Page 49 of Craving Darkness

“Wrath,” Varek replied through clenched teeth.

“Lucifer,” the other man began as both my brother and I snarled as one.

“Must die,” we responded together.

The man sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I had believed that there were only seven Kings of the Underworld all this time. He must have cast a powerful spell to be able to block everyone’s memories the way he did. I don’t know why I remembered Death, though.” He looked at me in apology. “I’m sorry I didn’t remember.”

Varek growled, sounding much the same as I did when I was angry. “It’s not your fault, Charon.”

I shook my head, still unsure of who he was but knowing there was only one person at fault for what had been done to me and my brothers. “Lucifer is responsible, no one else.” I turned to Death. “We need to find our brothers and return to the Underworld.”

His expression was grim, and he glanced at his mate and child. “It’s not going to be easy.”

I looked down at my own mate to see her watching everyone with wide eyes. “No, it won’t be.” A new kind of fear began to fill me.

The demon, Charon, stepped toward my brother’s mate and reached out to the baby, which the woman handed over without hesitation. He handled the infant carefully, with obvious experience. “I believe that each of you will need your mates at your sides. There is a reason that the spell he cast is starting to break. I believe it is because you have begun to find your mates.”

Everything within me wanted to argue, knowing that there would be dangers that a half-demon may not be able to survive. The very thought of leading my mate into the Underworld willingly sent chills of apprehension down my spine. But as I looked down at her, I knew deep in my soul that he was right.

I glanced at Varek, and we shared a grim expression. “We need to train them so they can protect themselves,” I said.

The blonde woman stepped beside her mate and crossed her arms. “I think I have already proven that I am capable of protecting myself.”

My brother put his arm around her shoulders. “You are a fierce little mate, Juliette. But the Underworld is unlike anything you have ever imagined in your worst nightmares.” She gave a little growl that sounded like an angry kitten, making me smile at my new sister.

I took Kallista’s hand. “We don’t know what kind of dangers we will face, but we can’t let our guards down while we hunt for Lucifer.”

Kallista shuddered and leaned into me. “I’m willing to learn if it will help.” I nodded down at her with relief that she wouldn’t fight me on this. Knowing that this world was new to her was likely frightening, but I also knew that she had a fierce strength inside of her. Starting now, I would spend every moment I could ensuring that she was ready when the time came to face the devil.