Page 77 of Malice

“I see.”

Suddenly, we’re back in full blackness, away from the Horror. There’s a faint outline of light around Wilder, making him visible to me.

“This is the most efficient method to confront any Horror. Get here when it’s at full strength and get the information you need. Once you have it, return to the living realm and drag that fucker back to where it belongs.”

“Okay. Why did I get such a nasty one straight out the gate? How did they expect me to know all of this stuff?”

Wilder’s face is oddly passive, almost blank. “You don’t know yet.”

“Know what?”

“I agree it’s unusual, but there must have been a reason. One we aren’t privy to.”

“You’re not making sense, Wilder.”

“I’m not at liberty to say, nor am I certain of anything. Assignments are above my pay grade.” He claps his hand on my shoulder, which I am able to feel, but it’s weird, like almost being touched but not quite. “All I can say with certainty is that it had to be you. Your untimely demise corrected the mortal’s path. Consider yourself special.”

It takes a second for that to sink in. “How do you know that?”

“Stick around long enough and you learn things.”

“Do you regret your choice? Do you wish you had just gone on to the Below and left this world behind?”

“No. I have a purpose now. I’ve saved countless lives. I’ve seen and experienced things your mind can’t even contemplate yet. I regret nothing. Normally I would advise you to steer clear of entangled emotions with the living. Our lives are too nomadic and we must move on. We can enjoy the bounty of carnalpleasure available to us, but the wisest Chasers keep their hearts and emotions far removed.”

“You said normally. Would you give me different advice?”

He studies me with his unnervingly intense gaze before speaking. “Your situation is different. My advice to you is to focus on ridding yourself of the Horror. After that, things will fall into place and make sense. The universe always makes sense.”

I’m aware that he’s answering without really answering me, but I’m guessing that’s all I’m gonna get out of him.

“How do I get back here?”

“I’ll leave some potion for you and a recipe for the witch.”

“So a witch can be a need-to-know person?”

“Indeed. Anyone can. Just use your instinct to guide you.”

“This is helpful. Thank you for coming.”

“Thank Crash. He’s the one who connected us. He cares deeply about his chosen Chasers.”

“He’s a good guy.”

“Spirit. He’s a good spirit. Remember not to confuse the living with the dead.”

“Right. One more question?”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s about…” I pause, almost afraid to hear the answer, but if anyone knows, it’s Wilder.

“Yes?”

“The love bond. It’s about that. Do you know any Chasers who’ve done that?”

“Thousands.”

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