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Julius glanced at Dannika before he swung his blade in an upward arc. It sliced through Zade’s neck like soft butter, sending the reaper’s head tumbling to the sand.
Dannika choked on her own blood as Zade’s body fell to the ground. Julius wiped his blade on Zade’s back before turning to her.
Julius smiled at her with glowing red eyes. “Your turn.”
CHAPTER19
Shadow healing abilities were amazing, but they hurt like a bitch. Dannika’s throat burned as torn tissue grappled and reformed, meshing her trachea back together. Julius had intended to kill her. Had she not sidestepped his blade, it would have removed her head. She coughed blood into her hand before using the wall to steady her as she stood up.
“Why did you kill Zade? He was one of you.” Her serrated voice grated on her ears.
Julius glanced at the fallen reaper. “He was weak. He didn’t embrace his gift and follows Ferguson and other reapers like him.”
She put her fingers to her throat. While the tissue had mended, a thick welt remained. “You mean the reapers that were forced to turn, but you were one of them.”
Julius stepped over Zade’s body. “I was young and didn’t comprehend the gift my father had given me. Once I made my first healthy kill, I became a revered member of our clan. Ferguson and his followers continue to kill within certain parameters.”
“They kill the predators of the human world. That’s more challenging than killing teenagers and old women.”
“The fact remains that they won’t kill when needed. I have known Ferguson to go without blood for days until he finds a human that fits his code of conduct. It’s pathetic.”
She stepped away from the security of the wall. The dizziness passed, signifying her healing was almost complete. “If you ask me, you’re the one that’s pathetic.”
Julius swung his sword. “Let’s see if you’re as mouthy when I remove your head.”
Dannika traced the sword blade as it swung into the air. It moved as if it was an extension of his hand. “I know you are a superior warrior. I’m curious why you hate me so much. Is it because I lived in the human world growing up? Because my life was hell. Our father saw to that.”
Julius lowered his blade. “I hate you because you look like her.”
It was the last thing she’d expected him to say. She had forgotten that Julius remembered their mother. He had a full childhood with her. “What was Alyssa like? I’m not sure I believe Killian’s version.”
Julius pursed his lips. Dannika thought he would refuse to answer.
“She was kind and caring. She tucked me in at night and told me bedtime stories, but she was weak. If Alyssa had let Father go when I was a child, I would’ve become a shadow.”
Dannika touched the smooth skin at her neck. “I’m sorry, Julius, but I’m sure she loved you and our father. At least you had time to know her.”
Julius sneered. “I remember the human saying. It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. I can tell you it’s bullshit. If I could leach the memories of my human life from my mind, I would. I was a weak child and didn’t reach my full potential until I killed my first innocent.”
Dannika felt a moment of regret for the brother she had lost. The one that died when his father turned reaper. She would have loved that brother, but the reaper left in his place was about to kill her.
Julius raised the samurai sword in his hand. “Goodbye, sister.”
He advanced on her as Killian formed between them.
“I told you to fight her, and I strictly forbade you from killing her.”
Julius lowered his sword. “She is an abomination.”
Killian stepped towards his son. “You don’t want to kill her because she’s a woman. You want to kill her because she reminds you of your mother. I listened to your conversation. That you still view your mother’s death as a betrayal is your weakness, not hers.”
Julius growled. “I am not weak.”
Killian arched his eyebrow. “Prove it. Challenge me for leadership. We both know you want it.”
Julius lowered his gaze. “I don’t wish to challenge you, Father.”
Killian glanced at Zade’s body. “While I had no respect for Zade, I needed him. You just killed your sister’s mate.”
