Page 82 of The Howling
“In return for his life,” I say, “if you still want it, you can have it.”
It seems today is a day for bargains.
“And deny him the life which grows within you? Reavely will never forgive me,” the Reaper says with a sound almost like a chuckle but with a hint of death.
“The life?”
The words of Lord Soulis creep back on the wind. My free hand steals over my stomach. Can it be true? I hardly dared to think it was possible.
“I doubt you care much what Reavely thinks or does,” I respond.
I want to be brave, I really do. High above I spot Linton, his scarlet eyes glittering in a way no one else’s are. I don’t think he is frozen, not like the others.
The Reaper surveys the scene, so many dead and dying Reivers. One live Lord Soulis is suspended, the magical lightning flowing from his fingers, his face twisted into a horrible mask of rage.
“Perhaps, perhaps not,” he says. “I took him in after the Faerie slaughtered his family. This Faerie as it happens. Maybe I am invested in what happens to him.”
“Death invested in life, will wonders never cease?” We’re all dead anyway. I owe the Reaper nothing, certainly not my respect.
The cowl turns towards me. Something moves in the darkness, but I try not to look.
“Humans,” he says. “You don’t know your own strength.”
“We’re non magical beings in a world of magic. What strength do we have?”
“The strength of your love.” The Reaper points a skeletal finger at Reavely. “See what he does for you?”
I see the trajectory of the lightning bolt. If Reavely wasn’t in the way, it would have hit me.
“No,” I chant. “No, no, no. He doesn’t get to do that. It’s not his decision to make.”
“He does it for you, Wynter, and in turn, you have used the jewel to save him.”
“How is he saved?” I cry, my body shaking with sobs. “How can any of this be put right?”
“It’s all in a human heart,” the Reaper says, turning and walking away.
“Wait!” I plead, “I don’t know what to do.”
“It’s all in a human heart,” he repeats, his voice as if in my ear. “I have no more souls to take today.”
I gape after him, then look back at the stone in my hand and at Reavely.
He has my heart. He has everything I ever wanted. Reavely is home.
I put my other hand around the stone.
“Home,” I say. “Take us home.”
WYNTER
Live Barghest. Not spirits, but the genuine furry were-canines.
Reavely’s castle is full of them. I blink and rub my eyes before catching sight of Lilburn. She grins wildly at me.
Fenrother releases a blood curdling snarl and Linton shakes out his wings in a cloud of dust. Out of all of them, he is the least bothered by what he sees.
Ellie is the first to spot us, running and enveloping me in a huge hug which is more than welcome.
