Tainted Wings

Chapter Eighteen

The words echoed in Hekate's head, but they weren't registering. They couldn't. Because if she truly did understand, then that would mean two Horsemen would have escaped. Not just one. Which meant this was actually starting.

Death didn't escape.

Hekate's thoughts froze, Moro's words echoing again. "But then how? I don't understand."

Death is unlike any other being. Although technically a Horseman, Death cannot be contained behind a Gate. There must be an end to everything. The rules of the Gates do not apply to Death. His brothers hate him for it. But he is a ghost which can come and go as he pleases. He knows the part he will need to play come the end. He is the only being in existence, other than the Creator, who knows the exact time.

Which is why we were initially shocked when we thought it was Death who marked you. The action never matched his personality. He tends to stay out of mortal affairs, only interfering during times of extreme need.

"What does it mean? Why would Death come to me in my dream?" she asked, her voice shaking at the prospect.

Do you want to speak now, or wait for Marcia?

She thought back to her dream and the lies she had told Marcia this morning. Although she felt guilty for lying, she knew it was the best thing to do. For now, at least.

"Don't wait. Just tell me," she said into the phone.

Very well.

Hekate began to walk further into the parking lot. Moro's words were beginning to spread anxiety through her, causing her feet to circle the parking spaces. She couldn't keep still knowing another Horseman had their eyes on her.

Those dreams. Selene believes they were imposed on you by War through the brand on your chest.

She nodded to herself. "I figured that."

Death entered your dream last night because he might want to change your fate.

Feeling her jaw slacken and her eyebrows drop, she raised a hand into the air. "But why? Why even bother with me? Doesn't he want War to succeed? He? She?"

Horsemen, along with Selene and even Diana, do not have genders. My brother and I technically don't either. We can change. Death is more fluid with his choice of appearance. He does not hold on to one form for long.

The memory of the figure walking towards her flashed through her mind. Death was ever changing. Never choosing one particular gender or age. Death was everything yet nothing; Everywhere yet nowhere.

Death is practically second to the highest Deity. Because with life, there will always be death.

Hekate gulped back her anxiety. "Did Selene know why Death appeared to me?"

We cannot know Death's true motives. But she had a theory. Selene wondered if Death gave you your wish. You attracted Death to your side with your wish to have your curse returned to you and taken from Marcia. It was quite literally a death wish.

It made sense. Although Hekate didn't necessarily want to die, she was willing to be the one who was killed if it meant sparing everyone else. Marcia, especially. The last thing she wanted was to be the reason her best friend was dead.

"Death - she knew. That's why she asked if I was willing to make the sacrifice," Hekate mumbled.

Yes. But there is something that concerns us. Death told you that he would be the gift. Death would be the gift. A gift for who?