“That’s it? You’ll just send me back without any punishment?”
“How could we possibly punish you in propriety? We do not know what the victims would have wanted, and your death will not help those in mourning. Not to mention the politics of killing a being from another Plane. That, I’m sure you understand.”
“You think the Archdevils would be upset if you killed a Prince of the Hells?”
“I think I’d rather not take the risk. Once you’re back in Hell, you can cause no further harm.”
I keep my eyes on the women, though my mind is anywhere but this little shop. I hoped to stay longer. Everything ends. It would be nice to take home a token of my time here: a potted plant, a paperback, Leaf. Things that will only remind me of her.
I can already hear her objection if I said goodbye.She’d say,“I decide when you leave; we haven’t formed a contract, so you can’t do this to me,”all while pushing her bottom lip into a pout, her eyes alight with rage. I’ll take my memory with me; it will last longer than paper or plants.
“Fine,” I huff. “Send me back. Make it easy for all of us.”
Her eyes on me, Madame Albe speaks over her shoulder. “Prepare the circle. I’ll watch him.” Each woman squeezes Madame’s hand before walking to a door that leads below the shop.
Once again, it’s me and her. I slip my hands into my pockets. “What’s going to happen to Minnie?”
“Hopefully, she lives a full and peaceful life.”
“We both know she’s going to die soon.”
“The length of a life does not determine its impact. She is loved, she will be missed.” There is a heaviness to her voice. I can’t tell if she believes her own words.
I snort. “That’s enough for you all? Pitiful.”
“It’s better than an eternity in the Hells or wandering the Earth as a corrupt soul. The Veil will welcome her, just as it will welcome you someday.” Again, she smiles at me, but it no longer feels like a threat. “You’ll see her again, in time.”
“I don’t need your comforting,” I snarl.
“Mmm, clearly not.” There’s a sparkle in her eyes, like she finds me humorous.
I take a step in her direction, and her gentle expression melts, muscles tensing.
“How long is this going to take?” I ask.
“The ritual should be ready now. Come.” She leads me to the door and motions for me to go downstairs first, still holding one hand behind her back.
“How do I know you’re not going to stab me on the way down?”
“Hmph, you think I have the energy to carry your big body down those steps? And what terrible energy that would bring to the Coven’s space.” Finally, she reveals what’s in her hand, an all black hilt and holster sheathing a five-inch blade. “It wouldn’t be practical.”
“Fine,” I grumble. I’m only a few steps down when I start sneezing. “Fucking Hells, is this necessary?”
I don’t get an answer, but the scent of juniper and sage from below is overbearing, making me lightheaded. I’m not sure I could put up much of a fight down here. At the bottom of the steps, I’m met with a windowless room, the three women from before standing around a now familiar magic circle.
There’s an altar in the center with thick purple candles, an animal skull, and a good array of fruits, though I can’t identify each one. “Is that a coconut?” I point to a yellow, waxy orb.
Madame Albe’s lip twitches. “That’s… a lemon.” She purses her lips as if to hide a smile.
“Well, I fear I’ll return to the Hells without the knowledge of coconuts.”
“Shame, really, but best we make this quick.” She motions for me to step into the circle. “The le Fays may want you dead, and a devil is easy to spot.”
I stay still. “You swear to me Minnie will be safe?”
“We will do everything in our power to keep her from the le Fays, but if she seeks them out–”
“Right. Not much anyone can do if she decides she hasn’t had a proper taste of revenge…”
