“I have finalized your gown for the Summer Solstice,” Hecate said. Persephone’s stomach felt unsettled. She knew what the goddess was trying to do. She’d already commissioned a new crown for Persephone to wear for the occasion. She was trying to turn her into some sort of queen, and on the heels of her fight with Hades, that made her anxious.

When Persephone and Hecate arrived, the souls swarmed. She wasn’t sure why, but today, their excitement, kindness and clear devotion to her brought tears to her eyes. Maybe it had something to do with her conversation with Hecate. She’d always known the people of the Underworld considered her a goddess, more than that, they’d immediately accepted her as part of their world, and hinted at her potential to become Queen of the Underworld and all she’d ever done was resist.

She was afraid.

Afraid she would somehow disappoint them like she had disappointed her mother, like she had disappointed Hades.

She took a deep breath, forcing down the emotion thick within her throat and pretended like everything was fine. She helped finalize decisions for the solstice celebration, tasted samplings of various meals, approved decor, and played with the children before returning to the Upperworld.

When she arrived home, she broke down.

Sybil didn’t ask any questions, more than likely, she had already guessed what had happened. The oracle just held her as she cried herself to sleep.

Before work the next day, Persephone stopped by the hospital only to find that Lexa was asleep.

“She woke up briefly,” Eliska said. “But she was very confused. The doctor gave her a sedative.”

“Confused?”

Persephone’s anxiety spiked, making her stomach feel sick.

“They think it’s temporary psychosis,” she explained. “It isn’t unusual for patients who have been in the ICU.”

Psychosis. Temporary.

Her relief was immediate. It was probably too much to expect that Lexa would bounce back. Still, Persephone had let her hopes rise. She’d thought that Divine magic would work differently from traditional medicine. That when Apollo talked about miracles, it would mean skipping the recovery, too.

“Persephone, are you alright?” Eliska asked.

The goddess met the mortal’s gaze and nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. Will you...text me when Lexa wakes up?”

“Of course, dear,” she paused, studying her. Whatever Eliska was seeing in Persephone’s expression had her suspicious because she asked again, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

No, Persephone thought. My whole world is falling apart.

She nodded. “Yeah, just...tired.”

She felt silly saying that. Eliska was tired, too. “I understand. I promise to text you as soon as Lexa wakes.”

She reached for Persephone, hugging her close. “I’m so thankful Lexa has a friend like you.”

Persephone swallowed hard, and her eyes watered. Again, Hades words erupted in her mind.

You should know that your actions have condemned Lexa to a fate worse than death.