Reaper By Night

Chapter Two

Grym was moving swiftly, even faster than Geni considered fair given their significant height difference. While she wasn't short by any means, she had always considered her height to be slightly above average. However, standing next to Grym and his imposing six-foot-tall stature, her five-foot-seven frame felt inadequate. In the presence of any of these supernatural beings, she couldn't help but feel a sense of insufficiency. Over the past month since her introduction to the Underworld, she had truly grasped the extraordinary nature of this community. It was filled with stunning vampire women who could effortlessly pass as models, demons who had perfected the art of being tall, dark, and dangerous to such an extent that even the Grim Reaper himself seemed unremarkable. The spirits carried an air of old-world grace and aristocracy in every interaction, leaving her utterly captivated. This previously unknown world unfolded before her like a tapestry of beauty, untamed wilderness, and refined culture.

However, there was still approximately 20 or 30 minutes of daylight left, and Geni knew that most of these beings would still be slumbering until the sun had fully set. "Where are we heading first? You never mentioned if you have any ideas about where these escaped spirits might have gone," Geni inquired, prompting Grym to turn and gaze at her thoughtfully. "Do you have some sort of plan, Grym? We're not just aimlessly wandering, are we?"

Grym shifted his focus back to the road ahead. "We're making our way to Madame Vicine first." Instantly, a displeased expression washed over Geni's face. She had crossed paths with Vicine during her first week on the job, and the voluminous woman had set her on edge. Their initial encounter had been tense, at least from Geni's perspective. Vicine possessed a personality as grand as her abundant mass of thick black curls that framed her ample figure. Sensual and boisterous, Geni couldn't shake the feeling that Vicine had been evaluating her worth throughout their entire interaction. This became even more disconcerting when Grym shared that Vicine employed numerous women as companions for wealthy clients.

Nevertheless, Vicine was an invaluable source of information. If something were happening in the Underworld, she would undoubtedly be in the know. From the most trivial gossip to the most tantalizing news, Vicine had made a habit of dealing out information, making her Grym's preferred informant. They paid her a visit at least once a week. "I should have expected that. But this time, you won't leave me alone with her. Last time, she tried to dress me up like a lifeless doll! I swear that outfit was barely held together by fishing line!" The startled expression on Grym's face and the momentary choke at her words would have been comical if the situation hadn't been so grave.

"When did this happen?" His voice carried a slight edge, causing Geni to roll her eyes. "Just remind her that your deal is with me. You're my employee, not hers. She can doll up her own little worker bees."

As if that would make a difference. Geni was fairly certain that Vicine was a decision-maker, not a follower. She had vehemently refused last time, leaving the vampiress hissing in displeasure. "Just don't leave me alone with her, and you won't have to worry about it," Geni reiterated without hesitation.

Grym stared at her for a moment longer before nodding and leading her toward the familiar building. Upon opening the door, they were greeted by vibrant music that hinted at an ongoing party. The pounding music reached their ears, and Geni noticed a guard standing in front of one of the doors, acting as a bouncer, while bright neon lights flashed and twirled from the entrance. Grym disregarded it and approached the woman sitting at the front desk. With his arrival, the receptionist glanced up, fluffed her hair, adjusted her cleavage, and flashed a bright smile. "Ah, the Grim Reaper! How delightful to see you again, Mr. Boone. Are you here to see the Madame? She's in her rooms for another hour before joining the party. I can inform her that you and your lady friend are here to see her once more."