Shadow Betrayal: An Assassin's Story

7 - LOST, DRAGGED AND FIRED - 7

If I had a dollar for every fictional character I have fallen in love with, I would be able to afford the therapy I clearly need.

Enjoy the chapter!

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Raven's POV

After a week of endless travel, we finally approached the gates of Suncrest. The sight of them was almost enough to make me forget the blistering ache in my legs. Almost. I shot a look at Kaemon, who was still going on about that time he "single-handedly" defeated an entire group of bandits. For the tenth time.

"If I hear one more word about how you heroically saved a village from bandits, I swear I'm turning this horse around and heading back to Razak," I muttered.

Kaemon flashed that stupid grin. "You should be proud to travel with such an accomplished warrior."

"Accomplished at being a pain," I mumbled.

"You know, you should relax a little," Kaemon says with a grin. "It's a beautiful day outside. There's no reason to be so uptight."

I roll my eyes in response. Nasir left us in Razak on some "important business," and knowing Nasir, if he says it's important, it definitely is.

The streets are alive with activity today. People bustle about, shopping at the market while children play in the streets. I scan the area, noting the positions of the guards. You never know when you might need to be prepared.

"Stop the horse!" Kaemon calls out cheerfully.

"Why would I do that?" I reply, my voice tinged with exhaustion and irritation.

"Because there's food," he answers, a playful tone in his voice.

"Kaemon, we didn't come here for food. We're here for the mission."

"Yeah, but you can't fight on an empty stomach." We ate only an hour ago.

"Kaemon, we're not stopping. End of discussion." I can hear his groan and see his pout.

We dismount and head toward the stable. The stablemaster greets us with a warm smile, feeding our horse some sugar cubes.

"It's such a beautiful horse. We'll take good care of her," he assures us.

I nod absentmindedly. The horse was actually stolen two days ago from a wealthy farmer we came across. But that's a detail best left unsaid.

We continue toward the castle, a breathtaking sight against the bright sky, but we didn't come here for sightseeing. Kaemon skips beside me, taking in the lively crowd. It's painfully clear we don't belong. Our pale skin stands out, a dead giveaway after spending so long in the Underground.

I keep my hand close to my blade, always ready for trouble. This place is strange. People smile constantly, sunlight floods every corner, and laughter fills the air. It's the complete opposite of Darkshire. There, the name says it all—dark, gloomy, perpetually clouded, and utterly joyless. The contrast stirs memories of my childhood.

"Raven," I hear my father's voice call softly as I hide beneath his desk, my small body curled up in the dark. I giggle, pressing a hand over my mouth to stifle the sound. Hide and seek is my favorite game, especially with him.

His heavy footsteps echo through the study as he checks each cupboard. "Raven... come out, come out, wherever you are." His voice is playful, but there's a hint of weariness beneath it. I can't help but giggle again, but this time, I'm too late to cover it.

Silence falls. I stop breathing, my heart pounding in my chest. Did he give up? Just as I crawl out to peek, his strong arms scoop me up from behind.