Persephone didn’t respond. She looked out the window as they passed marble-white buildings, stoic churches, and colorful apartments until they came to Aphrodite’s shop. Persephone picked Zofie up, who protested with a loud whine.

“Shh!” she commanded. “No one let’s their cat walk into a shop of their own freewill.”

She stepped out of the limo and into the shop.

“I didn’t know you liked pussies,” Aphrodite said, materializing as soon as Persephone sat the cat on the floor. The goddess was a little more covered than usual, wearing a silk champagne dress, embossed with flowers. It had thin straps, came to her mid-calf, and looked more like a nightgown than something to wear in public, but Persephone was discovering that was Aphrodite’s modus operandi.

“Shift,” Persephone ordered, and Zofie became human again.

Aphrodite’s eyes narrowed upon the Amazon. “A daughter of Ares,” she said. “I’m not surprised.”

Persephone’s brows drew together. “What do you mean?”

“Hades would only ever assign the best to protect you.”

Zofie bowed her head. “It is an honor for you to say, Lady Aphrodite.”

The Goddess of Love offered a half smile, but it was not kind.

“Of course. Everyone knows Amazons are brutal, aggressive, and full of bloodlust. You’re all just like your father.”

Zofie stiffened beside her, and Persephone wondered why the goddess felt the need to be so cruel.

“Aphrodite, I’m hoping to purchase a new wardrobe for my Aegis,” Persephone said quickly. “I need her to blend in if she’s going to...protect me.”

It was hard for Persephone to say the word. She didn’t want to need protection. She wanted to protect herself, but at this point, after what had happened a few days ago, it was likely she’d just rip herself apart.

“What’s the matter? War-time chic too flashy for you?”

Persephone gave Aphrodite a dull look as she began pulling clothing off racks and handing it to the attendants.

“What colors do you like, Zofie?” Persephone asked.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I’ve never thought about it.”

Persephone paused and looked at her. “Never thought about it?”

“We are warriors, Lady Persephone.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fashion,” Persephone remarked, and then laughed to herself. She sounded like Lexa.

When the attendant’s arms were piled high with clothes, Persephone ushered Zofie into one of the changing rooms and took a seat. Aphrodite lounge nearby.

“How’s the love life?” Aphrodite asked.

“Why do you always ask that?”

The question frustrated her for obvious reasons. She hadn’t seen Hades since their fight, and she’d agonized over the status of their relationship since.

“I’ve never asked it of you before. I can usually smell it.”

Persephone rolled her eyes, still repulsed by Aphrodite’s unusual skills.

“Then I guess you have your answer.”