This is a work of fiction, and is based upon characters in Greek Mythology. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2012
K. E. Graham

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or other, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

She bit me today. I wished so deeply that I could have struck her- but I love her too much. The gash still weeps, and I can nearly feel her smirking from down the hall.

I understand why she bit me. I've taken her from everything she's ever known. I'm quite selfish with her; while she is here, no one but I am allowed to see her, let alone touch her or speak with her. I know that she must be lonely, but she is mine. Her own mother isn't allowed to see her. Her mother! How could I have forgotten? I look out upon the earth. Barren...cold...deadly. I smile: more souls from Earth and my siblings' tyranny to fill my fields! But my prisoner mustn't know of her mother's breakdown.

She is crying now, weeping really. I wish that I could go to her and hold her. But I know that she would bite me, and I rather like my fingers. Where did this go wrong? All I've ever done is love her. She asks for fruit and wine, but I can't grant her wish. If I allow her to eat without telling her the consequences of her actions, she might hate me for ensuring that she cannot leave me. I do send her some water and bread from above, making it appear just beside where she lays in tears. I want to give her the food myself, but I know that if she pleads me to let her go, I will break and release her with the most humble of apologies.

But, as I have stated, I am selfish with her. I don't want to lose seeing her beautiful face, and I know if her mother gets her back, she will never be seen again.

Though she does not know this yet, we will be wed at the next new moon. When we are joined in matrimony, she will be mine. They could still take her from me if I don't get her to eat without persuasion. I don't wish to deceive her; she must eat of her own free will.

I wish to speak with her, but find it to be a better idea to watch her wander my gardens instead of keeping her locked in her room. Watching her take her first step out the door, every plant that will grow down here seems to brighten. She seems to cheer, as well, around the trees and flowers. I wish that she would look at me that way. Isn't it silly to be jealous of nature? Yes, I kidnapped her, and yes, I plan on keeping her eternally, but I could make her happy. When I go up, I could bring back little gifts like flowers and jewelry. One day I hope to take her with me into the world.

But, for now, I watch as she picks a pomegranate off of one of my trees, breaks it in half, and pours the seeds between her lips. I smile. She is mine.

Persephone...