Page 115 of Haunted Hearts

I nod, relieved that Theo still trusts me.

“Jonah, are you good with being in charge of the reapers?” Theo asks.

Jonah’s eyes nearly bulge out of his head. He looks around at all of us as his brows come together.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been put in charge ofanything,” Jonah admits with a visible gulp.

“Then it’s about time you were,” Theodon’s hand lands on his shoulders. “If I didn’t think you could be trusted, I wouldn’t put you in such a position. But Jonah, you’re courageous, smart, and most importantly, you’ll do anything to help Willow, and she needs your help right now.”

Jonah’s back straightens and he puffs out his scrawny chest. The grim look on his face is almost comical since the guy is hardly ever serious. But now isn’t the time to laugh.

“Show me the signals, Theo,” he says. “Then let’s fuck Fulton up.”

Chapter37

WILLOW

The vast desert probably doesn’t host many visitors.

I’m pretty sure, besides my father who’d planted the saplings and a little memorial plaque, we are probably the most life it’s seen in only who knows how long. I don’t blame anything or anyone for not trying to live here. The heat blazing down on us from the two suns is amazingly suffocating. Around us, the small mountains in the distance seem to be moving due to the air rippling under the intensity. My head turns slowly as I take in the sight before me.

Theo has split us up into four groups of five and then spread us out a good distance away from one another. Brock, Kwil, Caveman, and Remy hang with me. Theo has Arty and three other reapers with him, directly ahead of us nearly a mile away. On my right, nearly just as far away as Theo’s group, is Viktor, who has Tootsie, the Fae-reaper, and another three reapers to watch over, and finally, there’s Jonah’s group to my left. We’re so far apart that they wouldn’t hear me if I called to them.

“I don’t think any of us know what you’re truly capable of, Willow,” Theo had explained before he and the others moved to their designated positions. “So, putting space between us may be the safest bet for everyone. When you’ve accomplished your task, I’ll signal to the groups one of three things: Attack, retreat, or hold. If any demons or monsters show up, immediately regroup with Willow. They’re here for her, and no one else.”

Attack… My heart races at the thought.

My hope is that none of the others will need to fight. That what I’m about to do will end the warlock before it gets that bad. But Theo insisted we be prepared for anything and having a small group of reapers on our side can’t hurt.

Sweat beads down the sides of my face. The back of my shirt is already drenched in sweat. A whistle streaks across the space between the groups. Another answers, and then Jonah sends up a hand signal. A hand falls on my shoulder. I don’t have to look to know it’s Brock, standing just behind me on my right. If it had been Kwil, I would have felt the hard vibrations rolling off of him.

“Are you ready?” My reaper asks, quietly.

My lips stretch and part. If Kwil, Brock, Caveman, and Remy weren’t behind me, they’d see a smile more menacing and terrifying than Kwil could ever produce, even with his very large teeth.

This is it.

I’ll have Fulton in my grasp soon enough. The thought is enough to make me giddy. The Realm of the Dead wants Fulton back in its clutches. I want the bastard dead. My smile fades as I allow my excitement to settle.

After I wet my lips, I nod. “I’m ready.”

Kwil lets out a deep grumble before he whistles our response back to the three other groups.

“Oh man, I’m excited to see a goddess in action,” Caveman whispers behind me.

He’s shushed, probably by Remy. That particular reaper doesn’t seem to be as verbose as his friends. Does his silence have something to do with his experience with Fulton? Or maybe he’s always been quiet. One day, I’d like to really get to know Brock’s friends. I’ll make sure that today the threat to souls and reapers alike is removed, so I have that opportunity.

“Like we discussed, I’m going to crack open the Veil to where we need it to be just enough so that your power will have some direction as to where to go,” Brock murmurs, his gripping my shoulder tighter. “This is going to be tricky, baby girl, but I think your plan is going to work. Try to focus your power, ok?”

I turn my head and meet his gaze. His dark eyes hold mine and for a second, it’s just the two of us. My heart flutters before I nod. “Ok.”

Brock peels his eyes away from my face and looks over his shoulder. “Alright guys, brace yourselves.”

Caveman chuckles darkly, “We’re ready.”

The reaper’s excitement in the face of danger causes my smile to make a brief return. By the time it fades again, I’ve braced my feet and reach inwards.

“Call up your power,” Brock says, his face turning upwards. “Once it’s gathered, I’ll do my thing.”

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