Page 71 of The Prince of Demons

“Gaksi told me this, mother told me that.” He tilted his head with each phrase. “Have you ever acted on your own wishes? It would be good for you.”

I ignored the twinge of embarrassment. This immortal could read me like a book.

“Fine, then. Teach me to control these.” The shackles had re-formed, holding my arms stuck together.

He frowned. “That is…unfortunate.”

He stepped forward. Samjoko hopped up to his shoulder, where she gazed down at me with contempt. Snack finished. Sun god back.

“Shadows are a manifestation of what we feel inside.”

He came closer, and the hold on my wrists tightened. I growled, “So these handcuffs represent your relationship with me?”

He smiled suggestively. “It could progress to that point if you prefer.”

I glared at him. Desperate, seductive demon.

“Dissolve them on your own.” His voice left no room for argument.

I stared at the shadows swarming around each other in defiance.

Minutes passed.

I tried to think of happy memories. Winning the spelling bee, with Mom and Dad clapping in the audience. Receiving my acceptance letter to Aether University. Getting my House list back with every single House for the next round.

Shadows swirled and swirled but remained exactly the same.

When my vision swirled, too, Reaper spoke.

“Any time now.”

“I’m trying my best.”

“Tell me about yourself,” Reaper asked. “What brings you joy?”

Achievements. Planning. Getting work done. None of those thoughts impacted my ever-growing shadows.

“Arguing with you,” I answered sarcastically.

He snorted. “My favorite pastime as well.”

The shadows lessened.

“Ah,” Reaper said. “You like…chaos.”

“Nobody likes chaos.”

The swirling ceased.

“Well, then, perhaps you just like…me.” His grin was devilish.

“I have never liked you.” He had the gall to look wounded.

My traitorous, worthless, otherworldly shadows reformed.

“Too bad you’re stuck with me, then.” He dipped his finger into the shadow bridge. They circled him, forging a path away from my arms.

“Perhaps we should make another deal, then.”

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