Page 95 of Reaper's Quest

“If he finds you here, he will devour you, andfreedom will no longer be a part of your existence. I suggest you go before he learns about your presence.”

I hated cryptic messages. She purposely messed with me, trying to incite fear. I wouldn’t allow that to happen.

“Who?” I asked again, this time making no attempt to rein in my irritation.

Watcher faked a mocking frown. A breath later, a tiny laugh escaped her lips. “What’s wrong, little reaper? Didn’t your mommy and daddy trust you enough to tell you the big bad secret? A mere few minutes in your presence and I can see the truth of it.”

I held my expression blank, but my blood roiled. What did this female…this Watcher…know that I didn’t? Did a secret exist, or were her words nothing more than a ruse?

“Get out of Veritas!” Watcher roared.

Free the chains. Save my soul.

At the intrusive voice in my head, I snapped my gaze to the child. I envisioned myself grabbing the binds and yanking them free.

The chains spun free of the chair and flew to my awaiting grasp.

A laugh of disbelief leaped from my lips. Had I just managed the inconceivable? If so, how?

I’d think on that question later…when time permitted.

The chains flung around me like a wild whip, ready to strike. But I moved too slow, or she moved too fast.

Before I could raise a defensive hand or lash out with my newly acquired weapon, the mad female slammed her fingers into the side of my waist like a dagger.

Her nails cut into my side to the sound of my scream.

My stitches popped, and blood began to pour.

24

Aboon?that’s what it would have been had Winter gotten his hands on the letter from Raven’s father.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. He had to act on what was available to him, which wasn’t much.

Releasing a steadying breath and standing tall, he rapped his fist softly against the wooden doorframe.

He would have come here sooner had Chace not shown up, derailed Winter’s plan, and exhausted his time with pushy inquisition…and concern for Raven’s condition. Which, Winter had to admit, was well placed.

He couldn’t fault Chace for worrying. Similar feelings had driven Winter to check on Raven’s condition before continuing here. She had appeared restless and not much improved, and that… That sat uncomfortably in his gut.

“Enter,” Valen called through the open door. Not bothering to turn from his work, Valen kept his back to Winter. “Icannot recall the last time you graced me with your presence. To what do I owe the honor?”

Winter moved like shifting moonlight through the room, stepping between the various tables and shelves cluttered with books and bottles and oddball concoctions. As he understood things, Valen fancied himself an alchemist. Always experimenting. Always inventing. The likely reason Raven’s father thought the male could help Mr. Aldine.

Although, Mr. Aldine’s condition appeared much improved.

Still, checking in with the local experimenter and professed medicine master couldn’t hurt.

Winter shut the door to keep their conversation private from anyone traversing the outer hall, the action pulling at Valen’s attention. He turned to face Winter, a beaker in his hand.

As expected, Valen dressed in a fashion that stressed his self-importance. All circumstance, minus the pomp. The gent kept his long, black hair pulled taut, bound by a band, and his eyes lined and shadowed in coal.

“Have you come to me with a matter of great secrecy?” Valen said, a twinkle of devilry in his eyes.

Placing the beaker on the nearest table, he granted Winter his undivided attention.

Winter ran his fingers down the edge of the shelf at his side and drifted along the wall, deeper into the room. In so doing, he made sure he spoke farther from the cracks around the entrance.