Page 6 of The Road to Hell

Briggs muttered something under his breath, but didn’t push further. Instead, he busied himself restocking the now-functional bar. Meanwhile, I poured two drinks—whiskey for me, and water for Rathiel, who hadn’t developed a taste for alcohol, even the good stuff—and led us to an empty table near the back of the establishment.

We’d barely settled into our seats when Mason appeared, sliding into the chair across from me with his usual unhurried grace. His granite-grey eyes sparkled with mischief as he gave me a once-over. “Evening, princess,” he drawled.

I sighed, steeling myself. For ten years, I’d worked hard to keep my identity under wraps, only for everything to unravel spectacularly in recent days. Thankfully, Mason and Eliza were the only earthbound paranormals who knew my true identity. But I knew what they said about secrets—they never stayed quiet forever.

When I didn’t respond, Mason’s gaze slid to Rathiel, his expression turning serious. “Good to see you again. And I’m glad you’re back on your feet.”

Rathiel inclined his head slightly. They’d met a few days ago after Rathiel and I had taken out a particularly violent pack of hellspawn vampires sent by Lucifer. Rathiel had taken a blow meant for me, one that had left him knocking on death’s door. My blood had nursed him back to health—but I was tryingvery hardnot to think aboutthatmoment.

“So, what brings you back?” Mason asked. “Just couldn’t stay away from us?”

I huffed a small laugh. “Something like that.” I set my glass down and stole a quick glance around. “Is Eliza here tonight? I was hoping to talk to both of you.”

“Oh, is this about…?” Mason’s voice dropped off as he pointed down with a grimace.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, it is.”

He nodded. “I’ve seen Eliza around. You know her. She always comes in for a drink before heading out on a job. Let me text her and see where she is right now.” He pulled out his phone, his thumbs flying across the screen. It didn’t take long before a smile graced his lips. “She’s out back chatting with a few other mercs. But she says she’ll only be a few more minutes if you’re willing to wait.”

I nodded and took a sip of my drink, the booze burning in all the right ways.

Mason pocketed his phone and leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning Rathiel as if trying to piece together a puzzle. “So,” he began, tilting his head, “what’s it like being back in the land of the living? You looked pretty rough the last time we crossed paths.”

Rathiel’s expression didn’t falter, but his tone carried a hint of dry humour. “It’s an improvement, I’ll admit.”

Mason nodded. “Glad to hear it. Here’s hoping Lily doesn’t drag you into any more trouble. Though, trouble is kind of her specialty.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m sitting right here, you know.”

“Exactly,” Mason said, flashing me a grin.

Rathiel gave a slight shake of his head, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

Before I could respond, the front door swung open, and the usual din of the bar quieted. I glanced up and spotted Eliza standing in the entry, her sea-green eyes scanning the room with practiced ease. Like clockwork, heads turned. Patrons shifted in their seats, their gazes trailing her every move as though she was a magnetic force they couldn’t resist. A nearby vampire knocked over his glass, and a werewolf stumbled mid-step, his beer sloshing on to the floor. Someone nearby let out a low whistle that earned them an elbow from their companion.

I chuckled under my breath and reached for my glass, murmuring, “Every time.”

Eliza didn’t even have to try—her siren allure worked like a gravitational pull, and everyone in her orbit succumbed to it. I shot a glance at Rathiel, curious to see if she’d ensnared him. Last he’d seen her, he’d been too busy bleeding out for his blood to flow south to certain parts. But now?

Nothing. Not even a hint of distraction. Instead, he watched the room with detached observation. No slack-jawed awe, no lingering stare, just calm indifference.

Huh.

He caught me watching, and to my absolute shock, he winked. My brain short-circuited. Rathiel—the dark, broody vampire who carried centuries of angst like a badge of honour—winked. At me.

Good lord, my heart stopped dead in my chest.

“You okay there?” Mason’s voice, laced with amusement, broke through my stunned silence.

I forced a cough, snapping out of my trance. “Fine,” I muttered, taking a large gulp of whiskey that burned all the way down.

Eliza finally spotted us and sauntered over like she owned the place, her leather jacket swaying with every step. The lingering stares didn’t faze her. If anything, she seemed amused by them. Typical Eliza.

“Hey, girl,” she said, sitting in the last chair at the table. Her arms draped over the tabletop as her gaze took in the three of us. “I’m so happy to see you. I didn’t think you’d come back, you know, considering…everything.”

I nodded, then decided it would be best to just dive right into my request. I had a feeling it would take a fair bit of convincing to get them to agree, and I didn’t want to be here all night.

“That’s actually why I came,” I said. I leaned forward, resting my forearms on the table. “Things haven’t improved since we last spoke. In fact, they’ve gotten worse.”

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