We all take the same place at the table as we did before. A few servants bring food. They’re shackled and I wonder what they did to get them this gig. My father might be a lot of things, but it seems he only punishes those who truly deserve it. At least I can hope.

“What brings you to Hell, darling?” my father asks.

You can’t tell your dad that you came here for a Halloween sex club performance. “Dax wanted to show me Hell on Halloween,” I say.

My dad glares at Dax, but then nods his head. “I see, and the reason why you are here?”

“I would like to go on assignments with Dax.”

“Hm, and how is your training going?” He looks over at Dax for that answer. His hand is proudly on my shoulder.

“We’re working on perfecting portaling and her strength, but she is doing amazing.”

“And you do not wish to stay in Hell, take your rightful place as my heir?” my dad asks. I nearly choke on the club sandwich I’m eating and look over at Mara.

“I think I would be better suited elsewhere,” I say.

“Very well, and you, Mara?”

“I would love to stay, if that’s okay with you, Blair?” She looks at me guiltily, like she’s taking something from me.

“I promise, being with Dax, traveling multiple dimensions. That’s what I want.”

“Very well, but I have a stipulation,” my dad says.

“Okay?”

“I choose your missions, not some handler. That way, I can see you often.”

“That works for me,” I say. I look at Dax, and he doesn’t look as happy about this revelation, but he smiles at his lord.

We finish our meal with gentle conversation. Things are nowhere near as awkward as they were last time. Mara is pretty quiet, and I can’t help myself when I give her a casual smile. I might not forget about her possessing me, but I can try to forgive. She smiles back and I watch her relax.

My father dabs the side of his lips with his napkin and slides his chair back. “Very well, Blair and Dax. Shall we go to my study to discuss your first assignment together?”

I beam at him and slide out of my chair, eager to see what our first job will be. Dax takes my hand as we follow my dad to the study.

He opens the door, and we enter, Dax shutting it behind us.

My dad hands Dax a file. “This is the kraken realm. There are a few demons who keep setting shit on fire, killing people. Without a food source, the krakens are becoming volatile. None of these demons are corporeal. You should be able to exorcise them or stab them with that handy dandy knife you have, Dax.”

Dax nods his head. “You don’t think this is too much?” he asks.