The god turned back to the array of liquor and found another bottle. Persephone crossed her arms over her chest, the buzz from the alcohol wearing off, she suddenly no longer felt like being naked. She reached for Hades’ jacket. As she slipped it on, it swallowed her.

“He said he blamed you for his death.”

“He did,” Hades response was short. “Much like you blamed me for Lexa’s accident.”

“I never said I blamed you,” she argued.

“You blamed me because I couldn’t help. Apollo did the same.”

Persephone pressed her lips together and took a breath. “I’m not…trying to fight with you. I just want to know your side.”

Hades considered this as he took a drink from the bottle he’d taken from the shelf. She couldn’t tell what it was—but it wasn’t whiskey.

Finally, he spoke. “Apollo didn’t ask to see his lover. He asked to die.”

Persephone’s eyes widened. That’s not what she expected Hades to say.

“Of course it was a request I could not—would not—grant.”

“I don’t understand. Apollo knows he cannot die. He is immortal. Even if you were to wound him…”

“He wished to be thrown into Tartarus. To be torn to pieces by the Titians. It is the only way to kill a god.”

Persephone shivered.

“He was outraged, of course, and took his revenge in the only way he knows how—he slept with Leuce.”

Things were falling into place.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Persephone demanded.

“I tend to want to forget that part of my life, Persephone.”

“But I—I wouldn’t have—”

“You already broke a promise you made. I doubt my story of betrayal would have prevented you from seeking Apollo’s help.”

She didn’t know what to say to that—his words were harsh but warranted. She flinched and hugged herself a little tighter. She wasn’t sure if Hades noticed her reaction, or decided he was finished with this conversation, but he pushed away from the bar and said, “You are probably tired. I can take you to the Underworld or Antoni will see you home.”

She studied him for a long moment and then asked, “What do you want?”

What she was really asking was do you want me?

“It is not my decision to make.”

She looked away, swallowing a lump in her throat, but Hades’ voice drew her back.

“But since you asked…I always want you with me. Even when I’m angry.”

“Then I’ll come with you.”