Reaper's Word

Clair held the old tattered book in her left hand. Her voice smooth and fluid as she spoke the words on the page. The night was cool, and the sky held a bright full moon. The light making the shadows she stood in deeper hiding her and the two with her.

Not far from them was a tall stone wall that had a small double iron gate there. Inside the walls was what looked like a warehouse and several sets of buildings. Music and distant talking could be heard. Those inside had no idea what was coming. That death was about to walk among them.

The last of the words flowed out of Clair starting the binding ritual. The book she held was the one she’d signed long ago. However it now served a different purpose and her name no longer adorned the pages. Still the magic done bound her and Isaiah forever. She more than anyone understood what had to be continued.

Clair looked up at Isaiah as she finished the words. She gripped the black blade that he was holding until blood showed. She let go of it and Isaiah took his free hand and lifted up her injured one to bring it to his mouth. His tongue swirled over the cut even as her blood dripped off the blade. Her wound healing. A shiver went down her spine. There was a bit of heat there in his gaze. She never got tired of seeing his desire for her.

“You are sure of this? None will be spared, innocent or not. We will collect them all, to feed us and for our home.” He warned her and Isaiah’s free hand touched her face. His thumb sliding over her lower lip. She knew he asked as he did not want to deal with her getting upset. That ship had long ago sailed however. For the most part.

“Yes, he needs to learn. I know that some will not deserve what is going to happen. However I’m more than happy to choose a den of depravity for you to destroy. To collect from and teach our son.” Clair said seriously. Isaiah gave a slight smile and leaned, giving her a harsh but deep kiss. He was never going to get enough of her. His perfect female, perfect mate. Isaiah lifted his head and glanced to the left where a younger man stood.

“Wait. I will complete the barrier then you will add to it.” The young man gave a slight head bow that he understood. His eyes were a darker green that were sharp. Isaiah gripped the blade adding his blood to it and moved forward toward the wall a short distance away. He was out in the moonlight now and you could see the color of his skin change along his arm. A hand tipped with talons and he was drawing on the wall with his blood and the blade.

Clair turned from what Isaiah was doing and looked at her son. He was technically a human adult now. However still a child by the standards of a reaper. Very young, and it would take time for him to learn and master his abilities. To control himself and the fact he could not always shut off emotion like Isaiah could. He looked very much like his father.

“Zacharias, promise me you will not be cruel to those you kill.” Clair asked quietly. This was not the first time they did this. Finding a place to trap others in to teach him. To sacrifice to their home and magic. This book had tied them to the house and caves, the magic there. It needed new blood from time to time. It had to be fed, or they would suffer too. Magic always came with a price. Regardless if you were willing or not.

Zacharias needed to learn and feed, as did Isaiah and the hounds. Clair however was given the task to choose, and she chose the worst of human society. This place housed horrible people that enjoyed trafficking others. Among other horrible evil acts. There was no shortage of horrible people. So this let her sleep at night. Zacharias sighed and stepped up to Clair.

“Mother,” He started and reached up to push a bit of her hair from her face behind her ear. “I can’t promise something I won’t be able to keep.” She of course had taught him that along with Isaiah. It was imperative that he never make a promise he could not keep.

When he was younger he nearly died when he promised to never do something again that Clair had scolded him for. Neither of them realized how serious his word choice was. Both her and Isaiah had thought him being half human would not carry the same punishment like Isaiah, which was death. When he’d broken it, he’d began to seizure and then for days after he’d thrown up blood. Some had come from his ears and eyes. He’d stopped breathing once but they’d gotten him back with quick action. Clair had been beside herself with worry for him. Barely eating and stayed by his side.

her a smile. It softened his face and made him

I can promise.” She smiled back at him and touched his arm.

sometimes. Never underestimate humans. We are a cunning conniving bunch.” That made him laugh. Zacharias looked Clair over. Knew he

that his parents were not a society norm. His father was a creature of death, but as such Zacharias was going to have

like this. You deserve better.”

the rough.” She raised an eyebrow at him. He had a darker light to his eyes, and oddly it made her smile. A darker one too, oh the poor soul that he decided to love. Clair knew exactly what was in store

No sound at his approach. He held out the black blade to

gave a nod taking the blade and

help me god…” Isaiah stepped closer to her and slid his hands into her hair, tipping her head up to

god answered you Clair you would not be with me.” He gave a slight smirk. “So don’t threaten, it's

you won’t touch me again.” His gaze

won’t punish you if you break your word to me. You are mine and I will have you when I wish. Touch you when I please.” He took her mouth then and kept her there against him. She didn’t stop him or push him away. He craved her like a drug and it just grew more so over the years. She was bound to him. His heart knew exactly what Clair meant to him, even as his mind refused to

was aware Isaiah wasn’t going to kill her. However if she upset

grown stronger. He will heal and this he must do. You know this.” Isaiah felt irritated, Zacharias was very capable. The two of them had

realized. Obviously he was going to make

me.” Clair demanded

the sides of her stomach. The obvious bump there, and he enjoyed the fact immensely. She carried

worry over Clair. Zacharias will be fine. He is no longer

how I feel. I feel better now, I have your promise. You always keep your word.” She gave him a half smile that was a bit darker. He felt the instant response inside of him.

from her before he couldn’t. They had a task before them, and it was time to feed. To

looked at the smaller gate before them that was partially open. Isaiah took the blade offered, with a harsh downward motion tossed it into the ground. It sank in

from view. The magic at work was not just human magic. It was also mixed with the talent that Isaiah had,