Page 12 of Destined to the Reaper

“Yes,” I said truthfully, although feeling a little rejected by her eagerness not to have any lingering ties with me.

“You will have no power whatsoever over me when this is over?” she insisted.

“None,” I replied in the same factual tone.

“And while I’m hosting you?”

I rolled my eyes, starting to feel a little annoyed. My reaction was unfair as thorough inquiries were of the utmost importance before entering into such an agreement. But the irrational partof me just wanted her to trust me and believe that I would protect her, even from myself.

“With this approach, I will have no power or control over you before, during, or after the task is complete. While you host me, I will not have any way—or desire for that matter—to cause you any harm or affect your ability to control your own body, mind, or actions. This, I pledge.”

This time, her shoulder slump didn’t express discouragement but relief as her face lit up with excitement.

“Perfect. This I can do. So how do we go about it?”

I stared at her, a myriad of thoughts flying through my mind as I pondered how to drop the news on her. My initial intent of easing her into it was squashed by my mouth running away with a will of its own.

“Strip, step inside the circle, and lay down on your back,” I deadpanned.

“WHAT?!” Kali shouted, taking an involuntary step back.

“You heard me,” I said in a cold voice.

“But… but why?” Kali asked with obvious denial.

“You know why. The transfer is performed physically through mating.”

“But you’re not physical!” she exclaimed, waving at me in an obvious fashion.

“Inside this circle, I am partially tangible. Through mating, I will transfer to you part of my ethereal essence, a bit more with each session until the bond is strong enough.”

“I am absolutely not okay with that,” Kali said in a similar definitive tone as the one she used when she refused to give me her soul.

“Then we are done here,” I said in a harsh tone.

She stared at me in disbelief. “You can’t be serious! Surely there’s another way?”

“There is none. You can either give me your soul or lie with me to receive my essence. The decision is yours. But choose quickly and wisely.”

“But you could kill me!” Kali exclaimed as if it was self-evident. “This circle is my only protection.”

That took me aback. Although that well-founded fear should have been obvious, my mind had instead instantly assumed it was revulsion at the thought of lying with me that triggered such a negative response from her. As justified as that reaction would be, it still soothed me to know that was not the main reason for that resounding rejection.

I tilted my head to the side and raised an amused eyebrow.

“Technically, you’re not wrong. By entering the circle, you do expose yourself to my potential wrath or madness. But how would that benefit me? I’m trapped in a prison that I cannot escape on my own. You’re the first hope I’ve encountered in the past five hundred years. Why the fuck would I jeopardize my one opportunity?”

“You’re asking a hell of a lot,” Kali said, sounding a little distraught.

“I am not asking from you anymore than I am asking of myself,” I countered. “What you fail to realize is that I am taking as many, if not even more risks than you are. Do not forget that giving you a part of me is a great threat to my welfare. A single mistake on your part could end me. We’re both taking risks. The question is how much are you willing to take?”

Kali heaved a sigh and rubbed her temples, looking overwhelmed.

“I need time to think. This is not what I expected.”

“There is no time,” I countered. “If you cannot commit to this course of action now, you will have to wait another week before we can initiate the process should you decide to go through with it.”

Kali stiffened and gave me a confused look. “Why one week? Why not tomorrow or the day after?”

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