1
It had to unleash some invisible magic, he thought; Hades and Persephone, joining together again within these black and holy stone walls, for the first time in millennia. As they indulged in enjoying one another, how could they not be reactivating some power within the Earth itself? Surely they were at least bringing autumn storm clouds rolling and thundering over the Mediterranean.But probably every boy felt that way when finally in bed caressing the girl he loved.Molly Ringle
2
Niko popped a spare slice of bacon in his mouth, chewing it up contentedly. “I hate being a soul, being dead. You know what I hate most about it?”“ No sex?” Sophie guessed.“ That’s what I hate second most about it. No, what I hate most is–”“ That you can’t lie, ” Adrian cut in. Niko lifted his eyebrows at him, impressed. “You do know me. Exactly right.”“ And no bacon, ” Freya added. .Molly Ringle
3
Hermes visited him in the Underworld a few days before the spring equinox festival, cajoling Hades to come to it. Hades wandered across the fields with him, Kerberos limping along at his side. “No one wants the god of death at their fertility festival.”“ Sure they do. I’ve heard plenty of girls sighing over your tasty darkness.”“ Tasty darkness. Really.Molly Ringle
4
That was how people got through life, he supposed: by acknowledging death and telling it, “Not today.Molly Ringle
5
But the thought of New Zealand instantly sent her mind to Watson, the possibly- Australian, possibly- Kiwi, definitely paranormal young fellow with videos of dead guys on his phone.Molly Ringle
6
So we came to say hello. To the world’s grouchiest person. Because that’s such fun.Molly Ringle
7
And he had a dog, a nice dog. He couldn’t be too evil or dangerous if he had such a great dog.Molly Ringle
8
Eventually the real world intruded again, and Sophie had to return to campus–woefully behind on homework, but incandescently in love.Molly Ringle
9
Did I mention really, really jealous.Molly Ringle
10
Being around her now was nine parts bliss and one part torment. And he wanted it to last as long as possible.Molly Ringle