Page 74 of Haunting Goats

ATTICUS

Istroke Lyr’s hair while she lies asleep next to me. I don’t know what our future holds, but I’m ready to tackle anything that comes our way, as long as it’s with her. I study her features.

She has one distinct line across her forehead, probably from all the scowling she does. She has small crescent scars from chickenpox, I guess. I have similar ones. Her lashes are full and she has the cutest button nose. Watching her eyes flick beneath her lids, she scrunches her nose like a little bunny and groans.

Her face is always so loud, even in her sleep. I wonder who deserved the look of disgust and why. She makes me chuckle, and I go back to caressing her hair, trailing my fingers down her back. I move my hand in a sinfully slow circular motion. It’s my way of letting her know that I’m still here and that she’s still safe.

Every time she stirs, I repeat the motion. It soothes her, and the realization of knowing that I’m taking care of my girl makes my chest swell with pride. A portal opens up from the floor, blinding me with its light, and the Grim Reaper steps into the room.

“What are you doing here?” I hiss.

I feel rushed as I crawl out of bed.

“I’m here for you,” he says dryly.

I lean back on the bed, “What do you mean you’re here for me?” I ask curiously.

The Reaper said it wouldn’t come back again. But that was directed at Lyr, not me.

I wonder what it wants?

It sighs. “It’s time to take you home.”

I know what I said I wanted before, but that’s changed now. Lyric is my home. She’s all I’ll ever need.

“Why now? Why didn’t you come for me before?” I interrogate.

The reaper straightens. “Fate had already written that you would help her—that you would save her.”

Knowing that I was stuck here because of her doesn’t make me feel the anger I think it should. Instead, I feel peaceful and successful in my endeavors. Love conquers all.

I suddenly feel sick to my stomach when I ask, “Can Lyric go, too?”

“No,” the reaper says plainly.

“Why not?” The words come out in a growl.

The reaper steps forward.

“What are you willing to sacrifice to save her?”

My mouth goes dry. The reaper takes another step and leans in, “Do you think she’s worth it?”

I look over my shoulder at Lyr. She’s still sleeping. She looks so beautiful and peaceful.

I don’t know what kind of game the reaper is trying to play, but I’m not in the mood for it.

“Of course she is. I would sacrifice it all. What do I have to do?” I ask timidly.

The reaper scuffles a little closer.

“I want your soul,” he says wickedly.

“You’re already getting it,” I say annoyed, “You’re literally here to collect it.”

“Enough!” the Reaper bellows.

“Shut. Up. Idiot. You’re going to wake her.” I hold my finger against my lips, hushing him.