𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄

Chapter 23

Maven leaves the manor house and takes a deep breath of fresh air.

It is a still summer's night with no hint of breeze. But it was cool somehow.

The moon was full and beaming brightly, casting dark shadows of the twisted branches and leaving gaps of black between the trees.

Maven is dressed head-to-toe in a dark ensemble, a typical look for him these days. He opted for a simple black jacket, embroidered with black thread, on top of black trousers.

He appears uniform, from the hair on his head, to the shoes he wears.

As Maven maneuverers through the night, he looks behind him once, and then slips into the blind spots of the Haven cameras.

He melds in with the shadows.

He goes surprisingly far into the forest, entirely distant from anyone and anywhere.

There is an unknown purpose behind his movements.

Then he abruptly stops, coming to a complete stand still.

He shifts his head, listening out.

Even though his body appears relaxed, Maven is on high alert.

He takes in a deep breath and he exudes calmness.

He sits himself down on a weathered wooden stump from a fallen tree. Only the base remains, and he sits on top of the concentric rings naturally formed.

A raven caws over Maven's head, and lands right by him.

Its onyx eyes form a mirror and Maven beholds himself in the distorted reflection.

The raven ruffles its spiky feathers and blinks, turning its head from left to right. It opens and closes its beak, as if to speak.

Then it hops back, as its master makes himself shown.

From out of the darkness, a sudden burst of blonde appears, in full gleaming armour.

The sigil on his chest is of a black cross with arrow headed ends, which a serpent wraps around. Above this, was a miniature crown, with sharp feathered wings on either side.

"Prince Maven Calore. You are still a Prince? Aren't you?"

The voice is deep but velvety.

Maven does not reply.

"What? You greet me with silence? You're the one that called me here."

Adrien scolds, but there is a teasing edge to his voice.

"Yes, I did. But now you do the talking."

Maven finally speaks and he flips his head indignantly. He was here to listen, that's all.

Not to answer questions. Not to engage in conversation.

Adrien hums and he calls his raven to rest on his fingertip. Adrien admires the bird, his blue eyes taking in the claw currently wrapped around his pointer finger.

"You know what you look like, Maven?"

Adrien refocuses on Maven, staring in such a way that Maven knows he is trying to see through him. To search his soul through his eyes alone.

"Truly. You look like you belong in House Skonos. Black really is your colour I have to admit-"

"Cut to the point."

Maven interjects.

Adrien's eyes widen at the interruption. He was shocked, but a sly smile creeps onto his lips. He liked Maven's spirit.