The door has been replaced, but most of the others are busy with other tasks. Damien is recruiting a rebel army in the Angelic Realm, since apparently, they want to stay neutral. Magnus is questioning our detainees to weed out Need’s allies (spoiler: there are many). The others are either organizing housing or helping in the infirmary.
Given the whole ‘top secret Reaper powers’ thing, I tried to talk to Sin and Morgana alone. It did not go over well. My pride still stings over the way Ragna reminded me that alienating our only ally with a standing army is ludicrous. Of course, she also had to go and bring up how she saved Sin at my wedding.
When I looked to Sin for his advice, he shrugged and said it was my call. I gave him my best disgruntled look, and the infuriating man winked at me. But apparently, I was taking too long to decide, since Ragna stormed to the door.
I assumed she was leaving.
She was not.
Instead, she slammed the door shut and traced a glowing symbol onto the wood. She muttered something in a language I didn’t understand (it was definitely a cuss) before stalking back toward me. Her expression was tight with irritation. “I know you’re aReaper, Vivian. Now, I suggest you stop testing my temper and get to the point.”
Personally, I was too shocked to do anything but blink. Sin, on the other hand, immediately threw an accusatory glare at Morgana, who took exception to his reaction and glared back.
The tension only worsened when Ragna rolled her eyes and reminded us that she’s a shifter and could smell it on me. When Sin argued that Magnus is also a shifter and didn’t know what I was, she simply noted that I’m not the first Reaper she’s smelled. Her grin turned wolfish when she added that she’s been around much longer than most.
Now, after showing them the scythe, explaining how I got it, and excitedly pointing out its potential for helping us win the war, I have regrets.
If I ever learn to apparate, I’m using it to exit conversations like these.
And to avoid running up the basement steps after turning off the lights.
There’s a knock at the door, and I quickly thank the universe for a reason to change the subject. Pulling back my Reaper power, the scythe shifts into a bracelet before disappearing against my skin.
Sin’s eyes track the motion, watching the bracelet as if it might suddenly become sentient and try to choke me. He might not be over the whole ‘I got dragged into a creepy well full of dead people’ part of the story.
Honestly, same.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Rosie chimes as she walks inside, but the sound is more hollow than usual. Her wings hang behind her, and the dark circles under hereyes make my chest ache even more than it already does. Losing Irena again is really taking a toll on her.
Pulling up a low-backed chair, I motion for her to sit. At the same time, I can’t help but wonder if Sin had a similar response when Need and Leon took me. A fresh wave of guilt washes over me.
“It’s okay, you don’t need to be sorry. Have you slept? Can I get you anything?” The guilt only intensifies when I wonder if anyone has been checking on her.
I should have done it. I’m a terrible friend.
Sin’s hand settles on my lower back, sensing my distress. Rosie gives me a weak smile that doesn’t meet her eyes. “I’m just fine. Don’t worry about me.”
“You’ll take a break after this meeting,” Morgana commands, looking at her with the same concern.
Rosie presses a palm to her forehead, resting her head. “Yes, alright.”
Sin tugs me backwards, setting me on his lap in the chair beside hers. But even his warmth isn’t enough to chase away the lingering guilt.
“Can’t we just invade the Fae Realm? We know Need and Leon are hiding out there, and that’s where Irena is. Couldn’t Sin use his power to dis-exist their entire castle? Or at least all the guards he comes across, until he has her?” I ask because I’m frustrated, and clearly, my brain has accidentally switched to ‘brainstorm your homicidal thoughts out loud’ mode.
I need a factory reset.
Rosie’s head snaps up, her eyes wide. “You can’t! My mother lines the halls with innocents. All the courtiers are forced to parade their children there. Shesays she does it to celebrate new life, but she’s using them as living shields.”
Something ugly twists inside me.
“There would be nothing stopping Leon from doing the same thing here,” Morgana adds, as she takes a seat in front of us. “And the after-effects would be far-reaching. The other realms would immediately target us.”
Ragna nods, her arms crossed as she stands at the head of the table. “The more power a creature holds, the greater their responsibility to use it wisely. My people will not stand for mass slaughter.”
I narrow my eyes at her, wondering if this is the right time to point out that the Council sanctioned the use of Destroyers to cause mass deaths in my realm for ages.
“The Fae Realm would never recover. Our reproduction rates are very low,” Rosie adds.
