilowed copper, warhter, was drawn Was she not fully recovered? Or did the tension between them tire her as well?

His voice revealed nothing “Persephone”

Her steps were cautious, but she made her way to him “Aphrodite?”

So she had seen Aphrodite “Has gone” And she should have gone with her fellow Olyainst the lu in his chest

“I thought as much” She stood so close he could see the front of her tunic The fabric tre in time with the rapid beat of her heart

Was she disappointed? Was she ready to leave him… his realm?

She should go She should have gone weeks ago He kneas right Yet knowing it did nothing to soothe his agitation He clutched the ar to control

“I’ve not asked you for anything in my time here” She paused “Have I?”

He shook his head once No, she’d seee of true happiness, he supposed His gaze found shadows beneath her eyes and a tightness about her mouth He was a blind fool

Have you beenher answer

Her voice was no steadier than her pulse “Nor would I trouble you now, if reat”

“What is it?” he asked His voice sounded harsh to his own ears