We turned away from the river shortly after that, and followed another path, deeper into the woods. Frogs sang in the cool spring night, and owls screeched above us. Pepper seemed to know exactly where we were going, which was relieving considering it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.
Leaves crunched under our feet and branches snapped in the distance. No matter how much I reminded myself that nothing in the woods could win against Lilith, the woods continued to feel eerie. My skin prickled, as if something was watching us.
“We’re almost there.” Pepper picked up the pace. My muscles flexed as I hurried to keep up, and I relished the feeling.
“How long is the ritual supposed to take?”
“That depends on you. When we’re in the altar, after things are set up, you’ll have to call
