Ever dropped Zoe onto the bed. He then straddled her, unbuttoning her blouse.

  “Don’t,” she moaned, pushing his hand away. “I’ve got a boyfriend.”

  “I’m just trying to change you into your pajamas,” he murmured with a smile. She was surprisingly good at wrestling him while drunk and half asleep. Eventually, he pulled the covers over her, tucking them in under her chin.

  He left the bedroom and walked into the living room. Kneeling on the ground, he peeked under the lace cover of the armchair. Sure enough, he could just make out the vague outline of his dachshund, curled up. As much as he wanted to give her a big hug and kiss, he decided to let the sleeping dog lie.

  He lowered himself slowly onto the armchair; thankfully it didn’t squeak too much. He grabbed the blanket folded up on the coffee table, flapped it open then draped it over himself.

  *Mentor.*

  There was some clacking about, bone upon obsidian tile. Apprentice.

  *I have made some discoveries recently that I wanted to share with you.*

  I'm all ears. No wait, I don't have any.

  Ever shuffled about on the arm chair, letting his mentor have the last laugh. *Firstly, I have learned why Zoe is able to see the souls of animals.*

  He stared off into space, listening to the telepathic static that arose when they were connected. It was oddly comforting.

  The suspense is killing me young soul, Death drawled.

  *She… takes the lives of many animals.* He paused for a moment. *She’s not a murderer though. It's because people don't want their pets anymore.*

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  I’m not here to pass judgement, not my job, Death said. Anyway, gold star for you. Humans who see a lot of death are more likely to perceive souls.

  *It doesn’t seem like Roman can see souls though.*

  I did say ‘more likely’, not 'definitely', didn't I?

  *So what makes a human who deals with death more or less likely to see souls?*

  Beats me. Death shrugged. Anyway, you said ‘discoveries’ with an ‘s’. What else?

  *Right.* Ever paused, thinking back to earlier that evening. *I think Zoe is gaining the ability to speak with animals too.*

  Really?

  *Yes. She spoke with Nika the ghost cat.*

  Uhuh.

  *You… don’t believe me?*

  I mean… she was pretty sloshed.

  *You think being drunk made her able to understand Nika?*

  Could’ve been a fluke. Maybe you could ask her to try it again in the morning?

  Ever frowned. It didn’t sound like his mentor knew much about why this was happening. His suggestion was a good idea though.

  *I’ve got a lot of animal souls to reap this week.*

  Yeah now that I’m checking it… there was the sound of pages being flipped through, there are a lot of entries for animals at this time of the year.

  Ever was quiet. When they left the clinic, there were dozens of new animal souls frolicking about. It was no small feat to reap them all, but he did have a very good reason to do it.

  Hey, you got this, young soul. You’re the one who came up with the idea of reaping animal souls. Ever liked his mentor when he genuinely tried to encourage him.

  One at a time.