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said meekly, sliding in through a slit in the door. He never opened doors very wide, and Scelestus wasn’t sure whether it was out of habit from being sneaky, or if he wasn’t strong enough to push them all the way. “I don’t mean to disturb you in your time of need.”
    “No, it’s quite alright.” Gabriel had already settled back down on the bed. He had never liked Jinn, and Jinn spoke to him as little as possible.
    “I need to speak with the Lady for a moment.” Jinn looked at her.
    “Now?” Scelestus kept her voice even, but her eyes shot daggers at him. She didn’t want to leave her husband’s side for fear that someone would come in and talk sense in him, reminding him that Lily would never run away.
    “It’s of grave importance,” Jinn said emphatically, his gray eyes meeting hers.
    “Is it about my daughter?” Gabriel perked up, hearing the insistence in Jinn’s voice.
    “No, no.” Jinn answered too quickly, and Scelestus was already moving away from Gabriel. She didn’t wanted Jinn saying too much.
    “Excuse us, my Lord, I’ll be right back.” Scelestus didn’t look back at him and hurried out the door before he could say anything. As soon as the door shut behind her, she hissed at him, “What is it?”
    “Not here.” Jinn eyed the area around them suspiciously. “The walls have ears.”
    The servants were notorious for eavesdropping, especially on Scelestus. Any gossip about her was worth her weight in gold, it seemed. She hurried Jinn along as fast as he could go and practically shoved him into a secret passage way. Once she was certain they were safe, she crossed her arms and glared at him.
    “Well?”
    “I am very sorry.” Jinn bowed his head, wringing his heads together. Whatever news he had, he was too afraid to even look at her when he delivered it. “I’ve just received word from Valefor.”
    “That my package has arrived on time, in one piece?” Scelestus asked through gritted teeth.
    “No, my Lady, I am very sorry,” Jinn repeated, his voice getting quieter. “She never arrived. Valefor doesn’t know where she, or the delivery boy, is.”
    “You mean that horrible fool Lux has run off with her?” Scelestus had to use all her might to keep from yelling. She balled her hands into fists at her sides, her long nails digging into her skin.
    “I’m not sure, my Lady.” He shook his head. “Valefor did not know, and I haven’t had a chance to investigate myself. I came to you immediately, for your wishes.”
    “Valefor doesn’t know where his errand boy is?” Scelestus sneered and shook her head. “Maybe he’s not as powerful as I thought, if he can’t keep tabs on one stupid boy and one even stupider girl.” She exhaled deeply and unfurled her fists. She rubbed a hand on her temple and breathed again. “No matter. I’ll find them myself. And when I do, I’ll slaughter them both.”
    “Would you like me to get your grimoira?” Jinn asked, looking up at her.
    “No. I’ll use my cauldron to find Lily. All I need is a lock of her hair, and then I’ll be able to go out and retrieve her.” Scelestus smiled wider as she thought of something. “And maybe I’ll find that idiotic boy who thought it wise to double cross me.”

5
    Ever since he’d met that girl, nothing seemed to be going right for Lux. He’d left her in the woods the night before with the full intention of finding a replacement girl for Valefor and returning to his normal life. Unfortunately, he’d been unable to obtain a girl.
    Every time he met a suitable one, he’d feel this weird knot in his stomach when he thought about taking her back to Valefor. He’d never felt anything like it, at least not that he could remember, and he wondered if it was guilt. That seemed to be a common affliction among humans.
    Valefor hadn’t tried contacting him yet, or at least as far as he knew. Lux had been avoiding his usual haunts, including his home. He didn’t want to hear what Valefor had to say