Chapter 21
PERSEPHONE
It was the day of Aphrodite’s welcome party, and Tee and Hedone were flitting around like cracked-out hummingbirds, making me more angsty.
I was as jittery as a coffee fiend. I’d spoken to Tee about being teleported to the Empousa’s lair, and the only thing she’d said about it was a slightly macabre, ‘Thank fuck you’re not dead,’ and that we’d chat about it another time. But she was on edge; I could tell.
My pale blonde hair cascaded down my back in soft waves, glistening beneath the shimmering lights, and my makeup was nothing short of perfect.
The dress Hedone had chosen for me was simply stunning, featuring slender silver straps fastening behind my neck, each widening downwards to cover my breasts, fitting snugly and leaving my upper back exposed.
From a thick band just below my chest, chiffon swirled to the floor in waves of midnight blue and indigo.
Slim silver panels flowed between the two, resembling stars peeking through broken clouds in the night sky.
A pair of silver Grecian-style sandals and a silver clutch completed the ensemble.
Tee dotted my pulse points with a perfume reminiscent of orange blossom and creamy tuberose, and I was ready.
I’d never felt so beautiful, but unease clawed in my gut at the thought of meeting the gods who wanted to woo me. They were probably like a bunch of great whites throwing their maws open, waiting for fresh meat.
Super.
‘There’s one thing I need to mention,’ Hedone said as she fiddled with my hair.
‘Mhm,’ I mused, looking into the full-length mirror and fingering the soft material of the dress.
‘When nectar and wine flow and gods and demigods gather, sex is usually often inevitable.’
My body spun around to face her. ‘Is it, like, an orgy? If it is…’
Hedone erupted into a tinkling laugh. ‘No. But many will seize the situation and escape for a while. Aphrodite has private rooms…’ She pressed her lips together.
I lifted my chin as nausea gripped me, contemplating Hades using compulsion to make me sleep. ‘Can gods, um, use compulsion to make someone have sex with them?’ I was acutely aware of my unsteady voice while Tee soothingly stroked my back.
‘Yes,’ Hedone said, ‘but it is strictly forbidden to do so. Don’t worry.’ I nodded silently. ‘And of course, being in Aphrodite’s presence fuels this behaviour.’
‘What… do you mean?’ I squinted at Hedone.
‘Well, Aphrodite’s presence tends to amplify sexual emotions. However, you wouldn’t act against your will. It simply lowers your inhibitions. So—’ Hedone gave a half-shrug.
‘Excuse me?’ I squeak-whispered.
Tee spoke softly, still stroking my back. ‘Aphrodite possesses the power to ignite passion and stir desire, but only if it already exists. She embodies the epitome of feminine grace and allure, enchanting all who encounter her. Don’t worry, Sephy. She is charm personified. You will adore her.’
Even with Tee’s assurance, tendrils of dread sprouted in my gut.
I was entering the lion’s den, and panic threatened to take hold.
This is seriously worrying. But Hades will protect me, won’t he?
Then I thought about Hades and my intense attraction to him.
Shit. If Aphrodite ignited my attraction any further, I’d end up becoming a methed-out koala and jumping him again, like I did after drinking his blood.
Oh, gods. This could be a complete and utter clusterfuck.
Hedone shook me from my thoughts as she air-kissed me, saying, ‘See you soon.’ Then she turned to Tee. ‘Catch you later, my love.’ She planted a kiss on Tee’s lips and disappeared.
‘Are you and Hedone…?’ I tilted my head at Tee.
‘Yeah.’ Her eyes glimmered like two lodestars. ‘We’re together. Have been for…’ She glanced up at the ceiling deep in thought. ‘Maybe two hundred years. She’s good for me and great in the sack.’
I let out a shocked laugh. ‘But the ice pop.’ I frowned. ‘When she was trying to give me blowjob lessons.’ I grimaced.
‘She’s the goddess of sensual pleasure, Sephy. She loves men and women. But we’re exclusive now,’ Tee drawled, winking at me, and my heart swelled at the look of love on her face.
‘My shadow magic,’ I started, and Tee cocked her head ‘Gets excitable when I’m around Thanatos and Erebus. Is that normal?’
‘They are ancient creatures of darkness, Sephy. They’ve always revered you and your magic. Especially Erebus. He is, after all, the god of darkness. They and Hades can feel your magic… It’s like a siren call to them. Your magic is the same as Hades’, but not as potent.’
‘Is that why he wants me?’
She released a frustrated breath. ‘No, Sephy. He wants you because he loves you.’
A knock on the door caused Tee to furrow her brows and walk to answer it. ‘That’ll be my escort,’ I muttered as I took deep, steadying breaths, then topped up my lip colour.
She stopped dead and turned around slowly. ‘What? What about me?’
‘You can be Hades’ escort.’ I shrugged in front of the full-length mirror.
As she opened the door, I heard her gasp, and I stifled my grin. ‘Hey, Simmy, come in,’ I called out.
‘You’ve invited a Satyr? What the…’ Tee gritted out.
‘Charming,’ Simmy grumbled as he stepped through the door, looking as cute as ever in a sleeveless, buttoned-up, fancy red waistcoat.
‘He’s my friend. I like him.’ I chuckled at Tee’s expression.
‘Your Highness.’ Simmy gave an exaggerated bow.
‘Don’t call me that, idiot. Come on, let’s go. Move your donkey butt.’
‘Hey! It’s a goat butt, thank you.’
Simmy shifted his focus to Tee, and his eyes sparkled. Tee, as always, looked like a runway model in her black silk, figure-hugging evening dress, with her midnight-black hair woven into long micro-braids that touched her shoulder blades.
‘Lady Hecate.’ Simmy winked and gave a polite bow to the goddess, who rolled her eyes hard enough to pull a muscle.
‘Let’s go,’ Tee snapped. So, with nerves cramping up my belly, Tee grabbed us both, and the next moment, we were flashing to Aphrodite’s Court of Pafos.
We arrived in what appeared to be a grand courtyard, standing on a raised terrace that overlooked the vast area.
Behind us stood the most exquisite mansion, or maybe a palace, constructed from white marble veined with grey.
The tall grey roof featured four conical towers, partially visible, capped with pointed roofs.
It reminded me of a fairy-tale palace. The evening sky was serene, with the sunset painting the clouds in orange, pink, and purple hues, interspersed with thin lines of silver threading the horizon like melted platinum.
Hundreds of random poseur tables, laden with vases of blooms, filled the courtyard, and tiny lights and climbing jasmine covered the dozens of substantial Grecian pillars around the perimeter—the fragrance of the jasmine drifting to my nostrils on the gentle evening breeze.
Torches with enormous pink flames atop each pillar illuminated the entire courtyard, and cleverly landscaped tall flowering trees punctuated the vastness of the area; it was truly exquisite.
A string quartet played background music to the hum of chatter, and suddenly, the whole place fell silent.
Everywhere I looked, I saw faces turned towards me. So many beautiful people dressed elegantly, holding fancy-schmaltzy glassware, and gazing at me with expectation. At me! Oh, my gods, it was so silent you could hear a fly fart. And, of course, I froze on the spot.
‘Own it, Persephone,’ Simmy whispered.
‘He’s right. You’ve got this, girlfriend,’ Tee murmured close to my ear.
So, I inhaled deeply, kicked myself up the butt, straightened my spine, lifted my chin, and smiled widely. My confidence swelled as I gracefully descended the steps to the rhythm of the now-resumed music and moved further into the courtyard.
‘Drink?’ Simmy uttered softly, and I nodded. A passing Satyr offered him a tray, and he grabbed a drink for Tee and me. I sipped, and the pink liquid fizzled on my tongue, tasting of ripe berries and sunshine.
‘Mm,’ I murmured, taking another sip. As I walked, people stopped to introduce themselves. For the next hour, I outshone myself—my demeanour radiated grace, decorum, and a warm smile. I caught Hedone’s eye, and she beamed at me.
‘There’s my favourite girl,’ a voice I recognised said from behind as large hands spun me around.
‘Hermes!’ I laughed as I kissed the cheek of the mischievous messenger god.
‘My lady.’ He bowed, then grinned at me.
‘Hey, Dionysus.’ The god of wine and pleasure took my hand and kissed it.
‘I must say, you look gorgeous this evening,’ Dionysus said, making me blush. ‘More wine?’ I nodded as he handed me a glass of the fruity pink fizz.
‘So, how’s it going?’ Hermes whispered wickedly.
‘It’s actually fine. So far, everyone has been nice and friendly.’ I smiled warmly up at him.
‘Where’s your husband?’ At his words, my stomach flip-flopped. Husband. As soon as the words left Hermes’ mouth, tiny tingles spread across the nape of my neck, and I took an unsteady breath as the tug in my chest intensified. Hades was near.
When I caught sight of him, my thighs clenched, and I felt my cheeks heat.
Even though he spoke to Charon, his eyes were fixed on me.
Hades in a tuxedo was… well, everything that a man-parts-loving female or male’s wet dream is made of.
Every naughty fantasy rolled into one. He maintained his distance, though, and despite his eyes boring into me, he didn’t acknowledge my presence, which pissed me off.
He stood with Thanatos, Charon, Tee, and Erebus, who all waved in my direction but didn’t attempt to approach us.
A passing server offered me a tray of tiny canapés, and because I was starving, I took a few and discreetly stuffed them all into my mouth.
Simmy stuck close to me while I chatted and giggled with Dionysus and Hermes, ignoring the tingles at the base of my neck. I knew Hades’ eyes were on me.