Page 7 of Raising Hell
“Not necessary? Hell is a cage, and I am its keeper. Without my presence, the souls of all creatures would be bound to wander their realms endlessly.” His expression darkened. “I know my worth, and no amount of prodding will convince me to end my existence.”
“End your—do you think I was telling you to die?”
“Don’t look so offended that I understand you well. This is hardly your first attempt to twist my thinking.”
Persephone had actually tried convincing Hades to die? The pity I was trying so hard not to feel welled up again. And I knew I needed to understand Persephone better if I wanted to figure out how to prove I wasn’t her.
“As you just pointed out, you’re needed. Why would I ever suggest you die?” I asked.
Hades flashed me a beautiful smile. “To end my existence out of pure malice and win yourself the respite from Hell indefinitely. If this is a test to see how well I know you, be assured that I will pass.”
“This isn’t a test for you. It’s one for me. And so far, I’m failing.”
Triumph blazed in his eyes, and he started to straighten away from the post, but I waved him back.
“I’m not giving up yet. Stay where you are.”
I paced for another moment then stopped and snapped my fingers.
“I have it. Clothes. You’re only ever going to see me as Persephone when I’m dressed like she was. Do you remember what I was wearing when you first saw me?”
His gaze became unfocused, and his lips curved in a seductive smirk.
“I recall what you were not wearing.”
“Okay. Not the moment I meant. You’re thinking of Persephone again. Think of me.”
“I think of little else, Goddess.”
I wanted to snarl at him. Instead, I distracted him with another image.
“The fury that you last sent away. Do you remember what she was wearing?”
The heat left his gaze, and he frowned.
“Yes,” he said after a moment. “Strange clothing, now that I consider it.”
“Exactly. Strange for you but not for me. If you can provide it, I’ll put it on.”
He arched a brow at me. “You wish to wear my daughter’s clothing? To what purpose.”
“To prove that I know how. That I’m more comfortable in that style of clothing than this.” I plucked at my silky skirt.
“So be it.”
An instant later, a pile of clothes appeared on the bed. Jeans, a shirt, and shoes. There was even a hair tie. But nothing beyond the outer layer.
“Where are the socks, bra, and underwear?”
“I’ve provided you with everything I saw her wearing. Dress.”
I wanted to groan. Of course, he would only be able to replicate what he saw.
“Wait, this is a copy of her clothes, right? Not her actual clothes.” I did not want a naked fury looking for revenge after me.
“It is a copy. Now dress, Goddess.”
I frowned at his pushiness until I realized why.
