by Ali Winters
Yes. A Hunter lived. Many more still lived. And now one had crossed a line. This Hunter, this troublemaker, must be dealt with. And fast.
The watch belonged to a mark that had been assigned to Keres. A mark that still needed to be reaped. He turned it over in his hand and brushed his fingers along the backing. When a Hunter destroyed a Reaper, they too were destroyed as a way to keep the balance. But doing so would leave a mark like soot on the metal surface.
Yet this watch remained clean and polished. Only a powerful Hunter, close to the strength Yeva once possessed, could destroy that Reaper. Keres had been as old and nearly as powerful as Caspian. Few Hunters could touch her and live.
Then he knew what had happened. That bright light Yeva had created right before Kain died. He’d thought Yeva had tried to save him. But she had done something else. Her wicked smile played in his mind. The small bit of blood in the corner of her mouth.
She had granted the Hunter the gift of rebirth. And now he was back and set to destroy the balance.
“This Hunter must be taken care of immediately. He has started a war against us.”
Silas’s exterior was calm, but, inside, rage roiled in his veins. He would not give Yeva’s plan time to manifest. He would have a Reaper capable of destroying him take care of the situation. He would use the weapon he’d created all those years ago.
“How did we not know of his existence before now?” The look on Caspian’s face bordered on betrayal.
Come clean or take more memories. No… enough was enough. “I have known there were Hunters out there still. Yet, let them live so long as they do not disrupt the balance.” He shook his head at his own stupidity. “I had foolishly thought all who were responsible for causing the imbalance had been eradicated centuries ago.”
“Those we let live were sworn to uphold their duties. Could we have missed one?” Caspian asked, reciting the false memory he’d been given to fill the gaps.
Silas rubbed his chin. Perhaps those who had fought in the war had not been all of Yeva’s creations. Though he had siphoned much of their powers as a group, he was not connected to them as he was his Reapers, he could not feel them as individuals.
How deep had Yeva’s scheming gone? Would she have gone so far as to hide a group of them at the risk of losing the majority?
“I suspect there is a small group who had gone into hiding before the war, and have been waiting, biding their time and building their numbers.”
Silas turned from him and walked over to the table pushed up against the side of the room. Books and papers were stacked on the old wooden surface. Vials sat on a small, tiered shelf, all filled with various colors of liquid and smoke.
He plucked up the smallest bottle, the gray swirling solution mingled with black as dark and dull as charcoal. The colors churned and whorled, sparkling like stars in the night sky as they moved. His other hand snatched up a small square of paper. One meant for a mark.
Popping the cork, Silas tilted the vial until only a single, thick drop of the smoky liquid fell onto the piece of parchment and initiated the call to a mark not set by the Tome of Fate.
He was the first Reaper. The original. What his powers allowed him to do, he could not gift to another, not even Caspian. His Second in Command required the help of the Tome of Fate to assign marks.
How many centuries had it been since he’d last assigned a mark himself?
Not since… Nivian. The significance of this moment did not go unnoticed by him, nor by the Reaper at his back. He could hear Caspian’s sharp intake of breath, and then the silence that followed as he held it.
The ink spread like a dark, living thing across the rough surface of parchment. Then Silas picked up the long neglected quill and held the point against the paper, scrawling a name only the ink knew. At first, nothing appeared, then the liquid moved and took shape, forming a first and last name.
Silas placed the quill back down and blew gently on the text.
As the ink dried, it lit up, a bright, glowing, gold light before fading. To most, it would look like an ordinary name on an ordinary scrap of paper. An ordinary mark, like the countless ones that came before it and that would come after.
But it was so much more than that.
He turned from the small table and crossed the floor, back to where Caspian still waited with bated breath, still waiting patiently, still unmoving, and handed it over.
His Second looked at it for a long moment.
“Give this to Nivian,” Silas ordered.
Caspian’s eyes widened as he barely managed to contain a sputter. “Silas, are you sure? I would hate to lose such a Reaper as Nivian to the likes of a Hunter. I have never seen another bring in such powerful souls as she does.”
Caspian spoke with a quicker cadence than usual, and though he appeared calm, Silas caught the slightest quiver in his voice.
Though he tried to hide it, the Reaper still held on to the affections he’d had for Nivian, even against his orders. All because Silas had granted his wish to not take those memories from him. So long as he did not act on it, so long as they did not interfere with everything that was to come, then he could keep them.
Silas lifted his chin and looked into his friend’s midnight eyes. “There is no other Reaper who can do this. You know as well as I exactly why she is so powerful. This is the reason for her existence.” His eyes narrowed as he spoke the words Caspian needed. More than a hint of what would happen was held in his tone as he said, “Do not let your feelings for her cloud your judgment and keep her from doing what is necessary.”
“Yes, my lord.” Caspian pocketed the note and bowed low at the waist. Though there was nothing different about the gesture, Silas sensed a touch of derision in it.
Silas fought to keep a smirk from forming across his lips. Yes, Caspian had heard his warning, but he would do what was needed, or he would lose the memories he held so dear.
He didn’t wait for Caspian to speak again and turned on his heel, jerking his hood back up over his head walking back into the shadows of the room, signaling the end of their conversation.
A few seconds later, the sound of Caspian’s footfalls echoed throughout the chamber, then vanished with the harsh clang of the stone doors.
It was here, far sooner than he would have believed.
The beginning of the end.
* * *
If you enjoyed The Hunted series then you’ll want to check out
THE VAMPIRE DEBT!
Author’s Note
If you’d like to be notified of updates, new releases, giveaways, free downloads, and more, clink the link below to sign up for my VIP mailing list:
CLICK TO JOIN MY VIP LIST
* * *
You can always keep up with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as my Fan Group.
* * *
If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review on the site you purchased it from. Reviews don’t need to be long, a simple line or two is wonderful. Every review is important and can make a huge difference in helping other readers discover my books!
Cast of Characters
Silas [Sigh-luh s]
The first Fate Keeper, and the original Reaper. Assigns marks to all other Reapers, and takes the reaped life forces and sends them back to Gaia for renewal.
* * *
Yeva [Yee-va]
The first Guardian of Life and creator of Watchers who protect life and keep mortals from being reaped before their time.
* * *
Nivian [Niv-ee-uh n]
Once a Watcher, taken by Silas on command of the Moirai and turned into a Reaper.
* * *
Kain [kayn]
Once Yeva’s Second, he sacrificed his powers to save the others during the Dissension and gifted the gift of rebirth by Yeva before he died.
* * *
Caspian [kas-pee-uh n]
Silas’s Second in command. The second Reaper in existence. He is tasked with reading the
Tome of Fate and handing out assigned reapings.
* * *
Camira [Ka-meer-uh]
A Reaper. Nivian’s first friend.
* * *
Holter [hohl-ter]
Yeva’s Third in command. And Kain’s father once he’s reborn. Husband to Aurelia.
* * *
Evander{Eh-van-der]
One of the newest Reapers in existence. Loyal and hard working, Promoted from Timeless Reaper to Silencer.
* * *
Azira [Uh-zeer-uh]
A new Hunter. Rare as she was born to other Hunters in the late 20th century. The youngest among them. Works as a technical engineer at Hunter Corp.
* * *
Colin [koh-lin]
An original Hunter and mechanic working at Hunter Corp.
* * *
Finn [f-IH-n]
An original Hunter working at Hunter Corp.
* * *
Taliha [tahl-yah]
An original Hunter. One of the rare births. Parent lineage unknown.
* * *
Karen [kuh-ren]
An original Hunter. Works for Hunter Corp. as a liaison.
* * *
Jack [Jak]
An original Hunter. One of Yeva’s most trusted men. Loyal to Yeva above all else.
* * *
Hades [hey-deez]
God of the Underworld. Keeper of souls.
* * *
Kore [Cor-ee]
Sister to Hades.
* * *
Prometheus [pruh-mee-thee-uh s]
Lover to Hades. Visits the Underworld each night after sunset.
* * *
Karon [kair-uh n]
Ferryman to the Underworld.
* * *
Cerberus [sur-ber-uh s]
Hades’s pet. A three faced creature that guards the entrance to the Underworld.
* * *
The Moirai [Moi·rai]
The three fates; Lachesis, Clotho, and Atropos. They spin the life forces for mortals, and send the names of those to be reaped to the Tome of Fate. Creator of the Reapers’ scythe.
* * *
Michael [mahy-kuh l]
An original Hunter. Loyal to Yeva above all else.
* * *
Aurelia [aw-reel-yuh]
Kain’s mother, Holter’s wife. Once a Reaper turned mortal by Yeva’s hand. Has the gift of reincarnation.
* * *
Hestia [hes-tee-uh]
Nivian’s mother figure.
* * *
Eloise [el-oh-eez]
Nivian’s younger sister.
* * *
Cora [kohr-uh]
Nivian’s older sister.
* * *
Eli [ee-lahy]
Nivian’s older brother. Died when he was leaping from rooftop to rooftop in the mortal city, his foot slipped and he fell between buildings
Significant locations & Items
Waters of Soyala
The sacred waters of the Reapers that holds their powers allowing them to be immortal. The waters cleanse the life forces before Silas sends them back to Gaia for renewal. The waters are held in a basin at the back of the bottom layer of G.R.I.M. Headquarters. Located in the Second realm: Mophar.
* * *
Waters of Salay
The sacred waters embed with the magic that gives Watchers their powers. Located in the First realm: Earth.
* * *
The Fountain of Nathka
A natural hot spring where the waters of Saylay flow, located in the heart of a forest, protected by wards to keep all who are not of Watcher lineage from finding it. Also known to mortals as the legendary fountain of youth. Located in the First realm: Earth.
* * *
G.R.I.M. Headquarters
The central hub for all Reapers where the Fate Keeper and Second in command reside a majority of the time. Located in the Second realm: Mophar.
* * *
The Forest of Ari
The forests to the eastern side of G.R.I.M. Headquarters. Located in the Second realm: Mophar.
* * *
The cliffs of Edrathli
An endless precipice that holds the glittering fog that waves in and out at the edge of Mophar against the back of G.R.I.M. Headquarters. Located in the Second realm: Mophar.
* * *
The Underworld
The third realm, domain of Hades where he keeps the shades and souls of those who have passed.
* * *
The Reapers’ Scythe
The scythe, created by Atropos, is the tool reapers use to secure the life force of mortals before collecting it to be renewed by Gaia.
* * *
The Tome of Fate
The book, created by Clotho, that the Moirai—mainly Lachesis—uses to communicate with the Reapers. It is used mainly to assign marks, but the Moirai will, on occasion, use it to summon One of the high ranking Reapers to their domain.
* * *
The eye of the Tome
The eye stone set in the front cover of the Tome of Fate. Lachesis’s right eye. It imbues the Tome with the magic in which the Moirai use to communicate with the Reapers.
* * *
The Reapers’ chalice
The ceremonial cup used to hold the sacred Waters of Soyala in which a Reaper can be given more power or have their power restored if it is running dangerously low.
* * *
The Watchers’ chalice
The ceremonial cup used to hold the sacred Waters of Salay.
* * *
Symbol of the Reapers
The full circle represents the endless life of the Reaper while the Raven represents the negative space of a black hole, drawing energy in toward itself and releasing it in a new form, a symbol in itself, as well as being the guide and protector of the dead.
* * *
Symbol of the Hunters
The crescent moon represents the finite lifespan of the Hunters and mortals that they are charged with protecting. The wolf represents strength and loyalty as well as being a protector to those in its care.
* * *
The combined chalices
Both the Reaper and Watcher chalices once combined. Now serves the same purpose as each did before, it works on both Reapers and Hunters.
Also by Ali Winters
The Hunted Series
The Reapers
The Exodus
The Moirai
The Fallen
Flirting with Death (A short story)
* * *
In The End duology
Sound of Silence
Light in Darkness
* * *
Stand Alone Titles
Army of the Winter Court
A Sky Of Shattered Stars
Cast in Moonlight
Acknowledgments
The end of the series is here and it feels both amazing and sad. I’ve been with these characters for the past few years, got to know them and see where their stories have taken them. It’s hard to say goodbye to this world, yet there’s a chance that there might be more to come someday.
But I’m beyond excited to explore new worlds that have been brewing in my mind as I wrote this series. And I can’t wait to see where those books take me.
I couldn’t have finished this series without you, my readers, and I don’t have the words to express how much I love and appreciate you—wether you’re a new fan or old—your support means the world to me.
I want to take a moment to thank my Reaplings of G.R.I.M. Headquarters, my editor, my PA Michelle, Konstanz, Erin A., Erin C., my husband, parents, and my pups(who are my constant writing companions)—This series wouldn’t exist without all of your love, support and encouragement.
The Atomic Indies, you’re the best friends anyone could ask for and amazing authors. Your love and support, not just about books but with every day life, has been a life saver. Everyone deserves friends like you.
I hope you, dear reader, loved this se
ries and the cast of characters as much as I loved writing it. And I look forward to sharing many more new worlds and characters with you.
About the Author
Ali Winters is the USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted series, as well as an amazon and international bestselling author. She was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest where she developed her love of nature, animals, and all things green.
For as long as she can remember, she’s been mesmerized by the extraordinary world of books and fantasy. There has never been a time when stories were not begging to be told, either by drawing, photography, or writing.
With encouragement from one of her favorite authors, she jumped in, head first, to pursue the career that had been calling to her since the day she opened her first book.
