A Touch of Ruin (Hades & Persephone 2)

“And we’re going to be late.” Hermes took Persephone’s hand. “So, if you don’t mind…”

Zofie drew her blade. “Release her or feel my wrath!”

Hermes laughed. “Where did you get her?”

Persephone sighed. “Zofie, put that away.”

“Wherever you go, I must go to, Lady Persephone,” she glared at Hermes. “To protect you.”

Hermes was still laughing. “She knows I’m a god, right?”

Persephone elbowed him. “Help Zofie find something to wear. She’s coming with us.”

***

When they appeared outside The Seven Muses, people screamed their names.

Persephone glared at Hermes as they were ushered inside by two centaurs.

“You just had to let the world know we were here, didn’t you?”

He grinned. “How else is Hades supposed to know about the dress?”

She elbowed the god again.

“Ouch! You’re violent tonight, Sephy. I’m only trying to help.”

They barely made it inside the club, when their way was blocked by Apollo. The god glared at Hermes. “What are you doing here?”

“I was invited,” the God of Trickery said.

Apollo’s gaze moved to Zofie. “An Amazon?”

Zofie glared at him, and Persephone had a feeling the Amazon hadn’t forgiven him for abducting Persephone.

“She’s my Aegis,” Persephone said. “Her name is Zofie.” He frowned, and Persephone smirked as she said, “You never said I couldn’t bring a friend.”

He rolled his eyes and sighed.

“Come, I have a booth.”

Apollo twisted and the three followed. Persephone noted that the God of Music had chosen black leather pants and a mesh shirt as his club attire. Beneath the mesh, the contours of his muscles were visible. He was chiseled and athletic. She found herself comparing him to Hades again. Hades, whose body seemed to be built to destroy with broad shoulders and large muscles.

Apollo’s table was more like a lounge. White couches faced each other, and sheer, white curtains provided a small amount of privacy.

The God of Music collapsed dramatically on one of the couches, his arms draping over the back, one leg resting on a cushion.

Persephone, Hermes, and Zofie all sat beside each other. The goddess felt uncomfortable in her revealing dress, and sat with her back straight, hands on her knees.

“So, how long have you known each other?” Apollo raised a pale brow, looking between her and his brother. He sounded frustrated.

“Oh, we’ve been friends forever,” said Hermes, then he downed a shot of whatever was on the table. “Yum, you should try this.”

He tried giving Zofie one of the drinks, but the Amazon’s glare caused him to reconsider.

“Never mind,” he said, and took another shot.

“He means six months,” Persephone said. “Hermes and I have known each other for six months.”