AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“He has served his purpose.”
“So, your reapers are expendable?”
“Some, but I am more interested in you.”
Riley huffed. “So, you can gloat?”
Breck put his hands behind his back, looking like a general overseeing his army. “I admit, I wanted you for myself, but I won’t cross Deruthel. He has plans for you.”
“To kill me? To open a permanent portal? We have several theories, but most of them end badly for me.”
Breck’s face paled. “You will pray for death.”
Riley detected a sliver of regret. As if he would have chosen a different path if he could. “Did you make the wrong decision? Are you missing your family?”
Breck huffed. “Reapers don’t have family.”
“You could have. Dannika accepted you, and would’ve done anything to protect you. You took her gift and threw it in her face. You discarded your chance at a real-life. Even if the demons win, you will be nothing more than a lapdog. That’s if they don’t kill you.”
Breck raised his hand as Riley braced for the attack.
Deruthel grabbed his hand in midair. “That’s enough Breck.”
Breck growled but lowered his hand. “She’s an ungrateful wench and deserves her fate.”
Deruthel’s red eyes moved over Riley. His gnarled fingers curled into a fist. “I am well aware of how frustrating Riley can be. However, I need her in one piece. Go check on your clan members and organize a hunting party. We need more women.”
Breck nodded, then left.
Riley yanked at her cuffs. “Are these really necessary?”
“You may be a fledgling, but I don’t want to risk losing you.”
“What do you want?”
“I thought it was obvious. I want you,” Deruthel said.
“Why?”
Deruthel ran his hand over his thick horns. “Your blood is unique, and I haven’t been able to achieve lasting effects. I’m hoping now that you are a shadow, we will be able to create the desired outcome.”
“What are you talking about?” Riley asked
“There are some distinct differences between demon and human blood. The shadow warriors bridge that gap. They are a necessary point of evolution between our species. One we are still trying to comprehend.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You will. Now tell me, did they give you shadow blood during your transition?”
Riley tried not to think about those horrific hours, but she vaguely remembered Colton giving her blood. At the time, he’d said it was to speed or stabilize the process. Those moments are so hazy she couldn’t be certain of the reasoning. Still, she had no intention of helping the demon general. “Why would I tell you anything?”
His lips curled over his serrated teeth. “Just answer the question, Riley.”
“No.”
He growled. “Answer me or I will grab a child and slit its throat in front of you.”
Riley sucked in a breath. “You’re a monster.”
