The other myth I knew I wanted to use was the myth of Apollo and Marsyas (another common and similar myth is Apollo and Pan). Marsyas was a satyr who challenged Apollo to a musical competition. There are several versions of this myth that have Marsyas and Apollo winning, however, it ends in the satyrs death. I thought this was important because it shows just how unstable Apollo can be—how he is tied to antiquity and how it conflicts with the modern world.

Now I’ll touch on the myth of Pirithous.

I know in mythology, Pirithous and Theseus are bros (trust me, Theseus is coming *eyeroll*). The two decide they will wed Daughters of Zeus. Theseus steals Helen of Troy (yes, Helen the assistant is Helen of Troy). Well, Pirithous decides he wants Persephone. Together, the two head to the Underworld in an attempt to abduct her. Exhausted, they sit for a while to rest and are unable to get back up. Later, Hercules will rescue Theseus, but Pirithous will remain. I wanted to include this myth because, to me, Pirithous is just a really creepy fan and so, in the modern world, that’s exactly what he is.

Maybe I watch too much true crime. Ha!

Last, I’ll touch on the most heartbreaking part of the book—Lexa.

When I start writing a character, I make a list of “the worst things that can happen.”

Well, number one for Persephone was losing Lexa, but I couldn’t imagine Persephone understanding the mortal condition of grief unless she lost someone close to her. She’d also need to lose Lexa in the worst possible way (aka, bringing Lexa back, seeing her suffer, then having her return to the Underworld with no memory of her) in order to understand why Hades cannot help everyone. It’s a huge part of Persephone’s growth, because up until this point, she takes Hades at face-value. By the end of ATOR, she can speak from experience as much as that sucks.

Finally, I got to highlight the thing that sparked this whole idea in the first place: Hades’ club, Iniquity.

From the very beginning, I wrote these notes: Gods in Modern Society,

Hades rules the ‘underworld’ - gambling dens, mafia, and while I only scratched the surface of the world Hades rules in the Upperworld, I know it will be influential in A Touch of Malice.

Love,

Scarlett

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scarlett St. Clair lives in Oklahoma. She has a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Studies. She is obsessed with Greek Mythology, murder mysteries, love, and the afterlife. If you are obsessed with these things, then you’ll like her books.

Table of Contents

DEDICATION

MORE BOOKS BY SCARLETT ST. CLAIR

PART I

CHAPTER I - A TOUCH OF DOUBT

CHAPTER II - A TOUCH OF DUPLICITY

CHAPTER III - A TOUCH OF INJUSTICE

CHAPTER IV - A TOUCH OF WARNING