Yep. Ever heard Death tapping his bony digit in his book. King’s soul is still up there.

  *Thanks Mentor.* Ever stared out the window, watching trees, cars and houses flash past. *Do you mind me reaping more animal souls?*

  Hey, fine by me. A soul’s a soul’s a soul. Death severed the connection and Ever’s eyes refocused.

  “What did he say?” Zoe asked, turning the wheel.

  “That King’s still here,” Ever replied. They parked right behind Eric and Megan’s car in their driveway. “I can feel him.”

  “Cool. So… how are we going to do this?”

  “I’m going to go into reaper mode now. If I need you to do anything, I’ll let you know.”

  —--

  “Oh wasn’t the Animal Whisper with you?” Megan asked Zoe from the living room. Prince the German Shepherd pup panted in his mother's arms, looking a lot more relaxed at home.

  “He’s doing his thing,” Zoe replied, before quickly changing the topic. “Where’s Pal gone?”

  “He’s gone back to King’s kennel. He's been there ever since he passed away,” Eric replied.

  Getting the tip off, Ever floated out of the living room into the yard Eric indicated. Belly to the artificial turf, the apprentice reaper moved closer into the kennel. Towards the back, he saw not one, but two pairs of eyes peering back out at him.

  ^Hello there,^ King’s woof echoed. ^You’re like me, all grey and ghostly.^

  ^You don’t have to respond to him,^ Pal said, making a burbling noise deep in her throat.

  ^Now Paladin,^ King said. He stepped out from the kennel, gait regal. ^This is not how we greet guests.^

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Pal looked away, yellow eyes glinting.

  Eric had led Megan and Zoe out into the small yard, where they stood thirty feet away observing the cat.

  ^I take it,^ King said, noticing Ever looking at Zoe and Megan, ^that this is about Prince?^

  In King’s kennel, Pal curled up, tucking her head into her body.

  “Correct.” Ever said. There was silence in the yard as nobody walking nor floating, human nor animal spoke. “I think as long as you’re here, Pal won’t accept Prince.”

  King sighed. ^I’ve spoken to her about this.^

  The cat suddenly stood up and trotted over to the ghost of her friend. ^I have no assurance that where you’re going is safe.^

  ^And I have no assurance that you’re going to give Prince the same level of respect and loyalty that you gave me,^ the old dog rumbled.

  “I can provide some assurances,” Ever answered. He looked at King. “When you lived, were you a good boy?”

  If possible, King stood up even straighter than before. ^I–^

  ^He took the blame when I swiped things off the table to spite the humans. He would let me borrow his warmth in the winters. Most importantly, he was patient with me and let me be his friend, even when I was cold towards him.^

  Ever nodded. “Then I can assure you that King won’t suffer in the Underworld.”

  Pal sat and wrapped her tail around her forepaws. ^Do you promise?^

  “I do,” Ever replied solemnly.

  Pal regarded Ever unblinkingly. ^Fine.^

  ^Excellent!^ King barked, tail swishing jovially. ^Prince!^

  The pup suddenly perked up.

  The ghost of the dog barked softly. ^Come.^

  “Oooh, does someone need to do a wee?” Megan crouched, letting the squirmy puppy down. The dog gambolled over towards Pal, stopping a couple feet away.

  ^Do you promise that you will nurture and guide Prince in my stead?^

  Pal regarded the young dog, blinking slowly once. ^I do.^

  ^Well then,^ King said, his form beginning to sparkle gently. ^Now it’s time.^

  A gale rolled over the fence and through the artificial turf, as if scooping something up.

  “Look!” Eric said, pointing. The animals had scampered into the kennel together. While the German Shepherd pup panted happily, the older Maine Coon cat scowled, as if wondering what all the fuss was about.