A Touch of Darkness (Hades & Persephone 1)

Everything went silent.

They stood at the top of a staircase that led to the packed floor of the ballroom. The room was crowded from wall to wall, and she recognized many of those in attendance—gods and souls and creatures alike. She spotted Euryale, Ilias, and Mekonnen. She smiled at them, her anxiety forgotten, and when they bowed, Hades led her down the stairs.

As they made their way through the crowd, Persephone smiled and nodded, and when her eyes fell on Hecate, she broke from Hades to take her hands.

“Hecate! You look beautiful!”

They embraced. The Goddess of Witchcraft was luminous—she wore a silver, glittering gown that fit her frame and flared out. Her thick, dark hair spilled over her shoulders, and sparkling stars glittered in her long locks.

“You flatter me, my dear,” she said.

Suddenly, Persephone found herself surrounded by souls. They hugged her and thanked her, told her how amazing the palace looked and how beautiful she was. She didn’t know how long she stood there, accepting embraces and talking to the people of the Underworld, but it was music that broke up the crowd.

Persephone’s first dance was with a few children from the Underworld. They moved in circles and twirled, giggling with joy. When that dance finished, Charon approached. He was dressed all in white, his usual color, except that the edges of his robes were embroidered with azure thread. He bowed, one hand covering his heart.

“My lady, may I have the next dance?”

She smiled and took his hand. “Of course!”

Persephone joined a line dance, weaving through the souls. She'd never laughed or smiled so much in her life. Two dances later, she turned to find Hermes bowing.

“My lady,” he said.

“It's Persephone, Hermes,” she said, taking his hand. The music was different now, coasting into a charming, slow melody.

“You look almost as amazing as me,” he said smugly as they moved about the room.

“What a thoughtful compliment,” she teased.

The god grinned and then leaned in. “I can’t tell if it’s the dress or all the sex you’ve been having with the god of this realm.”

Persephone blushed. “Not funny, Hermes!”

He looked amused. “Isn’t it?”

“How do you even know?”

“Well, it’s rumored he carried you through the palace to his bed.”

She blushed fiercely. She would never forgive Hades for that.

“I see it’s true.”

She rolled her eyes.

“So, tell me—how was it?”

“I’m not going to talk to you about it, Hermes.”

“I bet he’s rough,” Hermes mused.

Persephone looked away both to hide her blush and her laugh. “You’re impossible.”

Hermes chuckled. “But truly—love looks good on you.”

“Love?” She almost choked.

“Oh dear—you haven’t realized it yet, have you?”