“Asmodeus,” she warned.
He shook himself and muttered some words in the Godstongue. The skin knit together, leaving only a slight pink scar. Asmodeus looked her over, and any scrapes she had disappeared as well. Soon, only faint pink scars remained, reminders of today’s events.
She sighed in relief. “Thank you.”
Asmodeus did not answer, eyes fixed on her throat. She tried to stay as still as possible and steady her heartbeat.
“Asmodeus,” she warned.
“I can’t be here right now,” he blurted, backing away. “Elizabeth, lock the doors. I’ll come back for you.”
He heaved Caspian against his shoulder and left. She bolted the doors, trapping herself inside, then double-checked the door and window.
Removing her armoured vest, she threw herself onto the bed. She had no sleep clothes, but even if she did, she had no energy to change. She could hardly keep her eyes open.
Sending a silent apology to whoever had to clean the sheets, her eyes began to close. She drifted off to sleep, her dress torn and filthy, covered head to toe in blood and ash.
Chapter 58
The Gate of the Underworld
Elizabeth woke to someone knocking. Taking a moment to remember where she was, she untangled herself from the black satin sheets and rubbed her eyes.
Edging close to the door, she placed her ear against the wood. In the gap below the door, she saw black boots.
“Elizabeth?” The sound was muffled, but it sounded like Asmodeus.
Taking a deep breath, she felt for her knife, silently cursing herself for not remembering it last night when Caspian was trying to attack her. She’d been paralyzed with shock at the time. She clutched at the hilt of the blade.But not today. I’ve learned my lesson.
“Elizabeth!” Asmodeus called, knocking again.
Asmodeus, who had told her himself that he’d almost let her die. She gripped the hilt of the silver knife until her knuckles turned white and cracked the door open with her left hand, preparing to strike.
“Open up.” Asmodeus glanced at the knife in her hand. “What’s going on?”
She spoke slowly, “You tell me.”
She peered at his face and saw it had more colour. He had fed. The thought did not make her relax her grip on the knife.
“My apologies for my behaviour last night. I am not used to seeing mortals in the Underworld unless they are … for sport. I am trying my best not to devour you right now.” He chuckled, as if it were funny. “I apologize.”
“I admire your resolve. My life is rather precious to me,” Elizabeth said drily.
Asmodeus laughed. “Funny girl. Open the door.”
“Don’t think I will. Not until you tell me what’s going on, and how I’m getting back home.”
Seeming to find her refusal funny, Asmodeus grinned and heaved on the door, wrenching it open. He raised his brows at her horrified expression and dodged her knife as she tried to stab him.
He avoided each attack with ease, looking unbothered.
She held the knife out, circling him.
“Cute,” Asmodeus said with a wide grin. The sight made her blood boil.
Ignoring her, he strode to the bed and plopped himself on the mattress. “Keep whatever weapons you like, honey, but know they won’t harm anyone here. You could even stab me, and I’d probably be fine.” He waved his hand dismissively.
“What?” she snapped.
