He found her faster this time, and he thought it might have something to do with the faint echo of power inside her. His darkness was drawn to that light, wanting to embrace it and foster it.
He teleported her to him. As soon as she appeared, he gripped her by the neck and kissed her. She made a sound in the back of her throat that encouraged him to part her lips and bury his tongue in her mouth. He wanted the taste of her upon his lips when he arrived in Olympia; it would be a wicked secret he would take with him.
He pulled away reluctantly, nipping at her bottom lip.
“Are you well?”
“Yes,” she answered, breathless. “What are you doing here?”
He smiled, almost sad, eyes falling to her lips again. He should answer with the whole truth, even the part where he’d been thinking about fucking her in this garden.
“I came to say goodbye.”
“What?” Her voice was sharp. Clearly, she had not expected that, but her surprise made him chuckle. He liked the idea that she would be disappointed in his absence. Perhaps that would mean a passionate reunion.
“I must go to Olympia for council.”
“Oh.” She frowned. “How long?”
“If I have anything to say about it, a day and no more.”
He was not like the other Olympians, who would stay for parties and revelry.
“Why wouldn’t you have a say?” she asked.
“It depends on how much Zeus and Poseidon argue,” Hades replied, rolling his eyes. As he did, he caught sight of what she was holding. A copy of the Delphi Divine with a bold, black title that read, “God of the Underworld Credits Journalist for The Halcyon Project.” Hades snatched it from her arms, where it was stacked atop her books, skimming the first few lines.
Hades, God of the Dead, astounded everyone Saturday night when he announced a new initiative, The Halcyon Project, a rehabilitation facility for mortals to be completed in the next year. The state-of-the-art facility will be located on ten acres of land and cater to a variety of mental health needs. Lord Hades went on to say his generosity was inspired by a mortal, Persephone Rosi, the journalist responsible for writing and releasing a scandalous article about the King of the Underworld. Now people are asking just how legitimate Rosi’s claims were, or is the God of the Underworld merely in love?
Hades’ jaw tightened. This was why he hated the media—they could never stick to facts. They had to include speculation and commentary, and worse, he knew these words were getting to Persephone because of her question.
“Is this why you announced The Halcyon Project at the gala? So people would focus on something other than my assessment of your character?”
“You think I created The Halcyon Project for my reputation?” He tried to keep the disappointment and anger from entering his voice, but it was a challenge. She should know he of all people cared nothing for what others thought of him. She was the exception.
She shrugged her shoulder. “You didn’t want me to continue writing about you. You said so yesterday.”
It took him a moment to speak, a moment to relax his jaw so the words could form on his lips.
“I didn’t start The Halcyon Project in hopes that the world would admire me. I started it because of you.”
“Why?”
“Because I saw truth in what you said,” he snapped. “Is that really so hard to believe?”
She did not answer, and Hades hated the way this made him feel. Like something heavy was sitting on his chest. Perhaps he had been wrong to come here to say goodbye, or to think their reunion would be sweet.
“My absence will not affect your ability to enter the Underworld,” he said, preparing to leave. “You may come and go as you please.”
Something changed in her expression, and he sensed that she suddenly felt just as desolate as he did. She stepped into him, reaching for the lapels of his jacket, her hips pressing into his. He wanted to groan, but he settled for wrapping his hands around her wrists.
“Before you go, I was thinking I’d like to throw a party in the Underworld…for the souls.”
He raised a brow, eyes searching hers.
“What kind of party?”
“Thanatos tells me souls will reincarnate at the end of the week and that Asphodel is already planning a celebration. I think we should move it to the palace.”
She was referring to the Ascension. It was an event that took place about every three months, a time when souls who were ready would be reborn. The residents of Asphodel always celebrated, as it symbolized new life, a second chance.