I release the shadows a little at a time, making sure they’re sleeping before letting go completely. I look back, seeing Bael and Obsidian peeking around the wall. I drop the shadows, revealing myself. I motion for them to come. They both jog over to where I’m standing.
“I knew you had shadow magic, but I’ve never seen you use it. It’s both amazing and terrifying at the same time. You could sneak up on anyone and they would never know.” Bael shivers at his words. He’s right, but I would never miss use my magic.
“Silent, but deadly,” Obsidian quips. I roll my eyes, shaking my head.
“Lead the way,” I say to Bael, letting him take point. He nods and resumes his position in front.
We step over the downed demons and follow Bael through the archway and into the garden.
“The gateway is this way. We can drop the bags off and then head inside,” Bael whispers.
I have to say the garden is beautiful and nothing like what I expected. The contrast between the black, red, white, and purple plants and flowers is striking. It can give the Winter Court garden a run for its money. Any other time I would have enjoyed taking a stroll through it to really admire its beauty, preferably with Finley at my side, but we have other matters to take care of.
We weave our way through the black tulips, roses, and night rider lilies. I see the slight shimmer of the gateway against the backdrop of a wall of hollyhocks and gladiolus.
“Here,” Bael says.
He points to a large group of colocasia. He takes the bags I passed to him earlier and hides them under the brush. Obsidian quickly does the same.
“The back door to the castle isn’t far from here. Once we get inside, we’ll shift,” he points to himself and Obsidian.
“I’ll stick to the shadows,” I say.
“Alright, let’s do this.”
Swiftly, we make our way through the rest of the garden, pausing beside a holly bush. We wait quietly, scoping out for any demons. I know he said there were two more, but they’re nowhere in sight. Bael, gives the okay. We move quickly to the doors, hurrying before the demons return. We pushing the doors open, and of course they squeak. None of us move, waiting to see if we’re going to be attacked. But nothing happens. Quickly, we enter the castle, closing the door behind us. That was the best stroke of luck we could have asked for.
I step over to the side, calling the shadows to me, while Bael shifts into his hellhound form. Obsidian opens the pouch on his side, pulling a piece of meat out. Wasting no time, he eats the meat and starts to shift. Within a matter of seconds, Obsidian turns into the eight-foot-tall demon, Abaddon.
Bael growls and heads down the hall. Our steps are quiet on the plush red carpet. We make a couple of turns before heading down a hallway where two demons are guarding a door. Since Bael took us here, I’m going to say that this must be Lucifer’s office. Bael heads right down the hallway, not bothering to hide. I make sure I’m hidden as we make our way to the demons. They turn as one unit in our direction. Their eyes widen when they see who is coming their way. The demons stand a little straighter.
“Abaddon, sir, what can we do for you?” The one closest to us asks as we stop in front of him.
“I need to speak with Lucifer.” Obsidian gets eerily close to Abaddon's voice.
“Um,” the demon looks behind him to the other demon, who starts shaking his head. Neither one wants to tell Abaddon that Lucifer is currently busy. The second demon nudges the first, who sighs and looks back to the Abaddon look-a-like. “Lucifer is currently in the middle of something and has asked not to be disturbed.”
“I can wait.”
The demon starts to fidget. “Well, the thing is we don’t know how long he’s going to be.”
“Is he in his office?”
“No, he has a dinner guest.”
“Ah, I see. It matters none to me. I can still wait. What I need to discuss with him is important and needs to be dealt with, but it’s not urgent.”
“Um, I can let you wait inside his office, so you’ll be more comfortable.”
I snort to myself. More like you’ll be more comfortable not having the King of the Abyss hovering over you. Abaddon nods. The second demon moves, unlocking and opening the door. I follow closely on their heels as Bael and Obsidian walk into Lucifer’s office. The demons hover in the open doorway, watching as Abaddon takes a seat in the huge black leather chair in front of Lucifer’s desk, as his hellhound lays at his feet. Both of them seem satisfied and close the door behind them, leaving the three of us alone. Lucifer needs better and smarter guards.
Bael and Obsidian shift back to their normal selves, and I drop the shadows. I lock the door not wanting an unexpected visit.
“Let’s do this quickly,” I say. Obsidian and I walk over to the desk and start searching, while Bael looks at the shelves that line the wall.
Minutes pass, but it feels more like hours. We open all the drawers, but nothing looks out of the ordinary. We shift through the papers, and the items on top of the desk, and don’t see anything.
“This would be better if we knew what the fuck we’re looking for,” Obsidian grumbles.
“Any luck Bael?” I ask.
“Not yet. I’m pulling each book and binder off the shelves hoping that will trigger something.” I nod.
It’s a good idea. I go over to the other wall and start doing the same thing. Then just when I think this is a waste of time, I pull back on a book and realize it’s not coming off the shelf.
“Guys, I think I found something.”
Both of them rush over. I pull the book back as far as it will go, and a soft click is heard. We look around the book but don’t see anything different, and nothing moved.
“You heard that, right?” I question. They both nod. “If it didn’t open anything over here, what did it open?” We all start looking around the room, but it’s Bael that notices the difference.
“Um, guys? Did the desk have that piece sticking out?” He points to the top left corner of the back of the desk.
“No,” Obsidian and I say at the same time. We all walk over and crouch before it.
“It looks like you have to turn it,” I voice. Obsidian reaches his hand, glancing over at me.
“Here goes nothing.” I watch as Obsidian turns the square piece before pushing it back into place.
Chapter 24
Finley
After my initial freight of seeing the devil as... well, the devil, Lucifer escorted me and my hellhound into his dining room. The room is very formal with the biggest chair at the head, and at least twenty more surrounding the long cherry oak table. There’s another bone chandelier hanging in here, but the walls are actual walls and not glass. The molding is intricately carved. Lucifer pulls out a chair for me, before taking his seat. Stolas lays down next to my feet, placing himself between me and Lucifer. I place my violin on the table, close enough for me to reach, but far enough away so nothing gets on it.
“I do hope you’ll enjoy what we prepared,” Lucifer says with a smile.
“Oh, I’m sure I will. Everything I’ve tried here has been wonderful. I just ask you don’t tell me what it is. I think I’m better off not knowing.” Lucifer chuckles.
“You’re probably right.”
He snaps his fingers and a door opens on the far side of the room. Two humans wheel in two carts with trays of covered food. They each take a dome lid off, grab a plate, and place them down in front of us. The aroma coming from plate has me groaning.
“This smells amazing,” I say. There’s an array of meats, vegetables, and potatoes.
“Would you like a glass of wine?” Lucifer asks.
“Actually, I’ll take some water if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.” He snaps his fingers again; the servants reappear with a glass of water for me and a glass of wine for him.
“Thank you,” I whisper to the servant. They stumble a step at my words. I guess they aren’t used to hearing pleasantries. I wait until
I see Lucifer take a bite of his meal before I do.
“I see you have brought your violin,” he questions between bites.
“Yes,” I give him a beaming smile. “I never go anywhere without it. Music is a way for me to express myself.” I turn toward my violin, running my fingers along the neck. I left the case with the rest of my belongings, knowing it would be easier to just carry the bow and violin itself. Plus, I wouldn’t have to worry about the case being left behind. “I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t play. It’s become a part of me. It’s like the air I breathe.” I turn back to Lucifer. “Plus, it’s the nicest thing I own, and I don’t like leaving it behind.”
“Before you leave tonight, would you do the honor of playing for me?”
“I would love to.” I smile, knowing that he just played into my plans.
“Wonderful. Now, little muse, tell me about yourself.” He grabs his wine glass by the stem, taking a sip.
I take a drink of my water before answering. “What would you like to know?”
“Everything.”
There’s something about the look on his face and the tone of his voice, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. It unnerves me. I squirm in my chair. I feel like he’s waiting for me to lie or misstep in some way. I have to be careful on what I say and how I say it.
I release a nervous chuckle. “I’m afraid there’s not much to tell.”
“Oh, I doubt that. Where are you from?”
“I travel all over. I don’t have one place that I would call home.” I don’t go into any more detail. The fewer words I say, the better.
“How did you find yourself here?”
“I wanted to explore.”
“Is hell the first stop on your list?”
I shake my head, placing my hands on my lap. “No, I went to the Faerie Realm. This is my second stop.”
I reach up, grabbing my fork. My nerves are getting to me. I don’t think I could muster a bite and not have it come back up. I just push my food around on my plate, waiting for the next question. Stolas sits up, placing his head on my lap. I smile down at him and give him a piece of meat.
“How are you liking hell?” I hear the scrap of Lucifer’s knife against his dish.
“It’s not at all what I expected.” He chuckles.
“Did you think it was all torture and punishments?” There’s a twinkle in his eye as he takes a sip of his wine.
“Actually, yes. I’ve seen some of those levels.” I shudder remembering the eighth level, fraud.
“Yes, well, hell did get its reputation somehow.” He eyes Stolas and I know where this is going to go. “The hellhound has taken quite a liking to you.”
I smile, petting Stolas’ head. “I’m quite fond of him myself.”
“Did you know that some hellhounds have another form?” Lucifer asks, setting his utensils down.
I furrow my brows, playing along like I don’t know exactly what and who Stolas is. “What do you mean?”
“Some hellhounds can shift into a human form.” I gasp, looking from Stolas to Lucifer.
“Are you saying that my hellhound can shift into a man?” I shake my head. “No, that can’t be possible. I would know, wouldn’t I? There’s no way he would have been able to keep this form for this long, could he?”
“He can stay in this form for as long as he wishes. All I’m saying little muse, is don’t be surprised if it does finally happen.”
I nod, looking down at Stolas who still has his head in my lap. I meet his glowing red eyes, giving him a wink.
“You’re taking this news well.” I shrug glancing back up at Lucifer.
“He’s been nothing but kind and gentle with me. If by some chance, some miracle, inside my hellhound is a man, well, I think I might like to get to know him, if he’s half as sweet as his hellhound form.” Lucifer cocks his head to the side like he can’t believe what I’m saying. I should pat myself on the back for this performance.
“Well, until then, would you do the honor having a dance with me, then I would love to have you play for me.” He nods towards my violin.
“Of course.”
“Do you know how to tango, little muse?”
“Not really well,” I reply.
“Well, let’s see how well you can follow my lead.”
Lucifer snaps his fingers and music fills the air. He stands holding out his hand. I place mine in his. Stolas moves to the side, letting me stand. He sits like a sentinel watching me walk over the open space in the room. Once Lucifer and I are in the center, he tugs on my hand, pulling me into his body. He curls his arm around me, his hand spread open on my lower back.
He leans me back, arching my back, as he slowly moves me from left to right, snapping me upright. I place a hand on his shoulder, his hand on my back moves up, stopping at my shoulder blade. He cups my other hand, pushing it down, bending us over to the side, while raising our other arms. We take a step back, dragging our other foot. He rights us, guiding me to walk around him in a circle, before resuming the position we were just in. He guides me around the floor in sharp, fast movements. He twirls me around, bringing me back to his body. I turn slightly to the side, hooking my leg around his. He does the same.
Returning to our starting position, Lucifer takes a few large steps back, causing me to step forward. I swivel my hips, bringing my leg in a high kick to the side. We move around the floor in sharp, fast movements again. He spins me a few times and I drop to the floor with one leg extended behind me. Lucifer cups my face and I place my hands on his hips. Slowly, I rise back to me feet, swaying my hips from side-to-side. He gathers me close before dipping me and the song ends.
For a few moments, all I can do is stare into the devil's honey-colored eyes, while we both are breathing heavy. A growl from Stolas breaks the moment. Lucifer pulls me back up, taking my hand and kissing the back of it.
“Thank you for the wonderful dance. You follow leads extremely well,” he smirks.
“It was my pleasure.”
“Oh, the pleasure is all mine.” Lucifer guides me back to the table.
I grab my water and drink what’s left in the glass. I grab my violin and move back to the open space. I get into position and pray that Lucifer is susceptible to my spell. I move my bow across the strings letting the melody drift through the air. At first, I do nothing more than play. When the beat picks up, I start to move.
I take a few steps forward, bend at the waist, then quickly walking backward. Stolas pads toward me, stopping in front of me. We walk around in a slow circle, staring at each other. He lays at my feet, and I smile. I turn my attention back to Lucifer. I take a step away from Stolas, then spin, my skirt flaring out around me. I pop up on my toes, then down to my heels, then up to my toes, in quick succession. I jump to the beat of the music. I kick my leg back behind me.
I saunter my walk, really making my hips sway. I stop, moving my foot in an arc in front of me. I move my foot out to the side, rolling my hips. I bring my foot back and repeat the motion on the other side. I twirl back toward Stolas. I kick my leg out landing it on the other side of him. I stand above him, moving my upper body with the music as the song ends.
I look toward Lucifer and see that he’s not immune to the spell, but he’s not quite under the trance. So, I place my violin back under my chin and play him another song.
Obsidian
A succession of clicks sound when I push the corner square of the desk in. Three drawers pop open where Lucifer’s chair is. Bael moves the chair out of the way, while Verkor and I kneel in front of them. I look inside the drawer in front of me but don’t see anything out of the ordinary, but there has to be a reason they opened.
“Anything?” Verkor asks.
“No,” I reply.
“We have to be missing something,” Verkor states.
“Obviously,” I growl.
“Is there a false bottom?” Bael questions for behind us. I take all the papers and folders from the drawer, placing
them on top of the desk. I look for a small slit or opening that would indicate more laid beneath, but I don’t find one. I knock on the bottom of the drawer, but it doesn’t sound hollow. I want to rip the drawer out and throw it across the room, but I don’t, barely. I sit back on my heels, frustrated that we’re clearly missing something. But then, something on the back of the drawer catches my eye. I lean down, moving closer to get a better view. It’s a symbol. A pitchfork. That has to be it.
“Verkor, check to see there’s a symbol carved into the back of your drawer.” I watch as he pushes some items around before glancing back to me.
“Yeah, a fire symbol.”
“Check the last drawer.” Quickly he moves over and tosses some items on top of the desk.
“It looks like a torn piece of map.”
“What does that mean, the symbols?” Bael questions.
“I think we need to find something that has those symbols etched into and put them in the order of the drawers,” Verkor responds. It’s a good enough suggestion for me. We both haphazardly toss the shit from the drawers back in and then close them.
“I’ll look under the desk. Verkor you check the corner.” I’m leaning down to crawl under the desk, when Verkor stops me.
“Don’t bother. I found it.” I straighten and move over to his side.
In the top right corner of the desk is a gold lock with three spinning dials. We didn’t see it the first time we looked at the desk, because the flap covered it. It seems that once the drawers opened the flap opened as well. Verkor glances over at me and I nod. He moves the dials until a pitchfork, fire, and map line up. There’s a soft click and a hidden door pops open from under the center of the desk. I shuffle to the side, peering in. There sitting by itself is the third piece of the map. I reach inside, pulling it out. I look over at Verkor and grin, holding the map in front of me. He grins back as a loud roar rents through the air.
“Finley,” we say at the same time.
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