A Touch of Ruin (Hades & Persephone 2)

“She was hit by a freaking car,” Jaison snapped. “She’s not going to bounce back.”

Persephone blinked, shocked by his anger.

“I know. I didn’t mean—”

“Maybe if you weren’t so wrapped up in your own problems, you’d see that.”

He stomped back to Lexa’s room without another word.

“He’s just upset,” Sybil said. “He knows she isn’t the same.”

“This mortal has distressed you,” Zofie said. “Do you want me to kill him?”

“What? No, Zofie. You can’t just kill people who upset you.”

The Aegis shrugged. “You can where I’m from.”

“Remind me to hide all your weapons,” Persephone said.

The tension remained throughout the next week. Persephone was glad to have an escape in the Underworld but made sure to check in with Lexa everyday—it became a new routine, a new normal. Wake up, check on Lexa, work, check on Lexa, Underworld.

She went on like that for weeks until one morning after returning from the Underworld, Persephone wandered into the kitchen and halted in her tracks.

Lexa was making coffee.

She stood in her pajamas, hair in a messy bun, and when she looked up at Persephone, she smiled. She looked...normal.

“Good morning,” she chimed.

“G-good morning,” Persephone said, a little suspicious.

“I thought you might like some coffee.”

“Yes,” Persephone said, and gave a breathy laugh. “I love coffee.”

Lexa laughed, filling a mug and pushing it toward her. “I know.”

Persephone cupped the drink between her hands. For a moment, she couldn’t move. She just stood there, staring awkwardly at Lexa.

She cleared her throat. “I...better get ready for work,” she said, reluctant to leave, afraid that if she did, she’d realize this was all just a dream.

Lexa offered a small smile again. “Lucky,” she said. “I would like to work again.”

“You will soon.”

Persephone made her way back to her room. As she did, she sipped the coffee Lexa had made and promptly spit it back into the cup. It was strong and bitter and thick.

Not like the coffee Lexa had made before the accident.

She’s trying, Persephone thought. That’s all that matters.

She’d drink a million cups of this coffee if it meant Lexa was healing.

Persephone got ready for work. She hated how her perception of her job had changed. She used to look forward to days spent at New Athens News, now they filled her with dread, and it had nothing to do with the crowd that hung out to see her every day—it was her boss. Demetri had continuously given her busy work, keeping her from working on stories. She decided if he did it again today, she would challenge him.

“Hi, Persephone!” Helen said as she exited the elevator.

“Hello, Helen,” Persephone said, smiling at the young woman. She was about the only thing she enjoyed about her job anymore.