How to Manage Hell in Three Easy Steps

Silas closed his eyes, concentrating once more on the soul link. This time, a faint response flickered through the connection. Relief washed over him as Odessa's sleepy voice echoed in his mind.

"Silas? What's going on?" she mumbled, her thoughts fuzzy with drowsiness.

Silas chuckled, the tension draining from his shoulders. "Sorry to wake you. I was worried when I couldn't reach you earlier."

"Just catching up on some much-needed sleep," Odessa replied, her mental voice becoming clearer. "What do you need?"

"Can you be ready to open a portal in a few hours?" Silas asked.

"Absolutely," Odessa confirmed. "Just give me the signal."

"Thanks, Odessa. I'll be in touch." Silas ended the communication, turning to his mother with a grin. "False alarm. She was just sleeping."