“I had a job offer this week,” she was saying, which got Persephone’s attention. “From the Cypress Foundation.”

Persephone lit up. “Oh, Sybil! I’m so happy for you.”

“I should be thanking you,” she said. “I’m sure you’re why they picked me.”

She shook her head. “Hades knows talent when he sees it.”

The oracle didn’t look so certain.

Persephone couldn’t explain why, but her excitement for Sybil dwindled quickly, as a heavy feeling settled on her chest. It was a combination of feelings—guilt, hopelessness, and a ton of unspoken feelings.

“I have to hang out with Apollo,” she said abruptly.

Sybil stared at Persephone.

“That was the bargain,” Persephone explained. “I just...want you to know.”

“I’m glad you told me,” she replied, and Persephone couldn’t help thinking she was too nice, too understanding.

“Do you remember at the Gala, when you told me my colors and Hades colors were all...?”

Her voice faltered; the question poised on her tongue. Sybil’s eyes were searching, and she pressed her lips together. Persephone wasn’t sure if it was because she was trying to keep from saying something she would regret, or if she was trying not to smile, either way, Persephone had to ask.

“Are they still...tangled up?”

“They are,” she said quietly. “I wish you could see it. It is beautiful, sensual and chaotic.”

Persephone offered a humorless laugh. “Chaotic is right.”

She smiled. “Well, I did say it was a tangle.”

Persephone gave her a questioning look.

“It is what happens when two powerful people meet.”

“Discord?” Persephone asked.

“And passion and bliss,” Sybil was smiling completely now.

Persephone looked away. She and Hades definitely had all of those things, but were they possible to reclaim? After all she had done?

Sybil placed a hand on Persephone’s.

“You were always meant for greatness, Persephone, but getting there will be war.”

She shivered.

“Not literal war, right?”

Sybil didn’t say.

They left, walking in opposite directions, Persephone to work and Sybil to the hospital to visit Lexa. Persephone hadn’t heard from Eliska so assumed Lexa had yet to wake up. The thought made her anxious. Did that mean Apollo’s magic hadn’t worked? She pushed those thoughts aside. Apollo was an ancient god, his magic well-practiced.

Lexa is still healing. She is tired, Persephone told herself. She needs her rest.