He made a sound, an amused sound, like a laugh, but not quite. “You killed my representative,” he said. “He had been most loyal. For a hundred years, he spoke with my voice on Earth. He was my eyes, my ears, my hands. He enacted my wrath, secured my vengeance, delivered my judgement. And you killed him.”

She nodded. “What can I do? How do I make that up to you?”

“I am in need of a new representative.”

Amber nodded again. “I can find him for you. Absolutely. Tell me where to start looking.”

“You,” said Astaroth, standing. “You will be my representative.”

Amber blinked. “What?”

“You have cheated me. Evaded me. Insulted me. I sent the Hounds of Hell after you, and only one returned – and he could only manage to bring me your friend. You are proving yourself worthy of the position.”

“But … but I can’t be your representative,” said Amber. “I don’t … I’m not bad.”

“Human morality is of little interest to me,” Astaroth replied. “If you say no, your friend will be delivered to Demoriel, who most likely will devour his soul upon seeing him. And you I will torture, humiliate, and degrade. I will make you suffer for a hundred thousand years, or until I grow bored of your screams. Now what do you say to my offer?”

“What … what will it mean? What will I have to do?”

“Whatever I tell you. Your first act is a simple one – ensure that no harm befalls my brother. I want him in that cell for eternity.”

“Do I have to … do I have to stay here?”

Astaroth smiled with cold amusement. “Your place is among the living. For now.”

“And Milo goes free, right? You’ll let him return with me?”

“Of course. But this is your final chance. Do you accept?”

“I … I accept,” she said.

Astaroth smiled again. “Good. Unchain him, Fool.”

Fool did as he was told.

“You may take him back with you when you are done,” said Astaroth.

“When I’m done doing what?”

“Why, you eat of my flesh and drink of my blood, of course,” said Astaroth, holding out his arm.

“Oh,” said Amber.

Her legs wouldn’t work right, but eventually she got them moving, and walked slowly to where the Shining Demon stood. He didn’t say anything more, didn’t offer further instructions, so she lightly took his arm and guided it towards her mouth.

She’d eaten Alastair. She’d eaten Benjamin. She’d eaten a dead man, and she’d eaten a man alive. She had crossed so far into the realms of unexpected behaviour that she’d thought there would be nothing she was not prepared to do. And yet taking this first bite …