All Chapters of The Reaver Chronicles: Raphael (Book 2): Chapter 51 - Chapter 58

The shock etched on Layna's face was almost comical, and I couldn't help but be amused by her reaction. With a final, lingering glance, I materialized outside her cell, leaving her to ponder our exchange. "I'll be back," I called out, my voice low and smooth. "As you're aware, I still require your... assistance. Let's just say it would be prudent for your intel to prove accurate, little Necromancer." My parting words were laced with a subtle warning, and I could sense a shiver run down her spine. With that, I vanished, rematerializing in Jerome's office. I instantly established a mental link with my men, conveying the details of my encounter with Layna and issuing orders to assemble our troops. We possessed various methods to disrupt magic, and we would employ every trick in the book to ensure our mission's success. I briefed Jerome and his men on the intel I'd gathered, and he swiftly relayed the information to his own team through a mental link. Our plan was taking shape:

My gaze lingered on Roxy, and I knew that leaving her with Jerome would ensure her safety. I trusted him implicitly, and this was the most logical decision. Yet, as our eyes met, I sensed a flicker of understanding, as if she knew I was contemplating leaving her behind. Her silence was unnerving, and I couldn't discern whether it was the magic's influence or her own reservations. I gently cradled her face in my hand, my voice low and soothing. "If I take you with me, you'll witness things that will haunt you. I'm sorry, but I won't spare any of them. They can’t be allowed to live, not a single one." I watched as a maelstrom of emotions swirled in her brown eyes, a silent struggle between her Human sensibilities and the harsh realities of the Underworld. It was a battle she couldn't win, for in my world, the rules of mortality didn't apply. Her eyes seemed to plead with me, yet simultaneously acknowledge the inevitability of my actions. I wished for more time to explain the

I watched in horror, frozen in place, as The Shadows enveloped Layna, their dark tendrils slicing through her body with ruthless efficiency. They drained her of every last drop of blood, their malevolent presence seeming to revel in her agony. Her screams echoed through the cell, a haunting, soul-shattering sound that left me feeling shattered and guilty. I had never witnessed The Shadows claim a life before, and the brutality of it was staggering. The sheer horror of what I was witnessing left me reeling, my mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Layna's sacrifice. She had chosen this path, had willingly offered herself up to The Shadows as a gesture of gratitude, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't deserve such a sacrifice. Her actions seemed to imply that I had done something worthy of such a profound thank you, but I knew better. I knew that I didn't merit this kind of devotion, and that realization only added to the weight of my guilt. Layna's words

I rowed us beneath the sweeping branches of the willow tree, the leaves whispering softly above us as we glided into a secluded, tranquil alcove. This was my sanctuary, a place where I often came to collect my thoughts and calm my mind. I let the boat drift, and we floated in silence, the only sound the gentle lapping of the water against the hull. The moment seemed suspended, and I knew it was now or never to ask the question that had been weighing on my mind. I gazed into Roxy's eyes, my tone solemn and sincere. "You know I would never pressure you into something you're not comfortable with, don't you?" I asked, seeking reassurance that she trusted me implicitly. Roxy's expression faltered, confusion etching her beautiful features as she searched my face for clues. "Of course, I know that," she replied, her voice steady and confident, dispelling any doubts I may have had. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "Given everything that's happened ov