The Wailing Woman

57. Poor Unfortunate Soul

We were led out to the back of the mansion through the double glass doors. The moment we stepped into the marble stairs, we halted in our tracks. Dilara and I stood amazed by the clean-cut lawn with a stone fountain sitting in the middle. Flowers peeked out of shrubs like a secret waiting to be shared, and the moon although it was not full, blue rays spilled over the garden. Soft trickles flowed out gently from the fountain and shimmered like pearls. 

It was serene and quiet. If this was ever painted, I would like to be stuck in it. To bask in the moonlight and be surrounded by blooming flowers as the water carries me to sleep. How could I not fall in love with the night?

But those were dreams of a girl who could afford them.

My direction turned toward Grimm and Hans, standing near a young girl around my age or who could probably be a year or two older than me. She wore a strapless ocean blue dress and her blond hair was pulled into a high ponytail reaching down her back. She slightly turned—my eyes squinted—her diamond necklace was radiant. She was Rose Croft in the flesh, but another soul was inhabiting her. Lena Haven.

Dilara and I walked down as the possessed girl lowered her head. "Your Majesty, you've arrived." Grimm slipped his hands into the pockets of his slacks, he tilted his head forward with an unfazed gaze. Hans kept a distance from the girl but sent her a glare.

"I've heard from my demons you kept requesting for my presence but I'm not here for negotiations, Miss Lena." He then said, rather amusingly. "Tonight is your last day, cherish it."

She lifted her head as she held her hands together, her knuckles turning white. She had known this was coming, one day Death would come for her and he was here. No more pretending to be a rich heiress. 

Her hazel eyes glanced over at Hans, "You must be excited." Then she looked over at Dilara and me. "I must've been a handful to Ivy and Mika if you had to bring other demons." She said flatly.

Dilara made a look of disgust as she corrected her. "We're not demons."

Lena arched her brow. "Maybe not you but she could be one." She pointed an accusatory finger at me. Hans' eyes slightly widened. I crossed my arms and took a couple of steps toward her until Grimm said. "What they are is not your concern. We'll be here until the end of the night. Enjoy yourself, Lena."

She dropped her finger and protested to Grimm. "I would like to talk to you in private."

"I don't wish to extend my kindness." He answered quickly.

Lena drew herself closer to him and pressed her lips until she revealed a smile. "If this is my last night then I would like to spend the rest of the night talking to you. Could you grant me this last favor?" She desperately didn't want to go. She was going to do everything she could not to leave. I could admire that about her.

Grimm glanced at me and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Even though she accused me of being a demon, she was a soul who wanted to be listened to. "We can talk together," I said.

"And why would I talk to you?" She said sharply.

Then Grimm declared. "Because she is The Crier of Souls, and she is my equal."

Silence filled the air.

I felt Dilara's drilling stare and noticed Hans' lips were pressed tightly. My breath had been caught in my throat and my heart could've stopped beating altogether. Though I was barely starting to understand the role of The Crier of Souls, I knew of its importance. Accompanied by The Capturer of Souls, I walk beside him. It shouldn't mean more than a title but when Grimm said it felt more than a title. Like something part of me was being entwined with him. It was terrifying.