The Commencing

Chapter Nine

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Chapter Nine.

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The soft, overcast morning light gently seeped through the curtains, imparting a subtle radiance to Richard's features as he immersed himself in the information illuminated on his computer screen. The rhythmic clacking of keys echoed in the quiet room as he glanced down at the business card resting on his desk. Picking up the card, he scanned the number before smoothly typing the digits into his phone.

"Hey, it's Grayson." He greeted with a familiar rhythm. "Yeah, I know it's been a while. So, I got a new order for you. Yep. I actually need four of them." His gaze shifted back to his computer, where the profiles of his diverse team members adorned the screen. "I know it's a tall order." A trace of a confident smile appeared on his lips. "I knew you would be up for the challenge." Clicking on Raven's profile, he continued. "The first one is for a girl. Yeah, well... she's kind of cryptic. Nothing too flashy. She would definitely prefer something more on the modest side." He nodded his head. "I'm not sure about a cape, maybe a cloak, or something of the sort." He suggested before clicking on Kori's profile. "The next one is for another girl, and she's honestly the complete opposite of the first. Throw modesty out the window. It's important that skin is showing." He narrowed his eyes at the snarky comeback he received. "No, this is not for my benefit." He shot back. "Her skin needs to absorb ultraviolet radiation—that's why. And I can't stress this enough, fire-resistant. The next one is a little more complicated." Clicking on Garfield's profile, he continued. "He's a shapeshifter... I know, I know, but I've seen you do it before. And if anyone can do it, it would be you... Yeah, I can get his DNA." He nodded easily. "And well, the last one is... is for me." He said, hesitation evident in his tone. "No, I need it to be completely different from my other ones... Yeah, I'll send over the measurements. I trust you will come up with something good." Richard couldn't help but let a smirk cross his lips. "Yep, put it on the same tab as always." As the call concluded, Richard's attention shifted to Raven's profile on the screen. A pause lingered in the air, and a thoughtful smile played on his lips. "Well..." He murmured aloud. "Happy Birthday."

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Raven slowly stirred, the tendrils of sleep clinging desperately to her consciousness as she reluctantly opened her eyes, a visible groan escaping her lips. The insistent wish to keep her eyes shut and let the day slip into oblivion hung heavily in her thoughts. Yet, the harsh reality of past experiences, the fruitless attempts to sleep through it all, reminded her that this day demanded acknowledgment. The day held an unspoken curse, and she, like a fractured mirror, seemed to summon the chaos that ensued.

Her mother often attempted to alleviate the ominous aura with a celebration with the customary cake and presents. However, the well-intentioned efforts inevitably led to unforeseen mishaps.

With a resigned sigh, Raven rose from her bed, compelled to face the world outside her slumber. Approaching the window, she drew back the curtain, the sky outside mirroring her gloomy sentiments, a canvas of thick, dark clouds foretelling an impending storm. A heavy sigh escaped her as she took in the dreary weather, a fitting backdrop for the ominous day ahead.

Dressing without much enthusiasm, Raven mechanically went through her morning routine, brushing her tangled hair in the mirror, and taking note that her evil reflection wasn't there to mock her.

Another sigh marked her departure from the room, an air of caution enveloping her. The day required vigilance, as past experiences had ingrained the lesson that no amount of preparation could shield her from the unpredictable misfortunes that plagued this particular day.

With measured steps, Raven navigated the corridors, mentally bracing herself for the twists of fate that awaited. As she entered the kitchen, she exchanged a silent nod with Richard, who leaned against the counter, seemingly unaware of the weight that this day carried for her.