Shadow Betrayal: An Assassin's Story

15 - PICNICS, LAUGHTER AND EXPLOSIONS - 15

Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life.

Enjoy!

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Lucian's POV

Raven wandered through the garden, taking in the vibrant colors and the tranquil scenery with a thoughtful gaze. Meanwhile, Koen and I were busy setting up the picnic, preparing for a quiet escape from yet another tedious family lunch and the inevitable lecture on responsibility.

I could feel Koen's gaze on me, his curiosity almost palpable. After catching him stealing another glance, I sighed. "What is it, Koen?"

Koen placed the basket of treats on the blanket, his expression serious. "I'm just wondering," he began, his tone measured, "what's your real plan with her? You and I both know it's not just because she interests you."

I followed his gaze to Raven, who was lost in her own world among the flowers. Her presence felt like a quiet storm just waiting to break. "Actually," I said, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "she is interesting. There's a depth to her that I can't quite place. She has this shadow behind her eyes—something she's not sharing. It makes me want to understand what's beneath that surface."

Koen raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "So, you're not just playing a game?"

"No," I replied, shaking my head. "It's not a game. I'm genuinely curious about her. There's something about the way she carries herself, the way she hides certain truths. It's more than just curiosity; it feels like a puzzle I need to solve."

Koen studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Just be careful. People with secrets can be unpredictable."

"I'll keep that in mind," I said with a nod, glancing back at Raven. "But sometimes, the most intriguing mysteries lead to the most unexpected discoveries."

As Koen finished arranging the last of the picnic items, the conversation shifted back to the pleasant task at hand. Despite the lightheartedness of the picnic, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Raven than met the eye. And I wanted to know what it was.

"Raven!" I called out, waving her over. She looked up, a rare, serene expression on her face as she strolled towards us. The sight of her relaxed, almost peaceful demeanor was oddly refreshing. Soon enough, we were all seated on the blanket, ready for our picnic lunch.

As we began to eat, I decided it was time for a little interrogation. "So, where are you from?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Raven glanced at me, sandwich halfway to her mouth, and replied with a dismissive wave. "Doesn't matter."

I raised an eyebrow, exchanging a look with Koen. This was going to be interesting.

"Well, what do you like to do?" I pressed, trying to dig a little deeper as I took a bite of my own sandwich.

She shrugged nonchalantly, taking a bite of her sandwich as if the question hadn't fazed her in the slightest.

"How do you not know what you like?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.

Another shrug. "I guess I just haven't figured it out yet," she said, her tone as casual as if we were discussing the weather.

Koen and I exchanged another bemused glance. Raven was quickly proving to be the most enigmatic person I'd ever met.

"Do you have any siblings?" I tried again, determined not to let this conversation fizzle out.

She swallowed her food and nodded. "Two older brothers. I don't really get along with the oldest, but I recently saw my other brother recently."