Violet

I slapped myself. It was not a light pat, or a playful tap. This time it was hard, the sting shooting across my cheek. The sound cracked in the silence. Even Hades froze. His brows lifted, his eyes widened slightly as though he didn't expect me to go this far.

My palm lingered on my cheek. Sometimes the best wake-up call is a slap to the face, I told myself. For example, if your heart keeps beating faster whenever you see your ex-boyfriend’s father, it’s a damn good wake-up call. Snaps you out of it faster than chasing useless thoughts.

I bit my lip, wincing. Okay, maybe I overdid...