Page 153 of Reaper's Ruin
I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine. “You’ve changed mine as well. More than you could possibly know.”
Her eyes softened, and I saw in them all the words we’d already said to each other, all the promises we’d made in the darkness of night and in the light of dawn.
A sound outside shattered the moment—a crack of a twig, the shuffle of movement. Instantly, I was on my feet, my wings materializing from my back with a sound like tearing silk. It still startled me how easily they came in this form now, as if my body remembered what it was even when dressed in mortal flesh. The only thing I couldn’t do was summon my scythe.
“Stay here,” I commanded, reaching for the axe I’d left by the door.
Soraya stood, her body tense. “Rhyker—”
“Stay inside,” I repeated, my voice leaving no room for argument. “If anything happens, run for the woods. Don’t look back.”
Her eyes widened with fear, but she nodded. I slipped outside, my wings curled protectively around me as I scanned the clearing in front of the cabin.
At first, I saw nothing but the stillness of the forest and the distant mountains. Then movement caught my eye—a figure emerging from the trees, mounted on a chestnut horse.
I tensed, raising the axe, then froze as recognition dawned.
“Taelon?” I called, disbelief coloring my voice.
The rider pushed back his hood, revealing that familiar grin I’d somehow, against all odds, come to appreciate. “Death himself! Or should I say Rhyker now that I’m on the mortal side of things too?”
Before I could respond, the door burst open behind me.
“Taelon!” Soraya cried, rushing past me toward the approaching rider.
Taelon swung off his horse with the easy grace of a man who’d ridden in life, his face lighting up at the sight of her. “The lady herself! Safe and sound, I see!”
She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. “You made it! We weren’t sure if—I mean, after everything—”
He laughed, lifting her off her feet in an exuberant embrace. “It’ll take more than a few Sentinels and an army of Reapers to keep me down.”
“Wow, it’s amazing actually being able to hug you this time. You’re not some faded face behind the veil.”
He set her back on her feet then waved a hand over his face. “And how terrible that must have been for you not being able to appreciate this mug properly.”
Soraya burst out laughing then hugged him again. “Thank you so much. We never would have made it this far without you.”
He squeezed her back then gave an exaggerated groan of pleasure. “Wow! This whole being alive thing is amazing! I haven’t felt tits pressed against me in decades!”
A growl rumbled in my throat before I could stop it, my wings flaring in warning.
Taelon raised his hands, still grinning. “Kidding, kidding! Mostly.” He winked at Soraya. “It’s great to meet you on this side of the veil, guys. And I’ve gotta say, having actual sensations again is just...” He inhaled deeply. “Fucking incredible. But hey.” He waggled a finger at my wings. “How the fuck did you get those? Mine are noticeably absent and it’s such an odd feeling.”
“I don’t know. They just started working suddenly,” I answered honestly, though deep down I knew it was my need to protect Soraya that had summoned them even in the living realm.
He wiggled his shoulders as if trying to materialize his wings then shrugged. “Well, not for me apparently. But I’ll trade them for the food and the fresh air and all the sensations of being alive without a moment’s hesitation.”
I approached, my wings folding back as I extended my hand. “Thank you for what you did. You risked everything for us.”
His expression sobered slightly as he clasped my hand. “Worth it. Trust me. Anything was better than another century in that shadowpit.”
Soraya glanced around, her brow furrowed with concern. “What about Skorn and Lorien? Did they...”
“They’re fine,” Taelon assured her. “We split up to search for the cabin. Your directions weren’t exactly crystal clear, Rhyker. Selysesaid to ‘Look for the mountain that looks like a wolf’s head.’ Do you know how many rock formations look vaguely canine from certain angles?”
His face perked up. “Speaking of Selyse,” Taelon said, leaning forward with a grin, “that sorceress friend of yours is something else.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Selyse?”
