Page 8 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
My shadows exploded, whipping around me. ‘Fuck!’
CHAPTER 3
PERSEPHONE
As I stared at my reflection, I scarcely recognised myself.
My pale-blonde hair was styled in a half-updo, with a few stray curls brushing my bare shoulder and the rest flowing down my back. My bright green eyes popped beneath dark kohl that rimmed them, and my full lips were stained a deep, sultry red. Tee had sculpted my cheekbones with blush and highlighter.
‘I look…’ I whispered, voice trailing off.
‘Beautiful?’ Tee’s laughter was warm, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ‘Sephy, you’ve always been a natural beauty. You just didn’t know it.’
I stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking myself in. The dress was a daring little red number—short, halter-necked, and tied at my throat. It left my back bare all the way to my waist, and paired with strappy matching heels and a clutch, the look was complete. I felt… beautiful. Unfamiliar, unnerving—but I decided to ride the high of it anyway.
My gaze flicked to the leather trousers and duster hanging from the wardrobe door, then back to my reflection.
'I can do this,' I breathed. 'You’ve outdone yourself, Tee.' I turned to her with a grin, smoothing my hands over the dress.
'It’s easy with your looks, Sephy. You don’t even realise how captivating you are.'
Heat crept up my neck at her words, but I didn’t reply. Instead, I pulled her into a tight hug, hoping she couldn’t hear how fast my heart was beating.
Tee, as always, looked like a freaking supermodel. A sleek, black leather catsuit hugged her tall, lithe frame, revealing her ample cleavage and accentuating her long, shapely legs, and her braided hair was swept into a high ponytail atop her head.
I snatched up my red clutch and made for the bathroom. ‘I’ll see you downstairs,’ I called. Alone, I strapped my divine blade to the top of my thigh. The skirt wasn’t too tight—after a few experimental bends and twirls in the mirror, I figured it would behave.
‘Don’t forget phones aren’t allowed.’ Tee handed me a glass of Malbec as I crossed into the kitchen. I nodded and took a sip.
Hades was notoriously private; he insisted on a media lockdown whenever he attended an event, which, according to rumours, wasn’t very often. Reporters were tolerated; photographers were not. But, like Tee said, the chances of him being there tonight felt slim. That was the hope, anyway.
Apparently, some of the other gods, particularly Zeus, had no such issue with notoriety. They could flaunt their power, immortality, and obscene wealth to their heart’s content; I was neither interested nor impressed. I didn’t even know what the asshole gods looked like. But if one of them stepped out of line, I’d happily use my blade to make an example of them.
‘The limo’s picking us up in ten minutes,’ Tee said, pouring herself another glass of wine.
‘Limo?’ I squinted at her.
‘Perks of having a wealthy boss.’ She winked at me, grinning. ‘We’re gonna have a night you’ll never forget.’ We clinked glasses, and I hoped she was right. I was beginning to get hyped about letting loose and having a dance.
Maybe I would have a night to remember?
The limo pulledup atThe Underworld. Because of course that’s what Hades’ club was called. Subtlety clearly wasn’t part of his brand strategy.
The Underworld was a glass pyramidal tower, taller than any other building in London. Of course, the glass was black. In comparison to the bright buildings surrounding it, it appeared quite ominous.
‘It’s a fabulous sight, isn’t it?’ Tee said as she noticed me peeking up at it.
‘Hmm, I’m not sure that’s the word I’d use. I’d say more foreboding.’ Tee rolled her eyes at me. As I stepped from the limo and looked up at the menacing structure, I had a weird feeling: my stomach knotted with apprehension and I hesitated.
‘Come on, Sephy. You look like you’re about to bolt, and that ain’t happening,’ Tee said as she linked her arm through mine. I took a breath as she practically dragged me towards the steps leading to the doors marked VIPs. The queues for the non-VIP entrance extended around the block.
‘It’s members-only and invitation-only. They’ll allow a few in, but most won’t stand a chance.’ Tee nodded at the queue. ‘But it’s the hottest spot in town, and everybody wants a piece.’
Shaking my head, I climbed the wide stairs with Tee and came to an abrupt halt when I spotted the doorman.
‘A Cyclops?’ I whispered.
‘I guess no one messes with them?’ Amusement coloured her tone.
