Bittersweet Magic (The Order #2)

…


She’d thought she would have to go through Shera to arrange a meeting with Asmodai, but when the elevator doors opened on the reception area, he was waiting. Of course, he was here to destroy the Key. She stepped aside, and he entered to stand beside her.

“Down,” he said.

She pressed the button. “Can I have a word with you afterward?” she asked.

“What about?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

He shrugged. “Why not? I heard about Lamont. I’m sorry.”

“You are?” That was good. Maybe he’d be more amenable to her request.

“I know what it’s like to lose someone you care about. To know he’s still alive and you can do nothing to help ease his burden.”

“Is that what happened with Tara’s mother?”

“I was banished to the Abyss after the last demon wars. She couldn’t follow, and she wouldn’t go home for fear of what they would do to her child. She perished making sure Tara was safe.”

“Well, I’m sorry as well, then. We’re a sorry pair, aren’t we?”

He nodded as the doors opened.

They found Christian with Tara in Piers’ old office, both studiously ignoring her father. Obviously neither of them had forgiven him for nearly killing Tara.

Christian didn’t make small talk, just handed the Key to Asmodai.

The demon wrapped his fingers around the metal, held it in his fist. “So much power.”

“Do it,” Christian said.

Asmodai appeared to weigh it up for a moment then glanced across at Tara. “You know, this is the one thing that could have saved your mother.”

“What? How?” Roz could hear the shock in Tara’s voice.

“She perished because she couldn’t enter the Abyss. When it was clear the war was over, I went to find this, to give it to her. I was on my way to the convent when I was taken and banished. With the Key, Lillian would have been able to follow me. I could have protected her, kept her safe, kept you both safe.”

The Walker rose to his feet. “It must be destroyed.”

“Why?” Asmodai said. “The Key has great power, but it’s not intrinsically evil.”

“You think we’ll let you keep it?”

“No. And I have no more use for the thing.” He took a step toward the other man and held out the Key. “It was only ever the fae who demanded it be destroyed. But perhaps instead, you can keep it safe, and maybe one day it may be used for good rather than evil.”

“You aren’t worried the fae will invade the Abyss?”

Asmodai grinned. “No—you’re welcome. But just make sure you call before you drop in.”

The Walker turned to Christian. “And the Order will allow this?”

“I don’t see why not. We never wanted the Key destroyed.”

“We did, but times change.” The Walker gave a brief nod of his head. “I will take the Key.”

As Asmodai handed it to him, his eyes widened, then he slipped the Key into his pocket. “I must go and inform my brother.” He stepped up close to Roz and took her hand. “Come and visit soon. There’s a home for you with us when you are ready.”

She gave in to the urge and hugged him. Just one time. She reckoned she wouldn’t get another chance. Then he was gone.

“Well, that’s over,” Christian said, taking Tara’s hand in his. “We’re going home.” He looked weary. And sad. Piers had been his friend, so obviously, he wasn’t going to like the way things had turned out. But she guessed Piers hadn’t given him a choice. Piers was good at that. He’d also gotten way too used to people doing what he told them. That was about to change.

When they were left alone, she turned to Asmodai.

He frowned. “What is it?”

“I have to say goodbye to Piers.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He looked at her, and she filled her eyes with the despair she was feeling. “You’ll get over this,” he said. “You hardly know the man. Believe me—he would have pissed you off sooner rather than later. Piers Lamont is an asshole.”

Maybe, but he was her asshole.

“I don’t care what you think. I’m asking for your help. Take me to him.”

“To the Abyss?” He sounded shocked at the idea.

Roz gnawed on her lip. She could do this. Closing her eyes, she willed the tears to come. It wasn’t as though she was faking. She felt like crying, but tears had never been easy for her. She blinked, saw the shock flare in his eyes as a single tear slipped over the edge, and rolled down her cheek.

“Please,” she whispered, “if you ever thought anything of me, help me. Just a few moments to say goodbye.”

“Andarta will kill you if she knows you mean anything to him. Do you think he made this sacrifice just so you could throw your life away?”

“I’ll stay hidden. She won’t see me. Just get me a few seconds with Piers, and afterwards, I’ll leave.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I must be crazy.”

And she knew she had won.