Chapter 73

Not even here ten seconds and already hearing his mother's voice. The fact that she'd so easily found him froze Chris and heated him at the same time. It also meant a change in strategy.

The original plan that he and Isobel had concocted - one that relied on Muriel actually helping them escape Hell - had them slipping away from the party and going to ground. AKA hiding and traveling the world, free of duty, free of the Pit.

Then Mommy said hello. I can't leave now. What if his mother pulled the same shit she had at the dinner party? He may not want a sister or a niece, but that didn't mean he would run away and let them face his mother alone.

Despite the comforting feeling of soil - solid, real, earthy, the scent of decay and everything that fertilized it a balm to his soul - Chris stood and surveyed his surroundings. His surprising surroundings.