Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Raven

Shadows danced on the wall as Raven counted the leaves on the tree outside her window. She got dressed and made her way downstairs.

She had the keycards, all she needed now was a chance to use them and a ride. Her goal was within reach, but a wave of sadness washed over her at the thought.

Maybe a midnight run or a cuddle session with Bellamy would help clear her mind enough to sleep.

As usual, the guards paid her no mind. The wind rustled the leaves and stirred the grass. Bellamy wasn’t on the porch or playfully knocking her over as she stepped out onto the lawn.

Raven scanned the yard until her eyes landed on two figures by the large stones. From their silhouettes, she could tell it was Dhol and Bellamy.

She smiled and began to sneak up behind them. A golden opportunity to catch them both off guard, especially Mr. I-hear-everything. Raven crouched slightly and kept her steps light.

As she approached his hunched-over figure, the wind carried a sniffle back to her.

She squatted down behind the two of them. Dhol tried to hold back but failed, breaking into a heart-wrenching sob. Guilt washed over her. She was intruding on his private moment.

She considered backing away, but instead, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his back.

He went silent and stiff. For the first time, Raven smelled him, an earthy scent like a rainy day. It was faint.

As if it was a dream, it disappeared and was replaced with a sour odor that faded as quickly as it appeared.

“Do you need something?” he whispered.

Raven shook her head.

“Leave. I don’t need your pity or comfort.” His tone was as cold as ice.

She squeezed tighter. “I could use the comfort if you don’t mind.”

Raven looked at the stones. Fresh flowers were laid out, red ones this time.

“My body wouldn’t move. It was so loud, things were crashing all around me, but I could still hear her calling for me, my mom. Her voice vanished, then the air was full of iron. A red stream slithered in from the hall.” Her eyes stung at the memory of her mother’s body.

Dhol touched her hand. How long had she sat there in that nightmare, her deepest shame? “War is a terrible thing, but a coward is worse,” she whispered.

“Even the bravest are afraid, even more so during war. There’s no shame in it,” he said.

She wished that brought her some relief, but it didn’t.

“Who were they?” she asked, pointing to the boulders.

The wind picked up again and filled the silence.

For a moment, Raven didn’t think he would answer, until he murmured, “My mates. The virus was running rampant then. Twice, I had to watch while I sat on my hands. Lie to them that everything was going to be alright, though I don’t think they believed me.”

She placed her other hand on top of his. “You did the most important thing for them, being there till the end. Where I’m from, that’s when you find out how much a person loves you, and most of the time, they don’t.”

They sat like that for a while before going inside, and as always, he said goodnight from the doorway. Raven slipped back into bed, but it seemed a lot colder than before.

She lay there for what felt like hours, listening to the wind howl—until the howling started taking on the voices of the dead. Raven wondered if Dhol was still awake. Once again, she jumped from the bed.

As she turned the knob, her heart dropped. Maybe he wanted to be alone. She gathered her courage and swung open the door. Dhol was there with a shocked expression that he quickly hid.

“I heard a sound and was going to check on you,” he said, breaking the eye contact.

“I-I did too,” she said, twisting her fingers.

He smiled. “I am going to be up for a little longer, if you wanted to join me.”

“That would be nice.” She smiled.

His room was spotless and bathed in a dim glow. Raven spotted the drinks on the table. A strong one would drown the memories and push them back to the depths from which they came. As she reached for the bottle, Dohl said, “Sorry, Flower, but you’re cut off. The orders are from the top.”

She laughed. “Well, they should get in line. I would be filthy rich if I had a dime every time I was told that.”

“Looks like I’m skipping the line,” he said, placing the bottles on a high shelf. “Don’t pout. We can still have fun. I have some strategy games and books.”

“I like games,” she said, taking a seat at the table.

Dhol brought out one and set it up. The game was similar to chess, and she had been decent at the game when she was on the ship.

Playing against him was different. He thought outside the box for even simple moves. He was unpredictable, aggressive, and relentless.

“I have you on the run.” Dhol smirked. “I think I’ll make an exception and take a prisoner. Surrender.”

Raven was never the type to think ahead, and when she did, it was only maybe a step ahead or just an overall general plan. She could tell he had a detailed plan and a backup plan.

Raven was reactive, and that was what she did best.

“I would rather face the blade,” she said, taking down his pursuing piece.

“You will. It’s sharp and waiting,” Dhol said, capturing another.

Raven fought as hard as she could, but the time came when she had to admit defeat. It was like gravel in her mouth. She studied the board, trying to replay the match.

Dhol went to his closet and presented her a silver metal box.

“This came in after you went to bed earlier. I almost forgot about it,” Dhol said, sliding it closer to her.

Raven popped open the latches and flipped back the lid. She couldn’t believe it. Two curved onyx-colored blades, the grips wrapped in black leather, with dangling black flower charms on the ends.

“General Hokji’s bladesmith made these. You’re as good as the best, Raven. You should have your own,” he said, his voice filled with admiration.

“Thank you. They’re beautiful, but I’m not the best. Far from it, actually. I’m the worst,” Raven replied, her hands tightly gripping her bandaged arms.

Dhol frowned at her words. “You’re too modest. I’m free tomorrow. We can test them out at the waterfall, then grab lunch.”

Raven yawned, her exhaustion seeping through. “Sounds good.”

“It’s getting late. We should head to bed,” Dhol suggested.

Raven hesitated. She didn’t want to go back. “We should,” she agreed, closing the box of blades.

“I’ll walk you back,” he offered, moving towards the door.

“That noise earlier still has me on edge, and it’s almost morning. I might as well just sleep here.”

Dhol smiled at her words. “That’s practical. And if that noise turns out to be something, I’ll be right here with you.”

Raven slid under the sheets as Dhol turned off the remaining lights. His eyes glowed in the darkness. The bed shifted as he climbed in, and her stomach fluttered with nerves.

He moved closer until their bodies were touching, pulling her against his chest. Dhol’s hand moved in a steady rhythm, stroking her from head to shoulder. Raven traced a path from his chest to his stomach with her fingers.

Time seemed to slow as his hand stilled and his breathing deepened. The steady beat of Dhol’s heart was a comforting rhythm, and she continued to touch him.

The scent of rain filled the room, wrapping around her as she drifted off to sleep.