Reaping What Love Sowed (Part 2)

In case you missed Part One, click the link. For part two continue on:

I arrived on the scene of a wreckage that would put scrap metal to shame.

Still in training, I felt breathless at the sight before me.

The family car our clients inhabited was nothing but shredded metal that littered the blood-spattered ditch, alongside a lonely road.

“I have taken care of the parents, yet the child survives. I will leave that to you.” My mentor, Agrona explained. She stood proudly surveying the disaster that was of her creation.

I swallowed hard, not wanting to show weakness in front of Agrona. Then with a nod, I stepped into the carnage and searched for the lone survivor, as instructed.

A wail of fear broke the soundless scene.

I turned towards it and that was when I first laid eyes on her.

A young girl, no older than three human years. She was covered in dried blood as she hobbled on small unsteady feet through the wreckage. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she laid eyes on me and paused for a moment.

My heart broke and my voice caught in my throat. At that moment, I had lost all my courage to do what was required of me.

The toddler sniffled a few sobs back before she decided to approach me. “Have you seen my Papa?” She squeaked, her eyes larger than I thought possible.

I shook my head in response, unable to find words.

“Will you help me find him? He was driving and Mama was yelling at him again.” She explained as she blinked up at me in desperation.

“Of course.” I agree, but regretted it immediately as I knew what we would find.

“You need to get rid of it,” Agrona muttered in my ear, appearing suddenly at my side.

“Okay.” I agreed and was grateful when she disappeared.

The child didn’t seem to notice her though. 

Leaving me to assume that as her Reaper, she was only able to see me.

“Let’s go this way,” I instructed, offering my hand out to the girl.

Which she took without hesitation, giving me a gentle squeeze.

I lead her through the trees, away from the wreckage and into the nearby forest, “What’s your name?” I inquired, as I came to a stop once the accident was out of view.

“Cher David,” She replied in a weak voice. She held on to my hand tighter than anyone ever would.

“Okay, Cher. I can’t take you any further but I need you to walk that way.” I gestured through the trees, “If you can run, you’ll get there quicker. You will find a house and a nice lady who can help you find your parents.” I explained, swallowing hard as I hoped my mentor hadn’t followed us into the trees.

“Why can’t you come with me?” She asked, her eyes growing larger in fear.

“I need to take care of something, right now. But I promise we will meet again.” I explained, with a sad smile.

“Okay.” Cher agreed with a nod before she let go of my hand and walked alone through the trees. Then suddenly broke into a run and disappeared from view, to my relief.

“You let her go?” Agrona asked as she appeared at my side with a look of disappointment.

“She will get lost in the forest and be discovered dead in a few days.” I lied, avoiding eye contact as I searched for a hint of her through the trees.

“Well done. I’ll leave it up to you to check in on this situation in a few days.” She replied with a smile of satisfaction.

“Will do.” I agreed, returning her smile.

After a few days, I checked on Cher, as I was supposed to. 

I confirmed that once she was out of sight, it had only taken an hour for her to reach the home I spoke of and was in the custody of a trusted family member.

I was relieved to know she was safe but knew it was only a matter of time before it would be discovered that she had survived. 

For the first little while, I was certain my secret would be discovered any day but as the days ticked by my worries began to subside. I found myself in a false sense of security, not even worried that I’d be caught and just excited to watch Cher grow up.

But it was that carelessness that landed me in my current predicament.

Part Three: