we’re lucky.”
“Hell,” Hero muttered as he and Leto emerged from the kitchen behind Claire.
“Heaven, if we’re being precise.”
“They’re watching the main gates, but I was discussing our options with Beatrice just now. There’s a road that leads out to the farmlands. Only used by the residents. The bridge looks unguarded. I don’t think they know about it,” Andras said.
“The Hellhounds will smell us the minute Leto and I step outside the wards. How far is this entrance to the nearest realm gate?” Claire shot a sharp look to Beatrice. “There is a gate to an afterworld here, yes? Malta has too much history to be barren.”
“There is . . . of a sort.” Beatrice’s stiff frown fell into uncertainty. “It’s not active, as far as I know. There are some ruins connected to the catacombs—old, very old. There’s a gate there, but I don’t know what it connects to. Could be a dead realm. A lot of beliefs have lived and died here.”
“It will get us out of Earth, which gets us away from the Hellhounds. At this point, I’ll barter passage with the tooth fairy if I have to.”
“The tooth fairy is real?” Leto asked.
Andras’s grin was malicious. “Not the sort you’re thinking, child.”
Claire ignored them both as she considered, rapping her fingers on her crossed arms. “How far from the gates?”
“On foot, at a dead run?” Beatrice sounded doubtful. “It’s close. You could make it in a couple minutes.”
“There’s no outrunning Hellhounds, pup. You step outside the ward, they will be on you.” Andras’s gold eyes softened. “Perhaps you should consider your hero’s offer and stay here.”
Claire raised a brow. “The demon wants me to abandon Hell?”
“The demon doesn’t want to witness his dear friend’s demise. Or that of her stray.” Andras nodded to Leto. “You’ve been through enough. You could stay safe here, just for a while. I can think of something to tell the royal cuss when I get back. Maybe even get him to call off the Hounds.”
A sour huff escaped Claire’s lips. “Even you don’t lie that well, Andras.”
“I’ve accomplished more in my time.” Andras pressed a hand to his lips. “Please. Stay here. Live a long, ridiculously human life. Several lifetimes. Read books, feel the sun, get happy and fat. You’ve done your time; your soul deserves it. Give this pretty idiot a chance to redeem herself.”
Claire shook her head. “There’s too much at stake right now.”
Andras’s eyes strayed to Claire’s pockets. “Send the codex with me. I will take care of it.”
It was tempting, even now, even with Claire knowing what she knew. Perhaps Andras saw that. He saw the way Beatrice had created a home—their home—the one that they’d imagined. There, by the window, where Claire could read within a pillar of sunlight. There, an alcove where her typewriter could go—maybe even the modern equivalent—and she could finally try to write all those stories that had festered and burned cinders into her brain. The quiet streets, the charming locals, the distant sea. The coats by the door, perfectly matched.
Of course it was tempting; fantasy always was. It was terrible and it was beautiful and it was. Claire’s chest felt tight, possible futures clenched in a trembling breath. If she risked looking to Beatrice now, it would be all over. “You’ve been a mentor and a good friend, Andras. Always looking out for my best interests. But you taught me to be a better librarian than that—don’t insult me by asking me to give up my duties now.”
Andras’s smile was strained; a shadow passed over his eyes. “Forgive me, Librarian.”
Librarian, not pup. Claire inclined her head, and turned to find Leto looking at her with sad eyes.
“I’m staying,” he said.
Claire swallowed, still shaken. “That’s not unexpected.”
“I can’t leave, ma’am. I won’t die again.” Leto’s voice sounded flat. “And even if I don’t—I don’t want to be a demon anymore. I’m human here.”
Claire dropped her gaze. She understood; of course she did. And the understanding built to a weight in her chest. She squeezed Leto’s shoulder once, and then there was no more putting it off. She turned to find Beatrice watching her. “You will help him?”
“He can stay as long as he wants. Just as you could.” A quiet had overcome her. It was ridiculous how quickly it came back to Claire, how easily she read Beatrice’s moods. She knew every tell, the way the soft skin at her temple twitched when she was carrying an injury.
The air was dry; that had