Page 86 of Flowers Near Me

A few floors above Hades’apartment but still well underground, Persephone sat cross-legged on the floor in Hecate’s home. Now, with relative ease, Persephone could summon and recall her poppies.

“Keep practicing with the poppies so your magic has an outlet or it’ll burst when you don’t want it to,” Hecate explained.

“Good to know,” said Persephone. The poppy meadow on Hecate’s woven rug swirled into a mist that retreated into Persephone’s chest.

Both goddesses held hands as Hecate recited an incantation she’d told Persephone would draw out her magic. Hair twirled around Hecate’s head as if submerged under water. Poppies bloomed around them with a thick, stifling scent, more earthy than floral.

“Anything?” Persephone asked.

Eyes closed, Hecate shook her head. “It’s there, but I can’t make sense of it. Almost like your power is hiding and isn’t ready to come out.”

With a sigh, Persephone asked, “Should I try to portal instead?”

“Patience.” Hecate released the word with her exhale.

Sweat formed on Persephone’s brow. It must’ve been an hour by now, and Persephone wondered when Charon would come and collect her.

“I think I need to stop, Hecate. All I can think about is this event tonight. We both need to get ready soon. Can we give it a go later?”

Hecate opened her eyes and her hair cascaded to her shoulders. “Of course. We may be better off waiting for it to show itself when it’s ready.”

“You speak of my power like it’s another person.” A chill ran down Persephone’s back.

“Until you know what you’re capable of, it sort of is. But don’t worry. I think it wants more time before it’ll manifest in full.” Hecate stood up and offered her hand to Persephone. Using Hecate’s help, Persephone rose and stretched her legs.

Gathering her bag and looking for shoes, Persephone asked, “If you had to guess, what power would you say I have?”

Hecate bit her bottom lip. “Well, we know you can poison mortals and that most of the Underworld crew is immune to them. Even Cerberus… whatever that means.”

“Yes, thank the Fates. My heart stopped when I saw him eating them in my room.”

“Ah, don’t worry about Cerberus. He’s one tough puppy.” Hecate’s mouth lifted at the corners. “We know Hades can command your poppies.”

Persephone’s body felt hot. “He’s powerful. Of course he can.”

Humming low with a sultry grin, Hecate said, “Magic and power between the gods isn’t like that. One doesn’t control another unless there’s a deeper connection.”

Cheeks reddening, Persephone fussed with her sleeves. “I didn’t know that.”

“How could you? Until a few weeks ago, you still thought you had no real power. Turns out, you’re as much a goddess as your mom. Try to embrace it.”

Persephone nodded. “I understand how we’re connected. You created the field of poppies my mother ate to become pregnant with me. But what’s my connection to Hades?” With her head high and attention directed at Hecate’s face, Persephone straightened her shoulders.

Hecate bit her bottom lip. “I think you know.”

A thought bubbled to the surface, and it felt right.

He’s my future.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

THE WITHERING BLOOM

PERSEPHONE

Inside Olympus’ premiere conservatory, sunlight streamed through towering glass walls, lighting rows of crepe myrtles and blooms of hydrangeas, roses, and gardenias. Influencers posed for photos in front ofFlowers Near Mebackdrops, their laughter and carefree energy a stark contrast to Persephone’s growing fatigue. Despite Hecate’s lessons keeping her poppies from sprouting, the constant strain of controlling her powers left her with relentless headaches.

Wearing a sleek black kaftan, Charon directed the influencers from behind a ring light. Persephone made a mental note to ask where she’d found that dress—Charon’s style exuded effortless elegance.

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