A Raven's Darkness (Book 1)

Chapter 18: The Past

Raven's Point Of View:

Racon's words flooded back into my mind. "People do crazy things for love". I chuckled and looked in front of me. A fire flickered and I saw Wane and Racon sleeping on the opposite side of me. I smiled at Racon's handsome face and saw that he received three claw marks from the bear for me. It seemed it would most likely scar his face. I giggled and I saw Racon waking up in response. Whoops. He smiled up at me and stretched his arms and yawned. "Hello, Raven. Do you care if I join you?" I grinned. "Not at all." He chuckled and he came to sit by me. He took my hand in his. "So, Raven, what's on your mind?" I thought about many things on this trip. I missed my homeland very much and I still had so many questions. The future flickered at me again, with all the pain that came with it. I shivered and Racon's face fell in worry. "What did you see when you passed out a few days ago?" I was startled. So, he did notice after all. I looked at our hands together and sighed. "I can't say." He looked straight at me. "You know you can tell me anything. I will always be here for you." A flush of red came to my cheeks. He shouldn't say such things. "I know but-" My eyes grew wide and I released our hands. Everything became so dizzy. I stood and wobbled with a small smile. "I'm alright." I then stumbled more and lost my balance. "Raven!" Racon was screaming, but I lost control. Darkness filled my eyes and I blacked out, hitting my head upon the ground in the process.

Magpie's Point Of View:

Cynthia's poison still ate at my right arm and I flinched when I looked at it. That purple blob was dangerous. I gazed at the Outlander camp and noticed that the leader was the only one outside. They still haven't noticed me. I used the last of my magic to heal the poison. It was tough, but I was able to quell its sting before it ate my muscle. I looked and saw some skin came off and was repulsed. I tore off a piece of my robe with my teeth and wrapped it around the wound. My hair was messy, filthy, and I looked terrible. I didn't even mean to pass out, but I was so exhausted that I did. I even managed to take Raven along with me. I saw darkness and then I looked to my hand and reached out, causing light to shine throughout the dream. I saw Raven sleeping there and I tapped her shoulder. "Raven, darling, I am very close now." She woke up and her eyes locked onto mine as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Mother? It's good to see you again." She smiled and I felt my heart sadden. "I'm weak, Raven, very weak. Please give me your strength." I reached my hand out and she took it. I started to sap a small amount of her power. She seemed weak as well, so I released my hand early and caught her as her body tried to fall into the darkness.

Rater's Point Of View:

Nora chuckled at me. "You totally forgot that his name was Arish." I grinned. "Maybe." She slapped her leg and stood. "So, yea, we were both marked against our will. Maybe that is why I choose you?" I laughed. "Probably, Nora." She twitched her nose. "We have about another day's journey until we reach the stronghold. I'll have to change into Raven again. Is that alright?" Her head turned to me. I shrugged. "What does it matter what I think? Go ahead." She grinned. "You still have a chance with her, until she is married that is." She whispered this to herself. "Pardon?" I asked. She transformed into Raven before my very eyes. "Don't give up on her." Raven's purple eyes stared me down. "That's my problem." My arm seared with pain. I grunted and held my arm. "Change, Nora. Change now!" I grabbed hold of her and shook her. Raven's purple eyes changed to Nora's blue ones. She stared at me blankly. I released my grip on her arms. "Raven is unconscious." I explained. She grinned. "It's a good thing you told me. I guess I have to wait until she wakes then." I huffed a breath of air out. "I have a feeling that you will be waiting a while." The fire crackled in front of us. She replied, "We best sleep then." I was still uneasy.

Archean's Point Of View:

I kissed Rosemarie for the second time and she did not resist. When we pulled away, Rosemarie touched my lips with her fingers. There were tears in her eyes. "Archean, oh, Archean! I remember us!" She then pulled me into a hug. I held her in my arms. "How did you wait for me for two years? I could never wait for you more than a week! I would go insane without you!" I stroked her long pink hair. "You were worth it." She balled into my shoulder and I continued to hold her. "I never doubted once that you still loved me." She hugged me tighter. "Oh Archie! I do! I do love you so much! I am so sorry that I lost the memory of us!" I pulled her back and looked into her green eyes. "Don't be, Rose. I'm just happy to have you, to hold you once more." I wiped her tears away with my finger and she pulled me closer. "I still got the rose you gave me that day. The day you proposed." I struggled to hide a grin. "That sounds so uncool of me." She giggled. "Oh Archie, look." She pulled a single white rose from her robe with the ring still inside. "I never gave you my answer." I grinned. "Allow me." I bowed and took the ring with me to my knee. "Rosemarie, will you do me the honor of marrying you?" She blushed. "Yes, Archie! Yes!" I put the ring on her left hand and stood as she pulled her arms around my neck. She whispered to me, "I love you, Archean." I grinned back. "I love you, my Rose." We kissed and I felt so happy.