“You did take an unusual interest in Rhyn,” Gabe said. “His soul should’ve been just one more jewel for your collection, considering how many souls you deal with and relationships you break a part.” Including ours.These words he kept to himself.
“It was not Rhyn that drew my attention, Gabriel. It was your interest in him.”
“You’re blaming me.” He looked away, at the blue sky visible through the window.
“I interfered. You have until he passes or fails the final trial.”
Gabriel cursed under his breath. He had no way of knowing what kind of test a deity like Death could create, but it wasn’t likely to be good. While he had full faith in Rhyn, he also knew better than to trust the petite woman in white standing in his dream.
“If he fails, we’re dead-dead,” he guessed. “If he passes …”
“We’ll see.”
“You can’t check the Oracle?” He motioned to the book.
“I cannot. My Sight has been stunted, no doubt as punishment for my tampering in Fate’s court.”
“I know I’m doomed. What about Katie?”
Death shrugged with a knowing smile that told him more than if she spoke. Gabriel gazed out the window of the small room, thinking.
“How long do I have?” he asked at last.
“Until the seventh day after she drowned herself, assuming Darkyn doesn’t catch you first.”
“Four days left. I take it you won’t come to my rescue if he does.”
Another smile.
“Why seven days?” he asked.
“There are some rules older than time. I’ve broken several already, but this one is entirely out of my ability to influence.”
From their years together, he knew the cryptic response was the best he’d get. Gabriel’s gaze swept around the room again, and he looked out at the blue sky. He’d never again visit this room or see the mortal world. This much he knew the moment he chose to help Rhyn and Katie over his promise to Death. The dream sky wasn’t even real, and he missed it already.
“It’s too late for either of us to turn back,” Death said.
“I wasn’t considering it. I’ll keep her alive until Rhyn passes his test.” Gabriel approached her until he towered over her. Memories of their nights together made him sensitive to the warmth of her skin, the tension between them. “This will all be worth it to hear you say you were wrong about something, and I was right.”