The room went silent for a heartbeat; even the air felt heavy with tension. My heart raced as I stared into Hades’ blue eyes—those depths of cold certainty reflected back at me.
His response was simple yet devastating: “You don’t have a choice, Persephone.”
Each word struck like a physical blow, robbing me of breath and clarity. I felt the ground shift beneath my feet; nothing seemed real anymore. My future had just been ripped away without a hint of remorse from anyone around me.
Hades stood there like a king surveying his domain, while I felt small and powerless in the vast expanse of that room. Desperation bubbled up inside me as I searched their faces for any sign of compassion or understanding—but all I found was betrayal cloaked in familial obligation.
I wanted to scream again, to throw something—anything—to shatter the perfect facade they held so tightly to. But deep down, I knew it wouldn’t matter; none of this was about me or what I wanted.
The truth settled like ash in my chest: choices had never belonged to me in this family.
Hades pulled out his phone, the sleek device glinting under the soft lights of the lounge. “Luckily, I prepared for this.” He swiped across the screen, a satisfied grin stretching across his face. “I just emailed you a new contract. I’d like it signed so we can make this new deal official.”
Without a hint of hesitation, my father reached for his own phone. The betrayal hit me like a punch to the gut as he obediently followed Hades' command. The weight of their decisions pressed down on my chest, suffocating me in that moment.
“Dad, wait—” My voice broke as I tried to protest. But he didn’t look at me; he was too consumed with whatever Hades had promised.
Hades moved closer to me until I could feel the heat radiating off him. He tilted my chin up with two fingers, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You were always supposed to be mine,” he murmured, his breath brushing against my skin.
A thrill of anger surged through me as I glared back at him.
Before I could think twice, he seized my arm and began to tug me toward the door.
“No! Let go!” I struggled against him, my heart racing with indignation.
Hades didn’t release me; instead, he backed me against the wall, looming over me like a dark shadow. His eyes burned into mine with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. “I will throw you over my shoulder in front of everyone if I have to,” he growled softly but firmly. “You will take my arm and we will walk out of this godforsaken party together.”
Fury ignited within me—how dare he? But deep down, part of me resisted the idea of being carried away like a child. Reluctantly, I reached out and took his arm instead. His muscle felt corded beneath the fabric of his suit jacket; strength pulsed under my fingertips as I tried not to notice how good he smelled—a mix of cedarwood and something rich and spicy.
Together we walked out into the ballroom. The crowd parted like water around us as eyes turned our way; whispers floated through the air like confetti at a celebration.
“Smile, Persephone,” Hades said with a teasing lilt in his voice. “The whole world is watching.”
Chapter 2
Hades
The night air hit us as I led Persephone outside, the coolness slicing through the remnants of the party's warmth. The valet moved toward the sleek black car, oblivious to the storm brewing beside me. Her parents followed a few steps behind, but I barely registered their presence. My focus remained fixed on the prize in front of me.
Persephone stood beneath the moonlight, her pale skin almost glowing. She trembled, and I watched as she struggled to wrap her mind around what had just unfolded.
"How could you?" she hissed, fists clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms.
I savored her rage. It danced in her eyes like wildfire—hot and fierce. “You don’t really think I’d let this slip away,” I said, letting my voice carry over the chill of the night. "I never lose."
Her breath hitched, anger coursing through her veins like a potent drug.
“You think this is some kind of game?” She took a step closer, defiance radiating from her every pore.
“Not a game, Persephone.” I stepped forward, matching her intensity with calm resolve. “This is business.”
The flicker of confusion crossed her face for an instant before she hardened again. She wanted to fight back; I liked that about her. A fire burned behind those eyes that promised both trouble and thrill.
Callista was never my true goal—she had been a mere pawn in my grand design. I'd seen it coming long before tonight; Callista's perfect facade hid nothing but fragility beneath. All it took was one nudge for her to run away from everything expected of her.
I leaned against the wall and watched Persephone wrestle with reality—the raw emotion warring within her was intoxicating.
“Your sister’s choice doesn’t change anything for you,” I said, reveling in how unsteady she appeared under my scrutiny.
