Page 139 of Blood that Burns

“I... I’m not sure I’m doing it right,” Marina admits.

I huff a humorless laugh. “You’re doing it right. It’s just being smart. It knows if it shows its face here, I’ll end its miserable life.”

“What do we do?” Marina asks Julian, and he shrugs, slouching back into the highbacked chair in our father’s study.

He sighs. “I think it’s time we tell Lawrence about the invitation.”

My eyes narrow in on my brother. “Invitation? What invitation?”

Marina opens the top drawer to the desk and pulls a large, white envelope from the top before walking toward me with her arm extended.

Swirly letters are scrawled across the front: Julian Bellamy.

I lift a blood-red piece of stock paper from the envelope. A filigreed border of black sets off the words in the middle. In black script font, it says:High demon Nolda requests the presence of Julian Bellamy in Hell. Two days from the date of delivery, you’ll be expected at the portal where you’ll be given access. Await further instructions.

“What the hell does that mean? When did you get this?”

“Yesterday,” Julian breathes out.

“What does this have to do with anything?” I ask, looking between my brother and Marina.

“I think I can answer that,” Shante says, sweeping into the room like some specter.

I eye her wearily, not sure I can take her non-answer answers.

“There’s upheaval in Hell, and Nolda is looking for allies.”

“I don’t give a fuck about Hell’s issues. My only concern is getting Maggie back.”

Shante places her hand on my shoulder. “This invitation might be the only way for you to gain access to the Fae kingdom. I’ve seen it, Lawrence.”

I look to Julian, who offers a nod, signaling he’s already heard whatever Shante has to say on the subject.

“By accepting the invitation, you’ll be granted access to Hell. There you’ll find the only other portal into the Fae lands. One that hasn’t been protected and sealed. An oversight by the Fae that will work to your advantage.”

For the first time since Maggie was pulled through that rock, I can breathe. The thought of marching into Hell isn’t appealing, but I’ll do whatever is necessary to get her back. Even walk through fire and knock through brimstone.

If the only other portal to get to her is through Hell, then it’s not a question.

“We’re going.”

Julian nods. “I’m with you, brother.”

Air wooshes back into my lungs and something like hope sprouts. It’s a dangerous emotion, one that promises the world but doesn’t always follow through. For now, I’m going to hold on to it, because not getting her back isn’t an option.

When I get to the Fae kingdom, they had better be prepared for war, because I have no intention of walking out alive unless Maggie is with me.

To be continued...

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