Electric Idol

Psyche takes in her surroundings, still struggling to understand the mirrors. She realizes that avoiding Eros will prove difficult, as “the sheer sexuality he exudes is enough to melt all [her] logic away to base need” (86). She reluctantly joins Eros in his bedroom, reminding him that she has no intention of having sex. She feels self-conscious as she undresses, expecting negative comments or judgment since most of Eros’s prior partners have been thin. When she tries to leave the bed, Eros tells her that it is time to begin their public relations campaign to promote their marriage.

Psyche accepts the suggestion that they go public via a social media post. She stages the lighting in the room and gets back into the bed, facing Eros. He kisses her once the phone camera is in place. Psyche is immediately overwhelmed by the intensity of their connection. In the aftermath, she notes that Eros “stares down at [her] with eyes gone dark with desire […] [and] looks almost as shocked as [she feels]” (93).

The next morning, Eros lies next to Psyche, remembering the intensity of their kiss. He reads the social media comments on her post and immediately grows enraged when many of them are fatphobic. Psyche calmly tells him that this is part of being a public figure. They agree to marry quickly. Eros knows that his mother is away for the weekend, and this fact adds more urgency to their desire to carry off a wedding successfully. Psyche tells him that she has to call her sisters and dryly reminds him to stop staring at her body.

Eros takes a shower, overwhelmed by thoughts of Psyche as he masturbates. Back in the bedroom, Psyche tells him that she has to find a way back into her mother’s apartment, as she needs access to her full wardrobe. Eros is confused and offers to buy her new clothes. Psyche patiently explains that most retailers do not carry her size, so there is no way to simply repurchase her wardrobe. He tells her to have her sisters distract Demeter so that he can accompany her. Insisting that his main concern is her safety, he declares that they will marry that evening.

Eros walks into his kitchen and is unsurprised to see Hermes dressed in a Christmas-themed outfit despite the fact that it is February. She congratulates him on his relationship and offers to officiate the wedding. Hermes needles Eros about developing morals. He counters, “I can’t have her if she’s dead. That’s all” (102). Eros braces himself for the day ahead.

Psyche, on a video call with her sisters, tries to dissuade Persephone and Callisto from harming Eros. She insists that the marriage is genuine and aligns with what she wants. Persephone tries to ask if Psyche is in any danger, but Psyche demurs. Eurydice and Callisto refuse to attend the wedding.

Persephone senses a scheme that she cannot decipher. She realizes that she must trust Psyche’s mysterious motives, given that Psyche supported her relationship with Hades. Persephone reminds Psyche that Hades can support her and insists that there is no need to resort to marriage to solve her current problems. Psyche remains certain that involving her sisters would only imperil them. Persephone agrees to distract Demeter with an outing so that Psyche can retrieve her clothing.

Psyche sits down to breakfast with Eros, surprised by her relative comfort in his presence. They agree to do more social media posts before undergoing a formal interview about their marriage. As Eros casually touches her, Psyche reminds herself that he is an amoral killer and wonders aloud why he has spared her. Eros insists that harming her was never something he truly wanted to do.

Psyche reluctantly accepts that Eros will accompany her to her mother’s apartment. She is touched when he chooses a larger car for her comfort, and she is unwittingly charmed again when he smilingly assures her that he would never hurt Callisto out of love for her, adopting his persona of a devoted fiancé. Psyche tells herself, “I may need to get my damned heart looked at soon, though. Skipping beats this regularly isn’t healthy” (115).

Eros is struck by the warm atmosphere of Demeter’s home, especially the family photos of Psyche and her sisters and their obviously happy childhood. He is rendered nearly immobile at the realization that Demeter has clearly chosen the display herself. Psyche notices his discomfiture, but Eros assures her that he is fine. The tension breaks when he notices that Psyche’s room is incredibly cluttered. He declares, “I’m marrying a chaos monster,” to which Psyche replies, “Then I guess we’re both monsters” (120). Psyche explains that she uses Persephone’s spotlessly tidy old bedroom for her social media shoots.

Eros helps Psyche pack and realizes that she does not have a dress for their wedding. Psyche nearly hyperventilates when she realizes that her lack of a gown will betray the ruse. Eros kisses her as reassurance and reflects on his growing attraction to her. Eros breaks the kiss because they do not have time to indulge his passions. He asks an obviously breathless Psyche for her measurements.

Eros retreats to the car with Psyche’s camera equipment and then calls Helen Kasios, who is immediately skeptical about his new relationship. Helen asks what he needs, explaining that she is eager for a diversion. Eros asks her and Eris to witness the wedding and then asks for the name of her favorite fashion designer. Helen is stunned and asks Eros if he is truly ready to alienate his mother, her brother, and Demeter in a single evening. Despite this, she promises her support.

Eros calls Juliette, the clothing designer, who is unhappy to hear from him since his mother is the reason why she has moved to the lower city. Eros assures her that he will come in person with Psyche and pay a premium. Psyche arrives with the rest of her belongings, and Eros tells her to call Persephone back and secure their invitation to the lower city.

Psyche and Eros arrive at Juliette’s atelier. Psyche is tempted to argue when Eros tells her to spare no expense. He reminds her that their public campaign requires her to look her best. Psyche surveys her options. She struggles with the reality of the wedding ahead and its contrast to her youthful dreams. One dress in traditional white reminds her of what she once imagined, while another is a striking red. Psyche chooses the more colorful option, reflecting, “No one can look at me in this dress and see anything other than a statement” (134). She grows gleeful at the thought of Aphrodite’s reaction.

Psyche changes clothes and reunites with Eros, who is still furious at the negative social media commentary about her. As they exit the lower city, Eros takes Psyche’s hand, and he mistakes her attraction for awkwardness. Eros reminds her that the stakes are too high for them to look anything other than besotted with one another. Eros tells her, “As enjoyable as it is to kiss you every time you start spiraling, you have to be able to handle me touching you” (137).

Psyche feels the tension between them increase and is reminded of her early adolescent crushes. When they arrive back at his penthouse, Psyche is relieved when Eros shows her the spare bedroom. Eros, undeterred, tells her that this room is only for her belongings; they will continue to share the living quarters otherwise. Psyche realizes that her reluctance is dooming the entire project. When Eros tells her that they have time before the jeweler arrives, she suggests having sex.

Eros takes in Psyche’s beauty and is struck again by his longing for her. Psyche explains that her early hesitancy stems from her tendency to associate sex with intimacy, which feels too risky with him. Psyche tries to hurry the process, but he tells her that they will not have sex today. He thinks to himself, “She deserves flowers and romance and more orgasms than she can count” (144). Instead, Eros promises to help her relax and initiates oral sex.

Psyche is surprised when Eros pauses briefly to set a timer, reminding him that they have almost an hour before their appointment. He tells her that one hour is not truly enough for him. He then gives himself up to passion and is thrilled when Psyche has two orgasms. The alarm goes off, and Eros takes in her appearance, deciding that “a pleasure sated Psyche is the most addictive drug on the planet” (147). Eros realizes that he is beginning to develop feelings for Psyche and is desperate to marry her.