Silver in the Bone (Silver in the Bone #1)(129)
Author: Alexandra Bracken

 

Of course, a voice whispered in Cabell’s mind. This has always been their objective.

 

It was only a wonder he hadn’t guessed it before. Some men hunted relics for the glory. These men, to steal power from the sorceresses.

 

Cabell sat at the edge of their pathetic altar, arms crossed over his chest, his pulse quickening. His breath came in light pants. He watched the god eagerly. No one would ever replace him. Lord Death had sworn it.

 

He would have a different role for these fools to play.

 

Lord Death paced in front of them, a king inspecting his soldiers. When he came to Endymion again, he stopped. A small smile slanted over his face as the man struggled to hold his head high. His bowels had probably turned to water by now.

 

“You wish to serve in my retinue?” Lord Death asked. “To join the Wild Hunt?”

 

“Yes,” Endymion said, scarcely above a whisper. “More than anything, my Lord. Grant us your power, and we will not fail you.”

 

Lord Death placed a gloved hand on the man’s shoulder, leaning in closer, as if to embrace him. “I accept.”

 

Endymion let out a shuddering breath, his eyes closing behind his thin-framed glasses.

 

“But, my dear child,” Lord Death continued, his voice low and tender, like a true father. The room’s shadows gathered to the fist at his side, wrapping it in writhing ribbons unseen to the others. “Do you not know my retinue is not comprised of the living?”

 

Endymion’s eyes flashed wide, his breath choking off as Lord Death plunged his fist straight into his chest. Passing through skin and muscle and bone to reach the soul—and tear it out at the root.

 

Cabell closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, releasing the weakness that had held him captive for so long, welcoming in the darkness, and the terror, and the screams.