Persephone gave Hades a questioning look as Leuce appeared in the center of the room. It had been a while since Persephone had seen the nymph, and she looked exhausted and scared. Her eyes were wide and her whole body shook. When her gaze fell upon Hades and Persephone, a horrible sob exploded from her throat.

“Please—”

“Silence,” Hades commanded, and it was like Leuce lost her ability to emit sound. “You will tell Persephone the truth. Did you send her to the Forest of Despair?”

Tears spilled down Leuce’s face as she nodded.

The wine, Persephone realized—Drink! The wine tastes like strawberries and sunshine. Persephone’s instinct was to feel betrayed, but something seemed…off.

“Why?” she asked.

“To tear you both apart,” she answered.

There was no hint of venom in her voice, and Persephone found that strange. If the nymph had truly wanted this, why was she so...remorseful? She shifted, moving closer to the end of the bed.

“Why?” Persephone asked.

Leuce eyes widened and she shook her head, refusing to speak.

“You will answer,” Hades said.

Persephone didn’t think it was possible for Leuce to cry harder, but she did, and this time the nymph collapsed to her knees. “She will kill me.”

“Who?”

“Your mother,” Hades said.

The revelation shouldn’t have shocked Persephone, but it did.

“Is this true?” she asked, turning to Leuce.

“I lied when I said I didn’t remember who gave me life,” she admitted. “But I was afraid. Demeter reminded me over and over that she would take it all away if I didn’t obey. I’m so sorry, Persephone.”

Leuce hid her face. “You were so kind to me and I betrayed you.”

Persephone gathered the sheets around her and slid off the bed, ignoring the fact that she left Hades bared to the room. She approached and knelt before Leuce.

“I don’t blame you for fearing my mother,” Persephone said, and as she spoke, Leuce met her gaze. “I feared her for a long time, too. I won’t let her hurt you, Leuce.”

The nymph collapsed into Persephone, and the goddess held her for a long moment, until she was able to collect herself.

“Hermes,” Persephone said. “Will you take Leuce to my suite? I think she deserves some rest.”

“Yes, my lady.” He gave an exaggerated bow and smirked.

Once they were gone, Persephone turned to Hades, who had a peculiar look on his face.

“What?”

He shook his head, a smile growing on his face.

“I am just admiring you.”

She was temporarily distracted by his comment, and then said, “I suppose we should summon my mother to the Underworld.”

Hades’ brows rose. He clearly had not expected her to say that. “Shall we call upon her now?” he asked. “Perhaps we should make love so that she has no reason to suspect her plan worked.”

“Hades!” Persephone chided, but smiled, too.

CHAPTER XXV - COLLECTING PIECES