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

Chapter 69 - Clay

Another week has passed, and the school is holding its yearly masquerade party. It's not good news that Raven has been hanging out with Jamie and his pack. What they are planning is unknown. However, Raven seems to be enjoying their company, which is worrying us. But the unease in the air is palpable, and everyone is on edge. As the day of the masquerade party approaches, the tension only seems to grow. We can only hope that nothing goes wrong.

"Do you think Raven will be at the ball tonight?" Logan says, bringing me out of my thoughts. "Ya, I think so. Something is going on; we need to prepare for whatever it is."

We've all noticed that a few students have been following Raven around like lost little puppies.

"I think she's been feeding off those students," Brie says. "That would explain why they seem so enamoured with her," I add, looking out the kitchen window.

A tear escapes down my face. Brie hugs me as Logan places his hand on my shoulder. "We will bring her back, bro. I promise we will bring her back no matter what it takes."

I head upstairs to shower. I step out. wrapping a towel around my waist, and looking in the mirror. You've got this Clay!

I've never been to the masquerade balls at the school; it was never my thing. Since we know Raven will be there, I made the choice to go. I open my bedroom door and shout. "Brie, what the hell do I wear to this thing?" I hear Logan laugh as he walks out of his room with Brie.

Brie walks in and mumbles. "I swear I live with toddlers." I laugh at her words. She rummages through my closet and pulls out a suit and tie. "Here, wear this." She looks at me like I'm her child. I smile and thank her.

⁂

Later that evening, the three of us show up at the ball fully attired and prepared for a fight. As I search the area for Raven, I come across the wolf pack and the students Raven has been preying on, with Raven standing right in the middle of them all. "Okay, Clay, you lure Ray away from them; Logan and I will get the others out of here." Brie states.

I walk toward her while adjusting my suit jacket and nodding. I scan her from head to toe. She is dressed in a slim black dress with a slit that reveals her thigh. She has flawlessly straight hair that sparkles in the light.

Raven looks at me; her eyes flash blue. A wicked smile crosses her face. As she walks toward me, I stand there with my hands in my pockets. "You do look good in a suit," she says with a smile.

"Nice dress!" I tell her. She twirls around, her dress flowing gracefully around her. "Thanks, I stole it." She says with a devilish smile. I place my hand out in front of her, and she takes hold. Leading her to the dance floor away from the pack. With my hands on her waist, I pull her close. My eyes are on the chew toys she has following her around.

"You're feeding off humans, aren't you?" I whisper.

"Oh, Clay, don't underestimate the allure of darkness. You, more than anyone else, should understand that." I pull her closer and lean down. "You need to stop," I warn her.

"Or what?" She tests me. Anger grows within me. I have to be careful; I don't know how far gone she is. But at the same time, I can't deny the pull of her words. The darkness has always been a part of me, a part I've tried to hide and suppress. Maybe that's why I'm so drawn to her, to this dangerous game we're playing. I take a deep breath and try to regain control of the situation. "Or I'll have to make you stop," I say, my voice low and dangerous. She smirks up at me, clearly enjoying the power she holds over me. "Please, Ray," I plead with her. "I don't want to hurt you. Please come back to us."

"Look at you. Your whole world revolves around me. I think maybe you're the one who needs to turn it all off. It's so much fun, remember, Clay?" She looks at me and smiles. Her head slowly turns to look over at Brie and Logan. "Oh, I see. Clay Cladwell at the school dance. I knew something was up. So which one of you will try to kill the elusive Raven Beauregard?"

Before I can answer, I hear my name being called. I turn to see Logan waving me down. "Stay here; I'll be right back." I sternly tell her. "We are not done with this conversation." I walk over to Brie and Logan.

"Your dad will be here to call on the students Ray has been feeding on. We can get them to safety and away from her for now." Brie fills me in.

"Okay, I'll get back to her and keep her occupied while that happens." When I return to where I left her, she is clearly not there. I walk around in an effort to find her. As I emerge into the hallway, I come upon her. I seize her in an instant, pinning her against the wall. "I thought I told you to stay put," I growl.

"Well, you know I hate being told what to do, so I ignored you." She rolls her eyes and tries to push me away, but I grip her tighter.

"Ray, if you hurt anyone, I don't care how much I love you; I will rip your heart out," I growl. She leans into me and whispers. "What heart?"

"Ventus."

Her hands are placed on my chest as the word comes out. I go flying, my back hitting the wall. I get up quickly as she walks away. "Raven, don't do this." I plead with her.

"Don't get in my way, and you will live." The doors to the dance hall open, and Brie, alongside Logan, come running. Raven walks past them as if she has no care for either of them. My heart sinks as I realise that Raven has truly changed.

We follow her back in. I watch as she looks around. Her eyes met mine, and I can see the rage of fire in them. I look at Brie and Logan. "I think we pissed her off." I turn to face her again, but she's gone.

Where did she go?