“You thought wrong,” she said. “The damage is already done.”

“Persephone.”

She hated the way her boss said her name, like he thought she was being unreasonable. “Don’t do this.”

“Don’t do what? Call you out on your bullshit?”

“If it was bullshit, you would have quit when I had to give you the ultimatum. As much as you want to pretend you don’t need this job, I know you do. It’s the only way you can distinguish yourself from Hades.”

She flinched. Those words stung.

Demetri sighed; his frustration palpable.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Why not?” she laughed bitterly. “It’s the truth.”

“Just because it is the truth right now, doesn’t mean it will be the truth forever. If anyone can make a name for themselves in this business, it’s you, Persephone.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Demetri.”

He laughed humorlessly. “Will I ever earn your forgiveness?”

“Forgiveness, yes. Trust, no.”

“I suppose I deserve that.”

Demetri’s eyes fell to his hands as he twined his fingers together nervously.

“You know I did it because I had no choice.”

“I’m sure you had a choice like I had a choice.”

He nodded his head, but his eyes were distant, as if he were recalling something that happened long ago. After a moment, he began to speak. “Kal is no Hades but he is powerful. I…” he paused to clear his throat. “I sought his help.”

A realization settled upon her—Demetri knew Kal was a Magi.

“In what way?”

“A love potion.”

Persephone frowned. “I...don’t understand.”

Demetri raised his brows, and then met Persephone’s gaze. “In college, I met a man named Luca. He became my best friend and I was so in love with him. One night, I decided to tell him how I felt. My feelings weren’t reciprocated...but...I couldn’t imagine a life without him.”

“So you gave him a love potion?”

She was appalled that Demetri would resort to such measures. A love potion was serious business. There was a reason their creation and distribution was illegal. It took away an individual’s choice.

“It wasn’t my proudest moment,” Demetri admitted. “If I had to do it all over again, I would have let him go.”

“You have to undo it,” Persephone said. Demetri’s eyes went wide. Clearly, he wasn’t expecting her to say that.

“Undo it?”

“Or tell him what you did,” Persephone urged. “Demetri...you were wrong.”

“I didn’t tell you this so you would tell me how I should fix it,” he said, his face growing red. “I’m telling you this so you understand why I pushed you.”

“I realize that, but Demetri...if you really loved—”

“Don’t,” Demetri snapped, and Persephone clamped her mouth shut. He took a deep breath. “This conversation is over.”

“Demetri—”