“Persephone!” Leuce approached, throwing her arms around the goddess’s neck, a glass of wine in hand.

“Leuce, I’m so glad you could make it.”

The nymph drew back. “Thank you for inviting me. This is truly amazing. I’ve never seen the Underworld so vibrant.”

“Drink,” she said, handing Persephone the wine she held. “The wine tastes like strawberries and summer.”

Leuce twirled away, disappearing into the crowd of souls.

“Well, don’t you look like the Queen of the Underworld,” Hermes said, appearing out of thin air.

Persephone smiled at the God of Trickery. He was dressed like an ancient god—gold armor and a leather skirt. His sandals wrapped around his strong calves, a circlet of laurel leaves crowed his head, and his white-feathered wings draped his body like a lush cloak.

“Hermes!” She threw her arms around him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Sephy,” he said, and then winked, holding up a bottle of wine he’d swiped from the ballroom. “The wine helps. Where’s your brooding lover? He wasn’t too angry with you, I hope?”

At the mention of Hades, Persephone was reminded that the God of the Underworld still hadn’t made an appearance. She frowned.

“I’m not sure where he is. He left before I woke.”

“Uh oh. Don’t tell me, Sephy. No makeup sex?”

When did talking about sex become a regular conversation between her and Hermes?

“No.”

“I’m sorry, Sephy,” Hermes said, and then poured more wine into her cup. “Drink up, gorgeous. You’re going to need it.”

But Persephone didn’t feel like drinking, and soon, Hermes was distracted.

“Nemesis!” Hermes yelled when he glimpsed the Goddess of Divine Retribution and Revenge. “I have a bone to pick with you!”

Persephone tried not to laugh. Hearing Hermes use mortal idioms was hilarious. She started to turn when she noticed Apollo. He must have just arrived, as she was certain she would have sensed his menacing presence before now. He felt like static in the air around her.

He wore red robes and they were secured by embellished gold leaves. She’d never seen his horns before, but tonight, they were on full display. In total, he had four, a set of two, curling on each side of his face. They almost made it look like a helm worn during battle.

She smiled at him and approached.

“Last time I checked, I was the one who was supposed to do the summoning,” he said.

“I didn’t summon you,” Persephone said. “I invited you. You didn’t have to come.”

Apollo’s jaw tensed.

“But I’m glad you did,” she added, and the god’s brows rose. “Come, I’d like you to meet someone.”