“Of course you can, Mr. Dellacourt,” a silky voice said from the
 
 outer reaches of the light. Meg nearly jumped out of her skin as the
 
 light revealed that they were not alone. A Planeswalker was standing
 
 on the steps leading to the second floor. He turned his head from the
 
 light. “If you please, Your Highness, that light is intrusive.”
 
 Meg directed the light out away from his face. Her hands were
 
 shaking as she faced the demon. Was this the same demon who had
 
 taken her here? She thought she recognized the voice. “Are you here
 
 to stop me?”
 
 The demon’s laugh filled the space. “No, Your Highness. I am
 
 here to use the door. I walk these planes on a daily basis. I gain
 
 strength from crossing through the veil. I also take contracts and
 
 receive payment to access the doors from those less intelligent than
 
 yourself and the great Mr. Dellacourt.”
 
 284
 
 Sophie Oak
 
 Dante snorted. “Yeah, I’m great. I almost peed myself when you
 
 started talking. Is he going to kill us?”
 
 “As I haven’t been paid to do so, I will forego any murders this
 
 evening,” the demon promised. “I was looking forward to a very dull
 
 passage. Now I have a bit of excitement. It was very clever of you to
 
 find the door, Your Highness. The hag is going to be somewhat upset
 
 to discover you’ve found your way back to your kingdom. I believe
 
 her employer will be upset as well.”
 
 “Torin,” Meg surmised.
 
 The demon smiled, showing his jagged teeth. “Yes, the pretender
 
 is terrified of the warrior king. He should be even more frightened
 
 now. The philosopher king has a bit of the warrior’s rage since the
 
 bonding. He could prove even more formidable than his twin.”
 
 “Beck isn’t sure he even wants the throne anymore,” Meg said,