The dim light of the library enveloped Ravenna, her body stiff and unmoving as she sat in front of the open book on the table. She had barely read a few lines; her mind, caught in the whirlwind of recent events, refused to focus. The discomfort she had felt after her encounter with Riven still weighed on her shoulders like a lingering shadow she couldn't shake off. She tried to clear her thoughts, but the echoes of that situation kept her trapped in her own head.
The soft yet distinct sound of a chair sliding next to her broke through her reverie. She looked up and found Gideon sitting beside her, his face calm and composed, as if nothing could disturb his usual tranquility.
—What are you doing here?— Ravenna asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.
Gideon held her gaze for a moment before answering.
—Havel told me what happened with Riven—
A flush crept up Ravenna's neck, a mix of embarrassment and anger knowing that yet another person was now aware of what had happened. But in Gideon's eyes, she found no judgment, only an unshakeable calm.
—We talked, and we thought maybe you'd prefer if one of us stayed with you during the day. Just to make sure nothing like today happens again—
The offer caught Ravenna off guard. For a brief moment, a sense of relief washed over her, realizing that someone was willing to look out for her, to protect her. But that feeling didn't last long. Her pride, ever vigilant, rose to the surface, hardening her resolve.
—I don't need bodyguards— she replied, her tone sharp. She didn't want to seem weak, especially not in front of someone like Gideon.
He nodded slowly, not pushing the matter further.
—I understand— he said, his voice steady. —I just wanted you to know, if at any point you need anything, Havel or I will be there. If something happens, just come find us. We'll help—
Ravenna remained silent, processing Gideon's words. Despite her tough exterior, his genuine offer stirred something strange inside her, something almost comforting. She wasn't used to others caring for her, and that sincere concern was unsettling, weakening her defenses in ways she didn't want to admit.
As Gideon began to rise to leave, a sudden impulse stopped her.
—Why?— she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid her own vulnerability would be exposed. —Why are you treating me like this?—
Gideon looked at her directly, his eyes filled with a disarming sincerity.
—For better or worse, we're a team now. And if we don't look out for each other, who will?—
With those final words, Gideon turned and started walking toward the door. Ravenna watched him as he left, his words echoing in her mind like a persistent refrain, leaving behind a small warmth in her chest, a flicker of comfort she hadn't felt in a long time.
Just before Gideon crossed the threshold, Ravenna noticed something that made her pause. Through the crack in the door, she caught a fleeting glimpse of Selene, standing outside, as if she had been waiting for Gideon. The image was brief but enough to leave Ravenna unsettled. Was Selene there for her? Or for Gideon? That last thought, vague as it was, stirred a quiet discomfort in Ravenna, an unease she couldn't quite ignore.
As the door clicked shut, Gideon's words stayed with her. For the first time in a long while, Ravenna didn't feel entirely alone.
YOU ARE READING
Sad Moon
FantasyWhat is destiny? Is it even real? Or is it perhaps a lie that others use to make us part of their will? Maybe the world won't live long enough to know. Since the Moon no longer shines, the night is darker.
