“I just want you to be careful. I know Hades will protect you, but I also know how hard it is for you to ask for help.”

Persephone managed a small smile. She knew Lexa was only speaking out of concern for her, but her best friend didn’t know the whole story. She still hadn’t told her about her boss’s ultimatum. She felt like she was in a bargain with Hades again, faced with losing two things she valued most. Perhaps if she explained, Lexa would understand, but as she started to speak, they were interrupted by a stranger.

“You’re Hades’ girlfriend, aren’t you?”

The voice startled them, and the question made Persephone cringe. A young woman had appeared beside their table. She wore a long shirt, tights and boots. Her phone was in hand, and she was pulling at the elastic holding her hair in a top knot.

“Can I get a picture?” The girl asked as she fluffed her hair and smoothed it over her shoulder.

“Sorry, no,” Persephone said. “I’m having lunch.”

“It’ll just take a second,” She leaned in to take a selfie, her camera on. Persephone shifted away, holding out her hands to stop the girl.

“I said no.”

“Just one,” the girl attempted to bargain.

“What about no don’t you understand?” Persephone asked.

The girl straightened and blinked at Persephone.

Then her eyes narrowed. “You don’t have to be a bitch. It’s just a picture.”

The girl lifted her phone and snapped a photo. Her outburst had drawn attention, and as Persephone watched her storm off, she noticed several customers had their phones pointed in her direction. She covered her face with her hand.

Lexa leaned across the table, “This would be a great time to use your powers for nefarious reasons.”

“Didn’t you just criticize my use of magic for punishment?”

“Yeah but...she deserves it. She was an asshole.”

“I think it’s time to go,” Persephone said, reaching for her purse.

They left money on the table to cover their bill. Lexa looped her arm through Persephone’s as they exited the cafe. The sidewalks were teeming with employees returning to work, tourists, and street vendors. It was a hot but cloudy day, and the air smelled like roasting chestnuts, cigarettes, and coffee.

“Do you have time to stop by the office?” Lexa asked. “I can give you a tour.”

Persephone checked her watch. She still had thirty minutes before she had to be back at the Acropolis.

“I’d love that.”

She wanted to see where Lexa worked and, if she were being honest, explore. She’d felt embarrassed when Lexa had listed off facts about The Halcyon Project, none of which she knew.