A Touch of Ruin (Hades & Persephone Book 2)

by Scarlett St. Clair

  She was being ridiculous.

  She pushed away from him.

  “Let’s go.”

  She led the way outside where Hades’ black Lexus waited, Antoni offered his crooked smile when he saw her.

  “My Lady.”

  “Antoni,” she said, and breezed past him, climbing into the back of Hades’ car on her hands and knees. Hades followed close behind. She knew because she could smell him—spice and ash and sin.

  She’d never considered the smell of sin before, but now she knew it for what it was—sultry and sexual. It filled her lungs, ignited her blood.

  They sat in silence on the way home, the air thick with warring emotions. Persephone was busy building a wall against whatever Hades was feeling—it was dark. She could feel it twisting toward her, like the tendrils of his magic.

  She was so relieved when they arrived at Nevernight, she opened the door before Antoni was out of his seat, but as she exited, she missed the curb and fell, her knee striking the concrete hard.

  “My lady!” Antoni cried. He reached for her arm, but she pushed it away. “I’m fine.”

  She rolled over and sat. Her knee was a mess, and pieces of dirt stuck to the blood. Hades stood beside Antoni and they stared down at her.

  “It’s okay. I don’t even feel it.”

  She tried to stand but her head was pretty fuzzy, and she was aware she was slurring some of her words. She hated that she was in this state.

  She blew out a long breath. “You know, I think I’ll just sit here for a little while.”

  Hades said nothing, but this time he scooped her up into his arms and carried her into Nevernight.

  When he sat her down, it was behind the bar. He didn’t let her feet touch the ground long before he lifted her and sat her down on the edge of the tabletop. He turned and started to work.

  “What are you doing?”

  Hades handed her a glass of water. “Drink.”

  She did—this time she was thirsty.

  While she drank, Hades shed his jacket and filled another glass of water. He cleaned her wounded knee, washing the dirt and blood away. After, he covered it with his hand, and his warmth healed.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Hades stepped back, leaning against the counter opposite her. She had to admit, she didn’t like the distance. It was like he still had a hold of her heart and was stretching it as he moved.

  “Are you punishing me?” Hades asked.

  “What?”

  “This,” he said, pointing to her. “The clothes, Apollo, the drinking?”

  She frowned and looked down at her dress.

  “You don’t like my clothes?”

  He glared at her, and for some reason that made her angry. She pushed off the counter and shimmied the dress up over her hips.

  “What are you doing?” Hades asked. His eyes glinted, but she couldn’t tell if he was amused or aroused.

  “Taking off the dress.”

  “I can see that. Why?”

  “Because you don’t like it.”

  “I didn’t say I didn’t like it,” he replied.

  Still, he didn’t stop her.

  The dress was off. She stood naked in front of him.

  Hades eyes raked her frame.

  Gods.

  Her whole body tingled, like her skin was a collection of exposed nerves. Her fingers itched to touch, to pleasure—either herself or him, she really didn’t care.

  “Why weren’t you wearing anything under that dress?”

  “I couldn’t,” she said. “Didn’t you see it?”

  Hades jaw ticked.

  “I’m going to murder Apollo,” he said, mostly under his breath.

  “Why?”

  “For fun.” His voice was gruff, and Persephone giggled.

  “You're jealous.”

  “Don’t push me, Persephone.”

  “It wasn’t like Apollo knew,” she said, watching Hades drink straight from a whiskey bottle he’d retrieved from the wall. “Hermes was the one who suggested it.”

  The bottle shattered. One moment, it was whole in Hades’ hands and the next moment, glass and alcohol covered the floor at Hades’ feet.

  “Motherfucker.”

  Persephone wasn’t sure if the curse was from what she’d said about Hermes or the whiskey he’d just wasted.

  “Are you okay?” she asked quietly.

  “Forgive me if I am a little on edge. I have been forced into celibacy.”

  Persephone rolled her eyes. “No one ever said you couldn’t fuck me.”

  “Careful, Goddess,” his voice rumbled, deep and terrifying. It was the voice he used when he punished. “You don’t know what you’re asking.”

  “I think I know what I’m asking for, Hades. It’s not like we’ve never had sex.”

  He didn’t move, but he tilted his head a little, and her body tightened, knowing whatever he was about to ask would make her body quiver.

  “Are you wet for me?”

  She was, he knew it and his restraint was pissing her off. She tilted her head and challenged, “Why don’t you come and find out?”

  She waited, and Hades’ chest rose and fell quickly, his knuckles turned white as he grasped the counter behind him. When he didn’t move, she decided she’d just bring up Apollo—it was what he deserved.

  “Why didn’t you let Apollo see Hyacinth after his death?”

  “You really know how to kill a boner, darling, I’ll give you that.”

  The god turned back to the array of liquor and found another bottle. Persephone crossed her arms over her chest, the buzz from the alcohol wearing off, she suddenly no longer felt like being naked. She reached for Hades’ jacket. As she slipped it on, it swallowed her.

  “He said he blamed you for his death.”

  “He did,” Hades response was short. “Much like you blamed me for Lexa’s accident.”

  “I never said I blamed you,” she argued.

  “You blamed me because I couldn’t help. Apollo did the same.”

  Persephone pressed her lips together and took a breath. “I’m not…trying to fight with you. I just want to know your side.”

  Hades considered this as he took a drink from the bottle he’d taken from the shelf. She couldn’t tell what it was—but it wasn’t whiskey.

  Finally, he spoke. “Apollo didn’t ask to see his lover. He asked to die.”

  Persephone’s eyes widened. That’s not what she expected Hades to say.

  “Of course it was a request I could not—would not—grant.”

  “I don’t understand. Apollo knows he cannot die. He is immortal. Even if you were to wound him…”

  “He wished to be thrown into Tartarus. To be torn to pieces by the Titians. It is the only way to kill a god.”

  Persephone shivered.

  “He was outraged, of course, and took his revenge in the only way he knows how—he slept with Leuce.”

  Things were falling into place.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” Persephone demanded.

  “I tend to want to forget that part of my life, Persephone.”

  “But I—I wouldn’t have—”

  “You already broke a promise you made. I doubt my story of betrayal would have prevented you from seeking Apollo’s help.”

  She didn’t know what to say to that—his words were harsh but warranted. She flinched and hugged herself a little tighter. She wasn’t sure if Hades noticed her reaction, or decided he was finished with this conversation, but he pushed away from the bar and said, “You are probably tired. I can take you to the Underworld or Antoni will see you home.”

  She studied him for a long moment and then asked, “What do you want?”

  What she was really asking was do you want me?

  “It is not my decision to make.”

  She looked away, swallowing a lump in her throat, but Hades’ voice drew her back.

  “But since you asked…I always want you with me. Even w
hen I’m angry.”

  “Then I’ll come with you.”

  He drew her close, his arm a hook around her waist. She braced herself against his biceps as their middles touched and their eyes held. She wanted to kiss him—it wouldn’t take much. They were already so close, but she was hesitant—she had vomited earlier and still felt disgusting. On top of that, Hades didn’t move closer, and the pain that pulled at his features kept her frozen and hardened her own heart.

  She still had a whole night to go, sleeping beside him.

  This was going to be rough.

  CHAPTER XXIII - THE SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

  Persephone woke up alone.

  She ignored the way her chest tightened as she rose to get ready. Once she was dressed, she found Hecate in the palace ballroom, instructing souls, nymphs, and daimons in their tasks as they prepared for the solstice celebration tonight.

  When Persephone arrived, Hecate smiled, and several voices erupted all at once.

  “My Lady, you’ve arrived!”

  There was so much excitement and energy in the room, Persephone couldn’t stay sullen.

  “I hope you haven’t waited long,” she said.

  “I was just finishing assigning tasks,” Hecate said.

  “Great. What can I do?”

  Persephone saw the hesitation on Hecate’s face.

  “Of course, you should supervise.”

  Persephone frowned. “I’d like to help,” she said, and looked at the people gathered in the room. “Surely some of you could use an extra set of hands?”

  At first, she was met with silence, and then Yuri spoke up. “Of course, my lady. We’d be happy to have your assistance with the flower arrangements!”

  Persephone grinned. “Thank you, Yuri. I would like that very much.”

  Not to mention she needed a distraction—anything to keep her mind off the last few weeks.

  “Let’s get to work!” Hecate called, and the crowd dispersed.

  Persephone worked with a group in the ballroom making floral arrangements, garlands, and floral crowns from flowers the souls had picked from the gardens of the Underworld.

  “You are quieter than usual,” Hecate said, coming to work beside Persephone. She trimmed leaves from stems while Persephone arranged them in a large urn.

  “Am I?”

  She’d been so engrossed in her work, she hadn’t paid much attention to what was going on around her.

  “Not just today,” she said. “You haven’t been to the Underworld for days.”

  Persephone froze for a moment, and then continued with her project. She didn’t know what to say—was she supposed to apologize? Her eyes blurred with tears, and before she knew it Hecate was leading her out of the ballroom, down the hall, and into Hades’ library.

  “What’s wrong, my dear?” Hecate asked, guiding Persephone to sit and kneeling before her.

  “I messed up terribly.”

  “I’m sure it is nothing that can’t be fixed.”

  “I’m sure it cannot,” Persephone said. “I have made so many mistakes, Hecate. I have destroyed my best friend’s life, bargained with a terrible god, and sacrificed my relationship with Hades.”

  “That is a lot.” Hecate’s words made Persephone feel even more miserable. “But I think it is not true.”

  “Of course, it’s true,” she stared at Hecate, confused by the goddess.

  “Did you strike Lexa with a car?” Hecate asked.

  Persephone shook her head.

  “You did not ruin your best friend’s life,” she said. “The mortal driving that car did.”

  “But she’s not the same—”

  “She’s not the same. Even if she had recovered on her own without Apollo’s magic, she wouldn’t have been the same. You have bargained with a god, yes—terrible?” Hecate shrugged. “If anyone can help Apollo become more compassionate, it’s you, Persephone.”

  She wasn’t sure about that, but after learning about Apollo’s past, she knew she wanted to do something for him. Maybe if she showed him kindness, he would learn kindness toward others.

  “Compassion or not, it doesn’t change how Hades thinks of me now. He does not trust me, nor does he think I trust him.”

  “Hades trusts you,” she said. “He gave you his heart.”

  “I am sure he regrets that decision.”

  “You cannot be sure of anything unless you ask, Persephone. It is more unfair to assume you know Hades’ feelings.”

  Persephone considered this. She’d wanted to ask him a lot of things yesterday, but fear and embarrassment kept her from it.

  “And I have a feeling our dark ruler hasn’t been all that fair to you.”

  Persephone wasn’t sure if fair was the right word.

  “He has been honest about how angry he is with me.”

  “Which is probably why you want to avoid him. I would. No one likes Hades when he’s angry.”

  Persephone laughed a little.

  “My point is you both have a lot to learn from this. If you want this relationship to work, you must be honest. It doesn’t matter if your words sting, they’re important.”

  She had a lot of words.

  “Do not worry, my dear,” Hecate rose to her feet, brining Persephone with her. “All will be well.”

  Before they left the library, Persephone paused. “Hecate, do you know how to find a soul in the Underworld?”

  She smiled. “No, but I know who does.”

  Persephone and Hecate returned to the ballroom and finished up their floral arrangements. After, they made their way to the kitchens where Milan, a daimon, and a staff of several souls who had been chefs in previous lives, worked on the solstice feast. Milan insisted they try an assortment of jams, preserves, grapes, figs, pomegranates, black berries, pears, and dates. There were cured meats and various cheeses, crackers and fresh herbs.

  “My Lady Persephone...do you happen to have the recipe for that sweet bread you made?” Milan asked.

  It took her a moment to understand what Milan was talking about. “Oh, you mean the cake!”

  “Whatever it was, it was delicious,” Hecate said. “And almost started a war.”

  Persephone laughed. She’d baked the cake, left it to cool overnight, and had completely forgotten about it.

  “It’s very easy, Milan. I’ll teach you.”

  The daimon grinned and Persephone spent the rest of the afternoon baking in the kitchen until Hecate pulled her away to get ready for the festivities.

  They hung out in Hades’ bedchamber. Hecate’s nymphs, lampades, worked Persephone’s hair into smooth curls, then braided pieces, sculpting part of it into a half-up style. Her makeup was darker than usual. A shimmering black shadow and thick liner made her eyes appear wider and more open; the color also brightened her irises. A burgundy lip completed the look.

  As she watched herself transform in the mirror, she was reminded of the evenings she and Lexa would spend getting ready for events. Persephone hadn’t grown up around mortals, so when she’d come to New Athens University, she had no experience with makeup or fashion. Lexa had shown her the ropes, and she’d been amazing at it.

  Is amazing at it, Persephone corrected herself.

  Lexa was alive.

  Except that Persephone almost felt as though Lexa might as well be gone. The person sitting in that hospital room looked like her best friend but didn’t act like her.

  Persephone’s eyes watered, and she took a breath, looking toward the ceiling. The lampades sensed her distress and patted her face and hair.

  “I’m alright,” she whispered. “Just thinking about something sad.”

  “Perhaps this will take your mind off it,” Hecate said, entering Hades’ chamber.

  Persephone turned in her seat as the Goddess of Witchcraft approached with a long, white box. Inside was a beautiful gown. It was black with gold accents. The sleeves were off the shoulder, long, but split, giving the illusion of a cape.

  “Oh, Hecate.
It’s beautiful,” Persephone said, twisting in front of the mirror after she’d put it on.

  The dress wasn’t the only surprise Hecate had for her. She stood behind Persephone and moved as if she were placing something on her head. As she did, a crown appeared between her hands. It was iron and jagged, and it gleamed with shining obsidian, black pearls, and diamonds. Upon her head, it resembled a dark halo, ignited against her bright hair.

  “You look beautiful,” Hecate said.

  “Thank you,” Persephone breathed.

  She didn’t recognize herself in the mirror and she wasn’t sure what was different—the crown, the dress, the makeup or something else? A lot of things had happened in the last month, and she felt the weight of it on her shoulders, on her chest, settling at the bottom of her stomach.

  “Has Hades arrived?”

  “I am sure he will come later,” Hecate said.

  Persephone met her friend’s gaze in the mirror. She wanted Hades. They didn’t even need to talk; she just wanted his presence for comfort.

  “Come, the souls have a surprise for you.”

  Hecate reached for Persephone’s hand and they left Hades’ chamber. The lampades followed, zipping away to take their place outside.

  The palace was decorated throughout. The bouquets of flowers Persephone and the others had worked on brought life to the shadow. Banquet tables were crowded with food and candlelight. The smells were mouthwatering. The French doors in the ballroom were open and led to the courtyard where a fire blazed and the souls had erected a maypole.

  As Persephone stepped outside, the souls and daimons and nymphs cheered.

  Yuri ran forward, taking Persephone’s hands.

  “Persephone! Come, the children have a surprise for you!”

  Yuri led her away from the stone courtyard to the springy grass where the lampades had gathered in a circle. Souls followed behind them.

  She was surprised when Yuri directed her to a throne that sat at the top of the circle. Unlike Hades, it was a chair made of gold. The metal had been shaped into flowers and the cushions were white.

  “Yuri, I am not—”

  “You might not be queen by title, but the souls call you their queen.”