Page 37 of Redemption

“Thank you,” I say, nodding in appreciation. “Being back here made me think of those powers again, and I don’t want to go into another fight without knowing how they work.”

“I know.” She smiles softly. “I’ll make sure to teach you everything I can.”

My lips part, and I’m about to ask her more, when a dark shadow catches my eye.

“Look.” I point to the top of the hill. Somehow it wasn’t visible until we crossed over the bridge, but now the castle stands before us looking ... a little worse for the wear.

“Are we sure they’re here?” I ask, scanning the decrepit gates that I’m not sure would keep anyone out. The castle doesn’t look like it’s in any better shape, either. The facade is made from the same obsidian stone as the mountain, but there are divots in the stones ... from an attack? The bricks are crumbling from where it looks like it’s taken damage, and the front door is completely off its hinges. “If I was an archdemon and this was all that was keeping me out, I wouldn’t hesitate to attack here first.”

“It can’t hurt to look,” Octavia says with apprehension. “Maybe they figured this would be the last place their enemies would look.”

“Let’s just hope that if they’re in there, they don’t attack first and ask questions second.” If they are in there and they’re relying on this to keep them safe, they must be powerful enough to fend off anyone who comes looking for them.

Chapter Eleven

Mateo

“Areyousurewecan’t dissipate closer?” I scan the distance, keeping my eyes peeled for any sign of a demon. I might trust Titus more than before, but the jury is still out on Kallen, and if this turns out to be a trap, I want to get Liv out of this realm as quickly as possible.

“I already told you that we can’t,” Kallen snaps, shaking his head in exasperation.

I keep my arms poised by the knives lining my leather armor, not willing to let my guard down for a second. I have my battle shields up, hiding us from sight, but I haven’t told either of them that.

“I thought the god of war was supposed to be tougher than this,” Titus snickers, but I don’t miss the apprehension in his gaze as we travel further into the desolate realm.

At first, I thought we were heading towards the large obsidian mountain, but we veered off to the east, trekking through terrain I’m unfamiliar with.

“Maybe I just don’t want to spend any more time with either of you than necessary,” I quip back snidely.

“Likewise,” Kallen grumbles. “Luckily, we don’t have much further to go.”

“So explain to me why this place is so special,” I ask, wanting to keep the conversation going ... not because I like hearing the sound of their voices but because, if Kallen is distracted, it’s more likely that I’ll be able to tell if he’s about to lead us into a trap.

“It’s hidden from anyone who hasn’t been there before,” Kallen sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face. “If you don’t know that it exists or aren’t led to the exact point, you would simply walk right through it. Rather the magic surrounding it would make it seem as though you were walking straight but you’d actually be going around it.”

“So why didn’t Romulus show me this hidden escape plan?” Titus says, feigning curiosity but a hint of suspicion gleams in his eyes.

“He only showed me,” Kallen huffs in exasperation. His footsteps pause, and we come to a stop beside him. “Can you two stop distracting me? I’m trying to find the markers.”

Titus and I share a look over his head as Kallen looks down at his map. At least we’re both on the same page.

“Good, good,” Kallen mutters almost to himself and marches forward again.

“If he only showed you, then how would all the other dark gods and demons know to go there?” Titus asks. We let Kallen take the lead, and we both trail a few steps behind, alternating as we look around in different directions. My jaw ticks as I focus, wishing I knew that Linus and his spies were still with us.

“He must’ve led them all there,” Kallen huffs, looking over his shoulder at us incredulously. “Is this really the time for jealousy?”

“I was never jealous of you.” Titus chuckles and shakes his head. “I never even wanted to be a part of this whole mess.”

“Fine,” Kallen says as though he’s trying to pacify his brother. “You never cared that our father always trusted me and not you.”

“It’s hilarious that you still don’t see the truth,” Titus says in disbelief. I cut a look of warning towards him, but he ignores me. “You were always blinded by Romulus; you were his puppet. He never cared about you. He never cared about anyone but himself.”

“Titus,” I murmur as Kallen’s shoulders stiffen. This was definitely not part of the plan.

“Oh no, please let him continue,” Kallen snaps, turning on his heel to face us. “Please, brother, tell me what you really think.”

“I think I’m still trying to determine if this change of heart is all an act or if you really do see how deep you were into his deception,” Titus growls, taking a step towards his brother.

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