Grim Lost: A reaper's tale (Reaper Files Book 3)

by Nicky Graves

  “So even if I collected all of the stones, they would be useless against Lucifer?”

  “It’s hard to say why he affects us the way he does. Lucifer is not human. He’s a being not like any others.”

  “He looks human.”

  “To you.”

  “He doesn’t look human to you?”

  She shook her head. “I think I see him in his true form.”

  “What is that?”

  Her mouth twisted as she thought. “Think of a star in the night sky, but make it black and violent, with a tornado of sparks swirling around him.”

  Goosebumps broke out on my skin. Her description put who I was dealing with into better perspective. He was altogether a different being, with the capabilities of immeasurable cruelty.

  “I screwed up,” I said. “It made sense why I might not want the green stone. And to trade it for Ranger seemed too good to pass up.”

  I was nothing but a failure. No wonder Azrael and the elders were against me.

  “Feeling sorry for yourself?” she asked.

  “Yes. It comes in waves, but the wave is bigger when I do something stupid.”

  “People do stupid things all the time. No one is perfect.”

  “I know. But I wish I could be a little bit more of a force against Lucifer and Azrael. Right now, I’m more like a pesky fly.”

  She laughed and threw the shirt at my head. “Get dressed. You’ll feel better.”

  I wasn’t sure why getting dressed would make me feel better, but I took the clothes and peeked out of the bedroom to find a bathroom.

  Quietly padding into the hall, I ignored the three closed doors and looked into the ones that were open. One room was a study. One was another bedroom, which was thankfully empty. But where was the bathroom? As I reached the end of the hallway and was about to turn around, a door opened. Lawson walked out and came to an abrupt halt when he saw me.

  “Hey,” he said, quickly closing the door behind him, but not before I saw a woman lounging on the bed.

  I raised a brow.

  “Nothing happened,” he said just as quickly as he had closed the door.

  “It’s none of my business,” I said.

  But seeing him with another woman irritated me. Seriously, he was the one who said he didn’t do relationships and yet he was the one with a succubus girlfriend and also had side action. Maybe that last one wasn’t technically a relationship, but still.

  “Where’s the bathroom?” I asked.

  He pointed down the hall. “Two doors down on your right.”

  Without another word, I headed to the door he gestured to. I noticed he followed me. Maybe he needed to use it too. I wasn’t going to ask. There was bound to be another bathroom somewhere around that he could use.

  I raised my hand to knock on the door, but just as I did, the door opened and Vance walked out. He was not alone. A laughing vampire making doe eyes at Vance followed him out.

  I really needed to get the hell out of here.

  I ignored them and pushed past. Vance glanced at me before I slammed the door on all of them. Fury engulfed me, and I could sense Treble’s satisfaction at my rage. But the emotion was too much to handle.

  Instead of further torturing myself, I tossed the clothes on to the counter and shifted to my pod.

  “You’re jealous,” Wiltone said as I reached my bedroom. She appeared at the closet and opened it with a flourish. “I know exactly how to fix it.”

  “I’m not jealous. I’m irritated. Both of them hooked up with vampires. I get that from Vance, but Lawson? He’s full of crap with his no-relationship rules.”

  “And you’re mad that he bends the rules for others, but not for you?”

  “Yes. No.” I muttered a curse. “Lawson and I have to work together for a long time. I don’t want to get involved with him.”

  “Liar.”

  “Whatever.”

  She smiled and pulled out another hideous outfit. Too tight. Too pink. Too sparkly.

  “Hard pass,” I said, heading to the shower.

  “Why?” She followed me into the bathroom with the outfit. “It’ll perk you up.”

  “No, it will only make me more miserable. Because even in a sparkly outfit, I still can’t—”

  “You can’t?” she prodded.

  “Nothing.”

  “Come on. Tell me.”

  “I can’t attract notice from . . . anyone.”

  She laughed. “I knew you were jealous.”

  “Just find me jeans, a T-shirt, and a hoodie.”

  She sighed. “How about a compromise instead?”

  “Fine,” I muttered. It wasn’t worth arguing.

  With a small smile that looked as though she pitied me, she headed back to the closet. I closed the bathroom door, dragged off my clothes, and stood in the shower as it pelted warm water at me.

  I wondered how long it would take for Lawson and Vance to figure out I had left. Maybe an hour? It would give me time to dress and . . . how was I supposed to get in touch with Lucifer for the information?

  By the time I was done in the shower, a new outfit laid on the bed. Comfy jeans and a stretchy cotton shirt. Not pink. It was a soft blue.

  “Better?” Wilton asked.

  “Better. Thank you.” When I began dressing, I asked, “You don’t happen to know what realm Lucifer was talking about, do you?”

  “I have heard of an eccentric who believes he’s a god. I could probably figure it out.”

  “Please do. I need to get out of here before anyone finds me.”

  “Okay. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  While she was busy, I finished tugging the clothes on and then went to the kitchen to see if there was any food. There was not.

  And I didn’t have any money.

  My stomach growled.

  Well, I’d have to suffer a bit.

  Wiltone popped into the kitchen.

  “That was fast,” I said. “Did you figure out where the realm is?”

  She nodded.

  “Okay, let’s go.”

  And just as I shifted, I saw Lawson walk in. I didn’t stop. He would have questions, and I didn’t want to talk to him.

  My last glimpse of him was him making a mad dash for me. But I was gone before he could touch me.

  Once again, I felt bad. And yet I knew I had to do this on my own.

  It didn’t help that I was still upset with him. He had said nothing happened with the vampire. But he was obviously guilty of something. The way he quickly closed the door meant something had happened.

  My jealousy was showing, but I couldn’t help it.

  So, it was better if I did this alone. At least I had Wiltone to help me.

  And Treble.

  He grumbled.

  10

  I arrived in a realm that had the prettiest blue sky, green rolling hills in the distance, and a large, looming golden gate. All around me clouds hovered on the ground, swallowing the valley and my shoes. I appeared to be standing on a cloud, but the hard surface below me told me otherwise. I glanced around for someone, anyone, to open the gate. But, if Lucifer was right, and no one ever came here, Nitlof wouldn’t expect visitors.

  I walked to the golden gate and found a handle. It wasn’t locked, and it swung open with an obnoxiously loud squeal. If Nitlof wasn’t aware I was here before, he would be now.

  A golden path glowed beneath the puffy clouds and wound around a small hill. Since it looked to be the only path, I followed it.

  Harp music played in the distance. While I wasn’t an expert on musical instruments, especially a harp, I did know it was out of tune. The off-sounding music made me want to squeeze my hands to my ears.

  Following the golden path, I came upon a clearing in the valley. Towering white Grecian columns surrounded the space. Golden ivy climbed the columns, and the tops were adorned with cherubs. All of this might have been breathtaking at one time. But now all I could see was the peeling paint and crumbling wood.
>
  “Hello?” I called, wanting to get this over with.

  I wasn’t sure why Lucifer hadn’t bothered to meet me this morning. Maybe I left too quickly, or maybe he was up to his tricks as usual. Perhaps this was a trap.

  But, since the deal was made, I had no choice but to fulfill my end of the bargain.

  “Hello?” I called again, wandering through the columns. Whoever thought this was heaven needed to brush up on their studies. Beyond the iconic golden gate and clouded footpath, nothing about this place was right. In fact, I could hear groaning machinery somewhere nearby.

  I walked toward the sound, hoping to find the source. Or someone. What I found was a concrete structure with a dented metal door. The sound was definitely coming from inside.

  Stepping over to the door, I turned the handle to find it unlocked. I cracked the door open and peeked inside to darkness.

  “Hello?” I called.

  A shuffling noise caught my attention.

  “Who’s there?” a squeaky voice asked from deep inside.

  “A human looking for heaven,” I said, hoping that was the right answer.

  “Human?”

  “Yes. I heard this was heaven. Is that right?”

  “Hold on,” the voice said.

  There was a clang of metal, and then a man appeared at the doorway. He eyed me from beyond his bushy brows.

  I tried not to stare at him, but this squeaky-voiced man was clearly trying to complete the heavenly look by using himself as a prop. A very Jesus-looking person stood before me with long hair and a beard. But like this fake heaven, he too was lacking. Robes that had once been white were yellowing. And the rounded belly that pushed against the robe made me question if Jesus had given up fish and bread and instead ate at the nearest fast-food joint.

  “My dear child,” he said regally, trying to regain his composure after the surprise. “I wasn’t expecting you. Only the purest are able to come here. So far, no one ever has. You must be an angel indeed.”

  “Sure,” I said, wondering if I’d burst into flames at my obvious lie. But, to keep up appearances, I’d let him believe whatever he wanted. If that meant I was an angel, so be it.

  “Well, welcome! Welcome to the promised land.”

  “Thank you,” I said, looking around. “So, what do I do in the promised land?”

  “Live out the rest of eternity here amongst the clouds.”

  “Any activities? Or food?”

  That seemed to rattle him just a bit, but he straightened as though he was willing to take on the challenge. I didn’t think food and activity were challenges, but maybe someone who had never had visitors would think so.

  “Or, how about a tour?” I asked.

  “Yes, yes! Of course!” He glanced around him as if wondering where to begin. “Well, I’m sure you’ve already seen the golden gateway.”

  “Yes. Beautiful. It’s a little squeaky.”

  He looked embarrassed for a moment. “I will make sure to fix it.”

  “What’s in the building?”

  “Nothing important and certainly not interesting enough to be a part of the tour.”

  “But if I’m going to be here for eternity, I would like to know.”

  “Well, we’ll get to that later.” He began walking in the opposite direction. “Let me show you to the grand hall.”

  Obviously there was something in the building he didn’t want me to see. So, I followed him, biding my time. I might as well get a lay of the land, and if I didn’t see the green stone on the tour, I’d distract him and go into the building later.

  “What’s your name?” I asked.

  “You may call me God.”

  I held myself back from rolling my eyes.

  Past the columns, the land opened to reveal more rolling hills that were surrounded by clouds. On top of the hill was a majestic home that looked to be made of marble. It was probably the only thing here that wasn’t falling apart.

  “Is that your home?” I asked.

  “Yes.”

  “It’s nice. Is that part of the tour?”

  “No. It’s off-limits.”

  Off-limits? Because the green stone was there?

  He headed away from the house and brought me to a large shelter made of more columns and gold ivy. Weathered and tattered lounge chairs and tables were scattered throughout the shelter.

  “This is the grand hall, where you can relax,” he said.

  “Okay,” I said, eyeing the stuffing coming out of the closest lounge chair. I wondered if he saw the decay like I did or if he was completely delusional. I guess a man who wanted to be called God was most likely delusional.

  “So, God, where are you from originally?”

  “From here, of course.”

  “And where is here?”

  “Heaven.”

  “Are you human too?” I asked.

  “I’m God. Creator of all life.”

  Yep. He was bonkers.

  “So, where do I sleep?” I asked.

  He opened his mouth and then closed it. I must have stumped him. Maybe he didn’t think angels needed to sleep.

  “Here at the grand hall. A lounge chair will be most comfortable.”

  “Okay. And food?”

  “It will be brought to the grand hall.”

  “So, basically, I just hang out here.”

  He nodded.

  “What’s in the building?”

  “Nothing to concern yourself with.”

  I was definitely going to check out his house and the building.

  I dramatically yawned. “I guess I’d like to rest for a bit.”

  “Yes, yes, of course. The kingdom is yours to use.”

  Except for the building and house, I thought dryly.

  He took a few steps back. “Just ring the bell should you need anything.”

  “Bell?”

  He pointed to a gold velour rope with a giant tassel.

  “Oh, okay.”

  “I will bring refreshments later.”

  “Thank you.”

  He gave a slight bow and retreated.

  When he left, I scanned my surroundings. This place gave me the creeps. And I was sure the cherubs were watching me. Unsettling little guys in diapers. Even their bows and arrows looked menacing.

  I walked over and perched on one of the lounge chairs, giving Nitlof time to put space between us. I watched as he headed back to the building, indicating my first stop would be his house.

  I could only imagine what I’d find there. Probably more columns, cherubs, and ivy.

  And horrible music. I should have asked him to turn it off. The grating harp was torturing my ears.

  After five minutes, I couldn’t stand it any longer. I glanced at the house on the hill and attempted to shift to the front door. However, I was unable to. Perhaps charms prohibited shifting inside his compound. The elders used the same charms in their chambers and prison.

  If I couldn’t shift there, I’d have to make a run for it. I didn’t know how much time I had before Nitlof returned, but I didn’t want to lose this opportunity.

  I jogged up the hill as quickly as I could, stealing glances behind me to see if Nitlof emerged from the building.

  Winded, I finally reached the front door.

  While I had thought the house was made of marble, it was wood that was painted to look like marble. I turned the door handle, but it was locked. Maybe a window was open.

  Walking around the house, I quickly realized that I wouldn’t need a window. The entire structure was nothing more than a wooden prop held up by a wooden frame.

  Nothing in this place was real. Would Cassoon even be here?

  My last hope was that the green stone was in the building.

  I hurried back down the hill and collapsed into a lounge chair. Stuffing poofed out, showering me with yellowed debris.

  “Wiltone, I need your help,” I said as I brushed myself off.

  “This place is a dive,” she said, appearing
on a lounge chair next to me. “And he’s delusional.”

  “Do you think the green stone is in the building over there?” I asked, pointing.

  Her gaze followed. “Doubtful. Would you leave a life stone in there?”

  “No, but he’s not playing with all his harp strings. I heard machinery in there. What do you think he’s running that would be so loud?”

  She shrugged. “As far as I can tell, there is nothing here that requires machinery.”

  “Do you think Lucifer sent me on a wild goose chase again?” I had a feeling he had, and it made me sick to my stomach. It was one thing to be naïve, but it was entirely another thing to be tricked twice. “The stone’s probably not even here.”

  Azrael and Lucifer were probably watching me, laughing their asses off at the inept heir.

  “You made a deal with Lucifer,” Wiltone said. “You have to see this through.”

  She was right, of course. But I didn’t want to acknowledge it.

  “What do you think Azrael is doing?” I asked.

  “Probably looking for the stones, just like you. If he had them, he’d confront you.”

  “He’s probably way ahead of me.” I half expected a cloak of smoke snakes to materialize in front of me at any moment.

  “Listen, he might have a ridiculous amount of years on you in terms of knowledge, but he’s also arrogant. His ego will be his downfall.”

  “And he definitely won’t win father of the year.”

  She laughed. “No, he won’t. But he was never meant to be human. Life forced him into a human form. So, I guess it’s understandable that he’s a bit mixed up.”

  “Still, I don’t see why we can’t coexist.”

  “There will only ever be one Death. And it might not be now or even a thousand years from now, but you will feel the call to take his place, just as he feels the call to ensure he keeps his throne. It can’t be helped. Treble learned a few things while he was with Azrael.”

  “Treble never told me anything.”

  “Yes, but you aren’t as annoying as I am.” She grinned. “And, since we have time, let’s talk about Lawson and Vance.”

  I blinked at the sudden topic switch. “I don’t want to talk about them.”

  “We might as well. Nitlof is in the building. We have to wait until he leaves.”