In theory, she had everything she needed—except Hugo. And where the hell is Zee? She’d arrived early with the hope that she might extract Hugo’s signature before the opera began, but as the minutes ticked by that became less likely. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, pushing out all thoughts of hellfire and shadow demons. Tonight, she needed to focus, or she’d have to face Emerazel and submit to those horrific flames again. The thought curdled her stomach. Maybe someday she’d figure a way out of this—maybe even a way to save Hugo—but right now, she had more immediate problems. Like avoiding the wrath of a bloodthirsty goddess.

Someone brushed her elbow and she moved to make room.

“Thanks miss,” said a melodious voice.

She glanced at her neighbor, and found herself staring into the face of a gorgeous, man, immaculately dressed in a black tuxedo. Golden skin and pale grey eyes contrasted with his dark hair, and he flashed her an inviting smile. This was the kind of gorgeous man she should be lusting after—a normal, human man who wouldn’t attack her with swords and tell her friends she’d overdosed on heroin.

The man adjusted his cufflinks, and the way his eyes raked over her body made her want to blush. “My name is Abe. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Ursula,” she said, trying to keep her eye on the lobby.

“Is this your first time at the opera?”

With a great deal of effort, she pulled her gaze away from his beautiful face. She wasn’t here to socialize, and she needed to focus on her target. “First time. Yes.” She stared at the lobby, desperate for a sign of the pop star.

“You seem a little overwhelmed.”

Act normal, Ursula. “Just excited, and a bit preoccupied by work.” Condemning people to hell isn’t a walk in the park, you know. Her hands tightened around the railing.

He kept his gaze fixed on her. “Well, I think you’ll find the opera is the perfect place to set aside life’s anxieties and experience something extraordinary.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for.” If only she could set aside her anxieties—her overwhelming fear of Emerazel’s flames, the gnawing guilt at her new role. And what were those images she’d seen when she thought Kester was going to slaughter her—the crumpled body on the floor, drenched in blood? She shuddered.

Whatever they were, this wasn’t the time to delve into it. Focus, Ursula.

The crowd below quieted, all turning to look at the entrance. Ursula’s heart skipped a beat as she watched the crowd part. Hugo and Virginie stepped into the lobby, flanked by three security guards. Ursula’s breath caught. This was her moment to save her own life.