Read Dark Alpha's Demand: A Reaper Novel (Reapers) for Free Online

room and raised a brow at all the gold. With a roll of her eyes, Erith shook her head. “I’ve often wondered what Usaeil was thinking when she decorated.”
    Death rarely interacted with the Reapers. Cael was the one who spoke to her, and even that was irregular. Or it had been. Bran’s escape from the Netherworld changed many things—including how much time Cael spent with Erith.
    He could wholly admit she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever gazed upon. The fact she barely reached his shoulders, but had more magic and power than all the Light at court combined, always made him smile.
    It’s because he knew her that he understood why she was speaking of Usaeil’s choice in decorations instead of continuing the conversation with Talin. She was giving Talin time to calm down.
    “It’s been a long time since I stepped foot in this castle. I was here when she first claimed it as a Light stronghold all those thousands of years ago.” Erith turned to Cael, but there was no smile in greeting. “You and the rest of the men need to know this place inside and out.”
    That got Cael’s attention. Death only gave that order if she suspected there was a need to defend—or attack—in the future. “I’ll see it done.”
    “Veiled,” she ordered.
    Talin replied, “Someone knows I’m here already. The rumor is spreading throughout the court faster than lightning.”
    Erith moved to stand closer to Cael as she faced Talin. “Is it Bran?”
    “I’ve not seen him,” Talin said. “And I’ve been looking.”
    Cael added, “The rumor could’ve been started by anyone. Bran or one of his cronies.”
    “True.” Erith slowly nodded. “Has anyone said it was you, Talin?”
    Talin’s lips twisted. “Not yet. Everyone is watching everyone else, though.”
    “That could work to our benefit,” Death said, a slow smile pulling at her lips.
    Cael couldn’t look away from her mouth. She had no idea how enticing she was—and she never would. Because he’d never let it pass his lips.
    “How?” Talin asked.
    Erith held out both of her arms. “Look where we are. The Queen of the Light’s castle. Where is Usaeil?”
    “Gone. Again,” Cael answered.
    Erith dropped her arms and turned her head to him. “Exactly. As she has been of late. A Reaper at court isn’t the only rumor swirling, is it?”
    “No.” Talin laughed. “Everyone is also whispering about the photo of Usaeil with a man. The speculation is it’s a Dragon King.”
    Erith nodded, smiling. “Usaeil isn’t here to squash any rumors or get her court under control. The Queen’s Guard has been in disarray since Rhi left. This leaves the court very vulnerable.”
    Cael frowned as he faced her. “Are you telling me you believe someone might take over?”
    “No,” Death replied.
    One word and no explanation as to what she meant. This was how most of the conversations with Erith went. Cael should be used to it after all these thousands of years, but sometimes, it irritated him.
    “So, what do you mean?” Talin asked.
    Erith was silent for a moment. “Tensions are going to begin to run high. First, about the Dragon King. It might’ve been ages since Rhi’s fling with her King, but the Light don’t forget easily.”
    “No Fae does,” Cael murmured.
    Death cut her gaze to him for a moment. “As fast as that rumor will continue to circulate, it’s the fear of a Reaper at court that will keep that one going. You’ve been accepted here, Talin. Use it to your advantage. Continue to make your rounds and listen. I think you’ll be surprised at what you hear.”
    “I could do more veiled,” he said.
    Before Cael could respond, Death said a cool, “No.”
    Talin bowed his head. “I’ll get on it immediately.”
    Cael watched Talin leave the room. He’d seen firsthand what could happen to a Reaper who fell in love with a Fae. Bran had destroyed the Reapers from the inside out because of it.
    “You’re worried about him,” Erith said, breaking