Page 29 of Mortal Magic (Shadow Shifter)

Riley smiled. “I really like her. It’s not just the connection I feel to her. She’s super funny, strong and caring.”

Colton took her hand and led her to the entrance of the village. “You two are so much alike it’s scary.”

Riley didn’t get a chance to answer, as a young man in shorts motioned them forward. “The priestess is waiting for you. Head on in.” He led them to a house in the center of the village with a lavender door.

The small living room inside was cluttered with hundreds of multi-coloured dolls, statues, and carvings. All neatly placed, and staring at the center of the room.

They sat on the red couch with gold cushions, waiting as Anaisa descended the steps from the upper floor.

Her white dress with simple but her long black hair was braided with colourful ribbons with gold beads attached to the ends. They clicked as she moved, singing to her beauty.

“Wow,” Riley said.

Anaisa smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Riley.”

Colton stood as Anaisa took a seat on the opposite chair. “We need your help.”

“Raine has filled me in on the recent developments. It should not come as a surprise that some of the reapers were unwilling to give up their food source.”

“It’s breaking Dannika’s heart. Not that she’d admit it.”

Anaisa grabbed a teapot from the tray in the center of the table, pouring the hot liquid into her cup. “The Queen is stronger than you realize.”

“How do we find out what the demons are planning?” Colton asked.

Anaisa took a sip of her tea. “I will connect with my family in the veil. Hopefully, they will be able to shed some light on this development.” She closed her eyes, wafting the steam above her cup with her hand.

Her body froze as her eyes turned white.

Riley leaned towards Colton. “Is she okay?”

“I believe she is communicating with the dead. I’ve never seen this before. It’s different from foreshadowing.”

Anaisa blinked several times before her mocha eyes returned to the natural color. “Idiots,” she hissed.

“What is it?” Colton asked.

“Breck is working with Deruthel. He and his followers want their immortality returned. They can’t fight the shadows now that Ferguson leads the reapers. Deruthel has promised the defective reapers a place within the demon clan. He has promised them their immortality.”

Colton rubbed his forehead. “With the demons protecting them, they are free to feed on humanity.”

Anaisa shook her head. “It’s all a lie. As soon as Deruthel has what he needs, he will slaughter the reapers. Deruthel takes no prisoners. If he is successful in creating a stable portal, the reapers will be nothing more than extra mouths to feed.”

“Why would Breck think he could trust this demon?” Colton asked.

“Deruthel didn’t become the king’s general because he was stupid. He has been manipulating his demon underlings and the inhabitants of the worlds they conquer, for a millennium. He is ruthless and conniving. Breck and his followers didn’t stand a chance.”

Riley pursed her lips. “Why does he want me?”

Anaisa frowned. “Deruthel is interested in you?”

“Yes. The demon that bit me said Deruthel wanted me. Dannika thinks I’m a descendant of the priestess.”

Anaisa took a pin from the small box on the coffee table. She held out her hand. “May I?”

Riley put her hand in Anaisa’s. “Please do.”

Anaisa pricked the end of Riley’s finger before stirring the drop of blood into her tea. She took a sip before her head snapped up.

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