Book Eight: Chapter 84

The Grim Reaper contemplated Nyx’s words, the fires slowly shifting back to blue. “I think I see the problem. Tell me, when you gaze upon my visage, are you afraid?”

“I am not.” Nyx raised her chin in defiance.

“As you shouldn’t be. Your kind are not likely to encounter me unless you meet an unnatural end. You have seen death, but rarely your own. All mortal creatures of minimal intelligence contemplate when their end will come, and how. They think about what life will be like for those they love when they’re gone, and they worry about what comes next. Their lives are so short, yet they find a way to pack in so many emotions and experiences. To you, she’s just a tree spirit. To the members of this home? She’s family, and she’s frightened.” Death turned back to the scene. “Mike Radley is called the Caretaker, not because he cares for these grounds, but for those who live on them. As long as Amymone fears her winter slumber, Mike Radley will lie with her, and let her know