For some reason, those words left a horrible taste in Persephone’s mouth. She looked back at Lexa who was as still as a corpse.

“I’ll be in contact,” he said. “Your duties begin soon.”

Then he vanished.

And in the noisy ICU, Persephone wondered what she had done?

CHAPTER XVIII - THE FURIES

CHAPTER XVIII - THE FURIES

Persephone arrived at the hospital with Sybil two hours later. She was too anxious to stay away. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Apollo’s healing powers, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong. She could feel it—a tangible darkness gathering behind her, gaining speed and depth and weight.

Would Lexa be healed enough by the time they took her off the ventilator? Would Hades intervene? What would happen once he discovered she’d bargained with Apollo? Would he see her decision as betrayal?

The guilt made her nauseous and lightheaded and as she headed into the elevator with

Sybil, she worried she’d have another panic attack. She wondered if the oracle sensed her

turmoil, especially when she glanced in her direction.

Instead, Sybil asked, “Did you do it?”

Persephone didn’t look at the oracle. She kept her gaze on the red number as it changed

from floor to floor.

“Yes.”

“What did you offer in exchange?”

She’d hoped to keep her bargain secret for as long as possible. She didn’t want to know what her friend actually thought of her choice.

“Time.”

Persephone had yet to really understand what she’d agreed to when it came to Apollo’s

demand for her attention, but the worry was already sinking into her bones. In the hours

after she’d left the hospital, she’d gone over the terms of their agreement. She was certain she’d missed something, and it was just a matter of time before Apollo asked her to do something she couldn’t refuse.

If Lexa is alive, it will be worth it, she thought.

She hoped.

When they arrived on the second floor, Jaison was already there, sitting in the same wooden chair he’d occupied since Lexa’s accident with his eyes closed. He stirred as they approached and looked at them.

“Hey,” Persephone said as gently as she could. “How are you?”

Jaison shrugged. The whites of his eyes were yellow, his skin pallid.

“How long until we hear something?” Sybil asked.

“They plan to take her off life support at nine.” His voice was hollow.

Persephone and Sybil exchanged a glance. Jaison leaned forward and rubbed his face vigorously before standing.

“I’m going to get some coffee.”