Page 59 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

After I died, the devil reaped my soul, dragging me down into the abyss that is the underworld. Claimed at last.

I'm here, but I'm not alone. I've made some odd acquaintances, one of which put some kind of spell on me so I can't feel the heat. This makes being here less miserable. Silver linings and all that.

One of the demons explained how my soul works; I had a tether in Bedlam that kept me coming back. Until I didn't.

At night, I lie awake wondering ... maybe that tether is you. If it is, my dying makes sense. I watched the light bleed out of your eyes, a death so much worse than my own. The agony of it stole my breath away and crippled my spirit.

My soul had nothing more to live for in that moment, so I assume I died when my heart broke. This is all speculation, but if it's true, I have some measure of comfort knowing I gave you a feather. I only wish I'd been able to leave you with more before I left.

Someday, I'll see you again. Whether in Bedlam, or in the afterlife, I don't know. While the penitentiary kept me from you, I have a confession to make. Each night, I'd sift to the shores of Penn Island just so I could feel close to you. It eased the ache in my chest knowing you weren't far, even if I couldn't see you.

I only wish I could do that now.

There's an event coming up called the Forsaken Hunt. If I win, I get a favor from Aggonid. I've got a plan that'll hopefully bring me home. And just maybe we can be together again. Now that I know the security protocol at the prison, I think I'll be able to get in without being under their watch.

We'll run away together.

Whether we go to Earth, Romarie, or some other realm, wherever I'm with you, I'm home.

Missing you like crazy,

Morte

Islam open the desk drawer and rifle through it, scooping out handfuls of wax and tossing them onto the desk. Arranging a cluster, I grab an iron sigil, and press it hard into the wax. Watching it pool and spread, it seals the letter with a searing flame.

Caius watches me from across the imposing room, leaning leisurely against a deep-seated couch. The walls are made of cold stone and the floors are hard marble, radiating the power of the god that resides here. Every corner of Hellwing castle speaks of the grandeur of a royal figure who commands absolute obedience. Where the manor was all homey and cozy, perfect for family, this place is meant to intimidate and exude power. Every inch of the looming edifice demands authority, from the granite walls to the windows that glare like the eyes of a predator. Its regal archways reach for the vaulted ceiling, daring anyone to challenge its primacy; a silent reminder this place was built solely for force.

"All finished," I call out, my voice ringing off the walls as I stride towards him. "Can you take me to Aggonid?"

I feel the oppressive weight of his magic before I see or hear him. "What do you need with me?" His voice is like a cold blade, barbed with venom.

I spin around on my heel, my gaze meeting the devil's ruby eyes, and I try not to tremble. He normally wears his hair braided close to his scalp on one side, but he looks freshly washed. I lift my chin, determined. "This is my letter for Wilder." I clutch the wax-sealed letter close to my chest for a beat, then extend it out to him. "Please ensure he gets it."

He clicks his tongue in disapproval. "That wasn't our agreement. I vowed to ask High King Finian to bring your message to him. Whether or not he delivers is no longer in my hands."

"He'll do it. I'm friends with the high king and queen."

"Are you now?" he sneers, eyes narrowing and jaw tightening. "Look at you, reaching above your station. Nasty habit."

Scowling, I choose to ignore the jab, straightening my shoulders and glaring at him. "Are you going to make sure Finn takes the letter, or should I?" The weight of his stare presses down on me, but I don't back down.

He barks an amused laugh. "I may rarely grant deals, but make no mistake," he toys with the suppression necklace at my throat before his hand retreats, taking his warmth with it, "I always hold up my end of the bargain. I'll make sure the high king receives your letter."

It takes a moment for the words to sink in, but I don't bother to thank him. Instead, I turn my back on the devil and approach his closet, flinging the door open.

"What the fuck are you doing?" He grabs my arm, spinning me around to face him.

"Get your hand off me," I hiss, yanking out of his grip. "I'm getting pajamas."

His nostrils flare. "You do not get to enter my closet without permission."

"I'm not stealing anything. I'm getting clothes for the night," I say flatly, reaching for a hanger. "Do you treat all of Caius' guests this way?"

He pauses for a moment, considering. "Caius never has guests. Just you."

Caius appears next to Aggonid, looping an arm around his waist and pressing a kiss to his temple before leveling me with a look. "Did you forget already?"

"What?" I hiss.

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