Page 3 of My Karmic Destiny

Megan is in a quasi-cheerleader outfit, so I don’t think business attire is required.

She nods her approval. So she isn’t a total bitch—just a bit bitchy.

I can work with that. I could see us becoming friends even if we look like polar opposites. Something behind her pale blue eyes reveals she’s been through hard times when she was still part of the world, too.

Now we’re both stuck in the margins. Agents of the gods. Alive, but our lives are not our own.

Though when I think about it… is anyone’s life truly their own?

Oh well, I brush that thought aside. My philosophical musings are scheduled for later this year.

Megan places her small, perfectly manicured hand on my shoulder. “Hang on,” she warns.

I’m about to ask if she means that figuratively or literally when I’m yanked through space and perhaps time and land in a dimly lit, spacious meeting hall. It appears to be underground, and the walls suggest we’re in a modified cavern.

I fold over and hold on to my knees to gain my equilibrium. Traveling like that isn’t easy on the senses. The unnerving chill from the travel quickly dissipates, and I breathe easier.

I suppose Death is a more powerful entity with all the perks and upgrades. Instant Karma certainly didn’t give us this sort of travel ability.

“Where are we?” I gasp.

“You’re in my domain—the Underworld.” From behind me, Death’s deep, gravelly voice rumbles through me like thunder.

Will he be completely covered in the dark reaper’s robe again? Or will I see another side of him now that I’m his underling?

I snap upright and spin to lay eyes on him.

Robe it is, then. His imposing, cloaked presence looms over me, pushing way over seven feet tall.

Feeling awkward and not wanting to piss him off on my first day, I give him a little bow to show my respect. I doubt a full curtsy would be appropriate.

“Thank you, Megan. I’ll take care of Tessa from here,” Death dismisses the glam girl, and she pops away.

I hear myself gulp. I’ve met Death in person a few times, but I’m still not used to it. And yes, I’m technically a psychopomp and can ferry human souls to the afterlife, but I’ve only done that on accident a few times.

I feel insignificant and childlike in the presence of this being that probably is as old as time. He could reap my soul without even blinking.

It would be just my luck that he might do that, too. I finally find a great guy and my place in the world, and it all could be ripped away from me.

“Don’t be nervous, little one,” Death says and turns to walk toward a corridor. “Come. We have a lot of information to cover today.”

We walk in silence for a few minutes, then he startles me with his low, booming voice. “You remember why you are here?”

“Uh? In general, working for the gods or working for you?”

“Why I allowed you into my ranks…” He leads me to the answer he’s seeking.

“Because my ancestor was the first man to die, King Yama. He became the guardian, judge, and a ruler of the dead. A god. The death king of karmic justice.”

“Very good. Remember that as you read about your duties. You have a unique role to play in the world, balancing death and karma. You have abilities outside of what my powers will bless you with. Be mindful of your gifts. Do not abuse them.”

“I won’t.” I feel the determination of being better moving forward. “I’ve learned my lessons. I’m not the same street urchin that hustled people. Or a lackey for Instant Karma’s machinations and thirst for power.”

I think about how Instant had wanted to steal my life and my abilities to become the death goddess of karmic justice.

“You witnessed what happens to gods who abuse their station and tamper with my realm. Iwilldestroy them.”

“Yes, sir, I understand.” I quickly acknowledge. The icy dread of death seeps into my bones, and I shiver. “I don’t plan on abusing my job here or my gifts.”

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