Chapter 154

Larkin took a few deep breaths. The only other sounds were the breeze rustling the branches in the tree and Max’s occasional squawk. After ten minutes or so, Ru could see the color coming back to her father’s face. “I’m fine, really,” he said and began to pull himself up.

Ru bent down to help him, and Cutter offered his hand as well. Larkin came to standing and thanked them before taking a few steps backward, steadying himself. “Whoo. Definitely feels different. But in a good way. I feel like a weight has been lifted from me.”

Smiling, Ru patted her dad on the back. “Good,” she said. It seemed that Cutter sending the Reaper essence to Hell hadn’t harmed her dad, and she definitely didn’t feel any different than she had before she cast the spell. She was glad it worked out that way, even if Cutter had caught her off guard. Something told her she’d feel differently if she’d had to absorb the blackness.

“What about the cloaking spell?” Larkin asked, looking at Ru.

“Right,” she replied. “I just wanted to make sure you were strong enough, that you were ready.”

“I’m ready,” he nodded. “There’s not too much to a cloaking spell.”

Ru had seen her mother cast one and knew that was true. “Okay,” she said, taking a few steps back. “I’ll do it then.” She looked at Cutter, who was slowly shaking his head as he stepped back out of the way. “This will just cloak him from evil,” she reminded them. “The Keepers will still be able to feel him if they choose to.”

“I know I can’t talk you out of it,” Cutter mumbled, turning around as if he couldn’t bear to watch her do it.

Ru raised both hands. “Patrocinium invocavi te tenebras lucem virtutes!” This time, a swirl of light sprang forth from her hands, encapsulating her father in a thin veil of white mist. In an instance it was gone. He didn’t look any more worse for the wear this time. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” he nodded. “I think I’ll rest easy tonight, knowing no Reapers or demons can find me.”

A smile broke across Ru’s face. “There’s no way to test it out, of course. But I feel like it worked.”

“I do, too,” he agreed.

Cutter cleared his throat and Ru turned to see he was able to face her again. “We should get going.”

“Right,” Ru said, though she really didn’t know why. He had been patient with her, however, and she saw no reason to upset him. “Well, Dad, I’m guessing you probably can’t command the crows anymore, so I’m not sure how I’ll know when you need me.”

“Oh, Max and I go way back,” Larkin shrugged, looking up at the bird. “I’m sure he’ll still do a favor or two for me if need be.”

“Just in case, do you have a cell phone?”

“Not yet, but I’ll get one. I’ve got plenty of cash, so don’t worry about that.” He smiled at her, his hands on his hips, and Ru was sad to be leaving him again so abruptly.

“Okay, well, be careful. Hopefully, the Keepers won’t be angry about any of this and they’ll finally let you and Mom be together.”

“That would be… amazing,” Larkin replied, a far off look in his eyes. Ru couldn’t even imagine what it might be like to long to be with someone every day for as long as he had, especially while suffering in Hell. She’d also dreamt of the day she’d see her parents reunited. “You take care, Ru. Don’t do anything stupid. And be careful.”

“I will, Dad,” she said, giggling at his bluntness. She leaned in and hugged him. The feeling of being in her father’s arms was unlike anything else she’d ever experienced. He felt strong and protective, like nothing could ever harm her here. Ru turned her head and kissed his rough cheek. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you, too, sweetheart,” he said, kissing her forehead. “I’ll see you soon.”

Ru released him and reluctantly headed over to where Cutter waited for her.

“Take care of her, Cutter,” Larkin said as he waved and turned around.

“I will,” Cutter promised, though Ru caught him adding, “if she’ll let me.”

She took his hand and narrowed her eyes at him. “I did what I had to do.”

“I know.” He didn’t say more, though his countenance told her he still didn’t approve.

A squawk behind her caught Ru’s attention. “Bye, Max! Come visit me soon!” The bird seemed to answer with another loud chirp before he took off, disappearing into the horizon. Larkin was also already gone, down the other side of the hill, as Ru took a few deep breaths and considered what she’d just done. She’d stand by her decision, no matter what, even if it meant troubled waters lay ahead. If there’s one thing her parents had taught her, it was that family always came first. Always.