Hades and Persephone: A Fated Love Book 2

Jealousy

I dressed in one of the chitons my mother gifted me after my wedding and took time braiding my hair in front of the vanity. Still, Hades didn't come.

At first, I was worried for him. But Minthe's words played in my mind again and again. Tonight, I wonder whose bed your husband will visit. I was so confident he would accept my peace offering—no matter how demanding it was—but perhaps Minthe had approached him with more kindness. Maybe she reminded him of the years they'd spent together I couldn't yet compete with.

Regardless, I knew he wasn't in danger. Not here, not in his own kingdom. He had chosen not to come to me. I stared at the ring on my hand so long the gems blurred into one color that didn't exist. I clenched my fist, still unable to take it off.

Not yet.

When I finally left to look for him, the Underworld became what it was when I was taken. There was no home to it without Hades, no matter how impressive or beautiful the land was. I wandered, feeling very much like the Goddess of Springtime. I looked like my old self, before any of this happened.

I heard Minthe before I saw her. The moans that echoed down the caverns were almost otherworldly, and I floated closer as if I was a ghost. She was half-dressed and shackled to the wall with her hair spilling all around her frame in a way that was equally broken and beautiful. At first, I turned half-heartedly find the key but then I glimpsed Hades holding the ring in his hand, leaning against the wall.

"Should I leave you here?" he asked darkly.

"If that's what you wish, my lord—"

"No." he growled.

He stepped forward and gripped the chains, yanking Minthe forward so her face was only a breath from his and said something I couldn't hear. She shuddered.

This time, the rage was all-consuming. I waited for him for hours. I didn't believe he was with her, but they were together in ways I hadn't imagined. I had no rational mind to stop myself this time. All the hurt and jealousy swelled up in a furious surge of power I didn't even know how to begin controlling. I never let the energy get this far through my veins, or collect so much, but it was like water rolling down a rock, completely unstoppable.

But deep down, I knew that even if I could have, I wouldn't have shown mercy this time.

The energy exploded from my body and the cavern flashed with light. Despite its power and ferocity, I only had one target. Minthe, who single-handedly shredded the foundation of my marriage. Minthe, whose sole purpose was to get rid of me. Minthe, who was here with Hades for something dark and erotic.

And then Minthe wasn't there anymore. Instead, a plant snaked its way up from the earth with sharp leaves that reminded me of the lines of her face. It was a plant I had never seen before. Thin, pointed, and the deep green color of jealousy.