Page 9 of Stolen By the Reaper

“We’re here on business, little dove,” he murmured. His expression was carefully neutral, but there was a flicker of something in those fiery eyes. Surprise? Curiosity?

“Business?” Dread slithered through my veins.

He nodded solemnly. “We’re here to collect a soul.”

“You’re going to take her?” My voice cracked, horror spilling into my chest. I whipped back around to Minnie. She looked so... alive. So normal.

With a wave of his hand, the air around us shimmered in front of us like heat rising from asphalt. I raised a hand and felt a hard barrier beneath my fingertips.

“This will keep you hidden for the moment, little dove. You mustn’t interfere.” The flames in his eyes banked, and I swore the air chilled a fraction.

Azrael strode toward Minnie, and his demeanor shifted. Gone was the domineering reaper who’d stolen me away. In his place stood a charming stranger, all easy smiles and relaxed posture.

“Good afternoon.” His voice was honey-smooth as he glided toward my friend. “Quite the serene spot you’ve found.”

“Oh!” Minnie’s head snapped up, her hand going to her chest as she let out a startled laugh. “I didn’t hear you walk up. Yes, it is lovely, isn’t it? A lot of work has gone into making this a welcoming park again.”

No. This wasn’t what I signed up for when agreeing to follow him around like some leashed pet. I’d wanted to find my way out of his barren room, maybe even make my way to sunlight and life again.

“Minnie!” I shouted, pounding my fists against the shimmering barrier. “Run!”

Flaming eyes flicked to me, but that was the reaper’s only reaction.

Why,whydid he bring me? Why couldn’t he have left me in the damn cave? I didn’t want to watch a friend die in front of me!

“Is that what you’re doing? Conservation?” Azrael’s voice had a cadence like a lullaby as he approached Minnie, who’d risen to her feet.

“I work for an environmental group called EcoSphere. We started with the pond last year, and I’m documenting what’s thriving today and what might need some extra attention,” Minnie beamed, gesturing to her notebook. “If you’re interested in volunteering, we’re breaking ground on the butterfly meadow in the coming weeks.”

“With a sales pitch like that...” Azrael chuckled, only this didn’t hold a note of mocking or dark tease.

He sounded... normal. No, not normal.Sweet.

Like a Venus fly trap luring prey to their deaths.

I pounded again on that impenetrable shimmer. Tingles sprang to life in my fingertips, a pins-and-needles feeling that raced up my arms and across my chest. I didn’t care. I slammedmy fists over and over, trying to break through or yank her attention to me.

“Minnie!” I screamed, my voice raw. “He’s not what he seems! He’s not human!”

“You’ve done wonders with this park.” Azrael swept a flaming look across the tranquil scene. He cocked an eyebrow at Minnie. “Future generations will certainly appreciate your efforts.”

“Thank you,” Minnie smiled, pride clear in her voice. “It’s been a labor of love for our whole team.”

“It’s a pity you won’t be able to see it yourself,” he added, his tone tinged with regret.

Minnie’s brow furrowed. “I won’t?”

Azrael shook his head slowly. “I’m afraid not. You’ll need to come with me.”

“No!” My skin felt too tight, like it was trying to contain something much larger than myself. I slammed my shoulder against the barrier. I wanted it to shatter. I didn’t care if it was possible; I couldn’t just stand by while someone innocent lost their life. “Don’t listen to him!”

Minnie glanced over her shoulder, confusion written all over her face. Her lips pursed, but she turned her attention back to the reaper. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”

Azrael shot me a warning look before returning that disarming smile to the redhead. He glided to her front, hand cupping her cheek. “I’m the quiet, Minnie. The dreamless sleep. Your mark has been left on the world, and it’s time for you to rest.”

Anger melted the helplessness in my veins. Anger at being made a fool by Alain. Anger that my life had been stolen from me. My anger billowed and burned, fueled by half-explanations by the creature that stole me away for my safety and now forced me to watch another death.

“No!” I bellowed, giving in to the buzzing beneath my skin. It was like my insides were coated in lightning and fire. Heat burned in my chest, the energy roiling, twisting, building.

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