Page 60 of Hunted By Fear

He sees me come and holds the books up.

How Not to Get Eaten by a Hellhound.

Dealing with the Devil.

Neither of those seems like they will help with our Rome issue, but I don’t think that’s the point.

“Figured she would appreciate something to do to pass the time.”

“She does love reading.” I smile at the thought of her curled up by the fireplace, reading aboutDealing with the Deviland how Lucifer would take that.

“How do you know that?” Kai asks. Well, really, it’s more of a demand.

“Because I talk to her.” I cock my head at him when he huffs like that’s the dumbest thing he’s ever heard. “Maybe you should try it sometime.”

“I don’t need to talk to her. I knew she liked to read without that.” He waves me off and goes back to his book, but I get the feeling he’s not really reading anything. More than likely, he’s using the book as a way to escape conversation with us.

I intend to call him on it, but before I can, I’m struck silent.

It takes me a second; the sound isn’t as noticeable so deep in the library away from her, but when I see the panic on Bast’s face, I know.

Neither of us says a word; the two books in Bast’s hands hit the ground as we take off back toward the door.

Fuck.

We’re fast, but even with our speed, I’m kicking myself for not having access to my full power. I could have been there in a moment if we were on Earth, but then again, at least I’m not as slow as the mortals even here.

I’m only a step behind Bast, enough for him to lead the way as we race up the stairs; it’s not until we reach the top that I realize Kai isn’t with us.

Did he teleport, or did he not even care to check on her?

Bast turns the corner too sharply, and I hit one of the statues that line the hall. It knocks the wind from my lungs, but I keep going, the crash behind me letting me know it shattered when it hit the ground.

Hopefully, Luce didn’t love that sculpture too much.

Bast busts through her door, moving to her bed and gathering her up into his arms without pause, as if he’s done this a million times, and my stomach flips violently because he probably has.

Aeri has been under Rome’s control for months, and with the guys here in Hell for a few weeks now.

How many times has she woken like this?

How long will this last?

Will she ever be free of him?

Questions swirl around my head at an alarming rate, but I can’t focus on any of them as I watch the tiny girl in Bast’s arms fight to breathe through her panic.

“It’s okay. He’s not here. You're safe,” Bast tells her on repeat as he rubs soothing circles on her back.

She attempts to say something, but it comes out as a jumbled mess of stuttered breathing and sniffles.

“Shhh, breathe for a second and try again.” I move toward the bed, finally finding my voice. Her gaze snaps to me, eyes wide and afraid for a moment until she sees it's only me, and I see her shoulders visibly sag.

By the time she gets herself under control, we’re not the only ones here. Lucifer stands where I’d been a few minutes ago, near the door, Talian stands at the end of the bed, and… Kai sits in a chair near the fireplace. Though now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure he was here when we came in, though I can’t be sure.I wasn’t really paying close attention, and I don’t feel like right now is the time to ask.

“He…he’s in my h-head.” Nobody says a word as we process what she just said. The room is so quiet; all I can hear is Aerilyn’s breathing and the rapid beat of her heart.

“What do you mean, Sunshine?” I finally ask when it becomes apparent nobody else will. He’s been in her head; he fucked up her memories and made her forget us, but I get the sinking feeling that’s not what she meant.