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“Ew, there’s so much blood—is that someone’s detached leg!”

Layala paced back and forth watching the soldiers take swings at the beasts. Varlett cast a rounded cage of black bars around the larger of the two. Weapons stabbed through the bars but didn’t appear to penetrate the demon hound. It bit through metal swords, breaking them in half as if they were wood.

Thane dodged under a clawed paw and swung down at the leg, but his sword didn’t cut through. He dove narrowly missing jaws, and Layala’s heart jumped into her throat. What kind of weapons did they need to fight the demons? “Come on, Thane, magic.” As if he heard her, he held out his palm and the hound froze but nothing else happened. No skin peeled from its bones, and no roaring in pain. Others took turns stabbing and hacking at its hide.

A knock on the door made Layala jump. She turned and stared at the thick wood. All the guards were outside and everyone else had to be hiding.

“Don’t open it,” Tif squeaked.

Another three quick raps. “It’s Thane. Open the door.”

Layala sighed in relief and started for it then froze halfway. Only a moment ago she saw him fighting. Unless he could move through space like Hel now…

“Thane is down there,” Tif whispered. “I see him.”

“Layala, hurry. I need to make sure you’re alright.” Whoever it was sounded exactly like him.

Layala grabbed her sword from the holster hanging on the wall and readied herself. Her magic coiled through her, more intense than usual, vibrating in her veins. Even her hands trembled with the power. Her gut told her who it was waiting outside.

“Open this door or I’ll tear it off the hinges.” The voice was different now, deadly venomous and gravelly. She’d heard Thane sound ruthless, but this was not him.

“Maybe we should go out the window,” Tif suggested.

“This room is warded. We are safer inside.” Layala hoped Hel’s magic could keep out who she suspected wanted in.

The door rattled and bowed, crashing like thunder. Layala’s chest heaved up and down with heavy breath.He’s going to break in!With a crack the door was torn away and left wide open. Tif screamed and the sound of her scurrying boots pattered across the stone floor. Layala gulped, leveling her sword at the intruder. The demon prince with his curling horns and glowing red eyes.

“Hello again, goddess.” He scowled and stepped forward but as he tried to cross the threshold he hit an invisible wall and was halted.

Hel,Layala silently called to him.The demon prince is outside my room.

“What is this?” The demon prince placed his palm flat against it and pushed. “Let down the guard and I’ll kill you fast rather than slow.”

“You need to work on your bargaining skills.”

“I already made a bargain. I kill you, and I get my ring back.”

“They’re lying. They won’t ever give it to you. But I could get it back.” Layala gulped. “I’m the one who was stealthy enough to steal it in the first place. I’ll get it for you.” She had absolutely no recollection of the ring, this demon, or where she stole it from, or who had it now.

“You’re a goddess trapped in a mortal body with no access to Runevale. You can do nothing for me.” He slammed his fist into the invisible shield. It made no sound despite the force he hammered with. “Let me in and I won’t peel the skin from your bones. Let me in and I’ll simply slit your throat. The longer you make me wait the more pain I’ll cause, and I do enjoy inflicting pain.”

“Go back to the underrealm.”

He growled and his long nails tore at the wooden doorframe. He clawed at it like a wild animal digging for food, splintering pieces, shredding through it like paper. Layala backed further into the room, heart hammering.

“I will tear this room apart splinter by splinter, brick by brick.”

“And you still wouldn’t get to her,” said Hel’s smooth voice. Layala couldn’t see him yet, but heard his boots coming down the corridor. Slow methodical taps. “But if you want revenge on a god, I’m a treat.”

The demon pulled his glower from Layala and backed away from the battered doorway, turning his head slowly. “My fight is not with you Zaurahel.”

“But you made it so when you came for her. You know that.”

“Rumor was you dropped this one a long time ago.” His cruel smile tugged at the edge of his mouth. “You know, you’re looking more like me and my brothers than a god.” He tapped the corner of his eye. “Makes me wonder.”

What does that mean?

A wavy dark wooden staff appeared in his hand and a red blast of light shot out of the top, crackling and sizzling. Layala gasped and ran to the threshold of the doorway, preparing her shield. The magic hit an invisible barrier before Hel, absorbing the power, taking it in like a thirsty desert floor. The stream of scarlet grew thicker, the crackling louder and more intense. Heat bloomed from the energy blast, making Layala take a step back. To her astonishment, Hel almost looked bored in a casual stance.