Chapter 24 #2
He’s been gone nearly all day. He left me here alone to rot with no idea where I am, what his plans are, or how this is helping us get closer to ending this situation. The boredom gnaws at me, leaving me alone with my own thoughts, a terrifying silence, and the panic starting to settle in.
I move to the loveseat after getting ready and sit down, letting the dust cover me. This day sucks. I flip open the folder containing all the information about the assignment, including details regarding the Grim.
Notes, sightings, and all possible evidence gathered over the centuries about the Grim fill the pages in no organized fashion. I immediately become overwhelmed, wondering where to start, when something catches my eye.
The Grim will appear differently to everyone and is never the same.
Some see the Reaper as a past loved one, while others may perceive him as more peaceful or sinister.
It depends solely on the individual. He will manifest minutes after you take your last breath to guide your soul across the black lake.
A cold chill rattles my bones, making me look around the apartment, expecting to find someone’s eyes upon me.
Once his icy presence touches you, you belong to him. He has no overseer and does his work based on each individual’s fate.
My thoughts spiral because there is no information about trying to kill the Reaper.
But if the Grim Reaper took Emalyn Ren, and he takes people based on their fate, is this all planned? Is everything we’ve ever done in our lives just an outline for our death? And are the Elders messing with destiny because of their own sick fears?
Another chill moves through me, and I slam the folder closed.
I need to get out of here.
I quickly write a note and toss the paper on the table:
Crew,
You are a dick.
I went to town because I’m bored and want a beer.
Your worst nightmare,
-Mara.
I leave it on the table, feeling proud of my work, and I lace up my boots. I grab a bit of cash from the duffle and head out the door, wishing I were a more civilized person and carried a damn cell phone.
I look toward the small city and estimate it’s about a two-mile walk, so I head in that direction, desperate for some entertainment, food, and a beer.
Crew told me not to leave, but he abandoned me, so eye for an eye.
My steps fall into a quick rhythm, and I take in my surroundings.
Sparse buildings line the roads alongside a mix of tall trees.
The suburbs are quiet and peaceful, but an unease settles over me, making my senses tingle.
My eyes narrow as I see a small shadow hovering overhead.
I tilt my head back and peer through the clouds, but I can’t see anything, even though I know what the shadow is.
I lift my middle finger into the air, and since he’s acting like a bird, I give him one.
I push forward, annoyed that he’s willing to fly above me but won’t just talk to me.
But what does Crew even owe me at this point?
Nothing.
The shadow follows me for a while as I make my way into the small city, disappearing once I reach a bit of civilization. The people of Hilna City stare as I pass by, and their mannerisms give off the vibe that they aren’t very fond of newcomers.
The streets are nearly empty, and the storefronts appear vacant. The lingering stares send a nervousness creeping into my veins. A run-down bar comes into view, and I step inside, desperate to escape the streets and blank stares.
The musty smell of stale beer and sweat clings to my nose, mingling with the greasy aroma from the kitchen.
A few neon lights brighten the bar, while others in the back flicker, casting dull shadows around the space.
The bar top is nearly full, but there aren’t many people sitting at the tables around the room.
I choose a booth in the back corner, but the stares don’t stop.
The large bartender serving drinks to the patrons bores his gaze into mine, and I order a beer as quickly as possible, trying to blend in.
I must appear as pathetic as the others sitting in this bar in the mid-afternoon, and I sip my drink while watching men stumble around with nothing better to do.
The bartender keeps a close eye on me, and I do the same, watching him and the clock on the wall.
Eventually, the drinks go down easily, making the time pass more quickly.
I order a burger to satisfy my growling stomach, and after a few hours, I realize that I’ve had a lot of beer, too much greasy food, and Crew should be returning to the apartment soon.
I can’t help but let thoughts of him swirl in my mind like a darkness while I think about what he said and what he’s done for me.
I shake the thoughts away. I have a two-mile walk ahead of me. That should sober me up.
I watch through the stained-glass window as the sun begins to fade, signaling that night will come sooner than I intended. I stand up in a rush, throw cash on the table, and leave with the eyes of the city folks still upon me.
I step onto the streets as dusk quickly takes over, and an itch settles into my back—my body desperate to unfold my wings. It’s been days, and I never want to feel as trapped as I did in prison again. However, I’m scared of the pain, so I choose to walk down the street.
The city roads are even emptier at this time of day, and I find myself jerking my head around, half tempted to grab the gun hidden in my belt.
Alley after alley passes by, and I’m getting closer to the outskirts of town—a mile away from the apartment—with no shadow hovering in the sky above me.
The sun dips low, and I have only a few more minutes of light left.
In the quickly dimming light, I keep scanning the ground for signs of a shadow watching me, but there’s nothing—and I want there to be.
I’m alone, and I can’t help but wonder what the hell Crew’s done today.
One building separates me from the openness I know will make me feel more at ease, allowing me to view my surroundings.
I approach the alleyway and freeze as three men step out, blocking my way.
Their faces are hard, they’re armed, and I watch as one unfolds black leather wings while another has horns appear atop his head.
Darkness oozes from them like a disease, and their twisted smiles reveal they aren’t here to welcome me.
Their red eyes burn through me under the dusky sky, and I slowly reach my hand behind my back for my gun.
They are wild and angry, and I know for certain they are Void demons bound to no Order, and I’m in the mood for a fight.