“He has,” Eric said. “And we intend to get our daughter back. Help us rescue her. Lilith might be there, her essence hidden in one of the many demons who serve her, unlike you. Or she might not be there at all. We might be wrong, and none of Lilith’s essence is this realm. Either way, help us, and the debt is paid.”
“Debt?”
“The free pass you gave us for closing the gate,” I said. “Gone. Poof. You help us, and you and your friends owe us nothing.”
“Kate,” Eliza said, but I shook my head. “It’s Allie,” I told her. “We have to. We’re going up against Lilith. We need as big an army as we can gather.”
She nodded. She looked terrified, but she nodded.
“Especially since we don’t know what condition Allie will be in. If she’s been drugged, she may have no strength to help in her own rescue.” I returned my attention to Quiric. “If the gates open again, she is the only one who can close them. By helping her, you protect yourself.”
A moment passed before he nodded. “Very well,” Quiric said. “Eric Crowe, Katherine Crowe. We have a deal.”
18
Now we had an army, but no field of engagement. At least, I hoped we had an army. To be honest, I didn’t know whether or not I could trust Quiric and his fellow demons to keep their word. They were, after all, demons, and not known for their loyalty or respect of rules.
Still, they understood Allie’s importance. If Allie died or Lilith took her body, their last hope of locking the remaining gates to Hell would be shattered. And since she was the last of Eric’s genetic line, there would be no one else with that ability.
“You look like you’re thinking serious thoughts,” Laura said. We were at Cutter’s worktable in the training room, both of us needing a break from living at the makeshift workstation we once called a dining table. “Do you have ideas on where we might find her?”
I shook my head. “No. I was wondering if Quiric and his crew will really show up if we go to battle.”’
“They will.”
I smiled at my friend. “You have no way of knowing that.”
“I’m an optimist. I’m not going to let this job change that.” She smiled at me, and I knew she was trying to lighten the moment. But it didn’t feel like anything could be light again. Not until I knew that my daughter was okay.
“How can I go on if I lose her?”
“You won’t lose her,” Laura said. “You have to believe that.”
I nodded. “I know. I do. And I’m trying. But every hour that goes by makes it harder.”
“She’s still alive. She has to be. She’s bait for Lilith’s trap. You know it. I know it.”
“Unless Lilith has already found Solomon’s Stone.”
“I thought you said it didn’t exist.”
“It doesn't. The stone was in the ring, and the ring was destroyed. Trust me, I remember.”
“So why did Quiric say she was looking for Solomon’s Stone?”
I stood and started pacing. “I don’t know. It doesn’t make sense.”
I went to the freestanding heavy bag and got a few good kicks in. It felt good. Definitely better than sitting and thinking and not getting anywhere.
“Ana and Ren should be in here.” I said.
“They’re downstairs researching.”
“I know, but they need to be training.”
“All things in their time,” Laura said. “They’re doing the research that needs to be done.”
I let go with another kick. “I know. I’m a mess. I’m sorry.”
