A Touch of Darkness

to Lexa's edginess. She had tattoos, hair as black as night, and a love of the goddess of witchcraft, Hecate. Where are you? Persephone responded. The coffeehouse. Why? We need to celebrate. Persephone smiled. Ever since she'd told Lexa about landing her internship two weeks ago, she'd been hounding her to go out for drinks. Persephone had managed to postpone the outing, but she was quickly running out of excuses, and Lexa knew it. I am celebrating, Persephone texted, with a vanilla latte. Not with coffee. Alcohol. Shots. You plus me. Tonight. Before Persephone could respond, a waitress approached, holding a tray in her steaming latte. Persephone came here often enough to know the girl was as new as the Narcissus. Her hair was in two braids, and her eyes were dark and laced with heavy lashes. The girl smiled and asked, Vanilla latte? Yes, Persephone said. The waitress set Persephone's mug down and then tucked her tray under her arm. Need anything else? Persephone met the girl's gaze. Do you think Lord Hades has a sense of humor? It wasn't a serious question, and Persephone thought it funnier than anything. But the girl's eyes widened, and she responded, I don't know what you mean. The waitress was clearly uncomfortable, probably at hearing Hades' name. Most tried to avoid saying it, or they called him Aedonius to avoid drawing his attention. But Persephone wasn't afraid. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that she was a goddess. I think he must have a sense of humor, she explained. The Narcissus are a symbol of spring and rebirth. Her fingers hovered over the wilted petals. If anything, the flower should be her symbol. Why else would he claim it as his? Persephone stared back at the girl, and her cheeks flushed. She stammered, let me know if you need anything. She bowed her head and went back to work. Persephone snapped a picture of her latte and sent it to Lexa before taking a sip. She put her earbuds in and consulted her planner. Persephone liked organization, but more than that, she liked being busy. Her weeks were packed, school on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and up to three hours each day at her internship. The more she did, the more excuses she had for not returning home to see her mother in Olympia. Next week, she had a history test and a paper due for the same class. She wasn't worried, though. History was one of her favorite subjects. They were discussing the Great Descent, the name given to the day the gods came to Earth, and the Great War, the terrible and bloody battles that followed. It wasn't long before Persephone became lost in her research and writing. She was reading a scholar who claimed Hades' decision to resurrect Zeus and Athena's heroes had been the deciding factor in the final battle. When well-manicured hands slammed Persephone's laptop shut, she jumped and looked into a pair of striking blue eyes set in an oval face framed with thick black hair. Guess what? Persephone took out her headphones. Lexa, what are you doing here? I was walking home from class and thought I'd stop by and tell you the good news. She bounced back and forth on the balls of her feet, her blue-black hair bobbing with her. What news? Persephone asked. I got us into Nevernight. Lexa could barely keep a handle on her voice, and at the mention of the famous club, several people turned to stare. Shh, Persephone commanded. Do you want to get us killed? Don't be ridiculous. Lexa rolled her eyes, but she lowered her voice. Nevernight was impossible to get into. There was a three-month waiting list, and Persephone knew why. Nevernight was owned by Hades. Most businesses owned by the gods were insanely popular. Dionysus' line of wines sold out in seconds and were rumored to contain ambrosia. It was also exceedingly common for mortals to find themselves in the underworld after drinking too much of the nectar. Aphrodite's couture gowns were so coveted, a girl killed for one just a few months ago. There was a trial in everything. Nevernight was no different. How did you manage to get on the list? Persephone asked. A guy at my internship can't make it. He's been on the waiting list for two years. Can you believe how lucky? You. Me. Nevernight. Tonight. I can't go.