Page 73 of Bellamy

“Ah.” Taeden nodded. “So that’s the scent I’m picking up from you. Damn. One by one, all of you Nephilim brothers are falling. Sucks to be you.”

“I bet you’d feel differently if you were the one fate chose for Daman.” The comment was like rubbing salt on an open wound, but his attitude was getting on my last nerve.

There was a momentary flash of pain in the reaper’s eyes before he averted them. “Ask your goddamn questions, Bellamy, so I can leave.”

“Have you heard from Holden lately? Or any of the other reapers who helped Belphegor and Asa?”

Holden was a reaper who used to hang around Krave a lot, and when Belphegor started collecting souls earlier that year to breach the celestial realm, Holden had joined his side. Reapers had always been neutral in the fight between angels and demons, for their duty was to ferry souls to the other side, whether it be to Paradise or straight into the fiery pit. They didn’t directly interfere with human lives. It was forbidden. But Asa had promised to free them from their contracts if they helped.

“Holden hasn’t shown his face around here in a long time,” Taeden answered. “Konnar would’ve had his ass, and not in a fun way. You know, since Konnar’s your ally now.”

“You don’t approve of him being our ally?” I asked, not missing the bite in his tone.

“I think your war is dumb as shit.” Taeden stood from the couch and neared the small bar station that Konnar kept stocked for me. He poured himself a whiskey, added a splash of ambrosia, and came back over.

“The fate of the world is dumb?” I asked. “If we don’t stop Asa, this will become a hunting ground. The shit from months ago when zombies and monsters tore people apart will be nothing compared to the shitshow of a world Asa builds.”

Taeden smirked. “I don’t see a problem. The more death, the more souls I get to reap. I love to hear them scream.”

“You’re a cruel bastard.”

“At least I’m not a fool who thinks he can stop the end of the world.” Taeden rubbed at his smooth jaw. “Then again, if Asa wins and slaughters a bunch of humans… that’s a lot more work for me. And I’m busy enough as it is. Hmm. Quite the conundrum.”

“Have you heard anything from any other reapers?” I asked, trying to get the topic back on track. I wanted to return home.To him.

“A handful of them have died recently,” Taeden responded. “Word is, they visited Asa Morningstar and he snapped their necks. The promise to free them from this life was paid in full, I’d say.”

So Phoenix had told us the truth. A tingle of hope blossomed in my chest. I didn’t fully trust him… but I trusted him a bit more now. Felt myself slowly letting him past my barriers.

“There’s something else you might be interested to know,” Taeden said. “But that information will cost you.”

“I’m not fucking you,” I said in a low growl. Lust had picked up on his intentions. “Forget it.”

Taeden chuckled. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He tipped back his glass, his throat working as he swallowed. He then wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand. “Fine. I’ll do you a solid just this once. For Daman’s sake.”

Yep. Definitely a lovesick bastard.

“You asked if I’d seen Holden recently, and I said no. Which is true. I haven’t seen him in over a month. But.” Taeden held up a finger. “Ihavespoken to him since the battle in the celestial realm. He mentioned a fallen angel named Penemuel.”

“Go on,” I said, trying not to seem too interested. Taeden was neither my ally nor my enemy, but he definitely had a dark side that could easily push him toward Asa. Best not give him any extra ammo.

“While delivering the last batch of souls, Holden overhead Penemuel speaking to Belphegor right before the battle started.” Taeden reclined more on the couch. “‘I will no longer help you on your destructive path,’ Penemuel said. Belphegor then called him a coward. The two of them had a falling-out.”

That wasn’t anything I didn’t already know. Phoenix had said Penemuel left. But knowing Penemuel’s state of mind helped me understand why he might’ve left. He didn’t want to participate in the destruction anymore.

“That’s all?” I stood up. “Well, that was not only a waste of an IOU, but a massive waste of my time too.”

“Did I say I was finished?” Taeden smirked as I sat back down. “Holden said he heard something else before his presence was sensed. Penemuel said, ‘That boy is a mere pawn to you. I almost pity him for the fate that awaits him.’”

“The fate that awaits him? Was he referring to Asa?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Taeden said. “But Penemuel wasn’t seen again after that.”

Maybe Alastair would be able to make sense of this.

“Thanks.” I stood and walked toward the door.

“You’re leaving already?” Taeden asked. “Wow. You really are ass-whipped, aren’t you? I never thought I’d see the day when Lust himself became a domesticated househusband.”