Hades, now the point-of-view character, is saddened that Persephone is gone, though surprised. He also assures himself that she left Eurydice, and that her black dress, similar to her appearance during their last kink scene, reflects more of the woman she has become than her old image. He finds a letter Persephone left him, asking for his trust and assuring him of her love. He is dismayed to realize that “Persephone stepped in front of a bullet meant for me” (328). Hades is filled with both rage and love. He prepares to leave for the upper city to strike against Zeus personally.

Hermes and Dionysus find him as he walks, shepherding him into their car just as they did Persephone. He is briefly bitter at their ability to remain neutral in this conflict that is torturing him, but realizes it is fruitless to blame them. Hermes and Dionysus assure him that he deserves happiness with Persephone and that all will be well between them. Hermes tells him the current conflict is a zero-sum game: Zeus will not stop until he is dead.

Then she gives him a message from Demeter: He has the support of the majority of the Thirteen in assassinating Zeus, and she hands him a gun.