Reaper's Hollow: The Complete Series

Chapter 11-1

Chapter 11

Nat liked the dark. Even though this lair was fully equipped with every modern technological feature available, he didn’t turn any of them on. He preferred candlelight, and this evening he sat in a plush velvet chair, sipping red wine by the light of one solitary candle.

He’d missed his opportunity, and he knew it. She’d been so close, only a hand’s breadth away. Why hadn’t she trusted him? There was no reason for her to think he would harm her, none at all.

He set his goblet aside and rested his head back, wondering if it was even worth it to try again that same night. By now, the Keepers likely had her and were initiating their brainwashing techniques, resolute on turning her against him. If only he’d been successful when he’d had his opportunity.

A sound at the door caught his attention, and he turned to see Raven slinking in. “What is it?” he asked, turning away from her. As usual, she wore a revealing black bodysuit, with sheer elements teasing at her best features, with a flurry of feathers shooting out from the front and back seams like a sewn-in boa.

“Sorry to disturb you, Nat,” she said, sarcastically, dropping onto a nearby sofa. “I thought you should know that Zu has been successful in his collecting, and the soul has been spirited off accordingly.”

“That’s good to know,” Nat replied, picking up his goblet and taking another drink. “Anything else?”

“No, I was only wondering if you would make another attempt this evening at the girl.”

It was as if she’d been reading his mind, though he knew she hadn’t been. He’d have recognized it if she were. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “Perhaps we should give it a day or two.”

“By then, the Keepers will have her, and we will have no chance.” She crossed her legs seductively, and Nat reminded himself that this was her way with everyone. He had no attraction to Raven or any of the other beings that occupied this realm.

“We shall see,” Nat replied, exhaling. “I think there must be a different way, a better way to reach her. What I tried last night was unsuccessful.”

“But you said she knew you.”

“She did. Now, I must make her trust me.”

“Should you take your fully human form? Introduce yourself to her as a person, as the Keepers have done?”

Nat pondered the possibility, one that had occurred to him before. “Perhaps,” was all he would say at this point.

“Well, I should hope you will make your mind up soon. I’m tired of living underneath this tree.” With that, Raven stood and crossed back out of the door.

Nat watched her go, not willing to argue with her that they weren’t actually beneath the tree; but she knew that already. She was just being… difficult. He closed his eyes for a moment, reaching out, hoping to see if he could touch her—the lost one. The night before, he had gotten lucky when she had reached out for him. Now, however, he had a feel for her, and he instinctively knew he could find her whenever he wanted to. Perhaps he would try again tonight after all.