“I’m worried about you, Demeter,” Hecate said.  

 

She sat across from me at my kitchen table, taking a sip of coffee. Hecate’s long, auburn hair was draped over one shoulder, covering part of her white blouse. Hecate was a goddess like me, but she specialized in witchcraft and magic, among other things.

 

“This situation is clearly wearing on me,” I replied. “Hades has my daughter, and Zeus refuses to intervene.”

 

Hades was infatuated with my daughter, Persephone. He abducted her a few weeks ago, wanting Persephone as his wife and queen. Even if the two of them had a mutual love for one another, Persephone was only sixteen. She was much too young to marry. 

 

“I can see that,” Hecate noted. “You’ve ignored your duties as goddess of harvest, and your actions, or lack thereof, haven’t gone unnoticed.”

 

I considered Hecate to be my closest friend, so her words stung me.

 

“Great,” I huffed. “So, now you’re against me as well?”

 

Hecate shook her head. “Of course not. But the people are turning angry. Farmers can’t grow crops, which is having a domino effect on other businesses. Restaurants, bars—”

 

“I get the point,” I interrupted.

 

“Look.” Hecate reached across the table, gently grasping my hand. “I’m not asking you to give up on Persephone. In fact, I’ll help you get her back.”

 

“Then what do you want?”

 

“For you to do your job. Even if it’s only part-time. I know it’s difficult, but everyone is depending on you.”

 

I slid my hand from Hecate’s grip. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. Persephone means everything to me, and I can’t focus on anything else until she’s free again.”

 

Hecate let out a frustrated breath and mulled things over. “Fair enough. But are you really ready to do this?”

 

“Do what?”

 

“Get Persephone back?”

 

“You know I am.”

 

“Then let’s go.”

 

~ * ~

 

I sat in the passenger seat of Hecate’s SUV, the two of us parked in a dimly-lit lot behind a popular club. It was called The Underworld, and Hades owned it. There was a second floor where Hades conducted business and an extravagantly-furnished basement that acted as his permanent residence. If Persephone was anywhere, it would likely be here.

 

“What’s the plan?” I asked.

 

Hecate shrugged. “I don’t really have one.”

 

“What?”

 

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Ever since Persephone was taken, I’ve given your situation a lot of thought, but I haven’t come up with a sound strategy yet. It’s the only reason I haven’t attempted to help. It’s not as if I don’t care. I just need time. That’s why I was hoping you could resume your duties in the meantime.”

 

As much as I wanted to lash out at Hecate, she was right.

 

“Anyway,” Hecate continued, “you’re clearly growing impatient and, frankly, so am I. So, here we are.”

 

I surveyed the parking lot. It was filled with cars, and I could hear the muffled thumping of music coming from the club. It gave me an idea.

 

“You have knowledge of poisonous plants,” I said, stating it as a fact rather than a question.

 

“Of course.”

 

“What if we used one of your concoctions?”

 

Hecate turned her head, meeting my gaze. “You mean to poison Hades?”

 

“Either that or to alter his state of mind. What’s that plant called? The one where if you ingest it, it’s impossible to turn down someone’s request.”

 

“Coyote Gutweed.”

 

“Yeah. That one.”

 

“I’ve already considered taking those measures, but my magic and witchcraft have little, if any, effect on Hades.”

 

“But even if the side effects are mild and we only have a window of a few minutes, it could still be enough to get through to him.”

 

“I don’t know,” Hecate said. “Hades is smart. He might see it coming.”

 

“Maybe,” I admitted. “Or maybe not. This is a club after all, and people tend to drink. Including Hades. Do you have any Coyote Gutweed on you right now?”

 

“I always carry a grab bag with me in the car.”

 

“So, you could spike Hades’ drink?”

 

Hecate raised an eyebrow. “You’re assuming we can even get inside. It won’t be easy with Hades’ thugs. And even if we do gain entrance, getting to Hades is another matter.” She hesitated. “But it could be worth a shot. However, if we do this and Hades catches on, things could go from bad to worse. You may never get Persephone back.”

 

“I don’t think Hades has any plans of letting her go,” I said, “so I’m willing to take that risk.”

 

Hecate nodded. “Okay. So, we’re going to do this right now?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“And you’re ready?”

 

“Not really.”

 

A chuckle escaped Hecate’s lips. “Good. Neither am I.”

 

Hecate got out of the SUV, and I did the same. She popped the trunk and grabbed something from her bag. Then she closed the hatch and locked the vehicle with a press of a button.   

 

The club was on the corner of the block, so we walked around the side of the building to the front entrance, a couple of bouncers immediately coming into view.

 

With the exception of their matching gray suits, the two guys couldn’t have been more different. One was tall and burly with a shaved head. The other one was short and round with a beard sprouting from his face. However, both of them were equally intimidating.

 

There was a small line at the door, so Hecate and I waited. After the people in front of us were waved inside, the shorter bouncer glared at us, his eyes going wide.

 

“Uh-uh,” he said, shaking his head. “No way, ladies. I know who you are, and Hades has strict orders not to let either of you in the club. Especially you,” he noted, pointing a finger at me.

 

“That’s not very nice,” Hecate said with a heavy dose of sarcasm. “You’re not going to make us lodge a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, are you?”

 

“It’s his club,” the man said. “He can do what he wants. Plus, I kind of enjoy this gig, so I’d prefer to keep it.”

 

“Is he here?” I asked.

 

The portly guy pursed his lips, and his towering partner just glowered at us. Apparently, he wasn’t much of a talker.

 

“Tell Hades I have a business proposal for him,” I said.

 

The two men glanced at one another. Even Hecate glimpsed me with a curious eye.

 

“You want to keep your job, right?” I said. “If you pass up this opportunity without presenting it to Hades, you may find yourself out of work. Or worse.”

 

The short guy swallowed. “Fine. I’ll let him know.” He looked to his buddy. “Don’t let these two out of your sight.”

 

The man disappeared into the club, and I turned my back to the door as Hecate sidled up to me.

 

“What was that all about?” she whispered.

 

“We need a way in, so I’m improvising.”

 

“What are you two chatting about?” the tall guy said.

 

I turned to him, forcing a smile. “Just girl talk.”

 

I didn’t want to raise suspicion, so I stood there in silence until the short guy returned. When he did, his serious demeanor hadn’t changed, so it was hard for me to read him.

 

“He’ll see you,” the man finally said. “Follow me.”

 

I obliged, and Hecate followed on my heels.

 

The club was dark but pulsing lights helped illuminate the area. I noticed a stage along the far wall, the disc jockey’s head bobbing to the rhythm of the music. In the middle of the room was a huge dance floor with tables situated on both sides. A well-stocked bar with an abundance of mirrors dominated the right side, and there was a staircase to our left.

 

We were led toward the staircase. As I climbed the steps, my heart began to race, and I glanced over my shoulder at Hecate. If she was nervous, she certainly didn’t show it.

 

After reaching the second floor, the man put a knuckle to Hades’ office door and tapped.

 

“You can come in,” a muffled but familiar voice said.

 

Our guide pushed the door ajar, ushering us inside. Behind a mahogany desk sat Hades. His dark hair was short and parted to one side, and his eyes were black as night. He stood and circled around the desk, buttoning the jacket of his charcoal suit.  

 

“Good evening, ladies,” he said with a charming smile. “Please have a seat.”

 

There was a leather couch to my right. I sat on one end, and Hecate plopped down beside me. Hades had an aerial view of the club courtesy of a wraparound window, but he closed the blinds to give us privacy.

 

I heard the clicking of the door as it closed. It was just the three of us now, and I was starting to have my doubts.

 

“Christos said you wish to talk to me,” Hades said.

 

So, that was the portly fellow’s name.

 

“But before we get to that,” Hades continued, “can I get either of you a drink?”

 

I spotted a glass on Hades’ desk. There were ice cubes in the glass, and it was about half full.

 

“Sure,” I replied with a surprisingly steady tone. “Whatever you’re drinking.”

 

“Scotch on the rocks?”

 

“That works.”

 

“And for you, Hecate?” he asked.

 

“The same. Please.”

 

Off to our left, against the wall, was a liquor cabinet. Hades prepared our drinks and handed them to us.

 

“Thank you,” I said.

 

“You’re welcome.” Hades returned to his desk. He leaned back in the chair and took a sip of his scotch. “So, what would you like to discuss?”  

 

I eyed Hades’ drink, curious as to how Hecate was going to pull this off.

 

“I think it’s obvious why we’re here,” I answered.

 

“Christos mentioned something about a business proposal.”

 

I swallowed, choking down my anxiety. “And I’m pretty sure you know it was just a front to get in here.”

 

Hades laughed. “I did, but I thought you’d try to sell it a little more. I have to say that I’m disappointed.”

 

Much to my surprise, Hecate rested her drink on the floor and quickly got to her feet, making her way toward Hades.

 

“Listen, you prick,” she said, resting her hands on the edge of Hades’ desk and glaring at him. “Persephone wasn’t yours to take. Zeus hasn’t intervened, but that doesn’t mean he won’t. So, let her go and save yourself the trouble.”

 

Hades stood and smirked at Hecate. “No.”

 

“You’re a piece of work. You know that, right?”

 

Out of frustration, Hecate pushed some papers off his desk, and I watched as they fell to the floor.

 

Hades huffed. “Now you’re starting to anger me.”

 

He put a knee to the floor, collecting the paperwork. With Hades distracted, Hecate managed to drop a pill of Coyote Gutweed into his glass. It was supposed to dissolve instantaneously.

 

“Hecate,” I said.

 

She turned to me.

 

“Please,” I insisted. “I appreciate what you’re doing, but there must be a better way to handle this.”

 

“Finally,” Hades said, standing again. “A woman with some sense and respect.”

 

Hades rested the papers on his desk, and Hecate returned to the couch.

 

“There must be something I can do to win Persephone’s freedom,” I pleaded.

 

“Well, now that Hecate has insulted me, I’d say it’s nearly impossible. Not that there was much of a possibility in the first place.”

 

Hades took a sip of his drink. My pulse accelerated, and a glimmer of hope rose inside of me.

 

“Please,” I said. “Persephone means everything to me. Let her go, and I will forever be grateful.”

 

Hades pursed his lips. Was he actually considering my request?

 

“Okay,” he finally said.

 

“Really?”

 

“No.” His shoulders bobbed from laughter. When Hades eventually calmed himself, he stared at Hecate. “By the way, the Coyote Gutweed gives the scotch an interesting flavor.”

 

I glimpsed Hecate, and her mouth hung agape.  

 

“Do you really think I’m that stupid?” Hades said. “Your concoctions have no effect on me.” He met my gaze. “It’s time for you to leave. Both of you. And don’t even think about coming back. If you do, you’ll regret it.”

 

My heart was broken, and I wanted to weep. But something else took over. Rage.

 

I stood. “No.”

 

“Please.” Hades waved a dismissive hand at me. “There’s nothing you can do to convince me, so just go home. While you still can.”

 

“I wasn’t lying.”

 

“About what?”

 

“About my business proposal,” I elaborated.

 

“You already said it was a ploy to get in here.”

 

“That’s partly true, but it’s also my backup plan.”

 

“Stop fooling yourself,” Hades hissed. “I’m not going to be swayed.”

 

“I think you’ll change your mind soon enough.”

 

Hades straightened in his chair. I’d clearly gotten his attention. And given the way Hecate gawked at me, I’m assuming I’d gotten her attention as well.

 

“And why’s that?” Hades asked.

 

“This club is your life,” I said. “Not only do you live here, but it’s also your lone source of income.”

 

“So?” he said.

 

“So, you make your money by selling alcohol. And where do you think that alcohol comes from?”

 

Hades’ brow furrowed.

 

“Crops,” I pointed out. “Whether it’s wine, beer, or liquor, all of them require certain ingredients. Ingredients you can only get from crops.”

 

He took a moment to ponder. “What are you saying?”

 

“I’ve been neglecting my duties ever since Persephone was taken, and I have no problem continuing that course of action.”

 

Hades shook his head, offering a sly smile. “You would never make that sacrifice. You would starve the world just to get Persephone back?”

 

“You obviously don’t know me. I would do anything for my daughter. Even if it means destroying life as we know it.”

 

A breath escaped Hades’ lips.

 

“So,” I said. “What’s the verdict?”

 

~ * ~

 

The smell of ham woke me. I rolled out of bed and stopped in front of the window, allowing the morning sun to warm my face. Satisfied, I made my way downstairs. Hecate sometimes cooked for me, and I half expected to see her when I ventured into the kitchen.

 

“Hey, Mom,” Persephone said.

 

She was hunched over the gas stove, stirring eggs and flipping ham.

 

“Hey, sweetie,” I said. “It smells great.”

 

“Have a seat. It’s just about ready.”

 

“I feel like I should be the one cooking for you.”

 

“Don’t be silly,” Persephone commented. “I’m just glad to be home. And I have you to thank for that.”

 

I walked over to Persephone, planting a kiss on her cheek, and took a seat at the kitchen table. Persephone approached and rested a plate in front of me.

 

“Breakfast potatoes, too,” I said.

 

“You bet. Now that you’re resuming your duties, it’s only a matter of time before the crop supply picks up. So, I figured we could spare some potatoes.”

 

Persephone got a plate of her own and took a seat across from me. Just yesterday, Hecate was sitting opposite me. And now it was my daughter. I couldn’t be happier.

 

I stabbed some egg with my fork and lifted it to my mouth. “Wow. The eggs are delicious.”

 

“Thanks,” Persephone said, grinning from ear to ear. Her blue eyes seemed to glisten even more when she beamed with delight. “Can I ask you a question?”

 

I rested my fork on the table and dabbed my mouth with a napkin. “Sure.”

 

“It’s a personal question.”

 

“Aren’t they all?”

 

Persephone chuckled, but her face soon tightened.

 

“What is it?” I asked.

 

“I talked to Hecate.”

 

“Uh-huh.”

 

“And she told me what you said.”

 

“What did I say?”

 

Persephone cleared her throat. “That you would let the world starve if Hades didn’t let me go.”

 

I sat up in my chair, uncertain how to respond.

 

“Is it true?” Persephone asked.

 

I deliberated, wanting to choose my words carefully. “Honestly, I don’t know. I think part of me was bluffing, but part of me was also considering the possibility. I’m not sure if I could have gone through with it, but thankfully I didn’t have to.”

 

Persephone grinned again, but it seemed forced this time.

 

“I’m sorry if that bothers you,” I said.

 

She shook her head and reached a hand across the table. I grasped it.

 

“No,” Persephone said. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m so grateful for your love, and I know you’d do anything to protect me.”

 

“As would any mother for her child,” I said.

 

I squeezed Persephone’s hand, and she returned the gesture, a genuine smile stretching across her face.

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