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

Chapter 38 - Raven

Zack offers to walk me home, but I decline, saying that I need some time alone. I start heading towards a tranquil riverbed, which is obstructed by several trees. This place is so serene that I can escape from the outside world. As I sit on a rock beside the water, I contemplate the knowledge I have gained about Abel and Celeste.

Are Clay and I the present-day Celeste and Abel?

I sit and wonder if it's true or not. I find myself relaxing and manipulating the motionless water when my mind wanders. Hoping I could remain here indefinitely. The moment I think about Clay, time stands still. I love him and want to go to him, but it's possible that he's my worst fear come true. As the fall weather transforms the colours of the leaves, the wind sweeps through. It is lovely to see all the red, yellow, and orange leaves scattered across the branches. I imagine Clay sitting beside me as we both silently take in the scene.

The powerful gusts of wind are causing the leaves to swirl around me in a seemingly magical manner. I find the notion amusing and smile. I have always felt that I am different from others, but I never realised the extent of my uniqueness. Now I'm the focus of someone's vengeance—and not just for one, but for two reasons: Sloane accuses me of causing the deaths of her parents and of Clay's desire to be near me.

Taking ownership of my past actions. Simply defending myself against suffering. I hurt other people by doing it. My natural inclination is to fight back, and I never give in to compassion. The reason I kissed Bronx was to shield myself from the pain Clay had caused me. I wasn't trying to hurt him; it was just a reflex to how insane he makes me feel.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" A voice breaks through the silence. I turn to see Alec and Alessandro standing behind me.

"Shit, Alec, it looks like the fairytales we've been told are true," Alessandro says, stepping toward me.

I jump up, and I start to panic. They've seen what I was doing; they will tell Sloane, I'm screwed. They walk towards me again, and I stumble back over the rock.

"Haha, come on, witch, we just want to play!" Alec laughs. Before I can react, Alessandro has me in his grip, and I'm paralyzed. I attempt to step away as Alec approaches and caresses my face, but they laugh. Alessandro slams my back into a rock. Flashes of the night Cain injured me go through my head. I feel the trickle of blood stream down my back.

"Why does Clay like you so much? I don't see it." Alessandro hisses. Alec's eyes are red. He's ready to feed; my heart races at the sight. I can hear the sound of Alec's fangs extending as he moves closer to me.

"Sloane was right. There was something different with you compared to all the other mundanes." Alec speeds towards me, and I call for the wind to whip them both away from me. They land on their feet, laughing. I start to run, and I can hear them behind me.

"Raven!" They both taunt. What good was running away for? Alec is now standing in front of me, with Alessandro right behind. I have no choice; if I want to make it out of here alive, I have to.

"Ignis,"

I whisper as I feel the power build within me, and a circle of fire surrounds me; they won't dare try to get past. I'm frantic and running out of energy. I have to hide; the flames grow bigger.

"Invisibillis."

I hold my breath, and the fire disappears. "Where did she go?" Alec yells. "Raven, you can't hide forever. We will find you."

They leave me in my cloak while running away, not realising I was still there. I sit down while wearing my disguise and inhale deeply. I'm terrified.

⁂

I walk to the main road and cast the invisibility spell off myself once I'm confident that I'm secure. The streets are crowded, so nothing can happen. Taking another deep breath, I start to head home.

Tears are coming down my face, and I rush home as fast as possible. Ever since I met Clay, nothing but bad things have happened to me. His friends are monsters, and as for Sloane, she will do anything to get Clay, even if that means killing me.

Even as I enter my building, I can feel my energy dwindling. It takes all my strength to make it inside. All I want is to be wrapped in his strong arms. I take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. I open the door as fast as I can as the last of my energy leaves me to see him standing there. Even if it's the wrong thing to do, my natural instinct is to run into his arms.