Underworld, Demeter's Garden.
Persephone sat in the kiosk at the center of the pond, the divine mirror floating before her, shimmering with numbers and names.
Her lips curled into a smug smile as she watched her name rise, climbing one rank after another, finally resting at fifth place.
"Hmph. Just behind Aphrodite, Hera, Hecate, and Nyx," she muttered, eyes gleaming with pride.
For weeks she had been carefully orchestrating this, going out with Hades where others could see, letting divine spirits whisper the details across the Underworld.
Her efforts were finally paying off.
She leaned back, crossed her arms, and giggled softly. "Won't be long before I'm at the top. Let's see their faces then."
Just then, the sound of footsteps made her freeze. Turning, she saw her mother Demeter approaching, chatting pleasantly with Aphrodite of all people.
Persephone's mood soured instantly. Her smile dropped into a scowl.
