Raven's Breath (The Women of Purgatory)

by Tish Thawer

  Garrett and I exchanged a dark look. Tension filled the room.

  "Things changed the day Death figured out a way to create a Valkyrie," Michael stated.

  "What?" I balked.

  Garrett's head snapped in my direction.

  "Garrett's correct. I am talking about you, Raven."

  "What? No. There's no way I'm a Valkyrie. This is completely ridiculous." I frantically shook my head back and forth.

  "Please listen and let me explain." Michael continued. "In Norse mythology, Valkyries were known for being female figures with the task of choosing who lived and died, then escorting the fallen soldiers to the hall of the slain. They were also sometimes accompanied by ravens. When Death felt the connection of life and death that your female spirit possessed, he borrowed from this ancient system and created you to do his bidding. This was done outside of the covenant and therefore allowed him to mold you and give you perks that no other Reapers could ever have."

  My jaw popped and my wings flared. I wasn't sure which words pissed me off more, "do his bidding" or "created" and "molded."

  "So you're saying that as long as Death chooses a female, he can turn them into whatever kind of Reaper he wants. Giving them perks and 'molding' them to serve a specific purpose?" Garrett reiterated.

  "Not exactly. As I mentioned––and I believe as Death has recently explained to Raven––it's due to her illness that she was predisposed to become a female Reaper. Not just any woman will do."

  I looked at Garrett. "He's right. Death told me that he recruited me because of my ailment. That I'd been touched by death while I lived, and that's why he was able to make me a Reaper."

  "Yes. And it was something neither Heaven or Hell foresaw, but a loop-hole Death took full advantage of," Michael summarized.

  I pushed off the couch and with a quick pump of my wings, glided to the kitchen. I snagged a beer and walked back to the living room, hoping I hadn't bent the hinges on my refrigerator.

  "Okay. So now we know I'm only here because Death created me to be his bitch. And we know he suddenly wants to live large on Earth in a permanent sort of way. But HOW does all this relate to Holli or the increase in phenoms and why Death would need to sneak into Heaven?" I chugged the beer, not minding the loud, un-ladylike gulps I made.

  After lowering the bottle, I stared at Michael but it was Garrett who spoke up.

  "I think I can help here." He turned to Michael. "You said he needs a piece of an angel's soul and that of a demon's from Hell to be able to visit Earth, right?"

  Michael nodded, a quick dip of his chin.

  "Most likely, that's where he's been during his absence. To Hell first, and now, to sneak into Heaven." He raised his hand to halt the slew of questions he knew were headed his way, then turned to me. "And Raven, you said that Holli's only purpose here was to help you collect the increased number of phenoms that started showing up, right?"

  "Yep. That and apparently to protect Death from the hit-squad over here." I joked, gesturing at Michael.

  "Okay. Then let's think back to the one thing you're forgetting to mention," he instructed.

  "How the hell am I supposed to think about something I'm obviously forgetting? Cut me some slack here, Garrett, there's been a lot going on."

  "Yes, a lot has been going on. Including your lovely visit with Holli to her secret castle and the Phenom Room you told me about."

  Oh shit! I had completely forgotten about that.

  "What is a 'Phenom Room'?" Michael asked, leaning forward in his seat.

  "Apparently Death created a hidden castle for him and Holli to frolic in. It exists in an alternate dimension which no one can see or sense, according to Holli." Garrett went on to relay the details from our previous conversation.

  "Holli said that Death wanted a place where they wouldn't be watched and could be safe," I continued to explain. "At the time I thought he meant to keep her safe, but now, I think it's to keep his secret safe. There is a large room, with a black steel structure that Death uses to pull the phenoms inside. You already know he's been experimenting with them, right? Well, this is the place."

  Michael's jaw flexed and his breathing grew heavy.

  "So, here's what I think Death's really been up to," Garrett added. "Raven, you said that he visited Holli on Earth every day before her death, correct?"

  "Yes."

  "Okay. Well, we already know you were right about Death being responsible for the increased number of phenoms."

  Michael interrupted. "Yes, and that's why we gave Raven the ability to save people, to effectively lessen his pool."

  "All right, stay with me here. What if all the phenoms that float through the sky in Purgatory had a purpose?" Garrett posed.

  "Wait...what? I thought once they were sucked into Purgatory the whole point was for them to NOT have a purpose. They are lost souls...stuck for eternity," I countered.

  "True, but what if Death figured out a way to use them to make trips to Earth?"

  My jaw hit the floor.

  Garrett raised his eyebrows, and that cocky bob to his head was a tell-tale sign he thought he had it all figured out. "I think, based on the process used during his pardon, Death's formulated a way to use a massive amount of souls from Purgatory to become corporeal and visit the real world. But...until he's able to infuse them with the pieces of soul from Heaven and Hell, they would only sustain him for a short amount of time. That's why he created Holli. So you and she could supply him with an endless buffet of phenoms that he could test his theory on, until he could find a way to make his stay permanent."

  Michael's power began to build and the air thickened. I could feel the hum of it slide across my skin and worried what the outcome would be. I didn't want to lose my memories again.

  "If your hypothesis is true, it appears we're at the final stages of Death's plan. I have to return to Heaven and stop his search for the missing piece of an angel's soul." Michael stood and kissed me, barely leaving a thought in my head, and in another flash, disappeared.

  28

  I'd spent the night asleep on my couch; Garrett chose the floor. Holli had yet to wake up and was still sprawled across my bed. I wondered if Michael had forgotten about her? I didn't mind her being here, as a matter of fact, I was happy she was free of Death and that damn castle.

  Garrett stirred, throwing off his blankets. "Morning," he said groggily.

  "Hey."

  "So. What do you think about last night?" he asked without hesitation.

  "I'm not sure. It's so overwhelming. Truth be told, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around it all."

  "Me too. Especially pre-coffee," he hinted.

  I smiled and stretched, then headed straight for the coffeepot. After the brew started to gurgle, we put our conversation on hold and I excused myself to the bathroom. I tiptoed into my shower, afraid I'd somehow wake Holli.

  As the hot water ran down my torso, I thought about everything that had been discussed and what it all meant. If Death was able to pull off his return to Earth, all the Reapers would cease to exist. That thought alone petrified me, not to mention the rest of the fallout.

  As I ran my hand up my arm, working the soap into a bubbly lather, I paused when my fingers brushed across the raised mark. This confused things, of course.

  I'd made it a point to let Michael know that I wanted a choice in what happened when all of this was over, but now I worried my choice would be tainted with the knowledge that it may be the only way to save my ass. The thought disgusted me. I wasn't one to flinch at the slightest hurdle or look for an easy way out but I didn't want to die either.

  I closed my eyes. It was all too much to think about.

  I finished my shower, trying my damnedest to relax. It wasn't until I stepped into the foggy air swirling throughout the bathroom, did I notice voices coming from the other room.

  I wrapped myself in a towel and huddled against the door. Garrett and Holli were laughing and flirting, hard core.

  "I
would love to get to know you better, Holli. You're beautiful, and seem really great!" Garrett said, sounding like he was twelve.

  "Thanks, Garrett. So are you, I mean, so do you," she giggled. "I would like that very much."

  Their conversation stalled and I took the opportunity to open the door. Holli released Garrett's hand and smiled up at me.

  "Hey! You're awake," I said, not wanting to embarrass her.

  "Yes. I didn't know where I was at first, but Garrett heard me and came to help settle my nerves.

  I bet. I chuckled internally.

  "Well good. I'm glad he was here to help. I can only imagine how disconcerting it would be to wake up somewhere new after being kept under lock and key for so long."

  "Yes." Her head sank.

  "I'm sorry, Holli. I didn't mean to be insensitive."

  "No, no. You're not. It's just that I'm still worried about Death and don't know what to do about any of this."

  I had to remind myself that she no longer knew what we knew. I couldn't tell her either because Michael was right; her relationship with Death was too big of a risk. Especially if he planned to take her with him in his quest for a happily ever after. His continued absence, however, did give me an idea.

  "Well, since I don't have to work this weekend, and we haven't had any more gatherings lately, do you want to hang out here with me? We could go back to the castle to gather some clothes if you'd like."

  "You'd let me stay with you?"

  "Of course."

  It wasn't like I was lying, but my intention was to get Holli out and about, so I could sneak in and see what was happening inside the castle. The real one and the alternate version.

  Holli sat on the edge of my bed, contemplating, when Garrett spoke up.

  "That sounds like a great idea. And to kick off the weekend, I'd love it if you'd join me for dinner tonight."

  Yes. While I didn't doubt his blossoming crush for Holli, I also knew that he was probably very aware of my plan, and this was his way of helping.

  Holli dipped her head and a sweet-as-pie smile spread across her face.

  Hmmm. Maybe Death and Holli's relationship wasn't as solid as I thought. After all the lying and now with his disappearing act, maybe Holli was ready to move on, given the chance. On the other hand, maybe it was just Garrett's charm that had her beaming and rosy-cheeked.

  "So, how about it?" Garrett asked again. "Would you like to join me at Digger's for dinner? I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

  He was good for it, too. No one messed with Garrett.

  Holli stole a quick glance in my direction, then stood and extended her hand. "Thank you, I'd be happy to accept."

  Garrett shook her hand. I tried hard not to laugh out loud at the formality and oddness of the exchange, but I couldn't help myself. A giggle burst forth and they both frowned at me.

  "I'm sorry. It's just that you're both so damn cute."

  Garrett lifted a brow dramatically. "I'm not cute...I'm dangerous."

  "Right," I teased. Our laughter filled the air.

  Holli and I flew to the castle to get her ready for her date, while Garrett agreed to meet us back at my apartment at seven o'clock.

  It was twenty till and we were still in the process of changing outfits and messing with hair.

  "Holli, you look beautiful. Stop fussing."

  She had on a simple black dress, cut low to make the most of her cleavage. The two tiny braids in her platinum hair draped around the sides and were secured with a garnet pendant in the back. She looked like a beautiful gothic princess––dark makeup and all.

  "Are you sure you don't like the red dress better?"

  "I'm sure. You look stunning and Garrett's sure to think so too."

  That elicited a wide smile and a cute preen from her in the mirror.

  "It's time to go," I announced.

  "Okay. I'm ready."

  I quickly glanced at the section of the wall where her portal was located. I could only hope my touch would open it once I returned.

  29

  Garrett was waiting outside my door, dressed to impress. Not in a suit and tie, but in dark fitted jeans and an ice-blue button down that hugged all his muscles just right. He looked fantastic, and Holli noticed.

  Their gazes met and it was as if time stood still. I watched, a stranger outside their bubble, while they stood staring, wide eyed. I stifled a laugh and pushed past him to unlock the front door. I spun to face the couple and couldn't deny they were stunning together.

  "Okay, you two, get going or you'll miss your reservation."

  "Of course, you're right," Holli replied smoothly, giving her head a little shake.

  Garrett tilted his head and squinted in my direction. "Yes." He leaned in, brushing a quick peck to my cheek and whispered, "Digger's doesn't take reservations."

  I returned the sentiment and said, "Have fun," in a loud voice, then added, "I know," under my breath.

  I didn't want to waste anymore time entertaining or soothing the lovebird's nerves. I had a castle to invade and needed to get a move on.

  They sauntered off and I walked inside, re-locking the door behind me. I headed straight to the bedroom, pulled on my newest leathers, and strapped on my weapons. I had no idea what I'd face if I was actually able to penetrate the castle, so I had to make sure I was going in prepared. I grabbed my antique knife and two shinny daggers, and for the first time, wished I had a sword like Holli's.

  I smiled internally and I thought about how far we'd come.

  I'd hated Holli when she'd arrived, and now, her innocence and fierce determination was something I admired. I guess Garrett was right; having another best friend wasn't so bad after all.

  I flew out my window and directly to Holli's balcony. I assumed if the magic that kept her in was no more, it shouldn't be able to keep me out either.

  I touched down with a slight wobble, schooling my steps in case my assumptions were wrong. It would be just my luck to walk into a wall of energy that put me on my ass, or worse, killed me. Luckily, I sauntered straight into her room and crossed directly to the tapestry.

  I pulled out my knife, ready to strike, and pulled back the rug. The wall was solid gray block, but showed no ripples, and no portal.

  Dammit.

  I wondered if Death removed Holli's access completely now that his plan was nearing its end, or if the access point simply disappeared whenever its mistress wasn't in the room?

  Or possibly...

  I started around the room, my hand skimming the surface as I went. Magic was just that, magic––tricky, sly, and wonderful. Maybe the door had simply relocated as a result of its paranormal properties.

  I moved more tapestries, pieces of art, tables and chairs, all out of the way, so I could cover every square inch of the walls. I ran my hands up and down, smoothly at first, then tapping and knocking on the cold stone, praying for a hint as to the portal's location. Unfortunately, I found nothing. The walls were just walls and my mission had quickly turned into a complete waste of time.

  I sheathed my knife and took a quick breath. I stood with my hands on my hips, looking for something––anything that I could have possibly missed. My gaze landed on the wooden door that led from her room and I smiled.

  I rushed into the hallway, looking left and right. It was narrow, and thankfully, empty. I followed my gut and turned left. The space was too tight for me to fly, so I tiptoed along the space, keeping my wings tucked in.

  I had no details to recall from my visit here before, since Death had transported us directly into the hallway. However, when you took into consideration that Holli's room was in a tower, it only stood to reason that you'd start to feel a decline eventually, or so you'd think.

  I walked on and on, relieved I hadn't run into anyone and been discovered, but annoyed I was getting absolutely nowhere. There hadn't been any other doors or passages and I couldn't tell whether I was heading up or down. I told myself, twenty more steps then I'm turning back.


  It only took thirteen.

  A door appeared in front of me, and in front of it, lay an enormous beast. I'd never seen anything like it in all my life––human or other. It resembled a horse, but with massive claws and strips of leathery skin that spiked and twisted away from its body. It was the size of a damn elephant and filled the entire corridor. I could only assume it was there to stop anyone from entering, or in my case, exiting.

  I started to reach for my knife but stopped when the beast blew out a massive breath––I almost expected it to breathe fire, burning me to a crisp, but instead we locked eyes, gauging each other. Lightning fast, I processed the scene; a quick glance at it claws, another at its thick hide and flaring nostrils. Then, it lunged.

  I ran as fast as I could, its breath ruffling my feathers with each massive exhale down my back. The long corridor seemed to magically stretch in front of me, prolonging my torture and increasing my fear. I had to reach Holli's door before this thing took a bite out of my ass.

  I couldn't imagine that Death had a guard just for Holli, so in the chaos of fleeing for my life, I contemplated if I could have missed the entrance to his alternate castle after all.

  I chanced a glance back. Fuck! It was gaining and I didn't think I was going to make it. Out of options, I reached for a dagger and struck out behind me. I made contact and yelled when an ice-cold pain shot through my blade and into my hand.

  My wings started to catch in the air currents my running was creating, carrying me back and up, right into the beast's mouth. I pulled them tight to my back and kept pushing forward. Just around the curve I saw Holli's door.

  I burst through it, flinging myself inside. I skidded to a stop halfway across the floor. Shuffling backwards, I spun around to face the beast. Its muzzle was pushed through the door, exhaling puffs of white smoke from its nostrils.

  I moved back another couple inches and regretted it immediately. The beast started to fade in and out, shifting from real to shadow right before my eyes. I worried it would phase through the door and into the room, to finish what it started. I prepared to throw myself up and over the balcony but never got the chance. The shadow-beast reformed, solid again, and blew out a stream of frigid air that filled the room. Tiny frozen particles drifted to my skin, hardening the second they touched me.