“Seven gates leading to seven hells,” Evander finishes.
“That’s why you asked for those books.” Ruby looks at Lucas and then gets wide-eyed. “We need to access one and can get the Horsemen in.”
Hope flickers inside me like the fire dancing on my palm. “Easier said than done, I know, but it’s something, right?”
“It is,” Tabatha says and closes my fist, putting out the fire. “Tonight, rest easy. We will recast the warding to keep you protected.”
“Thank you,” I tell her, and exhaustion hits me all over again. Lucas and I see everyone out. I give Scarlet and my familiars leftover pizza and continue through my nightly routine, going on autopilot. It does feel good to be in my own bed again, next to my husband.
“I know we both liked the name Elena,” Lucas starts, resting his hand on my stomach. “I did think of something else, something with meaning.”
“What is it?”
“Juliet, in honor of the man who died so she could live.”
Chapter 41
The book closes with a thud, and I straighten up. My lower back is killing me from sitting at the desk in the library for so long. It’s been three days since Julian’s funeral, and we’ve all been hyper-focused on research.
We learned about the Egyptian gods at the Academy. Nons would call it mythology, but we know the truth behind it. Though, like the Greek gods and goddesses, the spirits who were worshipped lost power when humans turned their attention elsewhere. What happened to them remains a mystery, though I think we’re onto figuring it out.
And if we can figure it out, then we send the fucking Horsemen packing, and I can go after Paimon, killing him once and for all. The thought of watching his body burn, swallowed by hellfire, brings me more joy than I want to admit.
It will be a slow death.
The flames will start at his feet, charring the flesh right off his body. Then the smoke will get to him, choking on it as the heat creeps up. The hot air will burn his lungs from the inside out, and then finally, after grueling moments of complete agony, he’ll succumb to the flames.
“Taking a break?” Lucas’s voice startles me. He’s fast and quiet, and I didn’t hear him come into the library. My mind was on Paimon’s screams as he burns to death before my eyes, distracting me.
“Yeah. Evander should be here soon with more books.”
“You’re going to get lunch with him.” It’s more of a question than a statement, and Lucas works to keep his face neutral. He’s wrestling with me going into Thorne Hill with Evander. He’s worried, of course, but also wants me to do something other than plot murderous revenge.
“Maybe we’ll grab takeout and bring it back here.” I look out the window. “It’s a nice day to sit on the porch and eat.” I roll my neck. “Did you come in here because you had good news?”
“No. It was another hollow lead, though I did get the name of someone who worked for the American Research Center in Egypt back in the nineties who might be able to give me the name of someone else who possibly saw the missing piece of the scroll.” He makes a face and crosses the room, scooting my chair out for me. I get to my feet, hooking my hands around his neck, and lean back, trying to crack my spine.
“Is it worth pursuing?” I ask, and Lucas runs his hands down my back, gently pushing on a pressure point and relieving some of my pain. We officially decided on Juliet Elena King for our daughter’s name, and I thought it would be weird to make the name switch since I’ve been calling her Elena for months now, but it felt right.
And it seems like Juliet dropped overnight, which could mean she’s going to be born soon, or it could mean I still have a month to go. My urge to nest turned into desperation to plot the perfect murder, which is totally normal, right?
“It’s a few phone calls, so yes. I’ll see where it takes me from there,” he says, meaning he’s not leaving me. We have no idea when I’m going to go into labor, and we have no idea when Paimon is going to strike again.
Lucas and I go into the family room, sitting on that couch together since it’s bigger and much more comfortable than the one in the library. I shove a pillow under my back and put my feet up, feeling some relief.
“She’s moving,” I tell Lucas. “Ugghhh.” I grit my teeth and toss my head back. “Fuck, that hurts. Her head is in my crotch, like, literally.”
Lucas’s eyes light up. “I don’t take joy in your discomfort, you know that.”
“Of course.”
“I am taking this as a sign you’re getting closer to going into labor.”