THE RAVEN | avengers

[79]

ACT 1
Chapter 79
Rise And Shine

Raven woke up feeling lighter, the weight that had hung over her for so long seemed to have lifted, even if just a little. She stretched, slipping into her gear before stepping out of her room. The air felt fresher, her mind clearer, and crossed the hall to Caelan's door. She stopped in front of it, rapping her knuckles against it.

"Rise and shine," she chimed, her voice light and sing-songy.

A groan came from inside. "You've been hanging around Rowan too much," Caelan grumbled, the door swinging open to reveal him standing there, still half-asleep.

Raven grinned, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Put some clothes on and meet me in Sloane's office," she said, patting his chest lightly before turning on her heel and heading towards Rowan's room.

"Yes, ma'am," Caelan muttered, rubbing his eyes as the door clicked shut behind him.

Raven's smile lingered as she approached Rowan's room, her steps light, her mind still riding on the ease of the morning. Before Raven could raise her hand to knock, the door swung open with a flourish. Rowan stood there, already dressed for the day, his grin wide and full of mischief.

"How did you—"

"Intuition, baby," Rowan cut her off, throwing her a wink as if that explained everything.

Raven chuckled, shaking her head. "Of course." She gestured for him to step out of his room. Rowan did so with a spring in his step, clearly in his usual high spirits.

"You seem good this morning," Rowan remarked as they began walking down the corridor. His eyes flicked sideways to study her, as if he were piecing something together. "You and Tin Man kiss and make up?"

"Not really," Raven replied, her tone lighter than usual. A small smile crept across her lips as she glanced at him. "But there's been some... progress."

Rowan grinned, nodding knowingly. "Progress, huh? I'm guessing no punches were thrown this time?"

"No punches," Raven laughed, nudging him with her shoulder.

"Then progress like..." Rowan started, wiggling his eyebrows and gesturing with his hands, mimicking something far more suggestive.

Raven shot him a look, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. "Progress like if you don't stop talking, I'm going to punch you in the face," she warned.

"Yep, okay, let's not ruin this lovely morning," he said, lifting his hands in mock surrender as they continued down the hall.

They approached Winter's room, and Rowan glanced around, his confusion evident.

"What the hell are we doing here?" he asked, his tone bewildered.

Raven didn't answer, simply raised her hand and knocked on Winter's door. A few seconds later, it swung open. Winter stood there, already dressed, his gaze softening slightly as it landed on Raven. But the moment his eyes flicked to Rowan, the softness evaporated, replaced with a sharp frown.

"Morning," Rowan chimed in, completely unfazed by the cold reception. "You look thrilled to see me."

Winter stepped out of his room, the tension that flickered briefly between him and Rowan dissipating as Raven took the lead, turning towards the corridor. Rowan fell in step beside her, with Winter following close behind, his frown softening but still lingering just enough to keep Rowan on his toes.

"So, are we going to pretend I'm not third-wheeling right now, or...?" Rowan quipped, glancing between the two of them as they walked down the hall.

Raven rolled her eyes, but there was a smirk on her lips. "You're always third-wheeling, Rowan. You should be used to it by now."