The Day Death Died

The Day Death Died - Chapter 9

"Hi, girls," Mom called as we ran through the door, our arms loaded with garment bags and packages.

"Hi, Mom! Going to my room, bye!" I shot over my shoulder, speeding toward the stairs before she could follow up with more questions.

"But I want to—" she began, her voice trailing off as Emily and I took the steps two at a time, disappearing into my room and slamming the door behind us.

Emily hung the dress bags on the back of the door as I carefully placed the white box from the shop onto my bed. I flipped the lid open and stared at the shimmering fabric inside. It was even more stunning in the soft light of my room than it had been in the shop—luxurious, elegant, and slightly haunting, like something from an old gothic tale.

"What did you buy?" came Edwin's familiar, icy voice from behind me, making me jump.

I didn't even turn around. "New reaper robes," I said, lifting the gown from the box and holding it against myself. The fabric flowed like liquid, cascading down in folds of black and silver. It wasn't just a gown—it was a statement.

"You were serious about that?" Edwin sounded half-annoyed, half-amused.

I spun around to face him, still holding the gown to my body. "What do you think?"

His eyebrows furrowed as he looked me up and down. "It's not standard."

"No," I agreed with a smirk. "It's fabulous."

He sighed, rubbing his temples like he had a headache. "Reapers aren't meant to be fabulous. Reapers are... functional. Efficient."

Emily, ever the instigator, piped up from her spot on my bed. "Why can't a reaper be fabulous? You're reaping souls, for God's sake—does it have to be so drab?"

"It's not a glamorous job," Edwin said with a trace of exasperation. "Fabulous is the opposite of what we're about."

I lowered my arms, tilting my head at him. "Maybe you've just never had a reaper who could be fabulous."

He groaned. "I'm not getting you into the standard robes, am I?"

"Nope." I grinned, triumphant.

He held out his hand. "Give it here."

I frowned, holding the gown closer to my chest. "Why?"

"To enchant it, obviously," he said. "I have to make sure that when you get your scroll, you end up in this instead of the standard burlap sack."

"How do I know you won't just take the dress and stick me in that hideous sack anyway?"

Edwin raised an eyebrow, his hand still outstretched. "You'll have to trust me, Maddison."

I hesitated, then finally handed him the gown and cape. "Fine."

With a swirl of black smoke, he vanished just as Mom opened the door, her hand poised as if to knock.

"Hi, Mom," I said quickly, forcing a smile. "What's up?"

Mom's eyes flicked between me and Emily, her curiosity evident. "Why were you in such a rush when you came in? I want to see the dresses!"

"You already saw them months ago when we ordered them," I reminded her, trying to stall.

"I know, but I want to see them again," she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Come on, show me!"

I sighed, knowing there was no escape. I unzipped the bag and pulled out my gown, the dark blue fabric catching the light. Mom gasped as she took it from me, holding it up with admiration.