Magic Undying (Dragon's Gift: The Seeker #1)(17)

“I’ve called my contact at the Order of the Magica,” Aidan said. “I thought this guy sounded familiar, and I was right. He’s called the Warden of the Underworld. All the Underworlds.”

“That sounds bad.”

“It is,” Aidan said. “At least if you want something different than he does.”

I frowned. “Like me.”

“Exactly. He’s the most powerful figure in the Underworld, but his position is kept quiet because he likes it that way. It’s one of his rules.”

“But the Order of the Magica doesn’t follow anyone else’s rules,” I said.

“They follow his. They need him. He keeps the peace in a place that no one else has access to. He keeps Underworld problems from spilling over onto Earth.”

“How?” A lot of underworlds made up what we collectively called the Underworld.

“I don’t know. But he appeared on the scene about ten years ago after convincing all of the kings of the different hells to report to him.”

“Holy shit,” I breathed. How did one man accomplish that? He wasn’t even thirty yet. Late twenties, max.

“The dead obey him,” Aidan said. “As for how he convinced the kings of hell to do the same, I don’t know. But because of it, he’s now a liaison between the Order of the Magica and the Underworld.”

“So he’s government,” Cass said.

Aidan nodded. “In a sense. He doesn’t work for them, though they pay him a fee. But he’s ruthless about law and order. It’s the only way to keep the different Underworlds in control. If he discovers what you are, he will turn you in to the Order. It’s in his nature. It’s how he’s maintained his power—constant adherence to his rules. He’s notorious for it.”

“Dr. Garriso said he even turned his own brother in for some infraction,” Nix said.

“What?” My stomach dropped. I couldn’t imagine such a thing. His own brother? I’d never do that to Nix or Cass.

“That’s it. I don’t like it.” Cass gripped my hand. “You should run, and we’ll do this on our own. It’s not worth the risk. You’re a FireSoul, and your power over death is too unknown. You’re as different as they come.”

“I can’t run.” The idea made me ill. “Then I’d never stop. I don’t want a life away from you guys. And I need to figure out what I am. He might be able to help.”

Cass looked at Aidan. “You can keep her hidden, Aidan. Your wealth could hide anyone. And we could see her.”

He reached for her hand, the love in his eyes so clear it made my heart clench. “If I thought it would work, she could have all of it. But the Warden makes me look like a pauper. There’s no resource he doesn’t have.”

My jaw slackened. Aidan was the richest guy I’d ever met. He owned a freaking plane, for magic’s sake. A big one. The Warden was wealthier than him? And powerful enough to cow the kings of hell?

I couldn’t hide from a guy like that. Not that it was the right thing to do with this demon on the loose, anyway.

“He’s going to go after the Ubilaz demon,” Nix said. “What if he catches it before we do? Then we won’t get its blood. It’s best if Del tracks that demon with the Warden, and we try on our own to find another one. We’ll double our chances of getting what we need.”

“And he’s not outright evil,” Aidan said. “Not according to my sources. He adheres strictly to the rules and has a strong sense of honor. Find the demon, make him beholden to you. After that, his honor will demand that he help you. It’s the best way.”

“But he’s half demon,” I said. “How could he have such a strong sense of honor? They’re known for being untrustworthy.”

“Maybe he’s different,” Nix said. “Remember—people judge us harshly because we’re FireSouls. But we’re not evil.”

Shit, she was right. I hated stereotyping people. It was a jerky thing to do.

Still, unease tugged at me. He was part demon. Every other one that I’d met—that anyone had met—had been an evil killer. I tried to shove the thought aside.

“You can kill two birds with one stone this way,” Nix said. “Cure yourself, and maybe get the Warden off your back.”

Cass frowned. “Fine. I don’t like it, but fine.” She reached down on the other side of the couch and pulled out a short sword, then handed it over to me. “This was the closest to your sword. Think it will fit?”

I hefted the short steel blade. The weight was off and the balance weird, but it was a quality blade. Cass only collected the finest. “Yeah. It’s great, thanks.”

“It’s not great because it’s not yours.” Understanding glinted in Cass’s eyes. “But it’s better than nothing.”

“Exactly,” I said.

Cass tugged the chunky, pale stone ring off her hand and handed it to me. “Here. Take my lightstone ring. I know you normally light up your sword with your Phantom glow to help you see in the dark, but you can’t do that around the Warden. So you’ll need this.”

I took the ring from her, my heart swelling. It was one of Cass’s favorite treasure-hunting tools and came in immensely handy. “Thanks. You’re the best.”