Raven Queen

Prologue

"Run", were the last words her husband said to her as he turned to face their mutual enemy. Rose slowed to a stop with her six-month-old child strapped to her back. She turned an angry look to her husband. They had been enjoying a quiet evening in the family garden. Although her little daughter was still too fragile to be outside they had both came to the conclusion that the fresh evening air would do more good than harm. "No" we have a plan for this, she said but Rose's husband had already turned his whole focus to their enemy. Rose ran inside their home and called for Hope, their chief maid. Hope came running forward with a frown on her face. She's here, Rose said as she handed her child off to the maid, you know what to do. The maid responded with a quick nod and pushed the silent alarm button strapped to her wrist. Immediately the house was filled with silent shuffling as the maids, servants, and butlers began to evacuate the castle. Rose placed a soft kiss on her child's forehead, I love you she murmured quietly. She turned and ran back to the family garden to meet her husband. Sweat beading on his forehead, he turned to her and gave her a worry-filled glance. She reached for his hand and held it. We do this together she said. He gave her a firm nod, and they both turned to face the dark shadows coalescing to form the figure of an ironclad woman. Fuoco she said and a bright yellow sword formed in Rose hand. Glancing at her husband once more, they both ran forward to meet her step-sister.