She led Apollo outside where the maypole was raised, and the dead danced. It took her a moment, but she finally found him standing with a crowd of souls. Hyacinth, the young man Apollo loved. He was well-muscled and beautiful, with a swath of golden hair. When he smiled, his teeth gleamed, when he laughed, it was like music. She knew when Apollo saw him, because Apollo stiffened beside her.

“Go to him, Apollo,” she said.

He hesitated and paled. “Does he remember…?”

“He still loves you,” she said. “And he has forgiven you.”

She was surprised when Apollo looked at her with a severe expression on his face.

“Why?” he demanded.

She blinked. “What?”

“Why would you do this for me?” he asked. “I have been so unkind to you.”

“Everyone deserves kindness, Apollo.”

Especially those who hurt others, she thought but didn’t say.

“Go,” she encouraged. “You don’t have much time and you must make the most of it.”

Still he stared at her, as if he couldn’t figure her out.

After a moment, he turned and took a deep breath, set his shoulders, and strolled toward Hyacinth. The young soul did a double take and his expression melted into shock when he spotted the God of Music approaching. He put his drink down and threw his arms around Apollo’s neck, drawing him close. When their lips met, Persephone felt a pang in her chest—a reminder of how much she missed Hades.

She shook her head and wandered from the courtyard into the gardens. She hoped to spend a few minutes alone but stumbled upon a shadowy figure, startling her.

“Thanatos,” she breathed, her heart calming. “You startled me.”

“I am sorry. That was not my intention.”

She frowned. She hadn’t seen the God of Death since she’d yelled at him in the hospital. She could feel a difference in the air between them. Once friendly, it was now tender.

“What are you doing out here?”

“Enjoying the revelry,” he answered. He wasn’t looking at her as he spoke, his eyes on the maypole ahead, illuminated by the nymphs’ light.

“Why don’t you join them?” she asked.

Thanatos’ smile was sad. “I am not made for merriment, my lady.”

She frowned. “Please call me Persephone, Thanatos.”

He bowed his head. “Right. I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry,” she said. “There is no excuse for how I treated you. I can...scarcely believe it myself.”

“It’s okay, Persephone. I’m used to it.”

She winced. “It pains me to know that. I wish it weren’t so—you deserve better, especially from a friend.”

Thanatos met her gaze, smiling. “Thank you, Persephone.”

They stood together for a while, watching the residents of the Underworld celebrate.