“And, free Hannah from Hell.”
“I’ll march into Hell and confront Darkyn myself.”
“Don’t make me regret this,” Kris said and shook his head. “Just get her out.”
“I will, Kris.”
“Oddly enough, I believe you.” Kris said. He strode past Rhyn to stand before Death.
Rhyn watched, torn between defending his brother as he’d done before and letting Kris go. Even in Hell, Rhyn comforted himself with the knowledge that he’d protected his brothers.
“I’m happy to call you my brother, Rhyn,” Kris said. His gaze focused on Death. “I’m ready.”
His words made Rhyn’s throat tighten. He’d never acted in order to gain his brothers’ favor, but Kris’s words affected him more than he thought they would. There was a flash of light and Kris was gone. Gabe jerked, as if surprised to find himself still standing.
Death held out her closed hand to Rhyn. He crept forward warily and extended his. She dropped a small green gem into it.
“You can keep it,” she said.
He looked at it hard, not sure what to think about holding Kris’s soul in his palm.
“Why am I still here?” Gabe asked tersely. “You got your two souls.”
“I’m sure you noticed that my domain in overrun with demons,” Death said casually. “My … interference put the underworld – and all the little humans’ souls – at risk, weakened the barriers between here and Hell. You were right, Gabe. Even my actions have consequences.”
Rhyn lowered his hand, the strange note in her voice warning him the game wasn’t over.
“Darkyn won this round,” she said again. “I can dispel the demons, but they’ll return. As long as I am here, the barrier will remain weak. There are Codes older than me, older even than my predecessors. I have no choice. I interfered, and now I must relinquish my title. I’m leaving.”
“Leaving?” Gabe echoed, gaping. “What do you mean you’re leaving?”
“I’m going through the portal. Wherever it takes me, is where I’ll go.”
“And the demons and souls?” Rhyn asked as Gabe stood, speechless. “What about them?”