“I’m sure it cannot,” Persephone said. “I have made so many mistakes, Hecate. I have destroyed my best friend’s life, bargained with a terrible god, and sacrificed my relationship with Hades.”

“That is a lot.” Hecate’s words made Persephone feel even more miserable. “But I think it is not true.”

“Of course, it’s true,” she stared at Hecate, confused by the goddess.

“Did you strike Lexa with a car?” Hecate asked.

Persephone shook her head.

“You did not ruin your best friend’s life,” she said. “The mortal driving that car did.”

“But she’s not the same—”

“She’s not the same. Even if she had recovered on her own without Apollo’s magic, she wouldn’t have been the same. You have bargained with a god, yes—terrible?” Hecate shrugged. “If anyone can help Apollo become more compassionate, it’s you, Persephone.”

She wasn’t sure about that, but after learning about Apollo’s past, she knew she wanted to do something for him. Maybe if she showed him kindness, he would learn kindness toward others.

“Compassion or not, it doesn’t change how Hades thinks of me now. He does not trust me, nor does he think I trust him.”

“Hades trusts you,” she said. “He gave you his heart.”

“I am sure he regrets that decision.”

“You cannot be sure of anything unless you ask, Persephone. It is more unfair to assume you know Hades’ feelings.”

Persephone considered this. She’d wanted to ask him a lot of things yesterday, but fear and embarrassment kept her from it.

“And I have a feeling our dark ruler hasn’t been all that fair to you.”

Persephone wasn’t sure if fair was the right word.

“He has been honest about how angry he is with me.”

“Which is probably why you want to avoid him. I would. No one likes Hades when he’s angry.”

Persephone laughed a little.

“My point is you both have a lot to learn from this. If you want this relationship to work, you must be honest. It doesn’t matter if your words sting, they’re important.”

She had a lot of words.

“Do not worry, my dear,” Hecate rose to her feet, brining Persephone with her. “All will be well.”

Before they left the library, Persephone paused. “Hecate, do you know how to find a soul in the Underworld?”

She smiled. “No, but I know who does.”

Persephone and Hecate returned to the ballroom and finished up their floral arrangements. After, they made their way to the kitchens where Milan, a daimon, and a staff of several souls who had been chefs in previous lives, worked on the solstice feast. Milan insisted they try an assortment of jams, preserves, grapes, figs, pomegranates, black berries, pears, and dates. There were cured meats and various cheeses, crackers and fresh herbs.

“My Lady Persephone...do you happen to have the recipe for that sweet bread you made?” Milan asked.