by Donna Grant
Didn’t she?
“We’re not permitted to have relationships. Or we weren’t,” Bran continued.
Neve’s heart nearly burst with hope. But then shattered into a million pieces a second later.
“Well, some of the Reapers are allowed. Death saved Jordyn’s life so she could be with Baylon. Is Jordyn living with the Reapers now, Talin?”
Neve glanced at him, a muscle working in Talin’s jaw. This. This was what he hadn’t wanted Bran to tell her, but she still wasn’t sure why.
“That’s what I thought. That brings me to River,” Bran said. “Kyran must be ecstatic to know that she’s able to look past him being Dark and love him. All the while, Death once more giving approval for a Reaper to keep his woman with him.”
Bran paused as he walked to Talin and held the orb of magic between them so that it brushed against Talin’s shirt, singing it.
Neve wanted to push Bran away, but she remained where she was. Because, above all else, she knew Talin could handle himself in any situation. He was a Reaper, after all.
“Neve, my sweet,” Bran said with a smile, his gaze still clashing with Talin’s. “Do you know the difference between you and those women?”
A long stretch of silence filled the room. She realized Bran waited for her response. “No,” she replied.
“They’re half—Fae. They have no concept of being Fae in any form.” Bran then looked at her, a look of pure delight filling his face as comprehension dawned within her.
She was Light. And for whatever reason, Death didn’t look favorably on such a union with a Reaper. Neve had known she was going to lose Talin, but she hadn’t realized it was because of this ‘rule.’
And Talin had known all along. He had used her, but she’d accepted that. It was his assignment. But what of the feelings between them, the passion and desire? Those, she thought, were more than his mission.
Now she wasn’t so sure. And that infuriated Neve.
Because she was totally, completely in love with Talin.
Bran let out a long whistle before he smiled and looked back at Talin. “I almost feel sorry for you. Neve loves you. Will it be you who kills her now that she knows? Or will Death do the honors?”
“My family,” Neve stated, no longer asking.
Bran ignored her, continuing his story. “Death killed my woman. My beautiful, honorable Light Fae lover.”
“You knew the rules,” Talin bit out.
“So did Baylon!” The ball of magic in Bran’s hand grew, burning through Talin’s shirt to touch the skin on his chest. “Baylon knew what would happen.”
“And he was prepared to die for Jordyn. You changed the rules for us.”
Shocked, Bran took a step back, as if he couldn’t absorb what Talin had just stated. Neve looked at the wound on Talin’s chest and watched as it began to heal. She might have her magic bound, but at least Bran hadn’t stopped their healing ability. That she knew of.
Talin’s smile was callous, vicious, and unforgiving. “It’s all you, Bran. You tried to trick us, and when that didn’t work, you began killing the half—Fae. We had to do something. You succeeded in killing Jordyn, but Death realized Baylon could turn into you. She decided to allow Jordyn to become a Reaper. None of this would’ve happened had you not come to hunt us and Death,” he said with a harsh laugh.
Furious, Bran threw the ball of magic at Talin, who didn’t so much as flinch. Neve sucked in her breath as it skimmed by Talin’s head, burning the ends of his hair.
The orb landed behind them on an accent table that held a Ming vase. All of which exploded with the impact.
Neve whirled back around to see what Bran would do next. Talin’s words seemed to send him right over the edge, and she wasn’t sure that’s where they needed Bran to be. Because a crazy Bran meant he was unpredictable.
His gaze swung to her. Bran’s smirk was ruthless as he said, “You’ve been asking for your family. Perhaps now is the time to show you.”
Dread filled her, causing chills of apprehension to rush over her. She shook her head. But it was already too late.
Bran snapped his fingers. Beside him, two Dark appeared, holding Atris between them. Neve’s heart sank as she saw that he’d been tortured. Blood coated the side of his face from a cut at his hairline that had already healed. There was blood on his clothes, as well.
But it was the vacant look in his eyes that turned her blood cold. The brother she knew, the one who made her laugh and always looked out for her was gone.
“I thought he’d hold out longer. Being an Everwood and all,” Bran said matter—of—factly. He then shrugged. “I guess bloodlines don’t count as much as they used to. Though I was going to get what I wanted in the end. No matter what.”
Neve swallowed and took a step toward her brother. “Atris. Look at me.”
“You can try to reach him all you want, but he’s mine.” Bran held her gaze and said, “Just as you will be.”
Chapter Seventeen
Daire was seconds behind Rhi when she arrived at the manor. He wasted no time wrapping his arms around her to stop her from doing anything stupid. Like charging Bran when she spotted him.
“I’ll just drop my veil,” she whispered, seemingly undisturbed that he had his arms around her.
Daire smiled at her bravery. She had no way of knowing that he hadn’t used just his arms to stop her. With her being up against him, his veil automatically wrapped around her as well. It didn’t matter what she did.
He looked over Rhi’s black head to find Cael watching him. The magic surrounding the manor was thick, but Kyran had been able to piggyback on Talin. As soon as they arrived, Kyran had begun working to systematically destroy Bran’s spells. It meant that Kyran had to venture out of the room with Talin and Neve.
Now that six of the seven Reapers were at the manor, no amount of magic could stand in their way. Yet, Cael and the others didn’t blast away Bran’s magic.
That would alert him to their presence. And that time hadn’t arrived yet.
“You son of a bitch,” Rhi murmured through clenched teeth.
Ah. So she’d dropped her veil. Daire drew in a breath, inhaling her intoxicating scent of the sea, sun, and lavender. And might.
By the heavens, he craved her.
Her hands grasped the outside of his thighs. She stood as still as a statue as they listened to Bran talk about Neve’s brother.
The sight of Atris made Daire want to kill something. He wasn’t part of the mission to destroy Bran. His assignment was Rhi. Who happened to be there. If she fought, then so could he.
Neve’s tears flowed freely as she tried, repeatedly, to get her brother’s attention. But Bran was right. Atris was gone. Neve didn’t seem to understand that Bran had an identical plan for her.
The same couldn’t be said for Talin. He was losing what little control he had over his anger. Any moment now, Talin was going to attack.
The Reapers were fanning out, surrounding Bran. He was too confident in his magic to believe that the Reapers could get into the manor without him knowing.
Rhi’s nails dug into Daire’s leg when two more Dark appeared. Each held one of Neve’s parents before them. Neve’s eyes widened when she saw them.
“It’s time for your choice, Neve,” Bran said and motioned to her parents. “Come willingly with me, and I’ll let them live.”
Neve’s father was fiercely shaking his head no at his daughter. The entire room appeared to hold its breath, waiting for Neve’s decision.
Bran walked to the mother and touched her cheek that was soaked with tears. He looked into her silver eyes and asked, “Do you want your daughter to die? Or would you rather her be alive?”
“I’d rather kill you myself,” the matriarch said, raising her chin.
Daire could see Rhi’s smile of approval as he glanced down. He had to admit, he was impressed by any Fae who stood against Bran. No one knew who he was, but everyone seemed to understand that he wasn’t som
eone to be trifled with.
“I escaped the Netherworld,” Bran told her with a grin. “Do you really believe your meager little Light Fae magic could hurt me?”
His confession about the Netherworld seemed to throw a switch within Neve. Her tears stopped. She dashed them from her cheeks and squared her shoulders. Then she did as her mother had and lifted her chin.
“I’ve made my decision,” she called to Bran.
He turned to her, a smile in place. “Let me be clear. If you refuse me, I’ll kill your parents slowly while you watch. Then I’ll kill you. Do you understand?”
“Perfectly,” came her succinct reply.
Rhi turned in Daire’s arms. He sucked in a breath when her hands roamed up his chest and then around his neck. She rose up on her tiptoes and leaned in close to his ear. “Let me fight. I can help.”
Even as he told himself not to, his hands came to rest on her narrow waist. His cheek brushed hers, and his eyes slid closed. How he’d wanted to hold her just like this.
But now wasn’t the time.
“No,” he whispered.
Her hands cupped his face as she searched to try and see him. She could feel him, which was more than he’d allowed before. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Fintan watching them with interest.
* * *
Every eye in the room watched Neve. Talin held his breath, hoping she made the right decision. Atris was Dark. All he had to do to complete the turn was kill.
And Talin knew who Bran was going to have Atris murder.
Talin didn’t think he could get more disgusted with Bran, but he was wrong. So very wrong. He was tearing a family apart simply because Talin had been courting Neve.
The Light palace was the one place Talin had thought he’d be safe from Bran’s interference. Why would Bran go to the Light? There was nothing for him there. His goal was to wipe out the half—Fae and destroy the Reapers and Death.
But once more, they’d underestimated him.
Talin wanted to rip him apart for watching him with Neve. He didn’t share. Anything. But especially his women—in any way. Knowing that Bran spied on them made Talin insane with jealousy and fury.
It warred with the part of him that rejoiced to know that Neve had fallen in love with him. Yet not even that lasted long because he knew what awaited Neve when this was all over.
So did she.
Talin’s gut clenched. Neve knew she was going to die. Why would she refuse Bran and fight her way free only to be killed once they returned to the castle?
“Neve,” Talin said.
Her head turned to him. Her beautiful silver eyes were clear. Black lashes spiked with tears dipped against her cheek when she blinked. She was calm.
Too damn calm for Talin’s liking.
Kyran moved to his side, but Talin was more concerned with Neve’s decision. She wasn’t going to simply choose Bran. Because then Talin would have to kill her.
That’s what made him want to bellow with frustration and resentment. It didn’t matter what decision Neve made. She was going to die either way.
She was going to attempt to save her parents. Except Talin knew it was only a ruse. There was only one chance to stop her.
“Do you know what happens when a Light turns Dark?” he asked.
Bran rolled his eyes. “Admit defeat, Talin. I’ve won.”
Neve shook her head.
Talin took a half—step toward her. “A Light is repeatedly tortured until their light is gone. They accept the dark.” He pointed to Atris. “Just as your brother has.”
“He could’ve held out longer,” Bran stated.
Talin glanced at Daire to see Rhi now faced Daire with her hands on his face. But her gaze was directed at Bran, and there was hate shooting from her eyes.
“That’s the ones who are forced to become Dark. The others who eagerly accept it bypass the torture,” Talin told Neve. “But accepting the dark into you doesn’t seal the deal of a Fae becoming Dark.”
Bran walked to Neve with all the confidence of someone who thought he’d won. “She’s a smart one, Talin. I’m sure she knows.”
“Tell me,” she urged Talin, ignoring Bran.
“Look at your brother,” Talin urged her. “His eyes are still silver. And they’ll remain that way until he makes his first kill. Whether he drains the soul of a human or murders someone, it matters not.”
Neve’s head swung to Atris, who now stared at her as if he’d never seen her before. “I see.”
“Still ready to make your decision?” Bran asked her.
She drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. Then she answered, “Yes.”
Talin wasn’t going to stand there and watch as Neve turned Dark. It would destroy him completely. More so than the betrayal that had Death seeking him out to become a Reaper.
Kyran moved in front of him. No words were spoken since Bran would be able to hear. Kyran’s face said it all. His red eyes were narrowed, his face stern.
It was Kyran’s way of telling him it still wasn’t time to attack. But Talin was tired of waiting. How much more were the Everwoods going to have to suffer before the Reapers made their presence known?
No one should have to witness a sibling turning Dark. It was asking too much of Neve. She was strong, but everyone had their limits.
Neve walked around Bran to her parents. She hugged both of them while everyone looked on with interest. Her parents told her they loved her, and she responded in kind.
While her parents shed tears aplenty, Neve’s eyes were dry. That alarmed Talin. The cocky smile Bran threw his way said that Bran also noticed that little detail.
It was only Kyran’s hand on Talin’s arm that held him back from stalking to Neve and hauling her against him. But what could he promise? A life sheltered by the Reapers?
That wasn’t possible, as wrong as it was.
Talin had to think about what would be the easiest death for her. He inwardly snorted. There was no easy death. Both scenarios sucked royally.
He looked at Neve’s parents. They’d seen one child turn Dark against his will. How much more painful would it be to see the other willingly go to the Dark?
Talin couldn’t imagine. He didn’t want to imagine. But he had no choice. It was laid out before him like a buffet, and Bran was gorging himself.
The Everwoods stood tall, knowing they were going to die. They didn’t beg for their lives. The strength of the Everwood line lay in the parents for all to see.
Talin gave Neve’s father a nod. He responded in kind, acceptance of his fate reflected in his eyes. Neve’s mother silently begged Talin with her eyes to protect her daughter.
It was all Talin wanted to do.
And he was going to do it. All of this was Bran’s fault. The Everwoods didn’t have to be dragged into this messy affair, and they wouldn’t have been, had Talin not dallied with Neve.
There was no changing the past now. It was done. All that could be dealt with was what was in front of him. And Talin was going to make sure the right decisions were made.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, the message meant for Death. Talin was going against her and the Reapers by attacking Bran on his own.
Kyran’s forehead dipped into a frown. He gave a shake of his head, but not even his friend was going to stop Talin. As if sensing his decision, Kyran dropped his hand with a sad smile.
“This vexes me,” Kyran mumbled.
That nearly made Talin smile. Kyran hated the word vexed, so Talin made sure to use it often whenever he was around Kyran just to annoy him.
And it was Kyran’s way of saying good—bye.
Bran’s gaze narrowed on Talin. For a second, Talin thought Bran might’ve heard Kyran. Then Bran’s head turned back to Neve as she moved to Atris.
She hugged her brother while his arms remained by his sides. Neve kissed his cheek and whispered something Talin couldn’t hear.
Then she turned to Bran. “My answer is—”
“No!” be
llowed another female voice.
At the same moment, Rhi pushed away from Daire, out of his veil. She whirled toward Bran, her sword held high.
Chapter Eighteen
Neve stared speechlessly at Rhi. She wasn’t sure who was more shocked, she or Bran at the sight of the Light Fae.
“I don’t know who you are,” Rhi said as she stalked slowly toward Bran. “But you’re going back to whatever Hell you slithered from.”
“How did you get here?” Bran demanded.
Rhi smiled and spread her feet with her sword held out at her side. “I think you’re shit outta luck there, crazy pants. That tidbit, I’m keeping to myself.”
“We’ll see about that,” he stated.
In a blink, the two Dark guarding Atris attacked. Neve watched in awe as Rhi quickly dispatched both Fae with two swings of her sword.
It was no wonder everyone was always in awe of the Light Fae. Neve had constantly wanted to be Rhi. It wasn’t just the way Rhi dressed (a sexy badass look few could pull off) or the way she talked with such sass.
It was the way she held herself when confronting adversaries. There was no doubt in her gaze that she was going to win. That confidence was in her bearing, in the way she moved.
And most knew enough to respect her for it.
Not so with Bran. Neve couldn’t wait for Rhi to take him down.
Neve glanced at Talin. He was looking off to his left at an empty spot. The Reapers must be there. But why weren’t they helping Rhi?
“Is that all you got?” Rhi asked with a raised black brow.
Bran’s face filled with fury. “You’re going to regret this.”
“I highly doubt it.” Rhi flicked her sword, removing the blood of the Dark from her blade.
This time, four Dark appeared. They didn’t advance on Rhi, but used magic instead. She twisted and turned to dodge the orbs. The few that hit her, she didn’t even acknowledge.
Neve met Talin’s gaze and gave him a pointed look. The barely discernable shake of his head told her that for now, the Reapers were letting Rhi shake things up with Bran.
