Chapter 3
PERSEPHONE
As I stared at my reflection, I scarcely recognised myself.
My pale-blonde hair was styled in a half-updo, with a few stray curls brushing my bare shoulder and the rest flowing down my back.
My bright green eyes popped beneath dark kohl that rimmed them, and my full lips were stained a deep, sultry red.
Tee had sculpted my cheekbones with blush and highlighter.
‘I look…’ I whispered, voice trailing off.
‘Beautiful?’ Tee’s laughter was warm, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ‘Sephy, you’ve always been a natural beauty. You just didn’t know it.’
I stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking myself in.
The dress was a daring little red number—short, halter-necked, and tied at my throat.
It left my back bare all the way to my waist, and paired with strappy matching heels and a clutch, the look was complete.
I felt… beautiful. Unfamiliar, unnerving—but I decided to ride the high of it anyway.
My gaze flicked to the leather trousers and duster hanging from the wardrobe door, then back to my reflection.
'I can do this,' I breathed. 'You’ve outdone yourself, Tee.' I turned to her with a grin, smoothing my hands over the dress.
'It’s easy with your looks, Sephy. You don’t even realise how captivating you are.'
Heat crept up my neck at her words, but I didn’t reply. Instead, I pulled her into a tight hug, hoping she couldn’t hear how fast my heart was beating.
Tee, as always, looked like a freaking supermodel. A sleek, black leather catsuit hugged her tall, lithe frame, revealing her ample cleavage and accentuating her long, shapely legs, and her braided hair was swept into a high ponytail atop her head.
I snatched up my red clutch and made for the bathroom. ‘I’ll see you downstairs,’ I called. Alone, I strapped my divine blade to the top of my thigh. The skirt wasn’t too tight—after a few experimental bends and twirls in the mirror, I figured it would behave.
‘Don’t forget phones aren’t allowed.’ Tee handed me a glass of Malbec as I crossed into the kitchen. I nodded and took a sip.
Hades was notoriously private; he insisted on a media lockdown whenever he attended an event, which, according to rumours, wasn’t very often. Reporters were tolerated; photographers were not. But, like Tee said, the chances of him being there tonight felt slim. That was the hope, anyway.
Apparently, some of the other gods, particularly Zeus, had no such issue with notoriety.
They could flaunt their power, immortality, and obscene wealth to their heart’s content; I was neither interested nor impressed.
I didn’t even know what the asshole gods looked like.
But if one of them stepped out of line, I’d happily use my blade to make an example of them.
‘The limo’s picking us up in ten minutes,’ Tee said, pouring herself another glass of wine.
‘Limo?’ I squinted at her.
‘Perks of having a wealthy boss.’ She winked at me, grinning. ‘We’re gonna have a night you’ll never forget.’ We clinked glasses, and I hoped she was right. I was beginning to get hyped about letting loose and having a dance.
Maybe I would have a night to remember?
The limo pulled up at The Underworld. Because of course that’s what Hades’ club was called. Subtlety clearly wasn’t part of his brand strategy.
The Underworld was a glass pyramidal tower, taller than any other building in London. Of course, the glass was black. In comparison to the bright buildings surrounding it, it appeared quite ominous.
‘It’s a fabulous sight, isn’t it?’ Tee said as she noticed me peeking up at it.
‘Hmm, I’m not sure that’s the word I’d use. I’d say more foreboding.’ Tee rolled her eyes at me. As I stepped from the limo and looked up at the menacing structure, I had a weird feeling: my stomach knotted with apprehension and I hesitated.
‘Come on, Sephy. You look like you’re about to bolt, and that ain’t happening,’ Tee said as she linked her arm through mine. I took a breath as she practically dragged me towards the steps leading to the doors marked VIPs. The queues for the non-VIP entrance extended around the block.
‘It’s members-only and invitation-only. They’ll allow a few in, but most won’t stand a chance.’ Tee nodded at the queue. ‘But it’s the hottest spot in town, and everybody wants a piece.’
Shaking my head, I climbed the wide stairs with Tee and came to an abrupt halt when I spotted the doorman.
‘A Cyclops?’ I whispered.
‘I guess no one messes with them?’ Amusement coloured her tone.
The Cyclops was massive—easily over ten feet tall and built like a war god. Dressed head-to-toe in black, his long red hair was tied back in a surprisingly neat ponytail. I had to crane my neck just to see his eye—singular.
And gods, that eye.
Facial symmetry? Nonexistent. Intimidation factor? Off the charts. Was there anything more unsettling than a bodybuilder-sized bouncer with one enormous, unblinking eye? Doubtful.
As Tee gave our names, he nodded with stiff efficiency and murmured into a mic clipped to his lapel. A beat later, the double doors to The Underworld Nightclub creaked open. I stepped through, and he handed me back my clutch, but not before that freaky eye landed on my face—and widened.
Then he bowed. Deep. Regal. Reverent.
Tee let out an annoyed huff and shot him a glare. The Cyclops quickly dropped his gaze to the floor like a chastened puppy.
‘What was that?’ I whispered to Tee as I strolled over to her.
She raised a perfect brow. ‘It’s probably Cyclops speak for “I’d like to get into your panties”.’
‘Ugh. You’re grim.’
She answered me with a throaty laugh and walked away. I followed her towards another set of doors—she seemed to be au fait with the place—but anxiety still clawed at my stomach. I pushed the feeling aside and blew out a long, slow breath, which hitched when we passed through the next set of doors.
We stood on a balcony overlooking a vast dance floor filled with swirling and undulating bodies.
The venue was packed. The club exuded luxury—pure elegance, decked out in gold and purple, the vast expanse broken up by towering cypress trees.
The cypress trees, much like the club itself, were pyramidal, their acorn-like seed cones shimmering in the strobe lights above.
Black chandeliers and wall sconces—rich in detail—lined the ceiling and interior, twinkling with precious jewels, and pinprick lights threaded between them like stars stitched into the dome.
Cleverly arranged and uniquely designed furniture tastefully outfitted the club, while a rainbow of lights and bouncing tunes revved my soul.
‘This place is unreal,’ I breathed, taking it all in. Tee laughed squeezing my hand as we descended the sweeping staircase. The mingled scents of sweat, alcohol, perfume, and cypress hit me in a heady rush.
We wove our way toward the bar—an immense, glowing centerpiece. Rows of bottles gleamed under the flashing lights, their muted hues refracting like gemstones, while patrons held sophisticated beverages and garnishes in stylish glassware. The eclectic mix of voices and music hummed in my mind.
‘Two lime daiquiris, please, Matt,’ Tee called out.
Matt’s head snapped around, and a grin split his handsome face. ‘Sephy! Tee! Two daiquiris coming up.’ He went to work as my gaze took in the surroundings.
‘Ladies, allow me.’
The confident, velvety baritone made us both turn. The smile Tee was rocking faded like an old memory, and goosebumps raced over my skin as I stared into the freaky violet and silver eyes of the stunning stranger from Kew Gardens.
‘You,’ I whispered.
‘Hey, Sephy.’ He flashed me a wicked smile. ‘Tee, is it?’ He turned to my friend, who narrowed her eyes at him.
‘You know him?’ I asked, incredulous.
‘Unfortunately.’ Tee jutted her chin, her glare sharp enough to cut, while the stranger’s smile widened.
‘Follow me,’ he said smoothly, plucking our drinks from our hands before striding toward one of the VIP sections. Tee made a low growling sound and tugged on my arm as we trailed behind him.
‘Who the fuck is he?’ I whisper-snarled, and Tee blew out a frustrated breath in response.
‘Everyone, this is Sephy and Tee.’ He chuckled lightly on her name, almost mockingly, before gesturing at the circle of people waiting. A few lifted their glasses in lazy greetings.
‘Pleased to meet you.’ The beautiful blonde smiled warmly as I slid into the seat beside Tee and picked up my drink. ‘I’m Sybil.’
‘Hi.’ Tee’s gaze lingered on her. ‘So, I guess you’re an Oracle?’
Sybil’s cheeks bloomed a soft pink as she nodded. ‘I work for Zeus’s company, yes.’ Her eyes darted briefly toward the stunning stranger.
Of course she did. Oracles offered counsel and prophecy; who better to prop up Zeus’s empire of wealth and power?
At the mention of Zeus, my fingers tightened on my glass.
Maybe coming here hadn’t been the brightest idea.
My gaze caught on the narcissus arranged in a vase before us, and I bent closer, brushing the bloom with my fingertips.
Its fragrance—an opulent sensation reminiscent of lush green leaves with traces of hyacinth and jasmine—soothed my nerves and anger.
Around us, conversations rose and fell, laughter mingling with the pulse of the music. I downed another three drinks, humming absently along, until movement drew my gaze back to the beautiful stranger.
‘So, Sephy, would you care to dance?’ the gorgeous weirdo asked.
‘No.’ I beamed at him sweetly. His eyes flashed again with that enthralling silver hue. ‘I don’t even know your name, but you seem to know me. How is that possible?’ I squinted at him.
‘I’ve heard of you,’ he said, a secretive smile playing on his lips. As his gaze flicked to Tee, her lips thinned, and she glared at him. He turned back to me. ‘You can call me Zee.’ As he spoke, the chatter around us stuttered into silence, every eye in the VIP group ping-ponging between us.
‘So—’ he extended a hand, smooth as sin, ‘do you want to dance or not?’