Chapter 32
HADES
Ididn’t give a fuck what Hecate had demanded; I needed to see Persephone. I had to swallow my pride and take a leap of faith; I needed to beg her to become my consort.
Spending over a week without seeing her had been torturous. I missed the tiny, mouthy, infuriating woman. I loved her even more than I did the first time. How that was possible, I wasn’t sure. It was consummate love—intimacy, passion, and commitment—the ultimate, all-consuming kind.
The thought of her being with Apollo was unbearable.
My stomach twisted—jealousy, a bitter acid sweeping through my veins.
I knew Apollo had loved my Persephone. I knew he still did, and at the thought of her choosing him over me, talons gnawed in my belly and spikes of discord tunnelled into my chest.
My shadows engulfed me, and I appeared before Tee. ‘Where is she?’ I spat.
She released a slow breath. ‘I’m sorry, Hades—’ My heart stuttered, and I stepped back.
Had she chosen Apollo? ‘Don’t panic.’ She realised her mistake.
‘Sephy is fine. She’s left with Apollo.’ I snarled low in my throat.
‘I’ve spoken to Aphrodite. She had a chat with Persephone, and I’m sorry I stopped you from seeing her. It was wrong of me to interfere.’
‘Where. Is. She?’ I repeated through clenched teeth as my rage simmered.
‘Apollo took her to his stables,’ a small Satyr replied.
‘I accompanied them to keep an eye on her, but he’s taken her off in his chariot to show her his court.
He said they’d be back in about half an hour.
’ I ground my teeth together at his words.
‘I’m Simos, Persephone’s friend. Come with me; I’ll show you the way, Your Highness. ’
He bowed, and I followed him.