The woman stiffened. “So you will imprison you?”
“No,” Hades said. “Hemlock Grove is a safe house. The Goddess Hecate runs the facility for abused women and children. She will want to hear your story if you wish to tell her. Beyond that, you may do as you please.”
***
Persephone was exhausted and an ache was forming behind her eyes, spreading to her temples. She could count the days she’d slept through the night in the last three weeks on one hand. She cupped her coffee between her hands and sipped, her thoughts turning to Hades. Her heart clenched tight every time she thought of how he’d found her, broken and bleeding in their bed, his eyes full of panic and pain. She’d wanted to comfort him, but the only words she could find were ones to question her own sanity and perception of reality.
That had only seemed to irritate him.
She shivered, suddenly recalling the way her skin split as her magic roared to life, the way Hades had looked when he’d asked if she knew the difference between his touch and Pirithous’, how she’d cried in his arms until she fell asleep, waking later to find him returning to their room, face splattered with blood. The Persephone who had unknowingly invited the God of the Dead to play cards would have been fearful, disgusted, but she was no longer that goddess. She had been deceived and betrayed and broken and she saw Pirithous’ end as judgement and justice—even more so now that she’d heard Lara’s story.
She could hardly blame her for the attack. She’d channeled her pain in the only way that made sense to her. Surely Zeus saw that his actions were making organizations like Triad stronger?
Her office phone rang, startling her, sounding louder than usual. Maybe it was because she was sleep deprived, but she snatched it from its cradle quickly, mostly to silence the sound, and then remember she needed to answer.
“Yes?” Her greeting came out more like a hiss and she followed quickly with something a little more professional. “Can I help you?”
“Lady Persephone, I am sorry to bother you,” Ivy said on the other end. “I have Lady Harmonia here. She says she does not have an appointment with you. Should I send her up?”
Harmonia was here to visit? That surprised her. She hadn’t expected to see her so soon after her ordeal. More importantly, she hadn’t expected Aphrodite to let her out of her sight.
“Yes, of course. Please, send her up.”
She stood, smoothing out her jumper and hair. She felt self-conscious today, having had no time to get ready when she and Hades returned home from Iniquity. She’d thrown on the most comfortable work outfit she owned and wrangled her hair into a braid that was not at all interested in remaining a braid.
She stepped into the waiting area which had been redecorated to fit Persephone’s style—a couch with modern lines sat against the wall. A set of colorful floral portraits hung above it, while two spacious sapphire chairs sat opposite. A glass table separated the two, and a vase of white narcissus sat at its center.
The funny thing about how it had been decorated is that Persephone had not asked or given any direction. She’d just returned to work the day after Hades had gifted her the space to find everything arranged. When she’d asked him about it, he blamed it on Ivy.
“She cannot stand empty space,” he said. “You gave her an excuse to decorate. She will be forever in your debt.”
“You’re the one who let me office here,” Persephone replied. “She should be in your debt.”
“She already is.”
Persephone hadn’t asked for clarification. Whatever deal was between him and Ivy was working in both of their favors.
Her attention turned to the elevator which dinged as it hit her floor. As it opened, she could hear Ivy speaking to Harmonia.
“Lord Hades keeps us busy. Most recently he purchased several acres in preparation for his plans to start a horse rescue and rehabilitation ranch…”
Persephone raised a brow. That was new information. She made a mental note to ask him about that later, but for now, she focused on smiling as Ivy and Harmonia left the elevator.
The Goddess of Harmony looked very different than last Persephone saw her, for which she was relieved. No longer bruised and broken, she appeared healed, at least outwardly. She wore a top with bell sleeves, skinny jeans, and boots. Her long blonde hair was curled and fell in waves over her shoulders. A large bag hung on her shoulder, and Persephone noticed Opal’s small face poking out from inside.
When Harmonia saw Persephone, she smiled.
“Good morning, Lady Persephone,” Ivy said, inclining her head.
“Good morning, Ivy,” she replied. “Good morning, Harmonia. I did not expect you.”
The goddess blushed. “I’m so sorry. If this is a bad time, I can come back.”
“Of course not, I am glad you are here,” Persephone said.
“Can I get either of you anything? Coffee? Tea, perhaps?” Ivy asked, ever the hostess.
“Coffee for me,” Persephone said. “You, Harmonia?”
“The same.”
“Of course! I will be right back.”
The two watched until Ivy disappeared down the hall, then Harmonia turned to Persephone, smiling softly.
“She is very kind,” Harmonia said.
“Yes, I adore her,” Persephone said, and then gestured to her. “You look well.”
“I am better,” she answered, though Persephone saw a flash of unease in her eyes. She recognized it the same as she recognized it in herself—a monster that dwelled beneath the surface. It would have her looking over her shoulder for months, years—maybe forever.
“Come, have a seat in my office,” Persephone said, directing her inside and closing the door.
They took a seat on the couch, and Harmonia picked Opal up from her bag, settling the dog in her lap.
“I did not expect you to be out and about so quickly.” Persephone said.
“What else am I to do?” she asked. “Hide until they are all found? I do not think that is possible.”
“I am sure Aphrodite would disagree.”
Especially since Adonis had been murdered.
Harmonia offered a faint smile. “I am sure she would. It is actually Aphrodite I came to speak to you about.”
Persephone raised her brows. “Oh?”
Her eyes fell to Harmonia’s hands which raked through Opal’s long hair nervously.
“I believe my sister was the intended target of my attackers,” she said.
“What makes you so sure?”
“They said so,” she answered.
The bottom dropped out of Persephone’s stomach.
“Are you worried Aphrodite will come to harm?”
“No,” Harmonia said. “I worry that the intention of these people is to prove just how vengeful the Olympians can be, and I fear they targeted my sister.”
“Why start with her? There are other gods far more temperamental.”
“I do not know,” Harmonia admitted. “But I cannot help thinking that another god—an Olympian—helped them attack me.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I recognized the weapon the used to restrain me—the feel of it, anyway. It was a net, similar to one Hephaestus made but the magic was not his.”