Page 96 of To Dwell in Shadows
Balancing the ancient book in one hand, Selene explained, “The legend is that Baphomet destroyed the prophecy that put King Asmodeus on the throne. But it’s not true—someone hid it. Look.”
Carefully, she hovered the candle near the book’s lock until it popped open. Inside, she showed Vanthee the prophecies of Baphomet and Asmodeus. By the light of the blue flame, Vanthee’s red eyes glowed purple as she studied the portraits.
“How did you find these?”
“Pure luck. It took me a while to figure out the lock,though.” Selene ran a finger over the jagged edge where the book’s remaining pages had been torn out. “I thought this would show us who the next Dark Sovereign is, but someone ripped out the pages.” She set the book down on a nearby table. “Then I found this.”
She pried back the book binding to reveal the hidden portrait. Carefully, she held it out. First, Vanthee squinted at it, leaning in for a closer look. Making a startled noise, she reached out to touch it, then quickly pulled her hand back. “Is this real?”
“It’s real. And it’s definitely you.”
“How is this possible?” she asked breathlessly.
Selene shrugged. “I’ve learned to stop asking that question.”
Vanthee swallowed as she gaped at the portrait. “But what does it mean? How am I supposed to take the throne?”
“I don’t know. Read the prophecy.” Selene flipped to the portrait over and held it close to the candle to illuminate the words.
“Oh my.” Vanthee touched her horns nervously then rubbed her tattoo. “It was one thing when Prince Samael suggested I compete in the next trial, but this is a lot.”
“I know. But Sam and I believe you’ll make a wonderful queen.”
“Will I?”
Outside the library, a distant voice screeching “Vanthee!” made them both jump.
“It’s my father. We can’t let him see this,” Vanthee said, stuffing the book back into the hole with shaking hands.
“But you saw how I opened it, right?” Selene closed the panel and stuffed several books in front of it. “You’ll have to get over your fear of Zetta.”
“Yes,” Vanthee replied. “I have to go. I don’t want Father to know I’m here and it’s nearly time for the Hailing of Souls.”
“Can I come with?” Selene asked. “I promised I’d help all the souls Sam killed pass over before we leave.”
“All right, but we have to hurry.”
Chapter 47
Selene thought it would be a challenge to round up all of Sam’s victims, but on their way to Spirit Veil Valley, she spotted one floating near the Chapel of Mourning.
“Hey, excuse me!” Selene called. The spirit turned, his pale face lighting with recognition. “If you’re ready to pass into the Afterworld, we’re going right now. Tell the others. And anyone else who wants to come.”
The spirit stared at her, then nodded before floating off. From the corner of her eye, she saw Mammon skulking in a dark corner near the chapel, so she hurried after Vanthee.
Word must have traveled fast because as they made their way into the valley, a small procession of spirits gathered behind them. Unlike yesterday in the maze, the spirits weren’t looking at her with accusatory eyes or bitter glares. Selene could tell they were excited— euphoric, even.
Soon there were nearly twenty-five lost souls ready to transition, drifting behind her like a shimmering patch of fog. A few tried to engage with Zetta playfully, brushing her fur with their translucent hands or attempting to scratch her ears. To Selene’s surprise, Zettaresponded to their simple commands like “sit” and “shake,” confirming that, like her, Zetta could hear the voices of the dead, too.
As Selene descended the rocky stairs in the heart of the valley, the strange lights of the three domes looked different, now that she understood their purpose. The red one still seemed ominous, but the white and blue domes felt hallowed, more sacred to her now. She was grateful to be able to give Sam’s victims peace before they returned home.
“I’m late!” Vanthee said, rushing past her when they reached the bottom. From the entrance of the white dome that connected the living world to the Underworld, she called, “I’ll take your spirits after I cross over the others. Be right back!”
Selene waved her off and stood with Zetta to wait. The lost souls drifted through the valley—circling each dome and hovering outside the entrances. As time stretched on, their anticipation grew increasingly restless.
When is it our turn?one spirit asked. His question caused others to chime in impatiently.
We’ve waited long enough.
