The article also detailed a timeline of her life that included her internship at New Athens News, her articles about Hades, and their reconciliation outside The Coffee House.

“Onlookers say they weren’t sure of Hades’ motives when he materialized in the Upperworld, but it appeared he was there to make amends with the journalist, Persephone Rosi, which begs the question: when did their romance begin?”

Persephone recognized the irony of her situation—she was an investigative journalist. She loved research. She loved getting to the bottom of an issue, exposing facts, and saving mortals from the wrath of gods, demi-gods, and themselves.

But this was different.

This was her personal life.

She knew how the media worked—she was now a mystery to be solved, and those who investigated her background were a threat to everything she’d worked so hard for.

A threat to her freedom.

I know you’re freaking out right now, Lexa texted. Don’t.

That’s easy for you to say. Your name isn’t plastered across headlines.

She responded with: Technically, it isn’t your name—it’s Hades’.

She rolled her eyes. She didn’t want to be someone’s possession. She wanted her own identity, to be credited for her hard work, but dating a god took that away.

Another thought occurred to her—what would her boss say?

Demetri Aetos was a great supervisor. He believed in the truth and reporting on it no matter the consequences. He’d fired Adonis for calling Persephone a bitch and stealing her work. He’d recognized the stress she was under when it came to writing about Hades, and he’d told her she didn’t have to keep writing about him if she didn’t want to...but that was before he knew she was dating the God of the Dead.

Would there be consequences?

Gods, she had to stop thinking about this.

She focused on her phone and texted Lexa back.

Stop trying to avoid the BEST news of the day. Congrats on your first day!

Lexa had been hired to plan events for The Cypress Foundation, Hades non-profit organization. She’d learned about it shortly after the announcement of the Halcyon Project.

Lexa had been offered the job on her birthday.

"She would have gotten the job anyway," Hades had said when Persephone asked if he'd made it happen. "She is a great fit."

Thanks, my love! I’m so excited! Lexa texted.

“We’re here, my lady.”

Antoni’s words drew her attention to the Acropolis.

Persephone’s eyes widened and her stomach knotted when she looked out the window.