Tidal Waves

24. Safe

Raven gradually awoke to the sound of Kory brushing her long, curly locks of red hair. She let out a relieved sigh at the sight of the other girl.

Kory turned around, a smile pulling at her lips when they met each others gaze. "Friend, you are awake! I am so glad you're back."

"Me too," Raven replied and slowly got out of bed, groaning as she stretched her weak legs out. "How long was I out?"

"You've been asleep for two days," Kory answered. Raven's eyebrows raised at the revelation.

"Damian said using your... abilities seemed to have exhausted you," Kory added before approaching the bed, sitting next to her and placing a hand on her shoulder, "So it is okay, don't be alarmed. We are here to care for you."

The memories of the past month flooded her mind, and Raven wrapped her arms around herself meekly. "Thank you."

Kory took notice of her body language and cleared her throat. "Forgive me for bringing it up, but if you ever need to talk about anything, I am here to listen. I have experiences as well that might... relate."

Raven looked up at her, concerned, before returning her gaze downward. Damian must've mentioned the markings to her. "I just feel... ashamed," she decided to say, her stomach turning at the memory of letting him touch her.

"You are not alone," Kory responded, and Raven noticed her sweet expression was dull as she replayed her own memories. "Back home, my sister and I got into a huge rivalry when she discovered I was to be heir to the throne. I ended up becoming enslaved and sexually exploited. Those men were... cruel."

Raven's eyes widened at the revelation. Perhaps speaking about it helped the other girl, too, she presumed. "How are you so strong?"

Kory smiled at her question. "You are not what has happened to you. You cannot let despair dim your flame. You will recover, I promise. It just takes time and good company."

"Thank you," Raven said, taking her words to heart. "I'm sorry that happened to you. If you want to talk to me, I'm also a good listener."

"I'll keep that in mind," Kory responded before standing up. "We're docking in town tomorrow. Want to get dressed with me? Jason's throwing a little party tonight."

"That would be... nice," Raven answered before following her toward the closet in their shared room.

—

"Hey she's back!"

Raven glanced around nervously at the warm welcome she received from the crew. Maya had given her a hug, and Suren gave her some food.

"Glad to have you back," Jason said and patted her on the shoulder. Raven gave him a nod and silently ate her food. Jason passed her a cup of booze, and she reluctantly accepted the drink.

Damian glanced at her from across the table, a sad expression on his face.

—

Damian found Raven alone on the deck, leaning against the railing. Her attention was towards the stars.

"Are you okay?"

The question pulled Raven out of her jumbled thoughts. Her eyes lagged as she met Damian's gaze, and he could tell she had drank a little too much earlier. He was thankful she hadn't tumbled overboard.

"...'m fine," Raven muttered and turned her head away from him. Her head was slightly spinning.

"You haven't been talking much," Damian said, watching as she leaned her weight against the railing for support. "I was just... concerned."

"Don't—" she started, her speech slow and slurred, "— don't wanna talk about it."

"Okay," Damian replied, before placing his arm around her waist for support. "Let's get you back inside."

Raven stumbled a little, and Damian decided carrying her would be easier.

"...'our room," she mumbled.

"My room?" Damian questioned, cocking an eyebrow at the request. She nodded, her head leaned against his shoulder as he carried her.

Damian quietly obeyed, bringing her to his cabin. He gently sat her down on his cot. "Why my room?" He finally decided to question.

Raven tugged on his arm as he started to pull away.

"Feel safer."

"Oh," Damian spoke, sitting down next to her and allowing her to cling to him. The deeper meaning behind her answer was evident when he noticed her broken expression. Whatever that man had done undoubtedly changed her, and it hurt Damian to see her this way. 

"You're okay," He assured, pulling her closer. He wrapped his arm around her, and placed his head atop of hers. He used his other hand to rub her arm. "I won't let anyone hurt you ever again, Raven. I promise."

She buried her face in his chest, his comfort lulling her to sleep.