Page 81 of Until Death
I push open a door, finding three children sitting on the floor surrounded by toys. The blonde woman sits amongst them, smiling sweetly as she watches them play.
I cannot miss the way the children look like perfect blends of the woman and myself.
Watching them for a moment, I cannot help but take a step into the room. Drawn by the warmth of the scene before me.
The children turn to me, smiling and laughing as they leap to their feet and race toward me.
At the last second, I take a step back. Stopping them from reaching me or coming any closer. I shake my head as my eyes narrow on the woman.
This is not right.
She stands, her face upset.
“You are acting like a beast,” she tells me. “Unable to greet your wife and then not even hugging your children? Is this the sort of monster I married?”
I shake my head, turning and striding from the room.
My mind spins.
This is not right.
This is not my home.
She … they are not my family.
I let my feet carry me through my palace until I find myself nearly to the Valley of Death. Without hesitation, I traverse the dense fog until I step into the golden fields.
Knax comes prancing toward me and I smile at him as he nuzzles me in welcome. I savor the moment, finally something that feels right.
As it should be.
After a minute, I pull myself atop Knax. With a click of my tongue, we race off. Away from my palace and my realm, and into the realm of the mortals.
I do not know where I am going, or if I even have a destination in mind.
But I feel drawn here.
I push Knax faster and faster, suddenly filled with eagerness to reach the end of our journey. I have a feeling something awaits me at the end.
Something true. Something real.
Finally, we come to a stop just outside a manor tucked away on a hill.
Dismounting, I stride toward the front door and throw it open.
Only, as I step through, I suddenly find myself in a huge arena.
32
Hazel
I’m wary as I step into the arena.
A strange quiet settles over it, and I can’t help but feel on edge until I see Death standing in the very center.
My heart skips a beat as a smile pulls at my lips.
I move to hurry toward him, but my steps falter when I realize that we are not alone.
