Page 69 of Dark Souls Academy: The Sacrifice

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Smokey turned into his puppy form in front of Marnie when we arrived back at my place, but when she moved to touch him, he disappeared into the shadow under the couch. That made the fear most people had ofmonstersunder the bed even more terrifying. It wasn’t a bed, but when the red eyes shined in the shadows, Marnie stepped away.

“Creepy,” she whispered.

“I can’t believe you’re here, right now!” I practically squeaked out. My childhood best friend stood here in Hell with me. She was a Light Soul—supernatural with no demon blood—and a damn Pixie. Those two things meant she was a huge target.

“I can’t stay long, but I’m your messenger from Piper and Anton,” Marnie whispered. I nodded that I understood, but it took me a few seconds to actually remember who the guy was by name.

Piper was the woman I gave my leather uniform to before I left the Demon Trials because her clothes were destroyed. I vaguely remembered her calling the Hellhound council member Anton, but I didn’t register the weight of her actions until now.

It was ballsy to give demons a name, even a made up one. It only took the right amount of people to identify him as Anton forthe name to have power. I didn’t think I’d ever understand name magic, but someone of his status had plenty of enemies.

I had so many questions, but there wasn’t time, so I focused on what she needed to tell me instead. “Okay, shoot,” I said.

I sat down and ignored Trigger’s grumbling about he’d rather stab her. He was a jealous fuck. It was like needles through the bond. I kept sending him waves of love and reassurance, but it wasn’t helping much.

“It’s a lot too unfold.” She took a huge gulp of air before continuing. “So, they originally sent their small, flying Pixy friend, but she almost got eaten.”

I cut her off before she could continue. “And you decided to take your chance anyway? And why didn’t you use your magic on them?”

The eye roll she gave me took over her whole face. Those were usually directed at her mother. “Ugh, I found out when I got here that my magic doesn’t work in Hell. They came out of nowhere, startled me, and my magic decided to take a shit on my face instead of helping. Why has no one ever mentioned that only demons have powers here? Rude! Regardless, though, I had to come. You needed me.”

She playfully squeezed my cheek, making Trigger growl. He sat in the corner with his arms crossed. His menacing stare didn’t bother Marnie, though.

She turned to my broody mate and winked at him. I could tell there was no real interest in the gesture, just a tease. Did she hit her head? The darkness that seemed to cloak around him in his jealous rage even unsettled me.

“Anyway, they found me by using a book a seer was writing about your life. How the fuck is that even possible? It isn’t finished, obviously. Apparently, it’s like a series? I have no idea. Each book is a big moment of people’s lives. I’m so glad I’m not a seer because she was a mess.”

I gripped her knee. “Your rambling is cute, and I’m fascinated by the books because one of my mates has access to them, but can we get to the point? Lilah is going to be here soon, and we won’t have enough time.”

She nodded quickly. Her pulse jumped as she glanced at her watch. Her elevated anxiety rolling off her made the room smell like lemons because of her citrus scent. I loved seeing her, but this better not hurt her in the long run.

She pushed her curls out of her flushed face. “I’m just going to spill it all out, so I don’t forget. Anton and Piper killed a Sin. The seer got that info out of your book. Anton has the seer and book locked away, so no one else can see it, don’t worry. I’m pretty sure it was Gluttony. Anton said he’ll work with Lust and get the other two. He has more freedom and he agrees, it’ll help weaken Lucifer.”

My eyes widened and eagerness rose in me, that would solve a huge fucking problem. It also meant killing Lucifer would be a little easier. Whoever this seer was, I needed to thank her. In spite of how unnerving it was to have my life written down for anyone to read, it was well worth the creepiness.

However, I didn’t show any emotions, so we could stay focused, or we’d drift off into another discussion. Marnie had that effect. She sighed and touched my knee like she used to when she needed to settle her nerves. My heart swelled.

Did she need a hug? Because I did, but old Ivy would never initiate a hug. I didn’t want to scare her.

“Anton heard Lucifer might order him back to Hell any day, but he didn’t know why. The actual Sacrifice usually is voluntary for the counsel. Lucifer likes to play with them before the others, so they don’t all go. Whatever it is, it’s not good, girl.” She tapped her chin. “Let’s see…what else? Not sure if you need to know this, but Piper has a connection with the slaves, and they’re great at getting information. They’re in hiding.”

“Did you know, she taught them to work together and become some kind of messed up family. Slaves that are born in Hell aren’t allowed to be educated? How fucked up. They didn’t even know what the word family was before she explained it.” Her arms moved around as she spoke.

I gently pinched her shoulder to get her back on track. She was still just as chatty and all over the place as ever. If I could, I’d hug her and never let her go, but that would be like me living in a wolf’s den and asking a chicken to come over for dinner. Pixies were on the menu for many demons.

“Right.” She hummed and bounced slightly. The energy of the situation got the best of her. “I think that’s all. No, wait!” She shouted, making me jump.

“I have more good news. The Dark Council dude with the yellow skin and an upside-down face.” She shuddered before continuing. “They killed him too. He was into some bad shit. But he said Lucifer will use a body double to make sure he doesn’t look weak. He said not to be worried because they won’t be strong, probably just a disguised Nati Demon.”

Well, shit. That was great news. I did a silent clap with a wiggle to release some of my exhilaration. It gave me a genuine sense of hope. Now, the take over of Hell didn’t seem so impossible. Thank the Gods, I helped Piper at the Demon Trials, they were doing half the work for us.

My mates were excited through the bond, but everyone stayed quiet just in case there was more.

“Anything else?” I asked.

“Now, that really is it.” Her smile was filled with pride. Everyone’s excitement bounced around inside of me. Things were finally looking up for us. It didn’t feel like we were fighting against the damn ocean with just a paddle anymore.

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