Page 59 of The Road to Hell

Calyx, the bastard, barely looked affected. He moved with the ease of someone who had never once struggled a day in his life, effortlessly keeping pace as though he were enjoying a casual stroll instead of trudging through Hell’s least hospitable terrain.

“This is fun,” he mused, hands tucked behind his back. “We should do this more often.”

Everyone ignored him and continued the trek.

By the time we reached the caverns, my legs ached and Eliza was slogging behind. But the entrance loomed before us, wide and deep, carved into the base of the ridges like a gaping wound.

“I’ll be happy if I never see another cave again,” Eliza griped.

I almost pointed out that this was only our second day, though it certainly felt like we’d been down here longer than that. And rebellions weren’t built on comfy settees with silk cushions and endless wine. But honestly? I agreed with Eliza. Ten years on Earth had raised my standard of living. I missed my bed, even with its broken springs and sagging mattress.

Rathiel stopped just outside the entrance, scanning the interior. His posture shifted, like he was preparing for the worst.

“There’s something moving around in there,” he said, his voice edged with hunger. “Wait here. I’ll go in first.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but one look at his face told me it wasn’t up for debate. He likely wanted to feed, and in private. I could understand that. I wouldn’t want an audience when devouring some hellbeasty.

“Fine,” I said. “But if you’re not back in five minutes, I’m coming in after you.”

He nodded, then stepped inside, vanishing into the darkness.

Eliza took his spot beside me. “What do you think is in there?”

Calyx leaned against a boulder, arms crossed, every inch of him radiating smug amusement. “Whatever it is, I hope it’s hungry.”

I shot him a look. “I volunteer you as a snack.”

He pressed a hand to his chest. “How magnanimous of you.”

I ignored him and turned back to the entrance. Hungry or not, I had a feeling the only one who would be feasting in there was Rathiel.

The seconds stretched, dragging out in the suffocating stillness. Until suddenly, we heard a pained roar—one that was very distinctly infernal in nature, not Rathiel.

Vol repositioned himself on my shoulder, his tiny claws digging into my shirt. “Guess he found something nasty in there.”

I didn’t answer. My focus stayed locked on the darkness, my fingers twitching at my sides. Waiting was always the worst part. The not knowing. The way your mind filled in the gaps with every worst-case scenario imaginable. How long did it take to kill and eat a hellbeast anyway?

Calyx must have noticed, because he drawled, “Miss him already?”

“Miss your head being attached to your body?” I snapped.

His grin widened. “Feisty.”

“If you’re gonna flirt,” Eliza said. “I’m walking into that cave myself.”

“Bold of you to assume this is flirting,” I muttered.

“I was talking about him,” she shot back, jerking a thumb at Calyx.

“I can’t help it. You’re all so fun to rile up.”

I gritted my teeth and silently counted to ten in my head. Of all my father’s fallen, Calyx had always been the most annoying, with his quips and supposed humor. How had I forgotten that? “Keep talking, and I’ll show you fun.”

Before he could respond, a sound echoed from within the cavern—a low scrape, followed by the faintest shift of movement.

I straightened instantly, my hand going to the hilt of my sword.

Rathiel stepped out of the darkness a moment later, his expression calm and a single splotch of blood staining his lips. Yup, he’d turned the resident hellbeast into a delectable meal. At least that was one thing we could check off our to-do list.

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