Page 46 of Haunted Hearts

“Don’t move so fast or I’m going to throw up,” she protests.

“Sorry,” Kwil growls between his teeth as he ducks his head and places his forehead against hers tenderly.

My body shakes from the sudden bout of adrenaline. Pulling my eyes away from Willow, I turn to look at her father. Death stares down at his daughter, eyes wide with horror.

“What was that?” Brock repeats Kwil’s question in an eerily soft voice.

Without answering right away, Death flicks his hand and Viktor reappears beside him, looking flustered and red with anger.

“Was that absolutely necessary?” Viktor huffs. We all ignore him and when Viktor looks over at Willow in Kwil’s arms, his anger vanishes. “What—”

Thisis why the four of you needed to join my daughter, Death interrupts coldly.I knew it would result in some… difficulties. I didn’t know it would affect her soul so greatly.

Even as he speaks, the thin cracks begin to fuse back together. Seconds later, Willow is as good as new.

“Butwhat—” Theo starts with exasperation.

My daughter’s soul is so fully tethered to the four of you that, should she try to defend herself without one of you present, it could destroy her.Thatwas evidence of it. Death rounds on Viktor, his presence gathers all around us and is full of wrath.You have the biggest piece of her, which is why I separated the two of you. I thought it would just hinder her ability to draw on the realm, but it goes so much deeper than that. You willneverleave her side, do you understand me?

Viktor’s red face loses all color as Death bares down on him. I’m impressed as he doesn’t flinch or cower under the entity’s glare. Just watching the two of them has my knees knocking together.

“Dad, leave Viktor alone. He’s—”

“I have no problem remaining at your daughter’s side,” Viktor declares, calm and collected. “If I had any hesitation about where I’m supposed to be, I wouldn’t have crossed the Veil with you to find her. This isn’t a job for me. I love your daughter. Standing by her side, watching out for her, is a reward, not a duty.”

What? Touchy, feely Viktor? Who is this guy right now? I’m impressed. If the situation wasn’t so grave, I’d make it a point to tease him about it. But now is not the time.

Theo and Kwil nod in agreement.

Viktor’s answer clearly appeases Death, because he relaxes his shoulders.Good, then you’ll have no problem showing me exactly how you’ll be defending her. I want to see your skills.I had a training room built not too long ago, when I found out Willow’s situation with you all. She should learn how fight without her powers, eventually, but in the meantime, I’m sure as warriors you’ll appreciate a place to hone your fighting skills. For now, we’ll head there so I can see what you all can do.His eyes flicker over to Kwil.Give my daughter to the reaper, he will watch her while I assess you four.

I blink.

“Four?” When Death looks over at me, I swallow hard. “I’m not a fighter.”

Death glares at me.You will be. I’ll make sure the others teach you how to be as efficient at killing as they are.

Well, shit. Looks like I won’t be useless after all.

Chapter15

BROCK

“If you try to take me back to my room, I'm going to throttle you. I’m so sick of that place.”

I chuckle as I carry Willow across the beach. Death has left the two of us alone for the time being, taking the others with him as they disappear in a blink of an eye.

“And cut my time with you short? I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Willow’s mouth pulls into a smile. My heart flutters at the sight of it.

“Then where are we going?”

“You’ll see, it’s not far.” The place I found the other day while she was still recovering will be perfect to steal Willow away to.

She sighs heavily in my arms. “Can I walk? I need to stretch my legs.”

I hesitate. It’s so brief but Willow picks up on it at once.

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