She hoped he was thinking about that now. She hoped he thought of how hot her mouth had been around his cock in the grove. She hoped he remembered how he’d praised her for tasting sweet as his mouth consumed her flesh. She hoped he thought of all these things while he slept alone in his cold bed.

Part of her wanted him to come after her, materialize out of the darkness, and consume her, but this time, things were different. It wasn’t that Hades was angry. Anger meant punishment and that usually led to pleasure.

Hurt meant time. It meant distance.

She wrapped her arms tighter around herself and turned from him, continuing down the path, farther into the garden.

At some point, she returned to her room. She didn’t remember falling asleep, but the next thing she knew, she was roused by a knock at the door and Hecate entered in sweeping, crimson robes.

“Good morning, my sweet!”

A nymph followed her into the room carrying a covered tray.

“I brought breakfast. Let’s eat.”

Persephone joined Hecate on the balcony. She had brought an array of fruit, breads, jams, and coffee.

“Anything else, my lady?” the nymph asked.

“Uh, no.” Persephone replied, and the nymph bowed, leaving them alone.

“It is a divine morning,” Hecate said, taking a deep breath. “I thought we might practice early this morning—”

“Did you know Leuce had returned?”

“Oh no, Hades isn’t going to get me in trouble. I knew she was back and advised him to tell you. What he chose to do or not isn’t my fault.”

“Tell me about her,” Persephone said.

Hecate froze, her mug half-way to the lips. Finally, she took a sip before asking, “What do you want to know?”

“Did Hades love her?”

“Not like he loves you,” she said without hesitation.

“Don’t try to make me feel better, Hecate.”

“Truly I am not. Or, at least, I wouldn’t say something that isn’t true. Hades cared for her, yes. I think he believed he loved her; I also think he knows differently now.”

“I was completely blind-sighted.”

“As I am sure your mother hoped you would be.”

“My mother?” Persephone hadn’t heard or spoken to Demeter since she’d destroyed her greenhouse, and she had to admit, she didn’t really miss her.

“Oh yes, this reeks of Demeter,” Hecate said, wrinkling her nose. “Who else has the power to turn a tree back into a nymph?”

Hades, she wanted to point out, but knew that the god hadn’t been the one to restore Leuce to her natural form.

“Why would my mother do Hades’ lover a favor?”

Hecate laughed. “You didn’t think you’d get the last word in, did you? Demeter attempted to defy the Fates to keep you from Hades. She will try anything to pry you away from him. You know that.”