We arrived at the forested outskirts of Pandemonium's border at half-past twelve. I fought back a yawn, surrounded by thick, beautifully colored trunks that shone even in the moonlight. Their bark was colorful: deep reds, purples, and greens, even a rare blue or yellow, all mixed with brown in a natural grain The leaves were already tinged by fall, dusky golds and reds, and strange birds sounded through the night. I shivered at a particularly shrill cry.
"What was that?" I said.
Damien, lighting the way with a lantern, shook his head. "A Lilin. One of Lilith's brood. They prey on travelers lost in the woods. Half-man, half-owl, and altogether gruesome."
I glanced at Samael, who glided after me, dressed in his Grim Reaper robe. "Your ex-girlfriend doesn't sound very nice," I observed.
Samael scoffed. "Who, Lilith? Of course not. She's the mother of sin. Then again, I'm the father of it."
I twisted my lip. "And that's something you're proud of?"
