Page 56 of The Road to Hell

I almost let him.

Almost.

Then, at the last second, an idea blossomed. A dangerous, reckless idea. I was probably crazy for even considering it. But the moment the idea took root, I knew I wouldn’t be able to shake it.

“If youreallywant out,” I said, my voice carrying in the still, stifling air, “then you’re going to have to prove it.”

Calyx stopped mid-step. His head turned slightly, just enough for me to see the tension in his jaw. Slowly, he faced me.

“And how exactly do I do that?” he demanded.

“Lily.” Rathiel warned, turning to face me.

I lifted a hand, stopping him before he could say more. “Wait.”

I wasn’t sure this was a good idea. Hell, it was probably theworstidea I’d had in a long time. But I couldn’t ignore it. Couldn’t shake it loose.

Calyx had returnedonememory to me already.

So, why couldn’t he return the rest?

I turned back to Calyx, my fingers twitching as I considered my next words carefully. “You gave me back the memory of Lucifer ripping off my wings.”

Calyx’s gaze narrowed. “And?”

I took a deep breath and spoke words I never thought I’d say. “And I want you do it again.”

Silence fell over our group.

Eliza made a choking sound. “I’m sorry—what?”

Rathiel stiffened beside me, his entire stance going rigid. “No.”

I ignored them both, my focus locked on Calyx, who watched me with a calculative gleam to his eyes.

Finally, he spoke. “You want your memories back.”

I swallowed hard. “I want my memories back. Rathiel said he used an artifact. And he has no idea where it is or what happened to it. For all I know, my father has it. Butyou—you’ve already accessed one of my memories. You pulled it to the surface, made me relive it in my dreams.” I took a slow step forward, my voice steady despite the tightness in my chest. “That means you can do this. Can’t you?”

Calyx hummed, tilting his head as if savoring the thought, rolling it over like a fine wine on his tongue. “Ican,” he admitted, drawing out the words. “I know the artifact Rathiel used. It doesn’t erase memories—not exactly. Think of it more like a vault. Your memories are still there, locked behind an impenetrable door. A door onlyIknow how to pick.”

Excitement quickened my heart.

“Lily,” Eliza snapped.

I shook my head.

“And you’re willing to let me in, just like that?” Calyx asked, his tone dripping with amusement.

Rathiel stepped between us, his broad form cutting me off from Calyx in a single, fluid motion. “She’snotwilling,” he bit out. “Because this isn’t happening.”

“Nowthatsounds more like you, brother.” Calyx shifted his weight, crossing his arms. “And here I thought you were going soft.”

Rathiel’s wings flexed ever so slightly. “This isn’t a game, Calyx.”

“Oh, but itis,” he countered smoothly. “And right now, you’re losing.”

“Enough,” I snapped before Rathiel could respond. “Calyx, you want out? You want free of my father?”

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