Page 69 of Grave Mistakes
“Afraid so,” Iceman says.
“We need to find out what Ring you’re from first,” Echo supplies. “That way we can figure out what we’re dealing with. We’re hoping you’re a Second Ringer—a Duo like Jerif. But even a Tres like me and Crux would be great. Any Inner Ringer will help us hold the Gate.”
“I still think she might surprise us and be a Nihil,” Crux throws out nonchalantly.
“She’s not a Gatekeeper, Crux. Let it go already,” Jerif growls, and Crux just shrugs like he has no intention of listening to a thing that Jerif has to say.
I don’t blame him. Even though I’m pretty sure Jerif is spot on with that assessment, the arrogant shithead will never knowItotally agree.
“I believe part of your block is still in place too,” Iceman adds, pulling my focus back to him.
My eyebrows shoot up. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you haven’t displayed any demonic powers yet, other than the fact that you can wield the scythe and see past wards. The block may fully break once you enter the Ring of Hell you’re from. The Gates to each Ring are very powerful and strip a demon of any outside influences, more or less purifying them when they go home. We’re hoping that if there are any lingering suppressants on your abilities, that your home Ring will clear it up.”
“So I could get awesome demon powers like you guys?” I ask with excitement.
“Yes. We’re hoping that Hell will help unlock everything.”
“But you took me to Hell before,” I point out. “Nothing happened other than me having a panic attack.”
“We weren’t even out of the Gate,” Jerif tells me. “We were just on the other side in Hell’s Embrace. We need you to go fully inside of Hell and through your Ring Gate to test it.”
“Oh,” I say, thoughts churning in my head. What if I pass through my Ring Gate and grow horns or three tails or something? I don’t know if I’m ready for that. Yeah, some cool abilities would be epic, but what if I end up with something lame or gross?
“I hope my power isn’t turning demons inside out,” I say, wrinkling my nose before glancing over at Crux. “No offense.”
“None taken,” he replies smoothly. “It’s fucking messy.”
Jerif rolls his eyes at him.
I shove all thoughts about my parents and their potential demon status in a closet and shut the door.Let’s deal with one thing at a time, Delta.First we’ll figure out where I’m from, then I can figure out whether or not to freak the fuck out about it and how it impacts everything I think I know.
“Okay,” I say, looking around at them. I release a resigned exhale and pep talk myself into just ripping the Band-Aid off. “Just...don’t let me fucking die, okay? I don’t want to get to Hell and burn to death or get chained to some Jabba demon thingy and live out the rest of my life as some gold-bikini-wearing slave.”
“What the hell is a Jabba demon?” Jerif demands as he sips daintily from his mug and gives me judgy eyes.
“Forget about it. My point is, I’m counting on you guys to bring me back here in one piece.”Hopefully without horns or tailsor anything that makes me look trollish.I cross my fingers and start a steady chant ofplease let me be a Tres demon like Echo.
“We won’t let anything happen to you,” Iceman promises. “And as soon as we know what you are, we can induct you as our fifth, and we can begin to train you properly. By the time we’re done, you’ll be able to hold your own, and if what you did yesterday is any indication, I have full faith that you can rise to the challenge.”
I give him a soft smile, grateful for his belief in me. It means a lot, even if I am still freaked out.
“Are you ready?”
“Shit. Now?” I ask, a tinge of whiny-voice threatening to leak out. I reallydon’twant to go to Hell. I mean, people talk about Hell as a curse word, as a worst-case scenario. It’s a little daunting, and that’s minus all of thethis will change your entire worldshit that’s now breathing down the back of my neck.
Iceman’s mouth twitches with amusement. “Yes, now. We’ve already left the Gate for too long, and if you’re ready to start, then I see no point in waiting.”
“Fine,” I groan. “Just let me grab some coffee first,” I say as I get up and head for the kitchen and grab a cup of whatever Jerif brewed in the industrial espresso machine.
I have a feeling I’m going to need a lot of caffeine for this, so I down two full cups before shoving a package of mini muffins into my mouth, and then I look around at my beautiful kitchen and promise to come back soon so I can fully appreciate it. I give Fern some water on my way out before patting her leaf and grabbing my scythe.
“Ready?” Echo asks, holding the door open.
Nope, but I can’t ignore what I am, and my life has to be on this course for a reason, so I might as well see it through. “Hell, here I come,” I announce as I close the distance between me and Echo. I give him a teasing smile. “Wait. Shouldn’t I get a handbasket for this trip or something?”
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