He had a jawline as sharp as a diamond and a head of thick, curly hair. Lexa and Persephone turned to find a man standing behind them. Just as she reached for her clutch, an arm snaked between them and threw down a few dollars. They squeezed into a space only big enough for one person. It took her a moment to figure out which direction her friend was going, but they soon found themselves at the bar. She held on tight to Lexa’s hand, afraid she would lose her as they wove through the crowd. “Come on!” Lexa pulled Persephone down a set of stairs that led to the ground floor. Overhead, the ceiling was lined with crystal and wrought-iron chandeliers. People moved against each other in a mesmerizing rhythm under a stream of red light. A sunken dance floor held bodies like water in a basin.

Several plush booths were arranged in cozy settings and packed with people, but it was the center of the club that drew Persephone’s attention. There were people everywhere-crowded around tables playing cards and drinking, at the bar shoulder to shoulder, their silhouettes ignited by a red backlight. The Goddess of Spring found herself on a balcony overlooking the floor of the club.

Narcissus, Persephone recognized the scent. Lexa grabbed Persephone’s hand and pulled her through.Ī blast of cool air hit her, carrying the scent of spirits, sweat, and something akin to bitter oranges. Once they were cleared, the ogres opened another set of doors. The Largest Ant Colony in the World Spans Four Nations

Persephone a touch of darkness