Page 2 of Sypher

Stella sniffed again but nodded as she pulled me into her arms, hugging me tightly. If I closed my eyes for a few seconds, I could almost imagine my mom hugging me. “I love you, Danny. I’m gonna miss you.”

“Love you too, Stella,” I whispered, hugging her back as I looked at Digger, pleading with him to help me.

I loved Stella. I really did, but since Mom and Dad died, Stella had taken the mothering to a completely new level.

“Woman,” Digger groaned, rolling his eyes as he had to peel her off me. “Let the boy breathe.”

Holding his wife, Digger escorted Stella out of my new room. My brothers quietly followed, leaving me alone with Reaper.

Taking a deep breath, the man took one more look around the room before he extended his hand.

As I took it, Reaper clearly said, “The world is your oyster now, Sypher. What happens next is up to you.”

“You’re going to need me, Mr. Reaper. Maybe this was a mistake,” I muttered as indecision and fear of the unknown seeped into my bones. I’d never been away from home before. While I wanted to be here, even I could admit, it was a bit scary.

“No.” Reaper shook his head. “You are right where you need to be. Your brothers voted. You know the rules.”

“What about the mess with theSociety? I’m still gathering information. What about Jackson?”

“I’ve got Phantom, Matrix, and Player to help me. You let us worry about them. This is your time, Sypher. Besides, if Ineed you, I know where to find you. As for Jackson, that hasn’t changed. He has been and always will be your top priority.”

“What about the other stuff? You know…” I looked around, then whispered, “…the ghost stuff?”

“All in due time, kid.” Reaper smirked, heading for the door. “The dead aren’t going anywhere.”

Chapter Two

Sypher

April 17, 2021, still freshman year, spring semester,

With a thud, my bags hit the floor. I reached into my coat pocket, pulled out my keys and unlocked the door, the cold metal a contrast to my numb fingers. A grunt escaped my lips while I pushed open the door, the smell of stale air hitting me before I saw my friend lying on my bed, a half-eaten bag of chips beside him.

“What the hell are you doing in my room?”

“Thought you could use a friend.”

Hefting my bags from the floor, I stomped into the room and turned to deliver a forceful kick to the door. It slammed shut, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent room, and I stumbled to my desk, dropping heavily into my chair, the worn wood groaning under my weight. With a sigh, I leaned my head back, closed my eyes, and savored the complete absence of sound.

I should have known I wouldn’t have to wait long for Reaper to call. Because the second he did, I knew my ass was grass. Instead of enjoying a break at home, I received an order from Reaper, demanding my immediate return home to face the consequences of my actions, which involved the possibility of a firing squad. Although we all got our asses chewed by Reaper, I took comfort in the presence of my brothers, who stood firm by my side. The entire situation directly resulted from our actions, as my brothers and I had secretly aided Dylan in his efforts toconclude the conflict with theSociety—a decision made without Reaper’s knowledge or consent.

My mom instilled in me the importance of family above all else, and since Dylan was family, defending him was only natural. All the brothers were. So, technically, I was helping my family. In the end, it all worked out, and theSocietywas officially no more.

“It’s all over the school.”

“What is?”

“What you did.”

“I didn’t do shit.”

“Oh yes, you did,” he said, sitting up slowly, a thoughtful expression settling on his features. “Been watching you since you got here, Danny. All of us have. Even the professors. No one knows what to make of you, but we all agree on one thing. That you are too damn smart for your own good.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I know it was you who brought down theSociety. Hell, man, it’s on every fucking news channel. Can’t escape it. You need to be more careful, or you will have every alphabet group banging on your door. They don’t enjoy being played.”

“It wasn’t me. I just went home for a family emergency.”

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