Someone like him—because Reeve was a reaper.
Viri hadn’t allowed herself to think about it, not once in the seven years since she’d last seen him. But of course that was what he’d become—a murderer, just like his master.
“I have a feeling about this,” Viri said, knowing it was the only thing that might sway her friend. Her keen intuition was renowned among hunters and Nox alike, and Soren had seen for himself how many times her instincts had proven true.
“Feeling or not, I don’t like the idea of you being alone with him,” Soren said, his forehead creasing with indecision.
Viri felt a thread of hope and tugged on it. “He’s locked in a cell. He can’t do anything to me.”
“He can say something to upset you,” Soren argued. “Some words cut deeper than blades.”
“At least that’ll mean he’s broken his no-speaking stance.”
“I’m serious, Viri.” Soren laid a hand on her shoulder, his brown gaze full of worry. “You’re well known among reapers”—he gestured to her unusual hair and eyes—“and Ashton hasn’t evaded capture this long by being an idiot. He’ll recognize you on sight.”
That was true regardless of her reputation, but Soren didn’t know that.
“He’s also the Priest’s closest confidant,” he continued, “so you can be sure he knows what happened to your parents. He’ll use that information to taunt you. Tohurtyou.”
Viri swallowed, but said, “He can only hurt me if I give him the power to do so.” She removed Soren’s hand, squeezing reassuringly. He’d always been protective of her—overprotective, even, just as he was toward all his loved ones. But he couldn’t protect her forever, nor did she want—or need—him to. “This isn’t the first reaper I’ve gone head-to-head with, Sor. I’ve been taunted plenty of times, especially about my parents. I love you for caring, but I have a thick skin. Promise.”
Everything she’d said was true, and yet…if Reeve dared mention what had happened that day seven years ago, then Soren was right to be concerned. But she couldn’t allow herself to think about that, or she’d never make it to his cell.
“Please,” Viri said quietly. “I need to do this.”
Hearing her beg, Soren finally relented, though his grim expression showed it was against his better judgment.
“Be quick,” he cautioned, heading back into the elevator. “Someone will have noticed me heading down here with you, and protocol means they’ll flag it with Captain Farrow.”
Viri nodded her understanding. She might nottechnicallybe doing anything wrong, but she was definitely bending some unspoken rules.
“I’ll go run interference,” Soren offered. He jerked his chintoward the command panel. “You won’t need me with you to come back up—just hit the button like normal.” His eyes turned hard as he finished, “I don’t need to warn you that Ashton is dangerous. Don’t give him any personal information; don’t make him any promises. We don’t bargain with killers. If he’s willing to talk, glean what you can, then leave him to rot like he deserves.”
“Don’t worry, Sor,” Viri said, her stomach churning despite her show of confidence. “I know what I’m doing.”
She was lying through her teeth, but Soren gave an approving nod. “Come find me when you’re done so I know you’re all right.”
Before she could reply, the elevator doors closed and he vanished from sight.
Taking a second to prepare herself, Viri glanced down the rocky tunnel, wondering if she could do this, while also knowing shehadto. Even if Reeve refused to speak, she still needed to look into his eyes and see if there was any trace of the person she’d once known. Logically, she was aware that the eleven-year-old boy from her childhood was gone, replaced by an eighteen-year-old killer. But until she saw that for herself, she would never be able to fully believe it.
Mindful that every minute she delayed was another minute she risked discovery, Viri set off down the dimly lit path, building a mental wall brick by brick with every step. No matter what happened during this encounter, she wouldn’t let Reeve get to her. She was a completely different person from the carefree ten-year-old girl he’d last known, and the same was true for him. They might as well be strangers. Theywerestrangers, as far as she was concerned. He was a reaper, and she was a hunter. They were sworn enemies, now and forever. That was it.
Even so, her heart picked up speed as she continued along thetunnel, passing empty cells, each new corner making her pulse spike with anticipation. But no matter how far she traveled from the elevator, there was still no sign of life. So she kept walking, deeper and deeper beneath the mountain, her insides a riot of nerves.
Just as she was beginning to wonder if Soren was wrong about Reeve being on this level, the everbeacons brightened ever so slightly ahead, leading to one final cell before the tunnel came to an end.
Certain this was it, Viri took a steadying breath, squared her shoulders, and marched forward until she stood before the glass-fronted cell. Like all the others on this level, it was reasonably sized, with enough room for a thin mattress atop a stone slab, and even a small area for personal hygiene. The general layout was the same as that of the cells on the higher prison levels, including the lack of metal bars, eliminating the risk of corrosion from the damp earth. Instead, there was just a large, clear barrier separating her from Reeve Ashton as she set eyes on him for the first time in seven long, life-changing years.
Dressed like midnight, he leaned casually against the rock wall, seemingly without a care in the world. His black hair was still a familiar tousled mess, as if being windswept was its natural state, and his eyes were still like starlight—or storm clouds, depending on his mood—but that was where any similarities to the boy she’d once known ended. With his clothes fitted like ink against his body, all it took was a quick, betraying glance for Viri to note how much he’d changed, all his soft childhood edges now sharpened and sculpted into what could only be called a work ofart.
He wasn’t pretty—there was something too dark and dangerousabout him to be called that—but he was without a doubt beautiful to behold. He’d been cute seven years ago, butnow…
Now he was devastating.
Unable to stop herself, Viri’s gaze wandered over him again, taking in his tall form, broad shoulders, and narrow waist. His arms were crossed at his chest, making his biceps strain against the dark material of his shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal corded forearms and golden-tanned skin. Long, lean legs met well-worn boots, the latter being the only part of him that Viri felt safe looking at until she collected herself enough to meet his eyes. The moment she did, she scowled fiercely at the cocky amusement in his impossibly silver gaze.
“Like what you see?” he asked, smirking.
