A Touch of Darkness

Scarlett St. Clair

35 pages 1-hour read

Scarlett St. Clair

A Touch of Darkness

Fiction | Novel | Adult

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Persephone is the Goddess of Spring who lives in New Athens posing as a mortal journalism student. She lacks magical powers and relies on her mother's glamour to hide her divine horns. Her strong moral compass drives her to seek an internship at the New Athens News and challenge the practices of the gods. She hides her true identity from her roommate and coworkers to maintain a normal human life.

Key Relationships

Romantic Interest of Hades

Daughter of Demeter

Best Friend of Lexa

Target of Adonis

Mentee of Hecate

Employee of Demetri

Friend of Hermes

Hades is the powerful God of the Underworld and owner of the prestigious nightclub Nevernight. He is infamous among mortals for striking seemingly impossible bargains at his gambling tables. He prefers to let his actions speak rather than dispelling the dark rumors that surround his reputation.

Key Relationships

Romantic Interest of Persephone

Employer of Minthe

Ruler of Hecate

Associate of Hermes

Enemy of Adonis

Associate of Aphrodite

Demeter is the Goddess of the Harvest who maintains a tight grip on her daughter's life. She uses her considerable magical abilities to keep Persephone hidden from the rest of the divine pantheon. Her protective instincts often cross the line into controlling behavior.

Key Relationships

Mother of Persephone

Adonis is a senior reporter at the New Athens News who initially presents himself as a welcoming colleague. He boasts a connection to Aphrodite that grants him access to exclusive social circles. His handsome exterior masks a predatory nature and a willingness to exploit others for personal gain. He routinely ignores boundaries and acts without regard for consent.

Key Relationships

Antagonist of Persephone

Favored Mortal of Aphrodite

Secret Associate of Minthe

Acquaintance of Lexa

Employee of Demetri

Supporting Characters

Lexa is a mortal woman who shares an apartment with Persephone. She enjoys the vibrant nightlife of New Athens and frequently encourages her roommate to socialize. Completely unaware of her friend's divine status, she remains a staunch advocate and loyal companion.

Key Relationships

Best Friend of Persephone

Romantic Interest of Jaison

Acquaintance of Adonis

Hecate is the Goddess of Witchcraft and Magic who resides in the Underworld. She serves as a guide for Persephone, helping her understand the rules of Hades's world. She offers practical advice and emotional support when Persephone struggles with her new environment.

Key Relationships

Mentor to Persephone

Subject of Hades

Minthe is Hades's attractive assistant who helps manage his operations at Nevernight. She harbors a possessive streak regarding her employer and actively attempts to discourage others from growing close to him. She uses her position to monitor the people entering Hades's orbit.

Key Relationships

Assistant to Hades

Rival to Persephone

Informant for Adonis

Hermes is a god who frequently travels between worlds and often appears at opportune moments. He maintains a playful demeanor and enjoys teasing the other deities about their personal lives. He occasionally steps in to provide physical or magical assistance when situations turn dangerous.

Key Relationships

Helper to Persephone

Associate of Hades

Aphrodite is a powerful goddess who operates the nightclub La Rose. She uses her influence to grant social status to her favored mortals. She moves through the divine social scene with a sharp eye for manipulation and personal entertainment.

Key Relationships

Patron of Adonis

Peer of Hades

Interrogator of Persephone

Demetri is the editor at the New Athens News who oversees the reporting staff. He recognizes writing talent and encourages his journalists to pursue engaging stories. He maintains professional boundaries and steps in to handle workplace disputes.

Key Relationships

Editor to Persephone

Editor to Adonis

Sybil is a mortal oracle who is destined to serve one of the gods. She frequents the New Athens nightlife with her friends. She occasionally offers cryptic insights about the destinies of those around her.

Key Relationships

Friend of Lexa

Acquaintance of Persephone

Jaison is a mortal programmer who becomes involved in Lexa's life. He possesses strong technical skills that prove useful when his friends face digital harassment. He quickly integrates into Lexa's inner circle.

Key Relationships

Romantic Interest of Lexa

Helper to Persephone

Thanatos is the divine being in charge of transporting souls to the afterlife. He holds a deep understanding of the rules governing mortality, fate, and reincarnation. He helps clarify the administrative realities of the Underworld.

Key Relationships

Guide to Persephone

Subordinate to Hades

Cerberus is a Doberman who guards the deeper sections of the Underworld. He acts as a guide and protector within the world, leading visitors through dangerous territory.

Key Relationships

Pet of Hades

Guide to Persephone

Charon is the ferryman of the Underworld who manages the arrival of souls. He enforces the rules of entry into Hades's domain.

Key Relationships

Employee of Hades

Orpheus is a mortal who sneaks into the Underworld seeking his deceased wife. He represents the desperate lengths humans will go to challenge mortality.

Key Relationships

Petitioner to Hades

Interrogated by Persephone

Tantalus is an ancient soul enduring punishment in the depths of the Underworld. He uses manipulation to exploit the sympathies of unsuspecting visitors.

Key Relationships

Attacker of Persephone

Prisoner of Hades