Verona surveyed the room, looking for an exit if they needed to escape and summon her Stanza. Celra’s ears bent backward as she too surveyed the room.

Keisha swallowed the lump, and the pounding in her head traveled to her ears. “I’m looking for my mamma, Beatrice Alighieri. She was taken through the Veil by the Black Hand. I’m going to get her back with Verona as my guide and Celra as my protector.”

The Monarch folded his hands together and leaned his elbows on the table, watching Keisha. Cas frowned, looking between the two.

“Pater, if I may, Keisha is a good person and wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t a reason. The Black Hand have been a notorious group and have done shady things in the past. Even the Thirteen Monarchs have no whereabouts where they could be.”

Keisha’s heart sunk in her chest, and her shoulders sagged.

“You don’t know where the Black Hand is?” she asked out loud. Her thoughts of asking him were snuffed out.

“I am afraid not. The Black Hand have been elusive and always been several leagues ahead of us.”

Keisha bowed her head in defeat.

“If I may, Monarch Augustus,” Verona spoke. Keisha lifted her head. “That is why we need to pass through the Gates. We’re going to find Keisha’s mother and track the Black Hand at any cost if you permit us passage.”

Monarch Augustus rubbed his chin. “Yes, my son said that was all you wanted, and if it’s to subdue the Black Hand, I shall grant you three passage through the Gates.”

Keisha’s eyes beamed. “You mean it, sire? Sir?”

“Thank you, Pater,” Cas said to the Monarch.

“Of course, I will send word to the Monarch in the City of Dis, privately. We don’t want chaos to ensue with word of who you are searching for.”

The three girls nodded and thanked the Monarch for access through the Gates.

“And you may attend to the rooms to rest before you continue your journey.”

“Can I ask for something, Monarch Augustus?” Keisha asked. She itched her neck where Verona’s seal was placed.

Monarch Augustus’ sipped from his goblet before answering, “If it is in my power, by all means, ask away.”