THE RAVEN | avengers

[10]

ACT 1
Chapter 10
Caelan Hayes

Before Raven could return to her room, Viktor stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. His smile was small, calculated, as always.

"There's someone I'd like you to meet."

Raven raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She didn't say anything, just nodded, following Viktor as he led her through the winding corridors of the facility.

They reached an office — not too large, not too small, just enough to feel functional. The walls were bare except for a single map pinned to the far side, the rest of the room furnished with only the essentials. A large, dark wooden desk sat in the center, papers neatly stacked at one corner. Two chairs faced the desk, their leather well-worn from years of use. The light overhead cast a stark, cold glow across the room, leaving no shadows.

Viktor opened the door, gesturing for Raven to step inside first. As she entered, her eyes immediately caught sight of the man standing by the window.

He was tall — taller than any of the soldiers she had faced in the ring. His frame was broad and muscular, his arms thick with strength, but it wasn't his size that drew Raven's attention. It was the controlled stillness in the way he stood, the way his eyes flicked towards her without a single movement betraying him. His hair was cropped close to his scalp in a buzz cut, and his jawline was sharp, clean-shaven. The man had a kind of dangerous calm about him, the kind that came with years of discipline and battle.

"Raven, meet Caelan Hayes," Viktor said, his voice taking on a more formal tone. "He'll be looking after you from now on. Anything you need, anywhere you go — he's there."

Raven's eyes narrowed as she studied Caelan, taking in the details. His blue eyes were cold, unreadable, his expression hard but not unfriendly. There was something about him that reminded her of a predator — always watching, always waiting, but never striking unless necessary. He looked like the kind of man who could disappear in a crowd, despite his size. Someone you wouldn't notice until it was too late.

And she couldn't help but acknowledge it — he was good-looking. Very good-looking.

"So, you're my babysitter?" Raven asked, a smirk curling at the edge of her lips.

Caelan didn't flinch, his expression remaining stoic. "You could call it that." His voice was deep, steady, completely unbothered by her taunt.

"More like a protector," Viktor interjected, stepping forward slightly.

Raven turned her attention to him, her gaze sharp as she took a step closer, her voice dropping to a cold, almost dangerous tone. "Do I look like a woman that needs protection?"

Viktor paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. He couldn't deny it — there was something terrifying about Raven. The way she held herself, the barely contained violence that simmered just beneath the surface. The thought of her snapping at any moment, no matter who stood in her way, was unsettling. But that was exactly what he needed. He needed her to be like a trained dog, dangerous but controlled, ready to strike when ordered.

"He'll simply make sure everything is taken care of," Viktor added, his voice smooth as his gaze shifted between Raven and Caelan. "Consider him your shadow."

"I guess it could be fun," Raven said, her smirk lingering as she glanced at Caelan. Viktor nodded, signalling for them to follow as he turned towards the door.

They stepped into the corridor, the harsh lighting overhead casting sharp shadows along the concrete walls. The sound of their footsteps echoed in the otherwise empty hall, a rhythmic beat that punctuated the silence. Raven walked with a casual confidence, her eyes drifting between Viktor and Caelan, who followed behind her with that same unreadable expression.