Page 12

Chapter twelve

D arkness engulfed me. I tried to move, but something was restraining my arms. Claws dug deep into each wrist. Warm streams of blood trickled down my forearm. I began to panic, trying to see through the clouds of darkness. A flickering image of a woman appeared. The details of her person remained cloaked in the shadows, but something about her seemed … familiar.

The outline of her mouth came into view. Her lips pulled away from her white teeth, mimicking a scream, but no sound came from her. She vanished and then reappeared closer. The figure reached out a pale, white hand towards my face, but before she made contact, she disappeared.

Screaming yanked me from my dream. All the horrors of my time in Hell came flooding back to the surface. I jolted up, my heart racing and my power ready to attack.

Deus screamed again, so powerfully it pulled him from his own slumber. I reached out to comfort him, but he recoiled, as if my very touch pained him. I felt useless. I didn’t know how to help him recover from this trauma.

He sat on the couch the rest of the night, eyes drawn into the flames as they licked and lashed against the logs. When I woke the next morning, he was gone .

I took a shower and prepared for my trip home. My heart felt hollow. I was lost. Deus was in so much pain, and I was useless. I missed his touch, his kiss, his playful remarks.

I drifted down the hall towards the kitchen where I was surprised to see Gor cooking. I smiled at him, some sense of normalcy returning. He grinned back, flipping a pancake in the air.

“Where’s G?” I asked.

“Still sleeping upstairs,” he replied with a wink and a devilishly handsome smile. I laughed at my friend, happy to see him with such light and life flickering behind his eyes.

I slid into the stool at the edge of the island. “Long night?” I asked.

“Very … now that I’m fully healed.” He slid a plate of food across the marble countertop and poured me a cup of coffee. “You?”

“Yes, but my evening wasn’t as pleasant as yours, it would appear.”

Gor’s brow furrowed.

“He … he woke up screaming last night. I tried to comfort him, but that did little good. He didn’t come back to bed and when I woke this morning, he was gone.”

Gor reached underneath the island and pulled out a bottle of brandy, poured a shot into my coffee, and then took the stool next to me. I huffed in amusement.

“And how are you doing with all of this?” he asked.

I shrugged. “My feelings aren’t important right now.”

He took my hand in his. “Yes, they are. What you experienced and went through down there is just as real and important.”

I held the warm mug of coffee in my hand, watching the steam rise into the air as the sweet liquor wafted underneath my nose.

“I feel … lost. Depressed, even. My chest hurts, co nstantly, like it’s hard to breath. I can’t focus on much beyond Deus.” I paused, taking a deep breath, letting the reality of all we’d experienced settle onto me.

I covered my face with my hands. My entire body trembled, tears spilling over while I released the fear, the stress, the pain … all of it.

Gor held me against his chest, running his fingers through my hair. I willed myself to stop, but once the floodgates had been opened, there was no going back.

I lost track of time. Folded in the arms of my friend, all I knew was that I felt safe. I felt understood.

I told Gor about the gallery of mirrors and what I had seen there. The people who I had let down, who had died because of me. I told him every detail about Orion, and how I still longed for him, and for the part of myself that had died alongside him.

Then, I got to the pit. Without betraying Deus’s trust, I told Gor what I had gone through to bring him back. The women I had seen in his bed, knowing what he had done with each of them.

When I was finally able to gather myself, I pulled away slowly, feeling foolish for losing control. Gor poured me another cup of coffee without saying a word. That, among other things, was what I loved about my relationship with Gor. We didn’t need words.

I picked up my fork and ate.

“Nonna and Mamma are going to kill us,” remarked Frankie.

I sat on the edge of her and Levi’s bed as my cousin frantically found things to clean, trying to distract herself.

“They’re going to be more pissed at me than you,” I replied.

“Oh, no. That’s not how Nonna works. I’m going to get the brunt of the blame, because I’m the oldest and I should have known better. I’m responsible for talking you out of doing crazy shit like going to Hell and taking on Lucifer and his legions. I can hear it now: ‘Francesca Rose, how could you let your cousin, our beloved moon goddess, make such foolish choices? You know better, bambina. When will you learn? Why has Aradia cursed me with such a foolish descendant?’ ”

I laughed, unable to ignore the eerie similarities between Frankie and our sweet nonna. “Well, I’m notorious for doing things I shouldn’t.”

“You will hear no argument from me,” she said, tossing a decorative pillow at my face. I laughed, catching it.

Levi appeared in the doorway, looking elegant and handsome, as usual. He took one look at Frankie in her frantic state and smiled. As she passed, carrying a pile of clothes, he caught her in his arms, pulling her into his body. As if under a spell, she locked eyes with him. All tension, worry, and panic faded away. Her arms relaxed, dropping the clothes to the floor.

He ran the back of his knuckles down her face, gazing at her tenderly. She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply and leaning into his touch.

“That’s better,” he whispered.

Something in me tightened. I fought to hold back tears of jealousy, and longing.

Frankie took another deep breath, gathering herself. “Alright,” she said with confidence. “It’s now or never. Let’s get this over with.”

I popped off the bed just as Gor and Giana appeared in the doorway behind Levi. G’s face was panic-stricken, but she forced a smile and said, “got room for two more?”

“You’re ready to see your family?” I asked, surprised by her decision.

She hesitated, looking at Gor for confirmation. He smiled down at her, running a soothing hand down her back and nodded. She shrugged at me.

“I suppose I should see them before Lucifer decides to attack again. After dying, I’ve realized how precious each moment is and I don’t want to have any regrets moving forward.”

I took her hand and smiled at her. “I’m proud of you,” I said softly.

“Where’s Deus?” G asked.

I swallowed. “He didn’t get much sleep last night,” I said, trying to hide my discomfort at his absence. “I figured Frankie and I could handle our nonna.”

I had waited for Deus to return to our room after breakfast, but when he hadn’t, I figured it would best if he sat this one out. I wrote him a letter, letting him know I understood him needing time alone, even though it pained me to be parted from him.

Frankie huffed with amusement. “Yea,” she said, “like anyone has ever handled Lucia De Salvo and lived to tell the tale.”

The truth was, I wasn’t doing Deus any good by being here. It killed me to leave, but he needed time to process and heal. And on top of that, I needed a distraction: something to solve or fix. Handling the Salvo women would be easier than looking into his eyes and knowing he was suffering and there was nothing I could do to fix it.

“Okay,” said Frankie, “if we don’t do this now, I might back out.”

I took her hand and gave G my other. Gor and Levi completed the circle. I looked around at my family and forced a smile. “Home sweet home,” I said.

Wind whipped around us as dark, red-laced tendrils of my magic lashed and grew, engulfing us in a funnel. We landed in the center of my room back at Castle Salvo. The group stumbled back, gathering ourselves from the sudden travel. With the addition of Lucifer’s power—my demonic side—shifting no longer taxed me as it once had.

I looked at Giana, who took a deep breath, then nodded. I pulled out my phone and called Antonio. He picked up on the second ring.

“Seren,” he said in a worried tone. “Is everything okay?”

“Hey, yes. Everything is better than okay, actually. Can you … can you come to my room?” I asked.

There was a pause. “You’re home?” he asked in surprise.

“Just arrived actually. I have … a gift for you.”

Another pause. “I’ll be right there.” He hung up.

“I think he’s going to be disappointed with the gift when he arrives,” said G with a playful smile. “He’s probably thinking he’s getting laid.”

Frankie and I howled with laughter. I elbowed G in the arm.

“You’re awful.” I shook my head.

“What?” she said. “I’m serious.”

“We’ll gather Nonna and Mamma,” said Frankie. “Meet in Nonna’s room in ten minutes?”

I nodded and she and Levi took off down the hall.

Giana looked nervous, fidgeting with her hands. She glanced at Gor and then at me in a silent plea for help. Gor nodded with understanding.

“I’ll make myself scarce until you’re ready for introductions to be made,” he said, kissing her on the head and vanishing into thin air. A knock came at my door.

Giana froze, her eyes large and her hands trembling. I placed my hands on her shoulders, trying to soothe her.

“Hey,” I said softly. Her eyes met mine. “He’s going to be over the moon.”

She laughed, some tension releasing. “That’s funny, coming from the moon goddess.”

I shrugged. “What can I say? I am a jack of all trades.”

“You’re something, that’s for sure.”

I went to the door, opening it just a little to make sure it was Antonio. His handsome face peeked around the crack and smiled at the sight of me. That smile met his hazel eyes as his dark hair shined in the light. I pulled the door open to allow him entrance.

Before I could shut it, he gathered me into his arms, burying his face in the crook of my neck and hugged me. I returned his affection, savoring the feeling of another’s embrace. He pulled back and gazed at me with gentle longing.

“I’m so happy you’re safe,” he said. “We were beginning to worry when we—”

He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes snapping behind me. His mouth gaped open as his hands slid from my arms. Tony took in his sister from head to toe, completely speechless.

Giana shifted uncomfortable and smiled. “Hey, big brother,” she whispered, unsure.

Tony looked back to me with questions and confusion in his eyes. I shrugged. “Surprise,” I said with a grin.

“How?” he said, still in disbelief.

“Long story short,” I said. Tony slowly approached Giana. “I took a little trip to Hell recently, and decided to bring your sister back with me. ”

Tony studying every detail of his sister’s face. He reached out, hesitant to touch her as if she might disappear, but before he could make contact, she slammed into him, wrapping her arms around his waist with a death grip. Her sobs filled the room as tears of joy ran down her face.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she cried out. “Out of everyone, I’ve missed you the most.”

Tony’s cheeks were now wet with their own streams of tears. He wrapped his arms around her, bending to kiss the top of her head. He laughed, and my heart bloomed in response. I softly made my way to the door, trying not to disturb.

Tony turned to me, Giana still in his arms. His face shone with happiness.

“Thank you,” he mouthed. I nodded in reply and left them to their privacy.

I walked the halls, recognizing coven members I hadn’t seen since before the elders had kicked my family out of our home—our birthright. They nodded and smiled, but whispered as I passed.

I didn’t care. I was done trying to earn their approval. I had more than earned it. If they only knew all I had done and sacrificed.

I had decided, in those weeks I had lived among them after Deus’s death, that I would not accept an elder position when it was my generation’s time. I would pass that to Frankie, allowing her and her offspring to carry on our traditions. Though I was the daughter of Nonna’s eldest, I would not accept the title and position.

But now … after discovering what must be done to put a stop to Lucifer, I had to accept that I wouldn’t be alive long enough to even be offered the mantle.

I took a deep breath as I approached Nonna’ s door and knocked. Frankie’s face appeared on the other side. She gave me a grave smile and allowed me to pass. Nonna, Aunt Thora, and my mother all stood near the fireplace. I strolled into the room, taking in my beautiful family—the lineage that had sired me. The powerful, unmoving, and devoted women who had given up so much for each other.

Nonna stepped forward, opening her arms to me. I dove into her hug, savoring that sense of happiness and love only a grandmother could give. Aunt Thora ran a hand through my dark hair, and I pulled away from Nonna to hug her tightly. My mother stood off to the side, uncertain. I walked over to her, offering a small smile as I reached out and embraced her.

She hesitantly placed her arms around me, her fingers flexing as her body shivered slightly.

“I’m glad you’re home, little bean,” she whispered.

“How are you?” I asked, pulling away to look at her familiar face.

“Better,” she replied. “Every day is better, but I have a long way to go.”

“I’m proud of you,” I said. “And happy you’re healing.”

She nodded. Aunt Thora stood by her side, placing a hand on her back. The similarities between the twins were uncanny. Besides the different fashion choices and hair, they were identical, even in their facial expressions and mannerism.

“Freaky,” said Frankie, coming to my side. “Right?”

“I was just thinking the same thing,” I admitted.

Both Aunt Thora and my mother gave a small laugh as they looked at each other. “I’m glad to have my soulmate back,” said Aunt Thora.

My mother leaned her head into her sisters. “I’m glad to be home,” she replied.

Frankie took my hand. I looked back at Nonna, and her eyes filled with tears of happiness. She wiped them away before anyone could comment.

“Right,” Nonna said, gesturing us towards the seating area by the large bay windows. “Now, what is it you have to tell us, bambinas?”

I told my family what I had discovered, where I had gone, and all I endured. Frankie sat by me in silence for support. I told them everything … almost. I left out how I would kill Lucifer. That was a conversation I would have with Nonna alone. Only she would understand.

When I finished, they sat stone faced. Nonna finally rose, focusing on the world outside of the window. My mother had tears running down her face. She held her head.

“I am so sorry I’ve brought this upon you,” Annalise said. “If I would have known all those years ago, I—”

“There’s no point in looking back now,” I interrupted. “Without those actions, I would never have found my mate, and that is something I wouldn’t change for the world.”

“You actually went to Hell?” Thora said, still in shock.

I nodded. “I wouldn’t recommend it as a vacation spot,” I said.

“And you brought back Giana Simonelli? Just that easy?” she asked.

I nodded. “She didn’t deserve the life she was granted. This way, she has a real chance.”

“And now she’s involved with the Prince of Sloth?” asked my mother.

Frankie nodded. “Seems like our generation has a type,” she said playfully.

“This is no joke,” Nonna said. “You may be a goddess, Seren, but you don’t get to play God. It is not up to you to choose who lives or who dies.”

“Isn’t it?” I said boldly. “What is the point of having all this power, all these abilities, if I can’t protect the people I love? Has the universe not put our family through enough?”

I took a moment to look at each of them. “I am done playing by any set of rules others have created for me. I am the most powerful witch there has ever been, and if I can stop those around me from dying, then I will, whatever the cost.”

“Seren,” whispered my mother. “This isn’t the life I wanted for you.”

“It’s the life I was born to,” I replied. “No one can change that now.”

“What’s it like?” asked Aunt Thora. “The demon portion of your power?”

I paused, the darkness inside me flickering alive as if it had heard her question.

“It feels … different then our magic. Ancient, and darker. Heavy. It’s addictive, and all consuming. When I tap into it, I almost lose myself. Like I’m walking on the edge of sanity and complete hysteria. But when I use it … it feels good … too good,” I admitted.

“It will consume you,” said Nonna. “If you use it, it will destroy everything that you are, leaving you no better than the Morningstar.”

“I don’t believe so,” I replied. “I think my bond to Deus is an anchor of sorts. Even in the blur of the power, I always seem to have a lifeline back to him. To my home.”

Nonna stood and paced, fuming. She glared at Frankie and me.

“How has this happened?” she asked. “The heirs to the étoile coven, in love with demons . Is this some cruel joke? Some … some final test the universe has burdened me with?” She pointed at Frankie. “Is he your mate?”

My cousin looked at me and then back to Nonna nervously. “I … I don’t know,” she admitted. “If he is, the bond hasn’t clicked into place. ”

“Well, hopefully it doesn’t—”

“Regardless,” Frankie interrupted Nonna smoothly. “I won’t leave him. I belong with him, Nonna. I am sorry if you can’t see that, but—”

“Enough,” Nonna blurted. She turned back to me. “And where is your mate ?”

“He is recovering back home,” I answered.

“ Home ?” repeated Thora.

I looked at her and nodded. “Yes,” I said. “My home.”

“This is your home, Seren,” spat Nonna. “Don’t be ridiculous. You are a Salvo. You have responsibilities, and one day you will be an Elder.”

“No,” I said softly. “I won’t.” Everyone looked at me as if I had just grown another head.

“What?” Nonna gasped. “You would give up your ancestral right for a demon?”

“Little bean, please stop and think,” said my mother softly. Even Frankie looked at me with question.

“I would like to speak with Nonna privately,” I said. They didn’t budge. “Please.”

Franke squeezed my hand, standing and heading to the door. Thora followed, and finally my mother did the same, never taking her eyes off me.

Once the door was shut, I stood and approached the window. Nonna’s jaw was tight, her expression full of rage and pain. I ran my hand down her arm, but she didn’t move.

“Nonna,” I whispered, “there’s more.” I waited. Her eyes turned to me, full of exhaustion. “I won’t become an elder because … because I won’t live long enough for the title to pass to me.”

Her mouth fell. “What are you talking about?” she asked.

I took her hand, leading her to the sofa. I rubbed the back of her soft skin, taking my time to form my sentences.

“I’ve figured out how to kill a Prince of Hell, but before I tell you, I need you to swear to me you will never speak a word of this to anyone. You will never write or share with anyone how to kill them. I need to make sure Deus and the others remain safe.”

Her eyes searched my face, but she nodded, tightening her hand around mine.

“Only another demon prince can kill one of the seven. They all have the ability to absorb souls. That is how they remain powerful and alive. It is also how Hell functions … on the life forces of those who have died and been sent there. When Deus sacrificed his life to bring me back”—Nonna grimaced at the memory—“he killed himself in the process. They are bound to one another and can’t repeat how they can be killed, but Deus died. Truly died. When I went to Hell with the other princes, I watched them consume souls. They’re able to transfer their life force while taking the life force of others. I think … I believe the princes can only be killed if another prince is willing to sacrifice himself, forcing his own essence into the other to override their system which leads to their death.”

Nonna’s brow furrowed. “How does this concern you?” she asked. “You aren’t a demon prince.”

“No … but I have Lucifer’s magic inside of me. I am also the mate, the other half, to another prince. Because of this, I am immortal, according to Gor. I’m part demon, Nonna. I can use his own power to destroy him. But I am going to need your help … and the help of our family.”

“They will never agree to this,” she added.

“I know. That’s why I am meeting with you now, in private. I know this is hard for you, but I also know you’re logical. Lucifer vowed to destroy everything I loved, including this family and the coven. He needs to be stopped.”

“Why doesn’t one of the other princes volunteer?”

“I wouldn’t ask this of them. Not when I’ve seen firsthand what would become of them down there.”

She paused, looking away from me. “Why you, bambina? Why must it be you? You’ve barely had a chance to live.”

“I’ve made peace with this decision.”

“And your mate? What does he have to say about this?”

I bit the inside of my lip, feeling a pain go through my chest. “He doesn’t know… and he won’t.”

Nonna exhaled, dragging her hands over her face as she thought. “What do you need the family to do?”

A sense of relief spread through me. “I need you and Mother to siphon Lucifer’s power into me. I need him weakened for this plan to work. I only have a fraction of his power, but if I can access more, I should be able to burn him out. Since we’re all connected by blood, I should be able to act as a conduit for you and Annalise’s siphon abilities, linking our powers to draw in Lucifer’s magic and send back into him.”

Nonna looked at me with heavy eyes. “You’re brilliant, bambina. Truly brilliant.”

I smiled. “Thank you. Pretty good for being raised in a nunnery, I suppose.” I laughed softly. She cupped my cheek with her hand. Her face was filled with pain and sorrow.

“All the years we were robbed of,” she said softly. “There has to be another way.” Her hand dropped away.

“There isn’t. Believe me, I’ve thought of nothing else.”

“I hate this plan.”

“I know. But I need you to help me with a cover story for Mom and the others. They can’t know.”

“I … I can’t do this, bambina.”

I took her hand in mine. “Nonna,” I said firmly. “I am the only one that can do this. If I don’t, millions of people die, along with everyone we love, and he wins. He gets the power he wants and then the world ends. What is the value of one life compared to billions?”

“Everything, Seren. You are everything to me,” she said, desperation lacing her voice as tears fell.

“I love you so much, Nonna.”

She pulled me into her. “And I you.” She ran her hands through my hair. “You’re no demon, my baby. You’re an angel.”

I smiled, tears welling. “Hopefully, I’ve done enough good to end up in the right place once I go. Maybe … maybe Orion’s waiting for me up there. It’d be nice to see him again.”

“I’m sure he’s looking down on you right now, thinking how crazy this all sounds.”

I laughed. “I don’t doubt it. So, does this mean you’ll help me?”

Her lips tightened into a straight line. “I will do what must be done,” she answered with a nod.

“Thank you, Nonna.