The Broken Raven - A Paradox Of Two Worlds Series Book 1

Chapter 1- Raven

Darkness falls as the ravens scream into the night. Flames light up the path to my demise, a creature lies dead in the shadows, and my body falls into darkness. My surroundings blurred, and voices from afar startle me, but I can't move. My body lies there, lifeless on the dirt ground.

"She's dead," A voice echoes from the shadows.

"Raven, baby, wake up. Please, I'm so sorry."

"NOOOOOOO!!"

I jump out of bed, searching for my surroundings. I'm home; I'm safe. I shake the thoughts of the boy I've seen in my dreams out of my head. The same nightmares have plagued me for years.

I run my hands through my hair and let the sun hit my face when my aunt starts shouting. "Raven, you need to get off of that bed and get ready."

"I'm up!" I yell back. I stumble tiredly into the bathroom and look in the mirror. I look like hell. Today I'm leaving for college. My best friend Brie has an apartment, and I'm moving in with her. Brie is a year older than me, so I'm glad I will know someone at C.U. who can show me around when I get there. Looking at the time, I quickly jump in the shower and get ready.

As I walk down the staircase, the aroma of freshly whipped eggs, pancakes, and coffee greets me. As I get closer, I can hear her on the phone.

"Regardless of who she encounters, make sure she stays away from them." Aunt Lia advises whoever she is speaking to.

I remain on the staircase as I wait for her to talk in the hopes of learning something. "Don't worry; she will be ready when the time comes."

"Who is going to be ready?" I move in her direction and take a plate. "Oh, nobody, sweetie." She switches the topic. I can sense that she is hiding something from me, but I decide not to push further.

As she attempts to hold back her tears, she explains, "It seems like you were just born yesterday; if your parents could see you now, they would be so proud of you." Since my parents passed away, my aunt has taken care of me as best she can. Despite the fact that she is doing everything right, I have never told her so. It also doesn't help that I've put her through hell growing up, always getting into trouble and breaking every single rule.

My parents' deaths aren't discussed in my family, so I don't know much about it. When I ask, my aunt responds, "I'll tell you when I think you're ready." That's it—nothing more, nothing less. It has always seemed to me that she was hiding something from me; the mysterious phone calls do nothing to alleviate the suspicion.

After breakfast, I run up to my room to grab some more things I need. As we head out, I turn to my aunt and say, "I'm going to C.U." with a smile. She hugs me tightly. Softly, she whispers, "I always knew you could do it."

I imagine college life as being filled with studying, a ton of homework, and attractive boys. I stare out the window while we're driving. The thought of there being more mistakes to enjoy makes me smile. Aunt Lia is looking at me, and the next thing I know, she's ready to have a lengthy conversation. I guess my smirk gave it away.

"Raven, Honey." She starts looking at the road in front of her. "I know we have talked about this before, but I want you to try and be careful, please." She begs. "Especially now that you will be in a school mixed with humans and vampires."

I listen intently as she speaks, and I sit there in silence. I can relate to her concerns. Everywhere I go, chaos appears to be with me. The worst thing, in my opinion, is that I have no empathy for other people's emotions, especially those of boys. Fires are starting where I am, and lights are intermittently going out.