Page 40 of Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones

Korbin grimaced. “It is not our place to judge. We collect the soul and deliver it.”

“Bullshit,” Nox growled. “Surely it won’t matter if it’s a little battered upon delivery?”

“Nox. No. You know we can’t do that, however much it pains us.” Korbin turned in my direction, his pale white eyes filled with sorrow. “I’m sorry, Raevyn. We are only here to collect.”

“I know.” The fact that they were all so torn up about it was enough for me. “Let’s nail this bitch.”

Chapter Nineteen

Korbin

Ikept my hand on Rook’s shoulder, letting him lead me as we headed deep into the Witches’ Quarter. I’d never liked this place. Without sight, I was more sensitive to the touch of magic, and I could feel it brushing against my skin as we walked along the streets. Charms and blessings, wards and warnings, all jumbled together to either keep people away or entice them in. It was a confusing mix, and it left my body feeling a little on edge.

Rook’s shoulder was tense beneath my fingers, no doubt feeling the weird press of magic without being wholly aware of it.

“We aren’t far,” Raevyn said, her melodic tone wavering slightly with nerves. When she’d told us about Nissa and what her coven had allowed her to do, I was furious. I had always been a stickler for rules, and I hated that the rules now prevented me from putting fear into Nissa’s heart. I wanted to burn her skin from her bones, carve out her eyes and shove them down her throat, make her bleed and—

“You alright there, love?” Rook asked softly.

“Yes, why?”

“Because you’re about to rip my arm off with how you’re gripping it.”

I loosened my hold on him. “Sorry.”

“Raevyn?” he asked softly.

I nodded. I just wanted to wrap her up and make the world pay for what it let happen to her. No one deserved that.

“I’m worried what she might do when faced with collecting Nissa’s soul.” I wouldn’t put it past Raevyn to submit to the vengeance burning in her core. “If I were in her shoes, I’d be wanting to rip the woman to shreds.”

“Such violence and such pretty words,” Rook purred.

“Stop it,” I admonished, but he just laughed under his breath.

We all walked as a group towards Nissa’s house. My understanding from her file, was that Nissa was some sort of ambassador for the Raathmore coven. A go between for the witches and other territories and species. I remember the days before the Veil fell, when humans ruled and supernaturals kept to the shadows. Us Revenants were always part of cultural folktales though. You could find traces of us in tales all across the globe and I understood that. We were linked with death and people feared death, so it was only natural that stories were invented to make them feel more comfortable with it.

I imagine if anyone saw us now, we’d be pretty intimidating. We moved like shadows, slow and graceful, dressed all in black and death magic clinging to us in a way that would have you running. No wonder there were so many horror stories about us. We radiated death.

Rook stopped walking and the footsteps of the group halted around us.

“We’re here,” Raevyn said, and I felt her move closer to me, the scent of lavender and lilies growing stronger. I wanted to bury my nose in her hair. Which was odd. I hadn’t been tempted by anyone since Rook and I had become a pair. But there she was, enticing and within reaching distance. It was a little unsettling if I were being honest with myself. I felt disoriented, like the balance of things had shifted, and when she’d made me cum earlier… fuck, just thinking about it was making me hard and now was not the time for that.

“Have you been in the house before, Raevyn?” I asked, hoping she would help get my bearings before I went in.

“Only once. I came with my grandmother when Nissa first moved here. They enchanted the house with protection spells and celebrated Nissa’s new role.” Raevyn paused, and I could hear the faint sounds of her gnawing her lip.

I turned towards her, an idea forming in my head. “May I try something?”

“Of course,” she replied instantly.

“Always so trusting.” I chuckled and held out my hands towards her face. She reached out and grabbed my wrists, lowering them slightly.

“I’m not that tall,” she said, but there was an amusement in her tone.

“Sorry.”

I heard Rook step away and talk to the others in a hushed tone. Then footsteps echoed down the street as they went to look around the perimeter. Apart from us, no one was here. It was quiet. Too quiet for a street full of houses, if you asked me.

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