A Touch of Ruin (Hades & Persephone 2)

Hermes whistled. “Damn. He really does love you, Sephy.”

They all glared at Hermes.

Hades offering Apollo a favor was huge. The god could literally ask for anything and Hades would have to grant it. A knot settled in the pit of her stomach, but it wasn’t guilt—it was dread. Why would Hades’ offer something so precious without telling her first?

Because he thought it was the only way to protect you, she thought, and you wouldn’t have let him do it.

“I will not agree to this,” Persephone said.

“You don’t have a choice, mortal.”

Persephone’s eyes burned, and she felt Hades’ magic rising to subdue her own, for which she was thankful. If Apollo knew she was a goddess, he would have leverage against her, and the god would use it, given his vengeful past.

“I’m the one who wrote the article,” she said. “Your deal should be with me.”

“Persephone.”

Her name slipped from between Hades’ teeth, and Apollo threw his head back, laughing.

“What could you possibly offer me?”

Persephone’s fists curled, her nails digging into her palms. “You hurt my friend,” she hissed.

“Whatever your friend did must have warranted punishment or she would not be in the situation she is in.”

It enraged her that he didn’t even seem to know which friend he’d hurt.

“You mean to tell me her refusal to be your lover warrants punishment?”

Apollo froze, though his expression remained passive.

Persephone continued, “You took away her livelihood because she declined to sleep with you. That is insane and pathetic.”

“Persephone,” Hades’ warned.

“You be quiet!” she snapped. She never thought she’d get tired of hearing her name on Hades’ lips, but right now, she wanted him to shut up. “You chose not to include me in this conversation. I will speak my mind.”

The god’s lips thinned, and his eyes burned. She could feel the frustration brewing under his skin, it made her own tingle.

Hermes was laughing. She ignored him and turned toward Apollo.

“I only wrote about your past lovers. I didn’t even touch on what you have done to Sybil. If you don’t undo her punishment, I will dismantle you.”

There was silence, and Apollo chuckled, narrowing his eyes. “You are a fiery little mortal. I could use someone like you.”

“Speak further, nephew, and you will have no reason to fear her threat because I will tear you to pieces.”

Apollo offered Hades an unsavory glance, his eyes returning to Persephone quickly who promoted, “Well?”

Apollo stared at her for a long moment, and, with a small smile on his lips that made her stomach knot, he said, “Fine. I will return your little friend’s powers and I’ll take Hades’ favor as well, but you will not write another word about me—no matter what. Understand?”

Persephone lifted her chin. “Words are binding, and I do not trust you enough to agree.”

Apollo chuckled. “You have taught her well, Hades.”

The God of Music dared take a step toward her. She sensed both Hades and Hermes straighten. The tension was so thick, Persephone couldn’t breathe. Apollo bent, his face close to hers—and despite his eyes being the most beautiful shade of blue she’d ever seen, there was something sinister behind them. It made her want to vomit.

“Let me put it this way—you write another word about me and I’ll destroy everything you love. And before you consider the fact that you love another god, remember that I have his favor. If I want to keep you apart forever, I can.”