Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of emotional abuse and cursing.

Psyche Dimitriou uneasily paces during a large reception. The event is held at Dodona Tower, the official residence of the new Zeus (Perseus Kasios), who is now the head of the Thirteen notables who rule the city-state of Olympus. Psyche is uncomfortably aware that the informal purpose of the gathering is to allow the new Zeus to find the woman who will be his Hera, or co-ruler. The new Zeus requires both a spouse and an heir, as his title is hereditary.

Psyche’s mother, Demeter, finds her and expresses her displeasure that Psyche has not sought Zeus’s attention. (In Neon Gods, Demeter tried to arrange a marriage between Psyche’s older sister, Persephone, and the former Zeus, only for Persephone to flee to the underworld for sanctuary and partner with Hades instead.) Now, Demeter tells Psyche to re-acquaint herself with Zeus. Psyche reflects, “I’m the best candidate of her remaining single daughters” (4). As Demeter approaches, Zeus tells Aphrodite to leave him alone, as he is clearly interested in Psyche. This exchange intensifies the tension in the room, given that Aphrodite and Demeter loathe one another.