Page 94 of Flowers Near Me

“Oh Fates, what’s happened?”

“She’s gotten weaker. I think we need to get her somewhere more familiar and see if that helps,” said Hades. Nearby, Hecate mumbled something derisive which Hades caught parts of.He’s forcing her awaywas muttered the loudest.

“That’s concerning. Yes, of course she can come here. Bring her as soon as you can.”

“Thank you, Laura. I’ll portal her there after lunch.”

When Hades ended the call, Hecate said, “Coward.”

Hades sneered, “Harpy.”

Hecate narrowed her eyes into slits. “I wonder if Poseidon wants to bring Sephy a get-well-soon gift? I should ask him.”

“Enough.” Charon stared both Hades and Hecate down. “One week. If Persephone doesn’t improve in one week, then we bring her back. And Hades needs to visit her twice a day.”

He didn’t know if he’d have the strength to visit her after she left. If he saw how happy and healthy she was without him, it’d crush his heart.

Hecate crossed her arms. “Fine by me, but if she asks to come back, I’m bringing her immediately.” She disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke.

Hades gestured at Hecate’s vacated spot. “Why is she so opposed to this?”

Charon’s face sagged in sadness, tears filling her eyes. “None of us want to let Persephone go.” She clutched her necklace as she turned and headed towards Sephy’s room.

It killed him to send Sephy away, but if he hesitated any longer, he might never do it and she may hate him for it.

What if she perished?He struggled to breathe.

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

ROOTS AND THORNS

PERSEPHONE

The familiar scent of a field of wildflowers woke Persephone from her fitful sleep. It took a breath to remember she was in Laura’s guest room and not Hades’ apartment. She’d half expected Cerberus to nudge her leg.

“Mom?” Persephone’s voice cracked.

Warm arms embraced her and pulled her into a hug. “Sephy,my heart. How are you feeling?”

Tears streamed from Persephone’s eyes. “It’s so good to see you.” After weeks of feeling ill, unable to work or do anything productive, it was good to see her mom. She needed someone familiar or else she was truly going to lose her mind.

Demeter held Persephone’s arms in her hands and looked over her face. “Tell me what he did to you. We’ll fix this, I promise. Did he make you eat something? Inject you? Did he touch you?” Demeter swallowed, choking back her cry.

Shaking her head, Persephone answered, “No. I was never in danger.”

Demeter ran her fingers through Persephone’s hair. “You’ve been in danger this whole time, and it’s my fault.”

Persephone’s eyes felt heavy. She was too tired to say everything she wanted to. “Mom.” She groaned. She needed answers. After months of waiting to hearsomethingfrom her mom—beyond their short interaction in Zeus’ office—she finally had the chance. Using as much vigor as she could, she asked, “Why wouldn’t you answer my texts or calls?”

“I knew he was targeting you, Sephy. He asked me about you as soon as I introduced you as my daughter. After photos and videos of you began circulating, he tried to negotiate a marriage agreement between you two.”

The bed felt like a shoddy raft on rapids.“What?” She must’ve gone insane because whatever her mom had said made no sense.

Demeter nodded at Persephone with a long face. “But that’s not why I’m here. I don’t want to talk about him. I needed to see you.”

Persephone had wondered what this reunion would be like, what she would say to her, but now she was at a loss for words, fighting through the fog of sickness.

Demeter said, “I’ve heard you’re showing signs of power.”

---