Page 125 of Reaper’s Curse

“I don’t know about this.”

Being social at a large event? Although I did want to see Chace. Especially after yesterday.

Camilla teased my elbow and urged me forward. “Something tells me you’re in for something special this evening.”

I laughed and followed her out the door and down the hall. We turned a corner, and a few of the gown’s feathers grazed the bend.

“Watch the skirt.” Camilla slid her hand between the wall and my gown. “Don’t want to snag and lose a feather.”

How many times during the night would that become an issue? Probably every time I moved.

Camilla’s design was a masterpiece made for me and me alone. Black as night, with gleaming rubies along the fitted, low-cut bodice, it perfectly complemented my hair—onyx with threads of crimson. The skirt swept wide in waves of large black feathers. Like my name, and my friendly raven, Poe.

Black heels shimmered beneath the folds of feathers and red gloves stretched the lengths of my arms. Gloves meant to hide my many injuries. Injuries that were no longer present after Kira’s healing.

And because the birthday ball was a masked event, I had a provocative black bird likeness to wrap across my face.

Camilla helped tie the mask in place, taking care not to mangle the braids and curls Neive had worked into my hair. Both Neive and Lucas had captured glimpses of what I would glide into the ball wearing, and they both had oohed and awed. Neive even gave me a wink, suggesting devilish things awaited me at the party. Possibly after.

But no one knew the full extent of my plans for the evening. Far more than a party was stamped on my agenda for that night.

Still, while I had Myla’s drawings cemented in my mind, and I needed to investigate the specter source location before the night ended, I was looking forward to seeing Chace. Both nervous and excited to witness his reaction when he laid eyes upon me in the extraordinary gown.

“I really wish the girls could have been here to see you in this dress.” Camilla shimmered at my side in pink perfection. A gown of gossamer satin and lace, glittering like diamonds with countless sequins and stones. “They, too, wanted to witness how the male-folk react when they see you.”

By male-folk, she meant Chace and Winter. The twins were far too invested in my personal life. Something I didn’t encourage. Too many lines had already been crossed on this reap.

Was that how it happened with Valen’s coreaper? She became too invested to act impartially?

That won’t happen to me.

But…wasn’t it already happening? What if I were tasked to reap one of the twins? Could I follow through?

My heart leaped against my ribs. I’d already received that task when Winter first carried me into Camilla’s home.

Reaping hell. I didn’t think I could do it.

I found more fulfillment in healing Earl than I ever had in transitioning a soul. And the girls, Myla…

“I’m so sorry they’re missing this.” I felt responsible.

The fact that one was overcome by illness right after healing me… Yeah, that couldn’t be a coincidence.

“It’s not your fault. Truly it’s not.” Camilla suddenly gasped, then placed a gloved hand on mine and guided us back a step, retreating around a corner.

“What is it?” I whispered.

“Royal escort.” Camilla peeked around the corner.

I followed suit, and together we spied on the collection of guards and royals as they moved through the adjoining hallway.

Winter’s family, minus Winter, passed in silence with a team of guards. His grandmother, afflicted mother with personal servants, and a male who was most likely Winter’s father. Plus two others I couldn’t immediately place, a male and female…and too many guards to count. The number of accompanying guards leaned toward overkill.

Of the plus two, the male had hair the color of reddish-orange fall leaves, accentuated with threads of brown. The woman, long black strands. She flipped her hair, bringing her profile into view.

I covered my mouth against my sudden intake of breath. I stared at the individual responsible for summoning the specters. The lady, as per Kira and Myla. The Watcher from the underground tunnels and the reaper I needed to stop.

But not in front of all the royals and countless guards.