“Persephone. Please, come in. Close the door.”

That stone in her stomach was suddenly heavier. Shutting herself in Demetri’s office was like walking right back into her mother’s greenhouse—anxiety built, and she felt fear at the thought of being punished. Her skin grew hot and uncomfortable, her throat constricted, her tongue thickened...she was going to suffocate.

This is it. She thought. He is going to fire me.

She found herself frustrated that he was drawing it out. Why invite her to sit? Act like it had to be a conversation?

She took a deep breath and sat on the edge of her chair.

“What did you do?” she asked, glancing at the pile of newspapers. “Pick one up on every block?”

“Couldn’t help it,” he said, smirking. “The story was fascinating.”

Persephone glared.

“Did you need something?” she asked finally, hoping to change the subject—hoping that the reason he called her into his office had nothing to do with this morning’s headlines.

“Persephone,” Demetri said, and she cringed at the gentle tone his voice had taken. Whatever was coming, it wasn’t good. “You have a lot of potential and you have proven you’re willing to fight for the truth, which I appreciate.”

He paused and her body stayed tense, preparing for the blow he was about to deliver.

“But,” she said, guessing the direction of this conversation.

Demetri looked even more sympathetic.

“You know I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t have to,” he said.

She blinked, brows furrowing. “Ask what?”

“For an exclusive. On your relationship with Hades.”

The dread crawled up her stomach, and spread, sizzling in her chest and lungs and she felt the heat abruptly leave her face.

“Why do you have to ask?” Her voice was tight, and she tried to stay calm, but her hands were already shaking and squeezing her coffee cup.

“Per—”

“You said you wouldn’t ask if you didn't have to,” she stopped him. She was tired of him saying her name. Tired of how long it was taking him to get to the point. “So why are you asking?”

“It came from the top,” he answered. “It was very clear that you either offer us your story or you don’t have a job here anymore.”

“The top?” she echoed, and paused for a moment, searching for a name. After a moment, it came to her. “Kal Stavros?”

Kal Stavros was a mortal. He was the CEO of Epik Communications—which owned New Athens News. Persephone didn’t know much about him except that he was a tabloid favorite. Mostly, because he was beautiful—his name literally meant crowned the most beautiful.

“Why would the CEO request an exclusive?”

“It’s not every day the girlfriend of the God of the Dead works for you,” Demetri said. “Everything you touch will turn to gold.”