The Hags and Hidden-Ones shrieked and took to the sky, blocking out the sun with their wings. In the darkness, the star gleamed. There was something about it that bothered me.
“Damn it!” I hissed. “I forgot to have Torrent check this for magic.”
“Well, it's too late now,” Viper said. “Let's get you to Pride Palace. Hopefully, if it is enchanted, Torr will destroy the spell before it goes too far.”
“Yeah, all right.” I looked him over. “Are you okay, Viper?”
“My pride is hurt more than my belly.” He lifted the pitchfork. “But at least we can return the Devil's toy.”
“Yeah. I'm wondering if they had planned on leaving that with you or if they were forced to use it to distract us.”
“It was ahellof a distraction.” Viper grinned, already over his anger. “Get it? Hell. Pitchfork.”
I snorted. “I'm glad you're all right, babe.”
“She was very worried,” Arach said.
“Aw, I love you too, Starlight,” Viper said.
“I had to wait here for four days,” I grumbled. “And during those days, I had to see Az and the human world leaders.”
“She is not good at hiding her emotions,” Arach said dryly. “Azrael knew something was wrong.”
“But I didn't tell him,” I huffed as I went to the tree.
“You came dangerously close.” Arach rolled his eyes.
I looked back at the sound of marching feet. The Red Caps were heading home. So much fuss over this trickster's game. I was going to make them wish they'd chosen other opponents.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The entire God Squad was there, including Horus, Hekate, Hades, and Persephone who had left their kids at home. Luke and Jesus were also there, and I had to remind myself that for them, this was the day of Viper's abduction. They had just come from the Blood Volcano.
Luke clapped his hands in delight when Viper emerged from the tracing chamber with his pitchfork.
“Oh, well done!” Lucifer took the pitchfork and stroked it lovingly. “Hello, darling.”
“So, that's the genuine article?” I asked.
“Oh, yes. Isn't she lovely?”
“Luke, could you not rub your shaft in public?” Pan asked with a straight face.
The Devil glared at Pan.
Pan burst out laughing.
“Torrent, could you check if this is enchanted?” I asked before the Devil said a bad word.
“Oh, shoot!” Torrent hurried over to me. “I should have done that. Lemme see.” He peered at the star, then grinned. “You're all good, V. No spell.”
“That's a relief.” I handed the star to Azrael, who was closest to me, standing with his arms crossed.
“Now, I know why you've been in a bad mood,” I said.
Azrael lifted a brow.
“I couldn't tell you about Viper.”
