One Thousand & One Lies (Reapers of Beauty Book 1) by Yumoyori Wilson (5)

"Xia? Wake up already. Master's calling for you."

A weak groan escaped me, and I rolled over in hopes that the person trying to wake me up would go away.

"Did she drink too much or something?" Minsu asked with a yawn.

"You know she sleeps in increments. Master doesn't normally ask for her during this time in the evening," Minso informed.

"Xia. Get your ass up," Minju announced. I let out a groan, getting annoyed with whoever was shaking me. Go away.

"EEP-OMPH!"

"Oh shit," Minsu cursed.

"Minju, you okay?" Minso asked.

"Fuck. Why am I on duty of waking this unconscious sumo wrestler?" Minju whined after she let out a long groan.

I paid no mind to the voices, knowing very well they wouldn't dare bother me unless they wanted to enjoy my wrath of flips and throws.

"At least she's half awake, I think." Minsu sounded like she'd already given up on whatever plan they were attempting to make. I cuddled whatever was currently in my arms.

"Xia?! Stop cuddling me and get off. I swear, how did she flip me in her sleep. What kind of training did she get to be able to flip people while she's unconscious?”

"I think it's when your mind is in light sleep. A part of her consciousness is awake but doesn't care about the minor details, such as people trying to wake her up," Minso explained.

"Here, we'll help you. Just have to tell Master that Xia's knocked out cold," Minsu suggested. I felt myself being lifted off the warm stuffed animal I was hugging, which made me want to search for it with my hands.

"Minso, where's that damn teddy bear you have. Jeez, Xia's still a clinger," Minju complained.

"Here!" Minso replied.

I mentally sighed at the sudden softness in my hands, cuddling it as tightly as I could. It felt like I was floating in the air, and though it was quite weird at first, it was helping me fall back asleep.

There was a knock at the door, one that sounded rather far away to my ears.

"Master?!" The somewhat identical voices shrieked, sounded shocked.

"Have my needs lowered to nothing for all of you to be playing around? Why hasn't Xia come to my room?"

There was a pause, and I only cuddled the stuffed item in my hands tighter, wishing the voices would go away and give me a peaceful moment to relax.

"Sorry, Master. Xia sleeps in intervals," Minso informed.

"She's a deep sleeper, and the increments help so she can stay up all night guarding you, Master," Minsu declared.

"She did use a bit of magic with yesterday’s mission as well. That could be a part of it," Minju defended.

Silence reigned around me, and I thought I could finally slip back into the darkness, but the deeper voice continued.

"Hmph. Fine. Seeing as she's an Elite Reaper now, she deserves some rest. When she wakes up, inform her that I need to speak with her," Master ordered.

"Yes, Master." All of the voices replied in unison.

There were fading footsteps, but the deep voice continued. "Minju. I'd like to see you in my room in three minutes."

"Yes...Master."

The words piqued my interest, but I'd fought the darkness that clawed at my mind long enough and slipped back into the land of sleep.

I let out a yawn, coming out of the bathroom with a towel around my chest.

"You're finally awake."

"Hmm?" I glanced over toward my bed to see Minso and Minsu in black outfits.

"I always wake up at this time. What's different today?" The two knew me long enough to know I slept like a log when I wasn't on duty.

Walking over to my dresser, I opened it to find some simple lingerie to slide on while the two enlightened me on what I'd clearly missed.

"Master was here," they said in unison.

I stalled midway between putting my black underwear on to turn my head and stare at them. "What?"

"He came by our room because Minju came to get you," Minsu began.

"You were dead asleep and none of us could wake you up. That's when he entered asking what was taking so long and we explained you slept in increments and it was difficult to get you up," Minso finished.

I frowned as I lifted my underwear over my hips and reached out to get my bra. "If he needed me that urgently he could have woken me up." Even if he was an uncaring bastard most of the time, he knew as well as all the older Reapers that I slept like a log. It wasn't a secret.

"Xia, you sleep like a dead person," Minsu huffed. Rolling my eyes, I clipped my black lace bra and slipped the straps on.

"Not ashamed. He could have used magic to wake me up if it was urgent. He's done it before," I pointed out.

"Good point," Minso mumbled and looked at her sister. I grabbed a pair of black leggings and a red crop top, sliding the thin but flexible pants over my legs.

"Where's Minju?" I asked while I finished putting on my leggings, and picked up my crop top to put it over my head.

When I didn't get an answer, I looked over to see their grim expressions which made me frown. "Again?"

"Yup," they said together.

"After he came by, he asked for Minju to escort him back?" I clarified.

They both nodded which made me ponder about Minju's words last night. What is she planning?

"I'm a bit surprised though," Minso announced. Minsu and I looked at her sister who seemed deep in thought.

"Surprised about what?" I asked.

"I would have thought Minju would be at 1000 Lies by now. I mean, Master sometimes gives us a bonus for sex, right? Or sometimes an easy lie here and there. She's one lie away, and he's yet to give her one," Minso elaborated.

She has a point...

"Could be he wants to give Xia her role as an Elite Reaper before Minju? It's been a while since anyone reached 1000 Lies. And their roles could be different," Minsu defended.

"Would make sense," Minso replied. I walked over to the standing mirror to make sure my outfit was okay. I didn't see the need to wear anything traditional, and Master would have told me ahead of time if he wanted me to.

Grabbing a hair tie from the little bowl of them that sat on our shared dresser, I began to gather my long black strands and stared into my red eyes that reflected back at me through the mirror.

"I'll find out soon enough what my role is. Most likely killing or being an assassin of some sort. Won't be anything fun." I sighed.

"Imagine getting to meet Xander." Minsu hummed.

"To kill?!" Minso asked with a gasp.

"NO! To fuck. Jeez, Minso. Is your mind reading skill broken?" Minsu grumbled.

"I don't need to read your mind all the time, and you think too fast for anyone to keep up," Minso whined. I grinned at the two of them as they continued their debate about twin powers and the hot twins they met at the club.

With a nod to my reflection, I turned to face them. "You two have a mission tonight?"

"Yup! Easy peezy. Shouldn't take long. Gotta hurry and get more lies so we can all be Elite Reapers," Minso declared.

"Totally fill us in on what your new role is when we get back," Minsu proposed.

"I sure will. Good luck you two." I gave them each a tight hug before I headed out the door. It wasn't long before I was in Master's bedroom.

I knocked on the door twice and heard Master's approved words of entry before I reached for the gold knob to open the door. I poked my head inside first, making sure there wasn't a trap or anyone else standing near the door before I entered.

Once I closed the door quietly, I turned around to face Master who was currently getting a blow job by none other then Minju, who was naked on the floor. I held back the grimace that threatened to show on my face as I walked into the room.

I stopped five steps away from the bed and bowed my head. "Evening, Master. Sorry for the delay. I normally sleep during the early evening, and it's a bit difficult to wake me up if I'm not on an assignment."

"I recall from when you were younger. It's fine." Master brushed off my apology, looking somewhat relaxed as Minju continued to do her thing, not even pausing when I entered.

"Is there anything I can assist you with?" I asked.

"Not at all. I requested your presence to inform you of what new tasks you'll be assigned. I've ensured that your credit cards have been updated for your eyes only."

My left eyebrow rose as I gave Master a confused look. "What do you mean, Master? I'm sorry, but I'm slightly confused," I admitted.

"I'll be doing things a little differently this time with you as an Elite, Xia. You've been loyal to me since birth and have brought me great pride and success over the many years you've served me. I've realized that I need a Reaper who can be a double agent, if you will. To live a life outside these walls, and be able to track down information while blending into the world," Master explained, his words leaving me even more confused than before.

I simply stared at him and he grinned, reaching his hand out to pause Minju from continuing. She pulled back, sounding a bit out of breath, but Master continued.

"I need a Reaper who doesn't give off Reaper vibes. Out of everyone here, you've proven to blend into any environment with ease. I'd like that to continue, but with you being a secret Reaper. One who lives outside these walls and can gather information for me while living a somewhat peaceful life."

My jaw went slack, and my eyes felt like they would bug out of my sockets. "M-master, what are you trying to say?" I questioned. "I mean, I understand your words so please don't take offense by my shock, but are you stating you want to...um...allow me to live in the city independently and continue being a Reaper? I've...never heard of such a thing."

My heart was beating like a drum against my chest. He has to be kidding me right now. No, there's a catch. There HAS to be a catch. I can't be moved by this.

"Xia. I'm letting you be an independent Reaper. Tomorrow you will be allowed in and out of here as you please. You've earned enough money, and I've deposited your pay from last night’s mission into your account. Feel free to do whatever you like and keep your phone on in case I summon you to help other Reapers on missions. Minso and Minsu can assist you if you need help moving valuables," Master explained, looking completely calm.

I stood there speechless, my gut instincts telling me he wasn't lying. He...he's giving me freedom? He's letting me leave. Do I want to leave?

"Master..." I whispered, unsure what else to say.

Minju spoke up then. "Excuse my intrusion Master, but is this an ongoing thing?"

He smirked and shrugged. "No. Xia has gone over and beyond with every task I've given her. She could have run away or brought a man here who she wants to date or marry, and yet she hasn't and she's 25. Since she was two, the Reapers here have trained her, and I've watched. She's never questioned her loyalty to me, and it's about time I returned the favor. No strings attached, Xia. You, out of all the Reapers, can tell that I'm not lying, correct?"

"Xia, nod." Minju's voice telepathically ordered. I blinked and slowly nodded, trying to absorb everything he'd just said.

Master chuckled. "Allowing Xia's birth has never been a regret of mine. I guess I should do a few 'good' deeds, especially for my own blood. For now, you will guide and assist Minso and Minsu to reach Elite. I'll determine then if this will be an ongoing thing or not. That's all I had to discuss. Feel free to have the rest of the night off."

"Th-thank you, Master..." I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat. I went to my knees and bowed my head to the floor. "I'll make sure I have my phone on hand for whenever you need me."

"See, Minju? That's loyalty that I need." Master laughed, his eyes glittering with pride when I lifted my head to look at him. "Rise, Xia. Go drink or enjoy the night. I'll inform the others of your change in position in the morning."

I apprehensively nodded my head and rose. Master laid back and put his hands behind his head. "Minju. Continue."

I was glad Master was laying down and couldn't see her frown or my pained expression. I was afraid to meet Minju's eyes, frightened they would be filled with hate like Yang's had been when Master took my side.

My red eyes landed on her pink ones, but she had a small smile as she replied. "Yes, Master."

"I'm sorry," I thought to her, wondering in the back of my mind if she could sense my fear.

"Nothing to worry about, silly. I'll soon be there with you. Let's celebrate later. Now go before he changes his mind."

"I love you."

"I love you more. Be careful."

She turned back to continue where she left off with her blow job, and I left the room as silently as I could.

When the door clicked shut, I stayed where I was, still trying to process what had just happened. He can't be serious. He didn't just give me the freedom to do what I want? What I...Me...Xia...wants to do? No. This is a trap. Must be.

I hadn't realized I'd begun walking back to our room until I bumped into someone.

"Xia?" Minsu asked.

"Xia? Why are you crying? What's wrong?"

Crying? Who? Me? Lifting my hand to my face, I felt the wetness on my warm cheeks and a droplet fell on my finger.

I didn't even know I was crying and acknowledging it only made more tears fall as I stared at Minsu and Minso in disbelief.

"I...I'm.." Words wouldn't justify how lost I felt. It was weird to say I didn't know what to do.

Was this a punishment? Was he letting go of me? Does he not want me anymore? That's why he's letting me go, right? What if he's doing all of this to give me a taste of freedom just to take it all away from me? What do I do? What should I do?

The sisters exchanged a glance and slipped their hands into my free ones to pull me into our bedroom. When the door was closed and locked, they moved me to the bed to sit.

"Xia, breathe. What's wrong?" Minsu asked while Minso gently rubbed my back.

"Master...Master said I can...can be a Reaper without being here in the shrine. I- I can live outside these walls and come and go as I please. I'll be summoned when I'm needed. That's my new role."

Just saying the words were making it hard to breathe, and I took a few deep breaths to try and calm myself.

Why panic? He's not going to kill me, is he? Should I be worried to sleep, or even eat? Is he going to cut me off? What should I possibly do?

"Xia, calm down," Minso soothed, pulling me into her arms as I rested my head on her shoulder.

"I feel lost. So lost. What do I do? Is this real? He can't seriously be okay with this? For me to be an independent Reaper. I can get a place of my own and be called upon when I'm needed. A privilege he's giving to me because I've been loyal to him...how? How, how, how?" I asked through sobs.

My whole life revolved around this world. The dark, tainted world of a Reaper of Beauty. The ugly truth about women being used to lie, track, and kill anyone who dares bother Master. We were his puppets, sex slaves, and the ones who'd die by his hands if we disobeyed him.

Now that I was given "freedom" I didn't know what to do. To stay or to follow his new command and opportunity to live a double life. Would I want to live outside these walls?

"Xia, calm down. This is good news. Don't cry." I could feel Minsu’s hand stroke my head while Minso rubbed my back as I continued to cry.

I felt a bit stupid for feeling like a lost puppy who'd been abandoned by their Master, but this had been my life. It still was, and the uncertainty of whether I would be killed later sent spikes of anxiety through me.

The two were quiet for a bit, allowing me to sob which I was grateful for. I just needed a few minutes to cry and think about all of this. To determine whether I could even handle the real world outside these walls.

Money wasn't a problem, and finding a place would be easy. It was the sheer reality that this was finally happening that was making me doubt if this were even real. If I was still dreaming and I'd wake up to realize it was all just my imagination.

There were days where I'd look at a condo building and wonder if I'd ever get to experience what it felt like to live in one. To be able to go on dates or to late night parties and clubs on my own schedule and not after killing a group of people and asking Master for permission.

Twenty-five years of taking orders and I may have finally been giving the opportunity to enjoy how it was to be a normal person.

When I finally calmed, I pulled away to see the sisters’ wide smiles. I had a hunch that Minju had telepathically told them what happened.

"Did Minju explain?" I asked.

They both nodded. "Yup."

Minso hugged me tightly. "You're free, Xia! You shouldn't be crying."

"But it could be a trap. It has to be. He wouldn't let me go free."

"I think it's legit," Minsu whispered. Minso and I pulled back to look at Minsu.

"Really?" I asked.

"Last week, a man had come by saying he was going to be bringing some new women in to become Reapers and also proposed the idea that Master starts having Reapers live as double agents. I only got a bit of the conversation after that, but the man must have known Master for a long time. He knows Xia is his daughter."

I frowned. "See? This is a trap."

Minso stroked her chin as she looked deep in thought. "Maybe he's protecting you."

"Huh?" I replied.

"Protecting Xia by letting her live outside the shrine?" Minsu questioned, looking just as confused as me. "Sorry, Sis. You're the smart one, but that doesn't sound right."

"No, it makes sense. Think about it. New Reapers could potentially put Xia at risk. They'll want to sabotage or even get rid of Xia to be Master's favorite. We haven't had new women in a long time. He could be doing this to protect his precious Reaper who has never failed him. Xia's like a diamond in a field of rocks, and he's technically her dad. Even if he's somewhat evil, would he want to kill his daughter who's been able to achieve 1000 Lies? I think not," Minso justified.

"So...you don't think he's getting rid of me?" I asked.

Minso shook her head. "Nope. Not a chance. You're too valuable to him. We rarely have any Reapers at 1000 Lies or more. They've either died or are dealing with health problems. You’re his best bet and he'll totally keep you."

"That kinda makes sense, and having a few Reapers outside of the shrine could have some benefits. Giving Master a chance to retrieve information regarding what's happening in the outside world," Minsu replied.

"What should I do now, then? And I'm sorry, you two should be heading to your assignment," I admitted.

"We're fine. We’ve still got some time." Minsu shrugged.

"We need at least a shot together to celebrate your success!" Minso declared and hugged me. "GROUP HUG!' she cheered with glee.

I felt Minsu squish me from the other side, and I laughed while more tears ran down my cheeks. "I love you guys so much."

"We love you more, silly." Minso hummed.

Minsu sighed. "Now stop crying. You rarely show emotion. It's making me wonder if you're broken."

"404 ERROR- CRYING OVERLOAD. 404 ERROR," I said in a robotic tone, and they laughed at my antics.

"Don't you two have a mission?" I reminded.

"And leave our Xia crying in the hall, looking like a lost soul? Uh, no thanks."

"Our mission can wait a few minutes. We always go early anyway. Wipe those tears away and text Xander."

"Wait, WHAT?! Why would I text him?" I exclaimed, pulling back to look at them.

They grinned in unison. "Xia, you are FREE and off tonight. Go get fucking laid by a man who looks at you like a damn pop tart!" Minsu declared.

"I don't know if I like pop tarts," I mumbled.

"Jeez, fine! A chocolate fountain of strawberries with wine on the side. Happy?" Minso rolled her eyes, but her grin broke out into a gleaming white-toothed smile.

"THAT sounds much better." I giggled. Getting the night off to enjoy a man who knows which hole to put his cock in? Totally worth it.

"Wouldn't he think I'm weird to text him?" I asked, feeling more like a lost teenager than a 25-year-old woman.

I never dated someone unless it was for some benefit. What am I supposed to ask him? Also, would he even want to see me?

"Just ask if he's free tonight," they said together.

I pouted my lips but slid off the bed to get my phone that was on the charging dock next to my bed. I reached out and unlocked the screen, my fingers tapping "Contacts" and pressed the message icon under Xander's name.

"Alright, I did it. You two should go. It's not like he's going to reply immed-" The ding sound went off, cutting my sentence off. I returned my gaze to my phone,

I gawked at the screen, unsure what I should say. Minso and Minsu shuffled over to where I was, putting their heads on my shoulders.

"Xia! Type back!" Minsu exclaimed.

"Right!! Tell him, yes sugar daddy I'm all yours!" Minso purred.

"I'm not saying that." I huffed but began to type a reply.

I bit my lip, unsure where we'd even go. I wasn't hungry yet, or in the mood to dance.

"What do I say? I don't feel like doing anything," I admitted to the others.

"Anything but sex!" Minsu exclaimed.

"His place!" Minso replied.

"He's NOT going to let me come over to HIS place. I'm a stranger," I countered.

"You're a stranger that he was grinding up against the wall and kissing like it was our last moment on earth. Ask him!" Minsu ordered.

With a groan, I typed away, hoping this wasn't going to screw me over.

I gulped as I watched the three dotted bubble, knowing he was typing something.

"HE SAID YESSS!" Minso and Minsu squealed, moving back to jump up and down and gave each other high fives.

"He....said sure? Oh shit. What wine do I like?" I asked, feeling like a teenager. He wants to see me. Do I bring a gun? Would I need weapons? I wonder if that would be a turnoff?

"You like both, but red is perfect before sex," Minsu revealed.

"What if it's after sex?" I asked.

"White," Minso declared.

"Do I bring weapons?" I asked. "Oh...what do I wear?!"

"Answer him back fool. Wear something sexy," Minso and Minsu answered.

"Right!" I replied.

A grin formed on my lips as the sisters squealed and rushed over to the closet to find something for me to wear. "You two have a MISSION!" I reminded.

"And YOU have a hot date!" they hollered back, which made me grin in delight.

Just this once, I'll enjoy tonight like it's my last.