His brows shot toward his hairline. “If that is the case, convincing her to return to Lucifer without it is futile.”
“We have to try.”
“I agree. We have no other option.”
We reached the top of the hill, and the town came into view. Rows of single- and two-story buildings lined the street, their façades made of onyx and garnet. A train track ran across the foot of the hill, and Discord took my hand, tugging me toward a patch of gnarled trees as a whistle blew and the familiar chugga chugga sound vibrated in the air.
“When the train stops, we’ll have to run,” he said. “Are you able?”
I rubbed my chest and took a deep breath. “My lungs still hurt, but I’ll manage. How about you?”
“I will manage as well.” He cut his gaze left and right as the train pulled into the station, its brakes squealing and clanking.
A trail of thick black smoke rose from the engine’s chimney, and an open car behind it held a massive mound of coal, like the old-timey earthly trains. Behind that, it pulled four passenger cars and half a dozen box cars.
“Now.” Discord took my hand again, and together we darted down the hill.
Thankfully, the passengers boarded and exited the train on the opposite side of the track. If we tried to waltz on with them, we’d certainly be met with the same warm welcome we’d received in the last town, and I was way too exhausted to deal with another mob.
We reached the bottom of the hill and dashed left, away from the passengers, before stopping at the second cargo car. A massive padlock, bigger than my hand, secured the door. Discord pulled on it, apparently trying to break it. When he couldn’t, he grunted and paced to the next car. I followed him, peering down the line, but every single one had the same type of lock.
“If I wasn’t stuck in this form, I could pick it with a talon easily.” He gripped the lock, tensing every muscle in his body and pulling with all his might.
“I’m sure whoever created those made sure they could withstand demon strength. May I?” I gestured to the lock.
“Please.” He let go and stepped away.
I hovered my hands over the lock and called on my vim. This act of magic would only add to my exhaustion, but what choice did I have? “Iron bound and sealed tight, hear my call and yield to my might. By flame and force, I break your core. Unlock, unbar, and open the door.”
The lock fell open, and I pulled it off the latch. Discord yanked on the heavy metal door, sliding it open just far enough for us to slip through. Inside was dark and dank, and I lit a fireball in my hand as he closed us in. A stack of boxes sat in one corner, but the rest of the space was empty.
“How long is the ride?” I settled onto the floor, leaning my back against the wall.
“It’s hard to say. Time is?—”
“Different here. Yeah.” I closed my eyes and squeezed the bridge of my nose, willing the impending migraine to go away.
“Your body requires rest.” He sat next to me.
I laughed dryly. “Ya think? It also requires food and a shower.”
“Those things will be available at our next stop. Once we secure the room, I will stay inside while you acquire the provisions.”
“What am I, your personal shopper?” I leaned my head back, and the train began moving, the rhythmic cadence lulling me, making it hard to keep my eyes open.
“Without a disguise, I would be recognized instantly. If we are to spend any amount of time in the canyon, I must remain hidden.”
“Mmm…” was all I managed before I drifted off to sleep.
“Cinder?” Discord’s deep voice seemed to wrap around me, warming me like a heated blanket on a cold winter night. “Wake up. We’ve arrived.”
I snorted, my head jerking as I returned to consciousness. Apparently, I’d gotten cozy during my nap, because I woke with my cheek resting against Discord’s chest, his arm wrapped around me. I blinked a few times as my senses returned, and our cuddled position registered in my brain.
“Sorry.” I sat up, cringing at the drool stain on his shirt and wiping my mouth.
He looked down and chuckled. “It’s better than shedim guts. There’s an outfitter next to the hotel. We should have enough ashmarks left to buy new clothes.”
“Still, I’m sorry for using you as a pillow.” I clambered to my feet and instinctively offered him a hand up.
