The Dark Wife

And you, Persephone... You were foretold, too. I never wanted anything-" her mouth moved softly, gently over my skin "-until I wanted you.

The stars are the one thing that I miss about the earth. They're so constant, steady, bright. I've always loved the stars. You reminded me of them, Persephone," she added quietly.

I'm keeping my promise, I'm coming home. To her.

I found a hollow in an old, forgiving tree, curled up within it, and hoarded my thoughts like acorns.

Who does a goddess pray to?

Do you think, for a moment," she whispered, "that I would have done anything differently? That I could have chosen anything but this, now?" Her dark eyes were alive, bright, shining. "I would suffer any lie, Persephone, for you.

You saved my life, Persephone." "I didn't..." "You are, even now.

You have made of my life something beautiful," she said. "I am blessed beyond measure by your presence, and love... And I will spend the rest of my forever making you happy. I promise you that.

You see, I have been content with the darkness. But then you came, with your fire. And you reminded me about the stars, shining in the dark, never wavering.

Welcome back, my queen," she said, and dark eyes shining, Hades saved me.