Soul Reaper

by Kate Keir

  It wasn’t a question, as such, but I nodded anyway.

  “I suspect neither you, nor Lyall know that it is a rare gift to be able to give or receive energy in that way.”

  “To be honest, I didn’t even know it was a thing, Pen. I don’t think Lyall did either.” Distractedly, I looked to the door as I said Lyall’s name.

  “I’ve read about energy sharing, Flora. As far as I can remember, it has only happened between a Soul Keeper and their Dion once before. It is exceptionally uncommon.”

  My interest piqued a little. “So Lyall and I are special?”

  Pen smiled fondly. “I already knew that. But yes, you are. You have a rare gift which may prove useful in the coming war with Sluag.”

  “And right now, my special Dion needs me.” I stood up and made for the door.

  This time Pen didn’t try to stop me, but she called after me as I reached the wooden doors of the hall. “Flora?”

  I stopped.

  “There is no way for a Dion and Soul Keeper to share energy unless they are bonded.” Pen said quietly.

  “How is that possible?” I breathed.

  “You and Lyall are closer than you thought.”

  “I don’t think I’m ready for that, Pen.”

  “It could be the one thing that enables you to defeat Sluag.” Pen spoke firmly.

  I thought for a moment before giving a hesitant nod.

  “Go and find him, Flora. I believe only you can give him the means to repair this. In much the same way as he pulled you from your own despair.” Pen smiled.

  I closed the door behind me and went to find him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Intuition nudged me toward the front door and out into the unseasonable coolness of the afternoon. Something at the back of my mind told me Lyall wasn’t in the mortal world any longer. He had gone to the Everwood.

  I briefly wondered if it was our bond that enabled me to sense his whereabouts, or if it was my newly blossoming abilities as a Soul Keeper. Even though I’d been using Lyall’s energy to help me hold off the Draugur on the train, I was still surprised I’d managed it at all.

  These days, it was getting a lot easier to be me.

  It took only a fraction of a second to reimagine myself into the Everwood. I felt the familiar sense of belonging wash over me, but today I paid it little mind as I searched for my lost Dion.

  I didn’t have to look very hard. I found him after just a short stroll into the woods. He was sitting on the ground, next to a small pond that reflected the blue-flowered trees of the Everwood on its mirror-still surface.

  Taking a deep breath, I approached him.

  “Lyall?”

  He didn’t turn as he replied. “I told you to leave me alone, Flora.”

  I sat down next to him, careful not to let my leg touch his as I crossed my feet, lotus-style. “I’m here for you, not myself. So, if you really want me to go, I will. But I had to come and check that you were okay.”

  He turned angry eyes on me. “Okay? How can I be okay, when I just found out that my mother—the woman who ruined my life—is currently working with our enemy to destroy the world? Jesus, Helena watched on while Sluag killed Finlay. I’m so not okay, Flora.”

  “No, I suppose you’re not,” I murmured, staring into the pond.

  The anger faded from his eyes slightly, leaving them the fired-amber colour I recognised so well. With a start, I realised he had his mother’s eyes. Hers had a paler, almost diluted aspect to them. But they were undeniably the same eyes. How had I not noticed that sooner?

  “That woman brings out the worst in me, Flora. I have no idea if she knows I’m your Dion, but you can bet your ass if she does, she’ll be thinking of ways to use that against us. I’m a liability to you now.”

  I reached forward and turned his face gently toward me with my fingertips. “Lyall, you’re far from a liability. You’re the only one who has kept me going after everything that happened with Finlay and Sluag. Without you, I can’t do any of it. I don’t know how.”

  He didn’t pull back from my touch, and I took that to be a good sign. “You don’t know her like I do. She’s vile. Everything she does is for herself. She isn’t capable of love or loyalty. She’ll do anything to use me as a weapon against you.”

  “Then we’ll go up against her together.” I wanted to tell him about our bond, but something deep inside told me to shut up, and so I did.

  He jerked his head back from my hand, and I instantly regretted not telling him about us.

  “I can’t trust what she might make me do. Hurting you is one of two things that I could never live with myself for doing.” He looked away from me.

  “What’s the other thing?” I asked quietly with a sense of dread.

  “The second thing is something that I am going to have to find a way to live with, because I am going to do it.” He spoke firmly but the look of despair in his eyes told me the truth of his feelings.

  “What are you going to do?” I whispered.

  “I’m going to leave you, love.”

  “No.” I stood up so quickly I went dizzy. “You can’t leave me. I can’t do this without you, Lyall. I won’t have anyone left.”

  He stood up next to me but made no move to touch me. “If I stay here, I could be the reason for you getting hurt or even killed. Don’t forget about the prophecy, Flora. Pen’s almost certain you’re still destined to be betrayed or killed within the year. I won’t be the one who does either of those things to you.”

  Desperation and fear made my blood run cold. “Lyall, you would never hurt me. I know you wouldn’t because you feel the same way about me as I do about you.” I stepped toward him and reached out in an attempt to wrap my arms around his waist.

  He held out his hand, and gently pressed it against my shoulder, pushing me away, making me feel as though my world had come to an end.

  “No,” was all he said.

  Even now, every instinct I had, told me to stay silent about our bond, so instead, I told him the only other truth I could think of.

  “I love you, Lyall.”

  He flinched before becoming completely still and silent. I mirrored his motionless stance, staring at him with tear-filled eyes and holding my breath, waiting for his reply.

  “Goodbye, love.”

  As he faded from the Everwood, I finally permitted the tears to spill onto my cheeks.

  “You can’t go, we’re bonded,” I finally managed to whisper. But it was too late; he didn’t hear me.

  I stood alone and stared at the spot where Lyall had stood until moments ago. Time passed, although if anyone had asked me how much, I wouldn’t have had any idea. It wasn’t until I heard Finlay speak inside my head that I remembered to breathe.

  Flor, I’m so sorry.

  “Were you here the whole time?” I turned toward the bright white orb that was my best friend’s soul.

  The light flickered guiltily. Yeah, pretty much. Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.

  I shook my head sadly. “Don’t worry. It doesn’t really matter now anyway.”

  He may not have said it back, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel it, Flor. He wouldn’t leave you and tear his own world apart, unless he loved you too. I could sense how much it hurt Finlay to admit that.

  “It feels as though I’m going to lose everyone I care about eventually.” I sighed.

  You haven’t lost me. This is just a temporary glitch. Finlay did a series of loop-the-loops as he spoke inside my head.

  “I’m sorry we haven’t fixed things for you yet, Finlay.” I felt guilt pressing at me from every side. How had I managed to screw so many things up, again?

  You’ve stopped me losing my memories and didn’t send me to the Endwood. I’d say I’m not doing too bad, considering.

  “Maybe. But I need to help Pen work on a way to get you a permanent body again, and I need to stop Sluag getting inside my head when I sleep. I don’t fancy listening to him gloat over Lyall leav
ing me.” I frowned and rubbed my temples.

  Lyall might change his mind yet. Finlay came and rested himself gently on my shoulder.

  “I don’t think so.” I was pretty sure Lyall would be gone by the time I got back to Castle Dion.

  I wish I could give you a bear hug right now, Flor.

  I gave the bright little light a weak smile. “That would be pretty great right now. I’m gonna have to prioritise getting you some arms.”

  The orb lit up happily. As much as I love your company. I think you should probably head back soon. Pen will need to know about Lyall.

  I nodded reluctantly. “You’re right, but I hate leaving you alone again after being away for so long.” I didn’t add that I also didn’t want to face the reality of Lyall’s desertion.

  Honestly, I’m fine. I don’t regret what I did. I’d do it again in a heartbeat if it meant even the slightest chance of saving you, Flor.

  “I’m tired of everyone giving up everything to protect me, Finlay.”

  Not going to apologise, Soul Keeper. We’re pre-programmed to defend you to the end, and that’s what we’ll do.

  I looked at my watch. “I better get back, but this time I’m going to do something for you and figure out how to get you a new body.”

  Well, I’ll be here, waiting for when you do.

  I could sense his grin, even if I couldn’t see it.

  I reached up to my shoulder and tickled the little orb with the tip of my index finger. “See you soon, okay?”

  Finlay darted from my shoulder with a giggle—he never could stand being tickled.

  Okay, see you soon, Flor.

  I willed the Everwood to fade from sight and found myself back at Castle Dion. The cool breeze from earlier had now become a cold wind, and I shivered as I jogged up the castle steps. I knew in my heart Lyall had left me, but it wouldn’t be truly real until I spoke to Pen.

  I tapped on Pen’s door and crossed the fingers on my other hand, hoping that Lyall wouldn’t have left. My optimism was crushed as Pen opened the door to me, the look on her face telling me everything I needed to know. She stood back from the door and gestured that I come in to her room.

  “He’s gone, hasn’t he?” I asked as I sat on a rocker in the corner of her room.

  She nodded. “What happened, Flora?”

  Pen sat on another chair and poured some tea from a copper-coloured teapot. She offered me a cup, and I took it, grateful for the warmth against my chilled hands.

  I looked around Pen’s room with interest. I hadn’t been in here before. It was decorated in a rich dark green colour with black wooden trim. A fragrant candle burnt in a copper holder in front of the large dressing-table mirror, the smell reminded me of fresh mangoes. The curtains and bedcover were made up of a multicoloured patchwork, making the room feel more like a cosy cottage room than a castle chamber.

  I felt a sudden pang of homesickness as I thought back to my own cottage, left abandoned for so long now. Shaking off the feeling, I explained what had happened between Lyall and me. When I finished, my voice trembled a little. “I’m sorry, Pen. I know you thought I could help him, but I messed up, and now he’s gone.”

  “He will be back. This is where he belongs, Flora.” She spoke gently.

  “Do you think so.” My voice sounded hopeful.

  “I do. But in the meantime, we need to focus on finding ways to help Finlay and stop Sluag. I will call a meeting in the morning where we can decide who is to do what.” Pen spoke with the ease of a natural leader.

  I nodded. I missed Lyall, Mara, and Finlay and I was exhausted. I stood up and said goodnight to Pen. I couldn’t wait to climb into my own bed after weeks of sleeping outdoors as a wolf.

  As soon as I slid under my own bedcovers, I heard a soft thud on the end of the bed and felt Achilles padding his way up toward me. He curled himself against my stomach, on top of the cover, and purred ferociously as I softly stroked his head until we both fell asleep.

  Chapter Fifteen

  I once read somewhere that you don’t remember anything at all until about ten seconds after you wake up. That fact is painfully true, and I relished the few seconds of blissful ignorance I had before I came around from sleep properly and remembered Lyall was gone.

  The agony of his absence crashed over me, leaving my stomach with a cold, dark knot inside. Achilles had also abandoned me in the night, leaving nothing but a vacant, fur-covered dint on the bed.

  For a brief moment, I wanted to curl up in a ball and hide from the world forever. I wanted to be able to take some time to myself. Then I remembered I was the Soul Keeper—responsible for the safety of everyone on Earth. I had to get up. I had things to do.

  A shower and some clean clothes did wonders, and I felt much better as I left my room and made my way downstairs. It was only eight thirty, which meant I was the first person into the dining room this morning. I took the opportunity to pour myself a cup of coffee, and I grabbed a croissant to go with it.

  I wasn’t particularly hungry, so I sat and picked at the croissant, but I gulped the coffee back quickly and went back to refill just as the others came into the dining room.

  Freya and Enid both shot me sad looks as they walked in—they had obviously heard about Lyall’s departure. But Artair’s appearance took me by surprise. He had showered and cut his hair. He had on clean clothes, and even his skin wasn’t as pale as it had been. He looked better than he had in a long time.

  Pen took her seat at the head of the table and gave everyone a few minutes to sit down before she started to speak.

  “Thank you all for coming today. Artair, you look very well indeed. It’s good to have you back.”

  Artair ducked his head and gave a small smile. “Thanks, Pen.”

  Pen smiled fondly at Enid. “Let’s get the good news out of the way first. Welcome to Enid, our newest recruit.”

  Everyone murmured hello and welcome.

  “Enid will need a mentor, and that is my first goal today. Do I have a volunteer?” Pen looked around the table.

  I briefly considered offering myself. I knew a lot of what she needed to learn, and I knew she trusted me. But then, I thought of everything I still had to do, and I realised I really didn’t have time to add hours of tuition to my list.

  “I volunteer.” Artair’s voice was strong and clear.

  Pen studied him for a moment, casting her eyes over his new attire and freshly cut hair. After a long minute of silence, she seemed to come to her decision.

  “Yes, I think that will be good for both of you.”

  Artair beamed at Enid, and Enid smiled back at him with a little trepidation.

  Pen spoke up again. “Remember, Enid, you can come to any of us if you need help. Artair will be your primary mentor, but we will all help in any way we can.”

  “Thank you, Pen.” Enid visibly relaxed.

  Pen shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Now, I’m sure you all know by now that Lyall has left Castle Dion.”

  We all nodded grimly; I fought back the tears that burned behind my eyes. Enid’s eyes widened slightly as Pen spoke, and I realised she hadn’t known about Lyall’s departure.

  “I have every confidence that Lyall will come back to us very soon. He just needs a little time to himself. For now, we must focus on the immediate danger that Sluag poses to us.”

  Freya spoke up. “Have you found anything that could help us with the super Draugur, Pen?”

  “Only that Sluag and his Doctor Cambridge intend to create the super Draugur in the mortal world. I think I have the address of a facility that they may intend to use. I’m afraid I’m at a loss as to how we can defeat them currently.”

  It didn’t escape my attention that Pen hadn’t used the name Helena Harris. She didn’t want the others to know Laurel Cambridge was Lyall’s mother yet. I was glad.

  “Will we be paying a visit to this facility anytime soon?” Artair asked with a dark smile.

  “No. We have enough to do here. Arta
ir, you will train Enid. Freya and Flora will work with me on researching ways to stop Sluag from summoning Flora and finding a way to give Finlay a new body.”

  Artair opened his mouth to speak, but Pen silenced him with a wave of her hand.

  “We’ve just lost another Dion, Artair. At this rate, we’ll all be vulnerable when Sluag makes his move, which could be any day now. Feelings must be put to one side, for the sake of all humanity.”

  Artair looked sheepish, only giving Pen a respectful nod. I was more than a little surprised at his change in attitude toward bringing Finlay back.

  “I can’t help but wonder if the reason we haven’t found Finlay’s replacement yet is because we haven’t let him die properly.” Freya’s words surprised me, but also made me wonder if she was right.

  Pen frowned. “At first, I thought that may be the case, Freya. But I’m almost certain that we will find our replacement soon. I’ll keep using search rituals to try and pinpoint him.”

  Artair stood and spoke directly to Pen. “If that’s all for now, should Enid and I start our training?”

  Pen nodded, smiling warmly at Enid. “I think that’s a good idea. You have much to learn, Enid, and we have much research to do here.”

  Freya groaned aloud at the thought of research, as Artair and Enid made their way out of the dining hall. Pen stood up and gestured that we follow her to the library.

  I could just make out Artair and Enid disappearing from view as we walked into the hallway.

  “I’ll catch you up. Give me one minute.” I told Pen and Freya, before jogging after Artair and Enid.

  Once I caught up with them I called out, “Artair?”

  He turned around and gave me a closed-off look. It wasn’t exactly cold, but it certainly wasn’t filled with warmth either.

  “I wanted to thank you, for understanding about Finlay. I know it can’t be easy for you, and I appreciate having you on side.” I smiled at him.

  A dark look glazed over his face, turning his warm, hazel eyes a stormy grey colour.

  “I’m not on side,” he hissed. “I know what Finlay means to you, Flora. He used to mean the same to me, but after what he did, I’ll never forgive him. The only reason I’ll keep my mouth shut is because this is bigger than all of us and our grievances. I’ll do what’s right because I’m a Dion, and I’m here to protect you and the world. But don’t mistake my loyalty for approval. As far as I’m concerned, Finlay should stay dead.”