Page 88 of Half Dead

“We’ll need books to fill the shelves, of course, but otherwise, yes.”

My spirits soared. A library of my very own. “Next time I see Hailey, I’ll ask her about castoffs.”

“You don’t want just any books, Lorelei. Space is limited. Be choosy.”

I was already imagining the array of pretty spines that would greet me every time I entered the room. The idea was more thrilling than any painting on the wall.

“Thanks, Ray. You’ve given me yet another reason to live.”

“You needed another reason?”

My excitement evaporated when I noticed an unwelcome figure outside the gate. “It isn’t time yet,” I shouted.

Lucifer said nothing, forcing my hand. I lowered the ward and let him through the gate.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded.

“I thought we might have this discussion inside.”

“You aren’t welcome in my home,” I said.

“No cup of tea? I didn’t peg you as inhospitable.”

“It isn’t inhospitality,” I said. “It’s spite.”

He laughed. “I appreciate your candor.”

“I thought we were meeting at the crossroads.”

“Change of plans.”

I didn’t like the sound of that. “We’re in the middle of the trials. You can’t change the rules now.”

“This will only benefit you, I promise. Tell you what, as a show of good faith, I’ll even give you an extra hour or two to prepare. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for it.”

“Why would you offer me assistance?”

“All will become clear when I explain the task ahead.”

I folded my arms. “Fine, but whatever you have to tell me, you can say it out here. My house is off limits.”

Lucifer slid his hands into his trouser pockets. “Very well then. First thing’s first. Do you happen to own any scuba gear?”

CHAPTER TWELVE

I blinked at Lucifer. “Scuba gear,”I repeated. Not a question I expected to hear.

“On second thought, if I were in your shoes, I suppose I would consider a form of magical enhancement for a visit to Kuei-Hui. Manmade materials might not cope with the journey.”

My stomach roiled. “Why do I get the sense this isn’t a tropical island with tiny umbrella drinks?”

“No such luck, Lorelei, my sweet. Are you familiar with the Han?”

A memory surfaced. “Chinese in origin. The waters where the five islands of the immortals were located.”

“Yes, the key word there is ‘were,’ past tense. Kuei-Hui is a bottomless pit in the sea where one of the islands sank.”

“What happened to the others?”

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