With no changes in Lexa’s health, Persephone decided to keep her appointment with Leuce. She was going to meet the nymph at The Pearl, a boutique owned by Aphrodite located in the Fashion District of New Athens.

Ilias had managed to schedule a private shopping event for her and the nymph. He also arranged for Antoni to give her a ride, something she was thankful for after this morning’s disastrous walk to the hospital.

Persephone entered the shop as soon as she arrived. The boutique smelled like roses and was exactly what she expected from the Goddess of Love. The carpeting at her feet was furry and white, the chairs were plush and jeweled, and every accent shimmered.

Persephone wandered throughout the store, fingers brushing soft fabric and inspecting fine gems.

“Lexa would love this place,” she said aloud.

“I’m sure she would,” a voice replied.

Persephone spun. Aphrodite lounged on a chaise in her own boutique. She was dressed in something that resembled lingerie—a pink bodysuit and a sheer, pink robe. The outfit showed off her soft curves. Her bright blond locks splayed around her head. Persephone wondered if she’d just fallen on the chair like that or if she’d posed herself.

She wouldn’t put the posing past Aphrodite.

“Aphrodite,” Persephone said, surprised to see the goddess.

“Persephone.”

“I didn’t know you would be here.”

“Oh, I just came to check up on you,” she said. “Saw the news.”

“You and everyone else,” Persephone mumbled. “I am fine, as you can see.”

The blonde goddess raised a brow.

“I see your sex life is vibrant.”

Persephone stiffened and then narrowed her eyes. “How do you know that?”

“I can smell it,” she said. “Hades is all over you. Must have been a wild night. Makeup sex?”

“That’s a horrific power,” Persephone said, and Aphrodite shrugged.

“And you?” Persephone asked. “How are you?”

The goddess seemed surprised by her question, as if no one had ever asked.

She frowned, and her pretty pale brows drew together over her sharp eyes. Persephone noted the change in her expression—she seemed confused, as if she was unsure why the question had elicited emotion. Finally, the goddess answered.

“I don’t know.”

It was the most honest Aphrodite had ever been, and Persephone would have liked to explore the pain she sensed beneath those words, but the door chimed and Leuce entered the store.

Aphrodite cleared her throat, smiling up at Persephone.

“Well, it’s time for me to go.”

“Wait. Aphrodite,” Persephone stopped her. “I’m...sorry. If you never need to talk—”

“I don’t,” the goddess said quickly, and then she offered a lopsided smile. “I mean...thanks, Persephone.”

With that, she was gone.

“Persephone?” Leuce asked. The pale nymph looked washed out beneath Aphrodite’s sparkling lights. She relaxed when she found Persephone in the adjoining room. “Oh, good. You’re here.”

“Did you not expect me to be here?”