Epilogue

Epilogue

My returnto the castle was cheered by Mizuki. She burst into tears when she saw me and then hugged me so hard I feared she’d cracked a rib.

I patted her lightly on the back, unsure how to respond. My mind couldn’t wrap itself around her joy at seeing me alive. We’d barely met, and yet she considered me a friend. I did as well, but I’d never had one that cared and unabashedly showed it. Even my own parents never really hugged me.

I could have done without the interrogation by Nova. She grilled me on what happened. Then because she was worried I’d forgotten, or perhaps not recited the daemessorum’s words correctly, asked if she could cast a spell to see and hear for herself.

Living through it a second time didn’t make it any more pleasant. When I shuddered and hugged myself at the stripping and groping part, Mizuki leaned against me and whispered, “At least you’re alive.”

Indeed. I’d survived by the skin of my teeth and pure luck. I also learned a valuable lesson. I couldn’t keep denying my strange heritage. Witch and reaper. A messovenata. One who needed to stop whining, buckle down, and train.

But not right away, apparently.

The castle had been compromised. Our location no longer secure. The amulet the demon wizard had stolen wasn’t recovered, meaning it could be in demon hands. Rather than move the structure, we were abandoning it. Apparently, whatever magic once relocated it had been lost to time. Pity. What girl doesn’t dream of living in a castle? And meeting her prince…

“Where will everyone go?” I asked Mizuki as I lounged on her bed, watching her pack. It didn’t take me long, given I barely had anything here to start with.

“I don’t know. Nova hasn’t said, but it will have to be large enough to accommodate us all. Not to mention, provide space for training.”

“Wouldn’t it make more sense to beef up security here and do something to block the talisman the demons stole?”

“That was actually part of the argument Nova had with Asher. He claimed we could make the castle and valley secure. However, Nova stated it was time we stopped hiding from the world. That part of the reason the demons managed to congregate in such great numbers in Toronto was because we’ve been apart from society for too long.”

“Don’t the witches need the castle defenses to offer protection from the demons?”

“They do, but that’s simply a spell, and spells can be cast anywhere.” Mizuki paused in her packing to add softly, “Nova thinks what happened is just the beginning. That we are about to see a demonic invasion like the world hasn’t seen in more than a millennium. If she’s right, then we will need to recruit, fast and hard. Reapers, witches. Anyone willing to fight.”

“You really think it’s going to be that bad?”

“Put it this way. I’m no longer going to pussyfoot around Barron. Soon as we’re in our new quarters, I am seducing that man’s ass!”

I admired her determination and confidence. Me? I’d love to do the same, but that would mean deciding between Vance and Cain.

What a shame I couldn’t have them both.

Or could I…?

* * *

Cain and Vanceleaned against the wall of the briefing room as Asher barked out orders. The reapers wouldn’t all be relocating to their new headquarters. With demons popping up around the world in greater numbers than usual, many of them would be heading into the field to not only handle those pockets of menace but to actively recruit. Anyone who could see demons would have to learn to fight.

The room emptied as reapers received assignments, until only Vance and Cain remained. Only then did Asher eye them.

“Well, boys, glad to see you’ve gotten past your little squabble. I’ll need you both for the most important task.”

“Oh?” Cain queried, pushing away from the wall.

“The messovenata is going to need twenty-four protection. Which means you’re both going to be busy taking turns watching over her.”

At the command, Cain grimaced. “Babysitters?”

“The correct term is bodyguard. The demons are going to come for the messovenata again, and soon, most likely. They won’t want her learning how to use her powers.”

“Not to mention they need her to open the doorway to Moloch’s prison,” Vance added.

“Meaning her safety is of utmost importance, and thus I need my two best on the job.”

“I already have a job,” Vance pointed out.

“You’ll need to take a leave of absence.”

“Don’t you want me keeping an eye on the situation in the city?” Vance tried arguing, but Asher wouldn’t hear it.

“We both know you have friends who will keep you apprised, and don’t forget Jory will still be working at the precinct.”

“Jory doesn’t have access to the same stuff I do,” Vance countered.

“Listen, I know you don’t like this. You don’t have to, but I expect you to do as you’re told. Whatever beef you have with Cain, either figure it out or suck it, buttercup. I don’t have time to deal with your petty drama. Do I make myself clear?” Their Princep addressed them both sternly and that left only one reply.

“Yes, sir,” Vance growled.

“We’ll do our job,” Cain added, looking similarly displeased.

“Good. In case you need reminding, if the demons get their hands on the messovenata, we might as well give up, because if Moloch returns, we’re fucked.”

With that ominous prediction, Asher left.

Cain eyed Vance, who eyed him right back.

“He is right, we are the best,” Cain stated.

“She’s going to be a pain in the ass when she finds out we’ve been ordered to shadow her every move. Wanna bet she tries to give us the slip?”

Cain’s lips quirked. “She definitely will, meaning we’d better be vigilant.” He paused and murmured softly, “Thanks for having my back in the fight.”

“And you mine. Guess we still make a good team.”

“The best, so let’s not let a woman get between us this time.”

“Deal.”

Vance held out his hand, and Cain shook it.

Little didthey know they were watched. This is going to be interesting.

Intrigued? Good because there’s more to come in Reaper Witch.