Persephone’s eyes widened.

“Does that happen?”

“Never mind,” Ismena said. “It’s an auction. You’re given a number and let into a room sort of like an auditorium where you wait until your number is called. After that, you’re led onto a stage and you just...stand there until they tell you to leave.”

“And after that?”

“You’re led to the room of your bidder.”

Persephone’s stomach soured.

“How’d you get into this line of work anyway?” Ismena asked. “You don’t look prepared at all.”

Persephone sort of laughed, and offered the only thing she could, “Sometimes there aren’t any choices. What about you?”

The woman shrugged. “It’s good money, and most of the time these men aren’t even after sex. They just want conversation.”

Well that was good, because that’s all Persephone had come for—conversation and a bargain.

The woman in crimson returned and clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention.

“It’s time, ladies and gentlemen.”

Persephone followed Ismena’s lead. They filed into an adjacent room were a series of chairs were arranged. As they entered, they were given numbers and took their seats. One by one, the Madame summoned men and women, and as they disappeared into the darkness around her, Persephone’s heart raced. She wondered what Hades would do if he found out she was about to auction herself off to the highest bidder in a brothel.

Then another thought occurred to her—what if she couldn’t find Apollo?

She waited forever—until everyone in the room was gone except for her.

The Madam entered.

“Your turn, Kora.”

Persephone rose and followed the woman into the shadow. She was directed onto a round stage. She could see nothing beyond it, but she knew people were scattered in the dark beyond because she could sense them. A torrent of emotions hit her—intense loneliness and longing, beneath that, there was a tinge of amusement. She looked up into the darkness and offered a soft half smile.

“I’m here for you, Apollo.”

The madam appeared from the shadow, as quick as lightning, and snatched her by the wrist.

“How dare you! This auction is supposed to be anonymous.”

A voice crackled through an intercom.

“Don’t leave a bruise, Madam Selene, or you will face the wrath of Hades.”

So much for anonymity.

The woman inhaled sharply and released her; eyes wide.

“You are Persephone?”

Apollo’s voice crackled over the intercom again.

“Escort her to my suite.”

Persephone turned to the Madam expectantly. It took her a moment to move, she seemed frozen, staring at her as if she were one of the dead herself. After a moment, she cleared her throat and bowed her head.

“This way, my lady.”

The Madam led Persephone out of the room and into a mirrored elevator. When the doors closed, Madame Selene stared at Persephone through the reflection.