Think, she told herself desperately. Normal magic doesn't work. What will work?
The creature circled her slowly. Playing with her. Enjoying her fear.
"You are weak," it said. "Desperate. Pathetic. You came to the Underworld seeking power you do not deserve. Now you will die here. Alone. Forgotten."
Victoria felt rage spike through the pain.
"I'm not dying here," she said.
"No?" the creature challenged. "Then show me, witch. Show me why you deserve passage."
Victoria made a decision.
She had been researching forbidden magic for two days. Had been preparing to make deals with death gods. Had been planning to use dark techniques to resurrect Lilith.
She knew spells she should not know. Magic she should not touch. Power that would corrupt her if she used it.
But corruption was better than death.
Victoria called up the magic she had read about in Thalia's journals. The magic her cousin had used to deal with demons and Underworld entities for years.
Blood magic.
