The Symphony of Sorrow

The Raven's Nest

Beneath the raven's cold eye, the night swallows secrets, burying them deep in its blackened heart. Only the brave or cursed dare listen to the whispers that crawl from the shadows, carrying the weight of untold horrors.

Inside The Raven's Rest, he said, his voice carrying a note of formality. "Here is your food. Hope you like it!"

Elyra's lips curled into a smile as she replied, "Mmm, it looks yummy, and the aroma is intoxicating! I'm certain I'll love it."

"Well then, enjoy your meal!" He turned away and his eyes fell on an antique clock hanging on the wall. Its brass face glinted in the dim light. A subtle smile appeared as he noted, "Ten seconds until four o'clock. The moment we've been waiting for is finally here."

With purposeful strides, he moved toward the door, his all-black attire shrouding him in an aura of foreboding. Each step he took seemed to echo ominously, matching the rhythmic ticking of the clock. "Tick-tock, tick-tock," went the clock, counting down to the critical meeting that would unravel a past almost was forgotten, a past buried with every corpse of the Archer family.

He checked the clock again and then shifted his gaze to the restaurant entrance. "Three, two, one. Orion Archer has arrived."

The door creaked open, one step inside, and a small child's voice pierced the silence. "Daddy, are we eating here again? I'm so tired of this place! We come here almost every day." Her father, looking weary, responded, "Alright, little one. Where would you like to go?"

"Let's go to that new restaurant. It looks so inviting! Even the colors are cheerful, not boring like this place!" The father smiled, turning to leave before he even stepped inside.

Elyra remained seated, her back to the door. While he was still standing there wondering "Where are you Ori..." his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of the father bumping into someone. "I'm truly sorry, I didn't see you there," he apologized before continuing on, holding his daughter's hand. But she paused, her voice full of wonder, "Oh, your eyes are so beautiful. They're like honey."

Ethan watched and silently urged himself, "Smile, you can do this." A faint, reluctant smile appeared. As the father and daughter left, Ethan headed towards the entrance.

"There you are! I knew you'd come. Care for a drink?"

Ethan stood near the door, the shadows of the night before still lingering. This was the first time he truly saw the man who had been as enigmatic as a Raven.

Seconds later, Ethan approached the man, his voice sharp with impatience. "You know why I'm here. No more pleasantries. Tell me what you have."

The man turned and sauntered toward the bar, his laughter a chilling note in the stillness. "Take it easy, young man. Let your anger subside for a moment. You'll need it later on today." He poured two glasses and began drinking, a slow, deliberate motion that only heightened Ethan's tension. Without warning, Ethan's fury erupted. He slammed both hands onto the bar, causing glasses to topple and shatter. The sudden noise drew startled looks from the other patrons. "Are you mocking me? If you don't tell me what you've got right now, I'm leaving!"

In that moment, time seemed to freeze. Elyra's breath quickened, her heart racing in sync with the unfolding chaos. She had been seated with her back to the door, her senses sharpened to the unmistakable voice she had heard. How could she forget it, when it had haunted her thoughts since that night? How could she forget, when his voice was etched into her memory, his breath lingering on her lips, and his eyes, fiery and intense, had ignited a spark within her? How could she ignore the shiver that his presence sent through her, a feeling no rain could replicate? She had fallen for him the very moment she had encountered him.