Page 45 of Destined to the Reaper

Hoisting myself on my tippy toes, I stretched my neck to peer at his brother over the broad span of my man’s black wings. He had that smug and amused look I was already starting to grow used to.

“I said peace, Pharos. I didn’t come here to reap your mate, but to warn the both of you. Except Myress informed me that you spoke with the Weaver.”

“I have,” Pharos replied stiffly, anger and tension bleeding out of him.

“So you understand what’s coming?” Haroth insisted, all amusement fading from his voice.

“Yes, I do. In two days, Cornelius will die, whether by my hand or someone else’s,” he replied.

With all signs of potential danger lifted, I gently touched Pharos’s left wing as I started circling around it. He glanced at me over his shoulder before folding his wings and drawing me against him. I went willingly and leaned into him.

Haroth’s gaze flicked towards me. It lingered for a moment, his expression unreadable before he returned his attention to his brother.

“That’s correct. Cornelius will die, even if that means you must die, too.”

“What?!” I exclaimed.

Pharos flinched but didn’t argue. Seeing him respond with a stiff nod freaked me out.

“Why would you have to die, too?” I asked, worry making my voice pitch higher.

“Cornelius threatens the balance,” Pharos replied in a tired voice. “His crazy plans jeopardize the world order, which cannot be allowed. In two days, he will perform a ritual to bind me permanently as well as another demigod. If he succeeds, he will become an unstoppable menace.”

“A menace that only my brothers and I, our father, the Gods and the Ancients would be able to stop,” Haroth said. “The only way to do that will be to kill Cornelius. But if he manages to reclaim Pharos, then we will have to kill him as well in the process.”

“No!” I exclaimed, jerking my head in turn between the two males in disbelief. “Surely we can free him again first, like I just did!”

I shook my head. “No, my bride. This time would be different. My mother explained to me what his plans are. If he succeeds, I will cease to exist as an individual. I will become an intrinsic part of him—or rather my powers will. Killing him—andtherefore what’s left of me—will be the only option. I just never thought you would be the executioner,” Pharos added, glancing at his brother.

“A few of us will be there to intervene if needed. Believe me, we all pray you will prevail. We have waited a long time, allowed atrocities we normally never would have out of love for you. But this is going too far,” Haroth said apologetically.

“I understand, and I truly appreciate it,” Pharos said with genuine gratitude.

“But why don’t you just stop him now?” I argued, still struggling to comprehend the subtleties of that stupid covenant. “You already know he needs to be put down in two days. Why not just take him out now instead of allowing Pharos to get in harm’s way?”

“Because the crime that warrants his execution has not been committed yet. You cannot punish someone for their thoughts or aspirations. There is still a path where Cornelius sees reason. It is extremely dim and unlikely, but so long as it exists, it must be given a chance.”

I shook my head, disgusted and frustrated. Sure, I understood his logic but totally disagreed with it. We all knew Cornelius would stop at nothing to satisfy his lust for power.

“Settle it, my brother,” Haroth said firmly. “Please don’t make us do this.”

“I have every reason not to fail,” Pharos said calmly, before casting a meaningful glance my way.

That wrecked me. I gave him a sad smile that he returned, my chest constricting from the strength of the emotions I felt for this male I’d only met a few days ago.

He turned back to look at Haroth with a serious expression. “However, should I fall, Kali’s brother—”

“Will be handled,” Haroth interrupted in a way that sounded like a pledge. “He has suffered enough for his foolishness. Severing his thread will not affect the balance.”

Tears pricked my eyes as I gazed at the Grim Reaper. “Thank you,” I said with a shaky voice.

“Yes, Brother, thank you,” Pharos echoed.

“There’s no need to thank me. But if you insist, you can do so by prevailing. Youcando it, but you will needher.” He turned towards me, his eyes glowing with great intensity. “Do not fail him, Kali… or yourself.”

“Haroth!” Pharos said in a warning tone.

“Farewell, you two. Do not waste the next couple of days,” Haroth said, ignoring his brother’s warning.

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