Vivian.
A bright light has my eyes opening, and then I blink against the ethereal glow of the sword in my hands. Smiling, I slide the sword onto the scabbard then, slowly, I make my way back to where Cornelius and Jason are waiting. “Did you hear that?”
They glance at each other, concern on their features, but then Cornelius turns back to me and asks, “Hear what?”
My lips twist, annoyed that I’m either hearing things or I’m the only one who can hear them. I open my mouth to explain, but then it sounds again.
Vivian.
It’s louder now, a bit more distinct, but I can tell from the nonresponse from both men that they still cannot hear it.
Walking around them, I take a look at our surroundings, the great expanse of nothing that appears to go on infinitely. At first, nothing catches my attention, but then, the air shifts, leaving streaks on the horizon, and I roll my eyes in annoyance.
Gemma’s stupid hill, whether it be a mirage or not, is back.
Lift my chin in that direction, I ask, “Can you see that?”
Cornelius and Jacob look where I’ve indicated and nod. Then Jacob says, “Fifty-fifty chance that’s a trap.”
Cornelius nods but then shrugs. “What choice do we have?”
Not bothering with a response, I start to walk, both men quickly flanking me, and it only takes me a few moments to realize it won’t be a straight shot. We’re moving, but the distance remains the same.
“What in the actual fuck?” I mutter grumpily, and Jacob chuckles, then responds, “Yeah, this shit happens a lot. You get used to it eventually.”
“No, you actually don’t,” Cornelius argues. It’s as annoying the last time as it was the first time.”
Jacob laughs loudly. “Fair enough. But since this is the only time we have to catch up, I don’t mind anymore.”
I groan, not at all impressed with the walk with no end. Because it’s not like time isn’t imperative at this point.
Needing a distraction, I ask, “Can you tell me a bit more about what you meant by keys to the kingdom?”
“It’s simple, really,” Jacob responds. “There’s a vacancy in Hell, and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis on who inherits the keys.”
“Why do we care who gets the keys?”
Cornelius frowns. “Because the more evil the devil, the more evil the world?”
“But evil is as evil does, right?”
Cornelius’s expression softens somewhat, and then Jacob says, “May as well spell it out for her, Co.”
Sighing, Cornelius moves closer to me, so our arms are almost touching as we continue walking. “As I mentioned earlier, not all devils are evil, just as not all angels are good. If we have a truly evil devil with the keys, then that means the demons will run amok with no recourse for their actions.”
“Are you saying a good devil can eliminate evil?”
“Sadly, no,” Jacob replies with a shake of his head. “Regardless of power, free will is non-negotiable. There will always be humans and demons alike doing evil deeds.”
“So, what good would it do anyway?”
“A good devil keeps an eye on the truly evil ones, eliminates them as needed, and makes examples out of others, all in an attempt to keep the balance between good and evil.”
Frowning, I ask, “How will I know the difference between regular evil and super bad evil?”
“It’s written in your very being, Vivian,” Jacob answers. “All Seekers are drawn to the darkness.”
“Seeker?”
