makes symbols in the air. The symbols glow and hover, when each of us has a symbol behind us, I close my eyes as I feel a tug from deep inside of me. It feels like my insides are bottoming out and then I'm pulled down, my knees buckle, and Levi and Creek’s hands tighten on mine. My knees don't hit the ground, and I realize we're falling. My hair whips around my face and the temperature drops dramatically. The feeling fades, and then I feel weightless, right before I crash into something. I'm pulled away from the guys as I fall forward and I fall into whatever it is face first. The groans around me tell me the guys hit it too.
I push up and open my eyes, it takes a minute to adjust to the dim light. When I realize we're here, in the Shadow Realm, something inside of me just knows. I feel faint, and my vision blurs. I fall backwards and the world fades out.
“Amantara, what brings you here again?”
“Caleb, of course I found you first,” I roll my eyes, because why wouldn't Conquest be the first Demon I stumble across down here. Though I'm not sure he counts as a Demon. Are the Four Horsemen Demons? “I was just exploring, trying to see if the request Morganna asked of me is even possible. I need to know this place if I'm going to be able to complete it.”
“Well, then I guess it’s good you stumbled across me. You've only been here a few times. I can show you around.” He winks at me and I laugh.
“Yeah, sure. Is Morganna going to be okay with that?” I laugh and shake my head. “I'd really rather not piss off my only real ally down here you know. The Queen of the Shadow Realm isn't an enemy I want.”
“Oh she'll be fine. She knows she has nothing to worry about. She might be the jealous type, but you're an Angel. You're not exactly the corrupting kind are you? Plus, you’re kind of the reason we’re together so it’s fine.” His smirk makes my heart race, but he's not wrong. Even if I wasn't already in love, jumping into bed with a Demon isn't on my to do list. Not that Morganna's guys are bad, but how she managed to tame the Four Horsemen still baffles me. Even if I did encourage her to take the risk on them.
“Well then, as long as you’re sure. Lead the way. Where exactly are we anyway?” I ask.
“This is the hall of damnation. Where the fun, corrupt little souls come to be assigned. First thing you should know. There are eight levels of the Shadow Realm. Morganna holds the main level in the depths of the realm. We stay there with her, but we help oversee the other seven too. Each other level is run by a higher Demon. They each have their own minions by the thousands, but everyone still bows to Morganna.”
“Oh wow. How many different types of Demon are there?” I ask, because unfettered knowledge of the Shadow Realm isn’t something you get every day.
“Far too many to list. Anyway, as I said, each level is run by a higher Demon. Strong, though nothing compared to us, which is exactly how it should be. Those seven are our deadly sins—it’s how we assign the souls that end up here for eternity. Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust. I mean, they have names, but they’re not important. What is important, is for you to know not to trust any of them. Everyone wants a step up, and having the ear of the queen is something people will use. Bryce, Killian, Malik, and I are the exception. We obviously don’t need you to get to Morganna.” He waggles his eyebrows at me and I can’t help but laugh at his devilishness. If only the humans really knew that what they called Hell was ran by a woman with four lovers, rather than the evil man they perceive as the Devil, I wonder what they’d think. If their patriarchy could even handle it.
“Okay, wow, that’s a lot to take in. Is there a way to pass the other levels to get straight to Morganna’s level? Or will I always have to go through all of the levels? And is there a safe way for me to pass through?”
“Hmmmm, and what would you give me for that information I wonder?” He