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

Garrett in pain, quickly reignited my anger and loosened my tongue.
    "What did you do to Garrett? Where is he?"
    Death stared at me for a fraction of a second before answering. "I'm not sure what you're talking about, Raven. I haven't seen Garrett since yesterday afternoon."
    Bullshit! I knew he was here somewhere, but I also knew Death wasn't going to just let me wander through his castle looking for my best friend.
    "I know you did something to him. Why would you hurt him? Is it because he figured out the secret you're keeping?"
    The instant the question left my lips I knew it was a mistake and began to tremble.
    Death visibly grew in stature. His shoulders widened and his skeletal chest inflated. The air around him grew thick, almost to the point of choking me.
    I began to inch backwards, edging around the side of the pool in an attempt to escape the menace now rolling off him.
    "And what would you know of my secrets?" his voice boomed.
    I clenched my jaw, struggling to contain my unease. Once I made it to the opposite side of the pool, I risked a glance around the chamber. His scythe was resting in its holder across the back of his throne, ready to be unsheathed at a moment's notice.
    "If you're so anxious to know more about me, I could show you how good I am in bed." He smirked. "That's a mystery we can solve right now."
    Eww! Was he seriously trying to get out of this by seducing me? I debated playing along just to get information, but I couldn't force myself to do it. The idea of his greasy black hair close to my face, or his bony hands or tight thin lips pressed against my skin made me want to throw up. I shivered at the thought.
    "I'll pass, thanks."
    His scythe flew from its holder and into his hand. "Then I suggest you rethink confronting me in my private space, or attacking me with false accusations, or soon...I won't be giving you a choice." He slammed the end of his scythe down on the floor, filling the space with a resounding 'boom', and nodded to the door.
    I didn't hesitate. I walked past his throne and rushed to the door, desperate to make my escape while I had the chance. I'd have to find another way to look for Garrett that didn't involve me confronting Death himself, and I knew the perfect person to help me do it.

 

    15
     
    I assumed Holli would have returned to the castle by now, but after a few wrong turns and a couple accidental interruptions, I gave up and walked out the front door. I stood on the bottom step of the massive structure, looking down the street from side-to-side. My palms started to sweat and the air in my lungs struggled to escape. With Garrett missing, I wasn't exactly sure what to do with myself. I stepped onto the street and began to walk to Digger's , simply out of habit.
    Suddenly, a noise above me snagged my attention.
    Yes! Holli was landing on a small balcony high up on the far side of the castle.
    I shot into the air, calling out her name. "Holli!" I hovered just beyond the balustrade.
    "Hi, Raven. Is there something wrong? Do we have another gathering mission so soon?"
    "No, no. I just wanted to see if you'd like to join me for dinner at Digger's ."
    She tilted her head and frowned. "Digger's?"
    "Yes, it's a restaurant here in Purgatory." I laughed.
    "Really? I didn't realize there were places to eat here. Death always takes me topside for dinner."
    Excellent! This was the type of info I needed. If Garrett had discovered Death's dirty little secret, then so could I, even if I had to come at it from a different angle.
    "Well, it's a great place and I'm headed there now if you'd like to join me."
    She hesitated, looking back into the small room behind her. "I'm sorry, I would love to go with you, but I'm actually not allowed to leave without Death's permission."
    "Are you kidding me?"
    "No. As I've told you, you're the only person I get to see." She smiled like the fact didn't bother her in the slightest.
    "Doesn't that upset you? I mean, being a kept woman?"
    The blank look