Crowns Of Shadows

10: Raven

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 I walked as fast as I could up the sidewalk. Damon and John trailing behind, slower but quick enough to keep up. I slammed the door open, Dorothy's head popping up from behind the counter.

"Hey-" She started. I palmed the ring down on the counter. She stared, her eyes wide.

"He left it?" She attempted to assure herself. I shook my head.

"He had it on when he left." John looked at Dot, his eyes hinting a bit of sadness. Dot looked from me to John, then back to me. Her face fell. She found the nearest seat and sat down in it. I sat next to her, rubbing her arm.

"We'll find him." I whispered.

"He wouldn't just leave a ring that valuable! I told him not to come- I told him he should-" She broke down, crying into my shoulder. I ran my fingers through her soft blonde hair.

"I know. We'll find him. Okay? He's a royal. If anyone has him, they want ransom." I did my best to comfort her. "We'll start with the Palace." He could just be home, and it's not like Dorothy could step foot in the palace anymore.

She sat up. "No you can't." She looked me up and down, her hazel eyes landing on my own gaze. "You'll have to face Alihandro, you- you might be held there!"

I shook my head. "It doesn't matter. All that matters is that I find my brother."

"I'll help." John stepped forward.

"No, I cannot let you. My mother will chop your head off." I shook my head, chuckling.

"I've made my decision, just as you did. I am going to help." He countered. I stood.

"I cannot ask you to put your life in danger for my brother." I pleaded, hoping he would understand.

"I am volunteering, you aren't asking. And I'll do it for you." He took my arms in his hands, and nodded his sentence, then gently kissed my hand. I had no choice but to let him go.

I wanted him to come with me to Alihandro. Maybe he could do something- he could hurt Alihandro.

I hated looking at John like that, I don't- really see that in him, and I hoped I'd never have to watch him kill someone.

"Me too! I'll do it for you, Raven." Damon called out. I looked at him and nodded my thanks.

"I'll do it because I don't want to go home." Conner said, nonchalantly- like he wasn't risking his life. I thanked all of them. And turned to face Dorothy.

"Thank you. Damon, Conner, and John." She smiled, palming away her tears. She took the time to say  their names.

I gave her a gentle pat on the back, and then we left.

It was the dead of night, and we needed to return back to the house. We did just that. I walked up to the room when we got there, John following close behind.

I fell into the bed grabbing the pillow, I slumped over forcing my tears back.

"Rave." He started, I held up a hand.

"Can't speak?" He asked, sitting down next to me, "or you'll cry." I nodded. 

How did he know?

"It's alright." He pulled me from the pillow so effortlessly, and tucked me into his arms. And then I cried. I didn't think I would, but I did.

I fisted his shirt, and sobbed, my entire body shook. I guess we'd both be crying tonight.

He ran his fingers through my hair so delicately I wondered if he thought I'd break. To be honest, I was on the verge of breaking.