“I am no witch, just a common girl. Nothing more, nothing less,” I respond.

“Are you not Demeter’s daughter? Surely the offspring of a goddess is something and not nothing more, nothing less.”

“My mother might be immortal, but I do not share that gift. Alas, I am a lowly mortal. Just like you.”

He is still holding my hands. I marvel at how soft his hands are. For a heartbeat, he stays quiet, drinking in my face. Then he pulls me close to him until I can feel his heartbeat against my chest.

“I am not a free man, may the gods help me, but you have bewitched my soul, Persephone.” He reaches down and kisses my mouth, but all I can think is, Why are you not a free man, Dimitri?

But then his hands are running up and down my body and all thoughts escape my head.

~

The next day, I go to Aphrodite’s Temple to give my thanks. I lay a wreath of lilies at the foot of her statue and then bow my head in prayer.

Thank you, Aphrodite. You truly knew my heart’s desire. Thank you for granting it.