“I think it’s time to start your own paper,” said Lexa.

Persephone shook her head. “How?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know, but how hard could it be? Just do what you already do—give a voice to the oppressed.”

Persephone tapped her nails against the countertop, considering Lexa’s proposal. It was something she’d joked about before, but this didn’t seem funny. It felt like a real possibility. She thought of all the reasons journalism had appealed to her—she’d wanted to find the truth, serve justice, speak for the voiceless—all things she could do on her own with no Demetri and no Kal.

“Thanks, Lex. You’re amazing. I hope you know that.”

Lexa smiled, and she focused on the counter for a moment before suggesting, “Maybe...we could go sometime. Like...before. It’ll take your mind off everything.”

Persephone’s smiled.

“I’d like that.”

For the first time in a long time, Persephone felt like she might be able to heal the guilt she felt over this whole ordeal.

“I’m sorry, Lex,” Persephone said. She’d never actually apologized to her for what she’d done—for the deal she’d struck with Apollo.

“I know,” Lexa said. “But I forgive you.”

***

When Persephone arrived home from work, she found Sybil getting ready in her room. Her hair was curled, her makeup done, and she wore a pretty, floral dress.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Sybil said. “I needed a place to get ready and Lexa’s in the shower.”

“No, of course not,” Persephone said. “I just came home to check on her. How’s she doing?”

Sybil nodded. “Better.”

“Are you...going out?”

The oracle blushed. “I have a date.”

Persephone grinned, excited for her. “With who?”

“Aro,” she said quietly.

Before Sybil became an official oracle, the three had been inseparable. Persephone was glad they had reunited.

“When did this start?”

She shrugged. “We’ve always been friends and after Apollo fired me...we started talking again.”

Persephone smiled. “Oh, girl. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, Seph.”

Persephone felt bad for not saying goodbye to Lexa, but she sent a text to let her know she’d be back in the morning, then teleported to the Underworld, appearing in the library. She’d had the intention of curling up by the fireplace and reading, instead, she found Hades waiting.

“What are you wearing?” Persephone giggled.

He had on a black shirt, pants, and what looked like black rain boots. She had only seen him this casual once, and that was when he came to her house to bake cookies.

“I have a surprise for you.”

“Those pants are definitely a surprise.”

He smirked. “Come.”

He held out his hand, and she took it, fingers tangling with his as he led her outside. At the front of the palace, two large, black horses waited. They were majestic, their coat glistened, their manes braided.