“Then why can’t I use it?”
“You are using it,” he answered.
“Not...correctly.”
“Is there a correct way to use your magic?”
Persephone didn’t answer, not because she didn’t have one, but because she was frustrated with Hades’ question. Of course, there was a correct way to use magic.
The god chuckled and his fingers clasped her wrists lightly. “You use your magic all the time—when you are angry, when you are aroused…” Hades’ lips were a breath away from her skin. She wanted desperately to turn and kiss him, but she resisted.
“That’s not magic,” she answered quietly.
“Then what is magic?” he asked.
“Magic is…” she searched for words on a shuddering breath. “Control.”
Hades chuckled. “Magic is not controlled. It is passionate, expressive. It reacts to emotions, no matter your level of expertise.”
His hands shifted, cupping her own. Persephone swallowed.
“Close your eyes,” he whispered.
She did.
“Tell me what you feel.”
Aroused, she thought.
“I feel…warm,” she said instead.
She knew Hades was amused by the tone of his voice.
“Focus on it.” he said. “Where does it start?”
“Low,” she answered and shivered despite the heat. “In my stomach.”
“Feed it,” he breathed.
She did—with thoughts of pushing him into the flowers and pleasuring him. He would be surprised at first, but his eyes would take on that dark smolder and he would attempt to take control.
Except that she wouldn’t let him. She would take him into her mouth until he bucked against her and then lick the come from his cock. When he kissed her, he would taste himself.
Those thoughts filled her with fire, and Hades demanded, “Now, where are you warm?”
“Everywhere,” she answered.
“Imagine all that warmth in your hands,” he spoke faster. “Imagine it glowing, imagine it so bright you can barely look at it.”
She did as he instructed, focusing intently on the heat rushing to her hands. It was easier because she could feel the weight of Hades’ on hers. They grounded her.
“Now imagine the light has dimmed, and in the shadow, you see the life you have created.” Hades lips touched her ear as he whispered, “Open your eyes, Persephone.”
When she did, a shimmering white image of the periwinkle and phlox she had envisioned manifested between her hands.
It was beautiful.
Hades guided her hands to the barren earth, and as the magic touched the ground, it transformed into flowers.