Page 4 of Hades and Persephone: Threads of Fate

Something changes in his face. Something I can’t read through the layer of sadness that clings to the surface of it like algae over a once clear lake.

Finally, he responds, “No. She wasn’t my hired companion.”

His words don’t make me feel better. “What happened? Why did it end?”

Hades’ eyes connect with mine. “She died.”

Chapter

Two

Persephone

Every ounceof painful discomfort is washed away by a flood of guilt at his words. The woman he’d loved—his partner—his reason—had died. She was dead.

His need for a companion suddenly makes so much sense. He’s not just a billionaire unable to find companionship that isn’t waiting for the perfect moment to milk him dry. He’s a man mourning the loss of the woman he’d loved. A woman he possibly still loved.

He’s a man looking to fill a void that can’t be filled—with me.

Iwant to cry.

“Hades.” My voice cracks, my grief for him echoing from the gaping chambers of my heart at the thought of his loss, and the reality that I can never fill the void she left behind. His efforts will be wasted. Still, I pray I can leave the wound she left within him stitched to some degree when I leave at summer’s end.

His voice is deep and filled with something that sounds like soft rage and danger. “It was a long time ago.”

I dip my eyes to my half-eaten breakfast. I can’t stomach another bite.

“I’m sorry.”

“As I said, it was a long time ago.”

“You’re not that old,” I scoff. “It can’t have been that long ago.”

Hades makes a noise and I look up to find that he’s moved closer. For once, I’m thankful for the island that stands between us. I don’t know that I could handle his touch right now, after his revelation.

My heart hurts. It hurts for him and it hurts for me.

It shouldn’t hurt for me.

My fingers knot in my lap under the counter. I hesitate, but ask, “Will you tell me about her?”

“What would you like to know?”

Everything.Even if it hurts.

Nothing.It will hurt too much.

I’m conflicted in the worst way.

“I’m not sure.” I consider. “What was your relationship with her like?”

“Difficult.” Hades laughs.

I’m surprised. I need more. “How so?”

“At first, she didn’t like me much.”

I’m so confused. “Why not?”

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