The World As We Know It

Chapter Fifteen

Derrick did not look happy. He sat at the table, drinking a Monster while glaring at Sebastian. The Demon seemed unbothered by the Immortal's foul mood, setting out dinner as if it were a normal day. A small group of Reapers sat around the table, graciously accepting their plates. All but one. He, too, glared at Sebastian, pushing his glasses up every so often with what looked like gardening shears. I found a spot in the corner of the room to huddle. It was less than mature, but Kane's words played over and over in my head and I felt the need to hide. My odd behavior did not escape the attention of the Immortal.

"Come eat with me," he said gruffly, "We never get the chance."

I simply shook my head, burying my face in my knees.

"I'm afraid she is not herself," Sebastian explained.

"Obviously," he huffed, setting his can down. "Now explain to me what was so important that I had to be dragged away from my work."

I looked up to see how Sebastian would react. All he did was set down a metal thermos in front of Derrick with a notecard beside it before continuing to hand out plates. Derrick picked up the notecard his mouth drawn into a thin line. He tossed it down with disgust, taking another swig of his energy drink.

"Where's Damion?"

Sebastian shook his head.

"I'm afraid I don't know. He and my master went to investigate something that was happening."

Grunting, Derrick got to his feet and snapped his fingers. A small oval appeared before him, showing him a hazy image. Eyes narrowed in concentration, Derrick held out his hands, palms out until the image cleared and we were greeted by a startled Damion. The Prince's eyes darted around nervously before he disappeared. We heard a door being shut, and Damion reappeared.

"What the hell, Derrick?! You almost blew my cover!"

The Immortal snatched up the notecard and showed him the symbol. Damion's face drained of color.

"Where did you find that?"

"Is it what I think it is?" Derrick shot back.

The Prince hesitated.

"Yes."

Cursing, Derrick flung it back onto the table and started pacing. He rubbed his temples, muttering something under his breath. He stopped abruptly and marched towards me. Squeaking, I was dragged in front of Damion.

"Tell him."

I looked up into sad mossy eyes.

"I was attacked," I said softly.

"By who?"

I looked to Sebastian, but his gaze was firmly on the Prince.

"Taylor, please," Damion coaxed softly.

I took a small, shuttering breath.

"He said his name was Kane."

This sent Derrick into a rage. Flinging his can across the room, he stormed out of the dining hall, cursing viciously. The Reapers followed him in a nervous flurry, leaving just me, Sebastian, and the Prince. The name meant nothing to Sebastian, but Damion was another story. His shoulder slumped as if bearing the weight of the world. He rubbed a hand over his face, looking well beyond his years.