“Well, technically, no one,” Lynx deadpans, and Ryker’s cocky smile disappears off his face before addressing the room.
“Um, well, it says here that Balam was never motivated by greed and was okay with his small sliver of land, so ruling the small section of level one and the Road of Worth was enough for him,” he says confidently before trying to hand the book back to Lynx. Lynx whispers something to him, and they have a quiet conversation as we move on.
“Level two,” I prompt, and Zeke motions to himself.
“Oh, I have that one. That’s Asmodeus, the prince of Lust and the ruler of level two, which means anything can happen on that level with him in charge. The question is, will he know that it’s us that’s going through? I haven’t found anything that states how aware they are of us crossing their level,” he says apologetically.
“So, an orgy?” Lynx perks up.
“Really? Is that all you think about?” Rez questions him, and he backtracks.
“What? It could happen.”
“Yeah, it could,” Ryker mutters and shrugs as he sees our attention on him. “Continue on.” He waves his hand like a royal asshole, just to be a little shit.
“That’s fine, it’s better than nothing,” I reassure him. “I have level three,” I announce, grabbing another book. “Azazel, the Prince of Rage, is going to be dangerous. He enjoys bloodbaths and seeing how many pieces his minions can be torn into.” I’m fairly proud of myself that I don’t throw up in my mouth at the visual that pops up in my mind.
“It’s a good thing we have our weapons.” Moni pats her side, proving she’s carrying hers. A few groans fill the room, and I bite back my laughter when I realize she, Ryker, and I are the only ones prepared.
“Daddy would be so upset with all of you. Especially Astaroth.” Moni shakes her head in disappointment.
“And that’s why we won’t tell him.” JP gives his sister a pointed look.
“After this, grab your weapons and keep them with you,” Ryker instructs, pulling out one of his knives to show he’s prepared.
“What about the other levels?” Rez’s voice comes out meek, though it does its job of urging us on. I reach over and take her hand, attempting to push some calming feelings to her. I don’t want to take away her emotions, but maybe with some soothing ones, along with whatever Knox is hopefully doing, it will comfort her.
She gives me a small smile and lays her head on my shoulder, and I feel like I’m the strongest man in the world at the moment. I start playing with her hair as JP shifts in his seat and reads from his book.
“Sitri is a Prince of Deception that can cause men and women to fall in love with each other and expose their secrets, and he controls level four,” JP says, grimacing.
“You mean Cupid?” Moni asks with wide eyes.
“I doubt he’s that nice about it if he was,” Chester explains, softening the blow as some of us chuckle at her comment.
“No clue,” JP shrugs. “Just says he can make people bare themselves naked if he so desires.”
“Well, that’s just great. I’ll be blinded by all of you running around naked in the bowels of hell. Just what I was asking for,” Lynx groans.
“It’s better to have that information than nothing,” Knots chimes in. “Level five consists of Purson, the Prince that knows things, like hidden secrets or treasures.”
“Sounds like Purson and Sitri should be BFFs,” Knox mutters.
“They probably are,” Ryker says, grabbing the book that Lynx had picked out. “Level Six is said to be ruled by Beleth,but it doesn’t say what kind of Prince he is.” He shakes his head in frustration. “Only that Azazel’s rage is nothing when compared to Beleth’s cunning wits where courage, respect, and perseverance are needed to survive.”
“That doesn’t sound good.” Lynx shrinks in his seat. “At least level seven might give us a break,” he says, perking up. “Prince Seir isn’t considered good or evil but one to show the truth.”
“So, if that’s all of them, now what?” Moni asks, looking around the room.
Well, it just means we have a fairly good idea that we’re up against some sadistic assholes.
CHAPTER 10
Was that a Breakup?
Rez
As everyone discusses the Princes of Hell, my mind focuses on the photograph that’s burning in my grasp. What does it mean? Who were those people holding me? Where were my mother and father? Maybe I’m just jumping to conclusions here. I didn’t stand there and really take a close look at the baby, scrutinizing if it looked like my other baby pictures.
