Page 7 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘Tee! You’re nearly six feet tall, and I’m five-foot-four. Really?’
‘Yep.’ She grinned. ‘I bought you a dress today with matching accessories.’
‘What?’
‘No excuses, Sephy.’ She stood and picked up her wine. ‘Come on.’ Defeated, I gave her a pathetic smile, grabbed my glass, and followed her upstairs.
CHAPTER 2
HADES
‘What in Olympus, Hades?’ Hecate glowered at me.
‘Remember with whom you speak, Goddess.’ My icy tone almost slithered.
‘I believe we’ve been friends for too long to be calling those shots,Your Highness.’ Hecate’s voice brimmed with fury.
My shoulders dropped as I let out a resigned sigh. ‘I miss her, Hecate.’
Her expression softened. ‘I know, Hades. But revealing yourself to her like that? And in your true form, for gods’ sake? You scared the living crap outta her.’
‘The Lamia would have killed her.’
‘Hades, she’s a powerful goddess. She still has no idea just how powerful she truly is. I’ve witnessed her defeat foes far greater than the Lamia. Stop fretting so much. I’m guarding her, as you requested.’
‘It’s been an age since Morpheus found her. I need her back, Hecate. She belongs to me.’
When that warm, velvety sensation reappeared in my chest, I knew the soul bond had reignited. I knew Persephone was alive. My hope was like a tiny bird singing even amidst the darkest storms. My only aim had been to find her again.
‘Her ex-boyfriend… who lives with her’—I released a low rumble, but Hecate paid me no mind and continued—‘works at your club. I’ve arranged for him to have VIP tickets. We’re going tonight.’
‘And Persephone?’ I felt my eyes flicker between gold and blue as she nodded. ‘Then tonight, you shall bring her here.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes.’
‘She’s not the Persephone you knew. She thinks she’s a witch… that she’s your enemy, Hades,’ Hecate said softly.
‘Sheisdifferent.’ I paused, gritting my teeth. ‘But she’s still in there somewhere, Hecate. She will remember me. Eventually,’ I said hoarsely, my gaze falling to the floor.
‘She has a divine blade.’
‘I know.’ I released a jagged breath.
‘She could kill you.’
I gave a lopsided shrug. ‘I’m very difficult to kill, even with a divine blade. Anyway, I’m not sure my immortal life is worth living if I don’t get her back.’
Hecate blew out a frustrated sigh. ‘I’ve gotta go. I’m doing Persephone’s hair and makeup.’
I lifted my gaze to Hecate, then closed my eyes, clenching my fists.
‘Oh, and there’s a slight problem you should be aware of.’
My eyes snapped open. ‘What?’
‘Zeus knows about her.’
