I leave not long after the inner circle nutjobs start chanting about a future free of hybrids. Not only did the words sting like an evil witch, but the betrayal stirring around in the room made me sick to my stomach.

Even before I knew what I was, I was aware I was different. I also understood that I wasn’t the favorite child, that my fake parents weren’t fans of my strange ability of being able to chat with the dead and my incompetence when it comes to casting spells. But hearing that my fake parents hate me … that they’ve wanted me dead … that they’re behind my death …

I burst from the house I grew up in and zoom through the air, ghost tears spilling from my eyes. The hatred in that house is too much. I feel like I’m dying all over again. I feel cold. Aching.

Maybe I’m better off dead.

Maybe I really am.

When I reach the end of the block, I zoom upward toward the rainbow-tinted sky. The wind blows strands of my hair into my face and a hazy mist of fog surrounds me as I soar higher. I wonder how high I’d have to go before I reached the edge of this world. What happens if I do? Will I never be able to return to Mystic Willow Bay? Do I even want to?

A sob wrenches from my chest as I hover in the clouds cascaded by rainbows of colors. The town is just a speck below my feet and various colors shimmer across my ghostly skin as I hug my knees to my chest.

“I don’t want to go back,” I admit over the heavy breeze. “There’s nothing there for me.”

As if an unearthly presence is hiding in the clouds, the softest plea caresses my ears.

“Eva, please don’t leave me.”

Hunter. And he sounds upset.

When I peer down at my legs and arms, my skin has become more transparent. My spirit is dying. The Afterlife is calling my name.

“I should just let go,” I whisper as tears drip down my cheeks. “If they want to kill me, I must be bad, right?”

“Please,” Hunter whispers from somewhere. “I can’t lose you. I need you, okay? I’ve needed you since the day I met you.”

I squeeze my eyes shut as a wave of pain, sadness, and regret washes over me. “I’m so sorry, Hunter, but I don’t think I’m going to—”

“Huh. I’m not sure I’ve ever had to collect a soul from the clouds before.” A deep voice rises over the brisk breeze, hilarity ringing in his tone.

I open my eyelids and cringe. “Oh, crap.”

The cloaked figure—aka, the freakin’ Grim Reaper—grins, his face just a shadow beneath his hood. “Hello, Evalee, it’s so nice to meet you again.”

Huh? “Again?” I’ve met this dude before?

He dismisses me with a flick of his wrist, which is surprisingly covered in flesh. I always thought the Grim Reaper was more skeleton-like. “We’ll catch up later. Right now, I need to collect your soul.”

I may have lost my damn witch’s marbles for a faerie wing flicker of a second and thought about surrendering to death, but now that Death himself is staring me in the face …

I stretch my legs and push to my feet. “Um, yeah, I think I’m going to pass.”

“Death doesn’t give out passes on Tuesdays,” he drones, sounding bored.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. You can give me one then.” I spring on my toes, preparing to fly, but he folds his fingers around my wrist.

“You can’t outrun death, strange hybrid-girl.” Amusement dances in his tone.

Hybrid. I’m a hybrid with all sorts of powers. There must be a way out of this.

Think, Eva, think. Which one of your powers could outwit the reaper? Demon feeder? Probably not. Witch? Yeah, since I’m so awesome at using my powers. Succubus …

Witch’s brewing pot! I have an idea!

Lowering my feet back down to the clouds, I spin around and smile sweetly at the reaper. “You know, you’re very handsome for a crazy paranormal who steals souls.” I trail my fingers up the front of his cloak while batting my eyelashes at him.

He snorts a laugh. “Nice try, but your succubus powers won’t work on me.” He snags ahold of my other wrist and yanks me closer to him. “Now, open up. It’s time to feed me your soul.”

I try to wrench away, but he’s freakishly strong. “No! I’m not ready to die.”

He only laughs, his lips nearing mine as he dips his head. “No creature ever is.”

I lift my leg and kick him in the shin, but only end up hurting my foot. Then I scream until my lungs ache, tears pooling in my eyes.

“Eva, please don’t leave me,” I hear Hunter whisper again.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper back as the Grim Reaper opens his mouth and starts to devour my soul.