Page 73 of The Road to Hell

It was a struggle, but I kept my expression even. I could push him—see how far I could press before he snapped, but I was trying to be smart today.

Instead, I met his gaze and said, “You mentioned a trial. I assume you already have something in mind.”

Korrak’s grin sharpened. “That I do.” He leaned forward, his massive arms braced against the table. “There’s an outpost about half a day from here. One that reports directly to your father.”

I didn’t even hesitate. “You want it gone.”

Korrak nodded. “Burn it. Kill them. Turn them against their master. Free the prisoners. We don’t care how you do it. Only that it’s done.”

“Prisoners,” I repeated, voice cooling as I entered strategy mode. “Your people?”

A single nod, his horns glinting in the firelight.

“Why haven’t you done it already then?”

“Was gonna,” he grunted. “But then you fell into my lap. A good leader uses every resource at their disposal. Consider this your initiation.”

I grinned. “Oh, Korrak. I think I like you.” I let the smile linger just long enough before I let it drop. “But let’s be clear. I’m notjoiningthe rebellion. I’m taking it over. If I succeed, if I prove my loyalty, you and your people fall in line under my command. Understood?”

A charged silence settled over the war tent. The torches flickered, their light dancing across Korrak’s molten skin as his expression darkened.

For a long moment, he said nothing.

Then, his massive hands curled into fists, and the entire table groaned as his weight pressed into it.

“You?” His voice was low, almost amused with a hint of murder. “You think you can just walk in here and take command?”

I shrugged.

A few of the other hellspawn in the tent tensed, their hands drifting toward weapons. The two vexori guards from outside now stepped inside, as though sensing their current leader’s change in mood. Their movements predatory and their taloned feet clicking against the ground in an eerie, deliberate rhythm.

“You’ve got some real celestial arrogance, I’ll give you that,” Korrak snarled.

“She’s not wrong, though.”

The words came from Levi, cutting through the rising tension before it could explode.

Korrak’s gaze snapped to him. “Speak, serpent.”

So…did everyone know Levi could shift into snake-form? Was I the last to know?

Levi’s lips curved upward, but his voice remained even. “Lily is the best chance you’ve got. You’ve been fighting this war for how long now? And yet your numbers dwindle, your resources run thin, and your victories are few.” He gestured toward me. “She’s trained for this. She knows Lucifer’s strategies inside and out. If you’re serious about taking Hell back, you need her.”

“She needs us more,” Korrak rumbled.

Levi inclined his head. “You haven’t had any significant victories. I would argue it’s time for new leadership. Someone more…capable.”

A few of the hellspawn shifted uncomfortably, exchanging glances.

I took the opening. “You can fight me on this, Korrak, but I’ll still win. Because I’m stronger. Smarter.” I tilted my head, my voice cooling. “But if you’d rather waste time challenging me instead of focusing on the real enemy, then by all means—take your shot.”

Korrak’s molten gaze burned into mine. For a moment, I thought he might take a swing at me, that he might accept my challenge right here and now.

But then he did something unexpected.

He laughed. A deep, grating sound, like rock breaking apart.

“Fine,” he said at last, straightening to his full height. “You want to lead the rebellion? Then prove yourself. And if you survive”—his fanged grin was unforgiving—“then we’ll see.”

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