Billi Bell [Bell - The Last Great Reaper

Table of Contents

Copyright 2018 by Billi Bell

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

For Chastity

PROLOGUE

August 20, 1823: Rome, Early Morning

The streets of Rome were still in the early morning hours. Only a few people paid her more than a passing glance as they started their day. Gazing up she locked eyes on the Vatican, her first stop of the day. Although it had been many years since she last stepped foot on the holy grounds, walking through the gate, it felt like no time had passed at all.

She greeted Alfonso, the resident reaper of the Vatican. He was one of few stationary reapers. They were assigned to a single location and simply waited for the next death to occur. He silently bowed as she continued to her destination.

Hmm...this ones term was long, she thought. I hope the same for the next. The more years in between me visiting these grounds, the better.

The reaping of souls was no longer a required duty for her. In fact, most of her time was spent ensuring the work was done right elsewhere. A countless number of reapers around the world could be here, but popes were and always would be her chosen responsibility.

They werent the only souls she guided to the afterlife. Many well-known figures most likely saw her face before their last breath. The wicked were her specialty, and those particular reapings were the ones she most enjoyed. It was the only way to subside the darkness in her without innocent suffering from her wrath.

She was in no rush to get to the popes bedside, but as she got closer a feeling that could only be described as emptiness filled her. It differed significantly from what shed come to expect.

There was always a specific climate when a pope was about to die. An emotional fog that she could just make her way through. Shed once thought it was God trying to keep her from the soul, but that would be a breach of their agreement. Acquiring the souls were her domain, and no one could interfere.

Today, something felt different. Shed made it to the bedroom door when she realized what it was, there was no fog. She sensed nothing holding her back. Almost as if a path had been cleared right to his bedside. For the first time, she felt as if she was being beckoned to the Vatican.

What the world would never know about popes were they truly spoke with God, or instead, He talked to them.

Shortly after their deaths, each one would deliver a message to her while in a trance-like state. It would always relate to upcoming events such as war, plagues, and natural disasters. They never remembered the experience, and after she received her message, she sent them on their way to the afterlife.

The routine never altered until the 15th century, when the message changed. Each time a pope died, they spoke the same phrase, Take him and keep him safe. When shed asked what it meant, the pope would only repeat himself over and over.

She always assumed it meant the Holy Father himself. Maybe God was telling her to take him to the afterlife safely. Anyone else would presume the same until today. The message changed into a plea from God to protect a single man.

CHAPTER 1

For most in the world this day would be like any other, but for some, it would be their last. For Pope Pius VII it was the latter. It would be the day hed see her and smile, for he knew God would be the next face he saw. At his bedside, Cardinal Consalvi sat hoping his presence could make the Holy Father more at ease.

The door opened, and a young priest entered the room. Can I get you anything, your grace? Father Dominic Fratelli asked the cardinal. The pope had been in and out of consciousness for hours, and the faithful cardinal had not left his side.

No, my son, the time is coming soon, and Im afraid my appetite left me long ago.

Dominic gave a short bow and began to leave the room when Consalvi stopped him. Please, stay. Im afraid I am tiring and will miss our Holy Fathers final moments. Sit and keep an old man company.

Dominic was a man who always seemed to have the world on his shoulders. Tall and scrawny, his dark brown hair was almost too long for Consalvis taste, but the old man gave him a pass. He appeared to be in his mid-20s, but his dark green eyes gave many the presumption they had seen some hard years. He didnt look Italian, but his accent sounded as if he were born in the heart of Rome.

He was reluctantly well-known throughout the Vatican for his spot-on advice to fellow servants and parishioners. He often spoke as if hed lived many lifetimes and often his guidance would be received with grateful words.

Dominic hesitantly sat down in a chair near the bed, but he couldnt shake the feeling they were being watched.

He had never spoken directly to his superior outside of a position of duty. The request for a personal conversation unsettled him. He had only been in Rome for three years and had planned to make it home for some time. Being forgettable was vital for him and witnessing the death of a pope would not be easily overlooked.

I must say, Ive heard of your reputation. You seem to have knowledge beyond your years. How long have you served? Consalvi asked the young priest.

I joined the priesthood about 8 years ago, but Ive only been at the Vatican these past few years, your grace. Although it feels a lot longer. I meant that in a good way of course, he replied with a half-smile. The cardinal gave a knowing but agreeing smile back.

They spoke for no more than a half hour when the Pope regained consciousness again and looked into the corner of the room, smiling as if seeing someone he hadnt for a while. Dominic looked over to the corner and saw a shadow of a person who wasnt there. Couldnt be there.

The corner was well lit, and a shadow had no right to occupy the space it was in. Dominic blinked, and although it was gone, he still couldnt shake the feeling he was being watched. His head began to ache, and the pain slowly grew, but just as quickly as it came on, it stopped.

They watched the pope as he labored his last breaths. As Cardinal Consalvi began praying over the Pope, Dominic could almost feel the shadow this time. He glanced behind his back and swore he saw a person cloaked in black moving back towards the corner.

As he watched the space, waiting for the shadow to appear again, he realized that Consalvi was no longer speaking and the Pope was no longer breathing. Dominic and Consalvi joined in a short prayer, and Consalvi eventually left the room to prepare the announcements.

Dominic started to clean and ready the room for visitors who would adequately take care of the remains. He was headed out the door but paused when he sensed another person in the room. He turned and came face to face with a woman.

He stared into her eyes and couldnt help feeling as if hed met her before. If he had, it could not have been a kind experience. Seeing her gave him an immediate sense of anxiety. Although she was apparently trying to mask it, he could see a hint of curiosity on her face.

Yousee me, she stated as a matter of fact. I demand to know how.

His brain was on overload just being in her presence. He hadnt felt anything new in years. She was beautiful but had a clear disposition that said: Dont fuck with me.