Page 31 of Infernal

I knew that now.

My uncle opened his mouth to fire back at me, but William promptly raised his hand again and silenced him.

It really was a neat little trick.

“I am fully cognizant of our transgressions against you,” said William, and my mouth dropped all the way open, because that was the closest thing to an admission of guilt I’d ever received from any of them.

“If we could turn back the hands of time and do things differently, we certainly would. But that is not an option here,” he continued, sounding sincere enough. “If it’s any consolation to you, everything we did, it was only to prevent this very event from unfolding—to defend what we have all been created to protect. Yourself included.”

As much as it hurt to hear, I didn’t bother arguing that back, because frankly, I could understand where he was coming from. I’d lost track of how many times my good intentions had led me straight to Hell. But still.

William took a few steps into the room, surveying the end table as he moved around it. “The only thing I can do now is to apologize on behalf of the Order and my fellow brethren, and of course, extend a helping hand to you.”

“Is that right?” I couldn’t hide the suspicion from my tone even if I wanted to. “And why do you suddenly want to help me? What’s in it for you?” If I’ve learnt anything during my time in Hollow Hills, it’s that everyone had a motive.

“Well, for starters, we need to know who the vessel is.”

“Of course, you do.” My eyes narrowed as I tried to make sense of it. “And why do you need me for that? Why don’t you just see who the vessel is for yourself?”

With all the powerful Descendants they had at their disposal, they could easily have a Reaper or Seer figure it out.

“Unfortunately, that particular moment on the Timeline has beenbound, sealed with something much stronger than the magic we have at our disposal. Whoever did this made sure it could not be undone.”

Hearing him admit that they didn’t even have enough mojo to glimpse at the Timeline sent an icy chill down my back. The All Mighties weren’t all that mighty after all.

“We mustn’t be sidetracked by what cannot be done. Let us discuss whatcanbe done.”

“Which is what?”

“Restoring the balance on earth between good and evil. It is what we have always done.”

“And how do you plan on doing that? You don’t even have enough power to break the Timeline seal.”

“Mind your manners, Jemma,” scolded my uncle. “That isn’t how you speak to a Senior Magister.”

“That’s quite alright, Karl. It’s a valid question.” He paused before continuing. “May I be frank?” he asked, grimacing.

“You can be the Pope for all I care, just as long as you tell me the truth.”

The corner of his lip rose in amusement before dropping back in line. “There is another reason why we are here, and that is the most important reason of all.”

Again, no surprise there. And yet, I still felt a mild anxiety attack stirring in my chest as I waited to hear it.

“Lucifer cannot be permitted to exist in this world. He must be returned to Hades at once. No matter the cost.” His eyes were burning holes into my soul. “You do understand that, don’t you?”

I nodded because I did. I had no desire to let Satan run rampant on earth. I just wanted to figure out a way to get him out of my boyfriend first.

His eyes smoothed out with sympathy. “And of course, you understand that you have to be the one to do it?”

I nearly choked on my own tongue. “Why me?”

“You are the Daughter of Hades, Jemma, whether any of us like it or not. Lucifer was released by your hand, and as such, it is only your hand that can return him to where he belongs.”

I knew it! I freakin’ knew they would try to blame me and stick me with the task.

Well, little did they know, that wasn’t happening. I’d already given up everything that mattered to me. My life, my human identity, my family and friends, and pretty much any and all chances I had of ever having a normal life. And I’d give up Trace too if that meant he would be safe. That he could have the life he deserved. But that’s where I drew the line.

I wasn’t killing Trace.

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