“We’re home, baby. In the Underworld. Magic is thick in the air here. If you try to kill me, I’ll heal in a few seconds.”
“Where exactly are we?”
“Seventh circle. Caspian’s humble abode.”
She chewed her lip. “How is he?”
“Not well, my flower, not well. He needs the raw energy here to regenerate. With all they did to him, he would have died if he had been on the surface. You need to go home as soon as possible, and he will have to stay here for a few weeks.”
“Oh, but didn’t you say he heals more quickly here?”
“Yes, but they poisoned him. He cannot access his powers right now and will heal almost mortal-slow, even here.”
“Well … if you can help me get back, I will gladly go.” She paused. “There is one other thing, though,” she said, pausing. “The dragon. I told her we would feed her as a thank you for helping us escape.”
Asmodeus gave an incredulous expression. “You offered it food? What do they eveneat?”
“I’m sorry! It’s polite to offer food to a guest! I panicked.” She paused. “In any case. The dragon is asheand eats meat of all kinds.”
“Just what we need with all of the Underworld in chaos,” Asmodeus said drily. “No matter. I’ll take care of it. Does the dragon speak?”
“Mind speech only.”
“Fine, fine. I will deal with the dragon. You need to go. Leave your blood-soaked dress here lest you cause a riot on the way out of the castle.”
He tossed her a pile of clothes. She held the billowy pair of trousers against her legs—they were entirely too big, clearly meant for someone of Asmodeus’s size.
“No peeking,” she admonished, closing the door to the hall and retreating to a far corner.
“Cruel of you, but I’ll behave,” Asmodeus said, sounding amused. He turned to face the wall and said, “What excellent wall patterns. Fascinating. I have never been more riveted.”
She cringed. “Asmodeus … just … would you just be quiet for a second?”
Asmodeus crossed his arms. The clothes consisted of a loose-fitting tunic and pants. She was tall, but the sleeves and pant legs were comically oversized.
Shoving her feet into her boots, she exclaimed, “Finished!”
Asmodeus turned and snorted. “Ah, yes, just as luminous as before. The baggy clothing does wonders for your figure.” He paused, chuckling. “You look lost in that thing.”
She blinked and looked down at the billowy tunic that fell to her knees and the ridiculous pants. “Your fault for getting me the wrong size.”
Asmodeus winked. “I’ll be sure to have the castle properly stocked for your next visit.”
She gave him a look of disdain. “Sadly, I think this will be my one and only trip here.”
“You wound me.”
“You said something about helping me get back to the mortal realms,” she prompted.
“Yeah, I was getting to that. Shall we, little dove?” He held out his arm.
She ignored his offered elbow, choosing to keep her hold on the knife.
Asmodeus glanced at the blade with amusement and gestured for her to follow. They headed down the rough stone steps, out the dark doors, and onto the raised walkway. Her face grew warm as she eyed the molten orange river below.
“I’d recommend not falling into that,” Asmodeus said drily.
She swallowed. “Right.”
