Reaping The Red Heir

The blindfold slipped from my eyes just as a shiver coursed through me. Darkness still held the world in its embrace, though the first timid rays of dawn began to breach the horizon. Snow had blanketed the ground during the night, the crisp crunch under my boots piercing the silence as I shifted from one foot to another. The world lay hushed and expectant. Not a single bird dared to sing its morning song. It sensed the danger looming behind me, the very threat that clutched Sorelle's arm with an iron hold.

I made eye contact with that threat—Talon. The sinister glint in his eyes as they met mine was a clear indication that the memory of him lapping up my blood was still fresh in his mind.

"Don't get any ideas," the Heir murmured silkily, his breath a ghostly caress against the back of my ear.

"I wouldn't dream of it," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, though my muscles stayed coiled, primed for escape.

Any moment now, Calix would breach the forest's edge, appearing before the southern gate with a singular mission: to rescue Sorelle and me. My brother would undoubtedly accompany him.

Our unexpected presence here would surely startle them. Several Shadebornes stood poised at our backs, prepared to clash if the situation called for it. Naturally, Pierce, resolute as an ancient oak, positioned himself firmly behind me, determined to witness the unfolding spectacle firsthand.

The forest's edge rippled, and my heart leapt as familiar figures emerged from the shadows. Calix led the charge, his handsome face a mask of barely contained fury. I recognized that expression. It was a silent vow that blood would soon stain the ground. Behind him, several Reapers fanned out, weapons at the ready. My eyes locked onto a cloaked figure - Deryn. Even with his face obscured, I'd know my twin anywhere.

"Sky." Calix's voice rang out, a mixture of relief and rage. His gaze swept over me, searching for injuries, then to Sorelle before settling on Pierce with murderous intent.

Pierce's voice dripped with amusement. "The cavalry arrives at last."

"We're taking them home." Calix declared, his grip on his sword hilt tightening.

Pierce chuckled, a sound that grated against my nerves like nails on glass. "How touching," he sneered. "But I'm afraid your little reunion will be short-lived."

Deryn's eyes bore into the Heir. "We're not leaving without them." His tone remained steady, reminiscent of the deceptive stillness that precedes a storm. "You'd do well to remember who you are dealing with, leech."

Behind us, I heard the Shadebornes shift into fighting stances, low hisses escaping their lips. My mind raced, desperately seeking a way to defuse the situation before blood was spilled.

"Do as you promised," I hissed over my shoulder at Pierce, my voice barely above a whisper.

He pressed against my upper back, his weight nearly pitching me forward as he leaned down close. "And why should I, little Reaper? This is just starting to get interesting."

I whirled to face him, my eyes aflame. "You will uphold your vow if you wish me to maintain mine."

I caught the way his eyes trailed over my face, lingering on my lips before meeting my glare with that infuriating half-smile.

"Only the young maiden shall journey back with you," he declared after a moment, his eyes still searching mine. "Darling Skyla stays in my possession."

"Like hell she will," Calix snarled, taking a step forward.

Pierce's gaze darted to Calix, his eyes narrowing into slits. "That's close enough," He tilted his head slightly, feigning contemplation. "Wouldn't want anyone to get hurt now, would we?"