Reapers -- The First Familiar (Reapers Chronicles Book II)

32 - Last Will

Two men followed Manu. They introduced themselves as Kiran and Ajit. The three of them were Pilgrim's familiars who were assigned as Amarah's guards. You could say Amarah was Sileas' partner in crime in trying to overthrow Pilgrim way back. Alessandra killed them both, by the way. Once their mistress was dead, Manu and many others were considered accessories to the crime and were imprisoned.

"They have gathered near the borders," announced Ajit, bowing low. "Our scouts estimate about a thousand sentries headed by the Eighth and the First."

Archie stepped behind Vladimir and cleared his throat. "I propose a postponement, Master, as we are greatly outnumbered. With sixty-one against an army of a thousand, our probability of success is very much unlikely."

Kyoshiro blurted out something in Japanese, his slanted eyes narrowing. "It's not impossible. If we plan this well, we can at least save our brothers, retreat and plan a better strategy for another attack."

"There is no retreat, Kyo-Nii," Vladimir answered, his voice barely a whisper. "The sentries are slowly taking over the whole labyrinth. We'd be sitting ducks here. It's either we end it now or die trying."

"We can offer all of you refuge in Halja," Luci offered with a sincere-looking smile. It was her first time talking to the others but I was sure she had noticed how they threw strange glances at her. "But first, I'll have to ask permission from Abum."

All the Helions in the group threw meaningful looks at each other. This was screaming bad idea and they knew it. It was bad enough we had to drag them into our fight. The last thing we needed was war between Hell and Halo.

Groaning, Kyoshiro shook his head. "Since we're all stuck in this rut, might as well make it bigger to make room for others."

The enormity of what would soon take place reflected on Vladimir's face. "Prepare yourselves. We are commencing the attack shortly."

Everything that happened next was a blur. Scouts came in and out, relaying secret messages to Manu. Luci and Grigori hurriedly took their leave. Vladimir with Belial and Kyoshiro brainstormed over the plan. Amyr left with Levi and his men to set up traps along the borders. Archie and Kyoshiro's adult familiars-Eun Jae and Miu-set out to divide the troops into assault and back-up parties.

In minutes, the clearing had become a makeshift headquarters. And I was left out of all the happenings. I caught a little of the tactical stuff and understood almost nothing.

I sat in a corner and rummaged my satchel for the Helcium. Sathariel said it wanted to protect me. Although, I wasn't sure how it would help us now. As I took it out, a small piece of folded parchment fell on my lap. It was the note I found in Rosario's old room. I didn't have the chance to read it I almost forgot about it.

Once I unfolded the parchment, it started burning all of a sudden. I gasped and the flame made its way to my nostrils and into my lungs. For a few seconds, I was suffocating. And then, the parchment was gone.

Panting, I stared at my hands. "What the-"

"It's just me, scaredy-cat," said a voice. A very familiar voice.

"Rosario?" I mumbled under my breath.

"So... I'm really dead, aren't I?" she chuckled dryly. "That's why you're reading a part of my Memory Tome."

My eyes watered and I couldn't breathe.

"Ugh, crap! Stupid Girl's crying. Are you for real? This doesn't make me hate you less, you know. So suck it up."

I bit my lip. Once I closed my eyes to force back the tears, I saw her. Standing. In the darkness. In that empire-cut Nysmic dress she always wore.