Sharp rays of sunlight stabbed into Rory's closed eyes. He let out a groan as he pulled the covers over his head, trying, and failing, to forget what happened last night.

It was only a matter of time before everything caught up to him and he didn't even know what it was.

How was he supposed to prepare himself against something he had no prior knowledge of? He debated about researching what immortals were by looking at different myths about Death taking a human form but thought better of it.

There were just too many stories already out there and each would probably be different from the next.

Heaving a sigh, Rory threw the blanket off and forced himself into a sitting position.

"About time you got up, punk."

Rory let out a shriek before picking up a blanket and tossing it at the figure standing three feet from his bed. "What the fuck?"

"Language," the harsh voice snapped.

Standing in his room was a stranger. She had blood red hair and her skin was dark as night. Her eyes matched her hair and she had an all around dangerous feel to her.

"Who are you?" Rory demanded as he swung his legs to the side of the bed and slipped his shoes on. He hadn't fully undressed when he went to bed.

"Death sent me." The woman stated in a cold voice. "For whatever reason, he has chosen a low-life like you to be his companion."

Rory couldn't help but flinch at the harshness in her voice. "I don't understand. It would be nice if someone explained what's happening."

The woman scoffed. "A powerful immortal wants your blood."

Rory raised an eyebrow. "No shit. I want to know why. He told me my blood would be a treat for his kind and I want to know why. Wouldn't any low-life do?"

"Hmm..." The woman lifted her nose up and sniffed. "No. Your blood has a certain...charm, shall we say? It would tempt even the strongest of the immortals. It'd be best for everyone if you became Death's companion sooner rather than later."

Rory forced himself to stop the huff of impatience that was building. "What does it mean to be a companion to Death?"

The woman's eyes snapped to his in a nanosecond. "He didn't tell you?"

"No?" Rory answered.

"He sealed the deal and didn't tell you? That bastard!" The woman screeched. "How rude."

Rory's eyes widened at her outrage. "What?"

"There's no helping it. You are bound for eternity with that fucker."

Something in the pit of Rory's stomach stirred at the notion of being tied to Ice for such an immeasurable amount of time. "I really don't understand..."

"Call me Red. There is no translation for my name in the mortal tongue." Red replied with a snap. "And it's best that you don't understand for now. You'd only try to run for the hills. Enjoy being human while you can."

Rory's heart almost stopped beating. "I—I won't be human?"

Red let out a sigh. "When the time comes, you will soon join Death in what has always been. Your humanity will be stripped away while your entire being will be tied to Death's. It honestly can't be helped since he bestowed his kiss upon you. If you resisted or were unwilling, it wouldn't have worked. He might have said he had the ability to remove it...but that would only kill you."

Rory felt his mind spiral even further into confusion. He wasn't sure if he liked the idea of losing his humanity. He barely even knew Ice. Sure, he had kissed him...twice...and willingly, but that didn't mean he would give up his life...his humanity...for him.

He watched Red pace back and forth in front of the hotel door before asking, "What now?"

Red paused in her pacing, placing a finger to her lips, lost in thought. "It's best if I take you away from the mortal world. But Death won't hear of it. For now, this will be your new home. I've taken liberty of speaking with the owner. You won't have any issues."

Before Rory could respond, Red disappeared in a cloud of blood red smoke, leaving behind a sour aftertaste.

He stared at the door dejectedly. Was he even allowed to leave?