Page 103 of Judge of Saints and Sinners

Father sighed. “That’s a good point, Nephesh. There seems to be an abundance of Underworld secrets making it to his group. I know that Arafel has his very best creatures attempting to find the individuals responsible for sharing our details with the Drude. But it will take time.”

“We don't have time, Father. There’s more you should know.” I licked my lips, my arm snaking around to hold Justine closer. “I want you to know that there was nothing we could’ve done.”

Father’s head tilted, but he waited silently. Around us, water dripped from the stalactites far above.

“Tell him what you told me.”

Justine fidgeted again but looked boldly across the cave to where Father stood. “There's another witch being held there. She’s been there since she was a kid. She’s one of your soul bonded too.”

“And?”

“She said that when she first arrived, she was taught magic from another great witch.”

I stared at my father, waiting to see his reaction. His eye twitched, but he remained relaxed. The picture of controlled power.

“She claimed that her teacher was the first witch.”

Shadows leapt, and I pulled Justine back into my body as my father advanced on us. At my side, Arafel’s wings snapped out, Lucia crowded to stand beside Justine.

He slowed, seemingly aware that he was threatening. “That’s not possible, witch. She was taken from us years ago, long before the Drude. I would’ve known if she was still alive. I would’ve sensed her.”

“Faye, the witch, she was sure of it. She said the witch was the keeper of the Underworld but had refused to give up her mate. The Drude had taken her somewhere else. Faye studied on her own after that.”

“Where did he take her?”

“She didn't know. After that, she trained alone or with the other witches who came through to serve the Drude.”

Father whirled away, his magic a dark swirl. “We need that witch.”

“Father…” Arafel reached out.

“I need to find her.” He snapped his fingers, and two immense red figures appeared. They wore heavy black-plated armor, their red flesh nearly covered by the material as they turned as one to bow to my father. “My wife may be alive. I want you to find her. Now.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Failure will result in your destruction. Do you understand?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” Lucifer snarled. And then together, all three disappeared in a snap.

Justine cleared her throat. “Sorry about that. I think I might have…”

“It doesn’t take much, honestly,” Lucia said, stepping forward. “Does this mean you are planning on staying in the Underworld? Your deal will protect you—you know, from the elements here.”

Justine’s fingers interlaced with mine. “I’m staying with Nephesh. He’s my family. So whatever that means.”

“If you are his family, then that means you are ours too.”

My mate wrinkled her nose, and Arafel let out a huff. “I understand that isn’t very appealing right now. But if you ever decide to forgive us, we would welcome another human into our fold.”

“What about a witch?”

God I loved her.

Arafel smiled broadly, “Absolutely.”

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