Raven's Breath (The Women of Purgatory) by Tish Thawer Read Free Book Online

he actually came topside to conduct my lessons. He visited me every day for months, before and after my death, to teach me how to fight and fly."
    H er words nagged at me, as if this little tidbit was a major piece to the puzzle, and probably why Garrett was laying knocked out in my bed. Thank you, Holli. I couldn't wait to bring this up to him and see what he had to say on the subject. It felt important.
    My excitement made it difficult to continue the conversation on an even keel, but I had to focus. "He taught you how to fly and fight? Why would you need to know how to fight, it's not like the souls can hurt us?"
    "I'm not sure. Death only said that there may come a time when I would need to be able to protect him and myself. He demanded that I be well-rounded in my skills."
    What the hell? This situation was becoming more and more convoluted by the minute. I continued to talk to Holli about her solo mission––which, as suspected, went off without a hitch, then told her "good job" and walked her to the door.
    "Thank you for having faith in me, Raven, and for taking the time to speak with me. Other than Death, you are the only other person I see."
    I frowned as I contemplated her words. How, and more importantly, why was he still keeping her under lock and key? I was starting to think it had more to do with her mysterious purpose here than any petty jealousies. It was obvious Death had big plans for the girl, plans that even she seemed unaware of. "Holli, have you been on any regular retrievals yet?"
    "No. Death says my only job here i s to help you collect the phenoms and protect him."
    I couldn't stop the slight shake to my head; I just wasn't getting this. I desperately wanted to badger Holli and demand more information, but thought better of it and bid her goodbye. I quickly headed towards my bedroom, eager to check on Garrett.
    My heart sank.
    The bed was empty and he was gone.

     

    14
     
    Fuck! Had Holli tricked me? Had she been the distraction Death needed to spirit Garrett away before we could talk?
    I dove out my window and flew straight to the main castle. I wanted answers and I wouldn't stop until I got them. I couldn't comprehend why Death would hurt Garrett or steal him away from my care. Unless, of course, he'd actually found out what Death was really up to.
    I didn't bother entering through the main door, instead I landed with a resounding thud on the balcony outside Death's chamber.
    The room was empty and my boots clicked loudly on the black marble tile. His throne was polished, the skulls gleaming in the candlelight that bathed the room. The ornate wall sconces and gothic furniture portrayed the macabre feel you'd expect in the chamber of Death.
    I made my way across the space, vigilant and alert.
    I walked past the dais on which his throne sat and entered the back part of his chamber.
    Suddenly I found myself on the edge of an oubliette, my toes teetering on the edge.
    I looked into the seemingly bottomless pit, fear searing my insides, and prayed Garrett hadn't become a recent resident of the ancient prison. Once my eyes adjusted to the lack of light, however, I realized it wasn't an opening in the floor but instead a pitch black expanse of water that I instantly recognized as Death's gazing pool.
    I bent down and placed a fingertip to the calm surface to verify my find. Yep, this is it . This was how Death was able to see topside.
    I flattened my palm over the surface, running it back and forth. I was mesmerized by the ripple I'd created, so much so that I didn't hear Death creeping up behind me.
    "Raven?"
    S hit! I bolted upright, practically jumping out of my skin.
    I realized, too late, that the room hadn't been empty after all. If Death had truly been gone, my initial entrance would've been blocked, and therefore, access to his chamber denied. Geez. Think, Raven. Think!
    We stood, encased in silence, neither one of us willing to break it. However, the smug look on his face and the thought of