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Colton sighed. “We are entering territory that is best left alone.”
Raine’s arm tightened around Dannika when she attempted to move towards Colton. “What are you trying to say?”
Steele waved his hand. “Colton is right. Only a Bokor can answer your questions. It’s not something I would suggest lightly.”
Raine and Dannika shared a questioning glance. “Why?”
Steele’s face hardened. “They are not trustworthy. We’re better off experimenting on our own.”
“How can you say that?” Dannika hissed. “If a Bokor can answer our questions, then we should find out. Reapers were once shadows. We shouldn’t cause them unnecessary harm. If there’s a way to rehabilitate them, we should facilitate it as humanely as possible.”
Steele’s eyes flickered. “I admire your conviction and your compassion, but when you have experienced dozens of losses, and the carnage we have, you will have a different perspective.”
Her fingers clenched into a fist before she forced herself to relax. “Why are you unwilling to ask a few questions? It costs nothing and could save us time. It also increases our chances of success.”
Steele sighed. “I have had dealings with them in the past. It did not go well and is not an experience I wish to revisit. As for the cost, it’s higher than you think.”
Dannika frowned. “What happened?”
“It was a long time ago, and there’s no point in dredging up old wounds.” Steele folded his arms, signaling he would not be forthcoming about his past.
Raine rubbed Dannika’s back. “If it was a long time ago, we would not be dealing with the same Bokor, correct?”
Steele wet his lips. “No. The current Bokor in Graydon is his son. The man I dealt with died twenty years ago.”
“He’s a local then. Where is he located?”
Steele glanced between Dannika and Raine. “You are intent on this course of action?”
“Yes,” Dannika said.
“There is an occult shop on the outskirts of Graydon. It’s rundown. You can’t miss it. A shadow pathway will lead you to the outside of the building.”
Colton rolled his shoulders. “I know where the shop is. I will take you.”
Steele grabbed his son’s arm. “Do not negotiate with the Bokor and do not tell him you are a relation of mine. He will know what you are.”
“What aren’t you telling us?” Colton asked.
Steele dropped his hand. “I cannot say anything further. Heed my warning. The Bokor can answer any question, but the price is always too high.”
Dannika’s eyes widened. “Any question? Would he know if my sister is dead?”
Steele took on a pained expression. “Yes. He can call on the spirit world, talk to the dead, but there are no absolutes. Spirits answer on their own schedule and even if she’s passed over, she may not be ready for communion.”
“But there is a chance? He could try,” Dannika said. She looked up at Raine. “We have to try. If there’s any chance of finding my sister, I’m taking it.”
Raine growled. “You will not be trading anything. You can ask the questions, but if he is not forthcoming, you walk away.”
“No,” she said, with black mist swirling behind her green eyes.
Steele held up his hand. “Dannika, please listen to reason. You don’t understand the forces you are dealing with. The dangers of the underworld.”
Dannika paled. “What is the underworld?”
CHAPTER18
Dannika rubbed her shoulders, as goosebumps formed on her skin. No one spoke. No one moved. The leaves rustled in the wind as branches creaked against one another. Shadows flickered through the window, offset by the brightness of the moon. The entire forest held its breath with her.
