Chapter 47: Chapter 47

Raven

“I’m good with those terms,” the purple man said, shrugging off his jacket.

The room fell silent, except for a few whispers.

“Alright. Anyone got a pair of curved blades I could use?” Raven asked, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.

Captain Oito pushed his way forward. “No way. How about you crack a few jokes instead?”

Raven puffed out her cheeks. “I can’t back down now. That’d be too embarrassing,” she said, glancing at the king.

“It’s okay. I want everyone to see what she can do,” the king said.

Raven extended her hand to the captain, a wide grin on her face.

He leaned in close. “Keep yourself in check.” He placed the blades in her hand.

“What’s that?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.

Captain Oito shot her a glare before stepping back. The purple guy stretched, his joints popping.

“No blades?” she asked.

“The universe gave me two of the best weapons,” he said, holding up his fists.

“A traditional guy, I see.”

“You seem to favor the Tareaian tradition,” he shot back.

She smiled. “No, my tradition.”

He returned her smile.

“What will you ask for if you win?”

Raven climbed onto the table, into the small space she’d cleared in the sea of cups. He was close enough for her to reach out and pull him closer by his shirt.

He leaned in until their cheeks were almost touching. “My pants stiffen for you.”

It was the perfect chance to throw him off his game. She looked at him and smiled.

“Well, let’s see,” she said, hooking one blade into his waistband and pulling the fabric out for a peek.

Raven giggled. “Captain Oito would love you. You’re a natural at telling jokes.”

His hand clamped down on her wrist. “It’ll make you scream all the same.”

“I guess you’ll have to win to find out.”

“Who said that’s what I wanted?” he said.

Raven’s lips curled up as she finished her drink. She liked his laid-back attitude; he wasn’t quick to anger or get upset. This might be fun, maybe even a challenge.

She found herself leaning heavily on him. Her limbs felt like lead; time was running out.

“Are you ready?” she asked.

“I’m not in a hurry, but if you are, then—”

“I am. Let’s get this over with. I have a bath waiting for me,” Raven said, pushing him away.

He chuckled, his energy smooth and calm, until she felt a breeze. Then she smelled a harsh scent, one that froze her in place.

It happened in slow motion. She saw it coming, but her body was paralyzed with fear. That calm energy turned into a storm, rushing at her.

~Move.~

Her body wouldn’t respond. Her mind was free, but her limbs were trapped. His fist was coming at her at a terrifying speed.

All Raven could do was exhale. As she did, her neck twitched, and she jerked it to the side, just in time to see his fist fly past.

“Good. So you know about it.” He smirked. “How about this?”

Raven tried to jump down, but that harsh scent intensified. Her muscles went numb, and she fell to the floor.

“This might end early.” He laughed.

Raven pulled herself onto her elbows and crawled to the blades that had slid across the floor. She’d read about how scents could be used in combat, but she never thought they would be this powerful.

When was the last time she’d felt like this? Like prey being hunted. A breeze blew in from behind her.

~Not like this.~

Her fingers closed around the handle, and she swung back with all her strength. From the corner of her eye, she saw the shock on his face. At that moment, the scent lifted, and he bounced back.

Every time that scent appeared, she pushed forward, and it retreated.

“If that’s all you got, then you’re in trouble,” Raven said, thrusting her blade.

“I have strength over you. That’s all I need,” he said, dodging her attacks.

She used to think the same way. It reminded her of how she played Dhol in the board game. Power and strength weren’t everything.

She pushed forward. Instead of aiming for his midsection, she spun on her heels and brought her strike down, aiming for the back of his knees.

He was quick and lifted his foot, but she went after the other with her second blade. He raised it again, and as the other foot came down, she stuck out her leg.

The guy wasn’t light, but the pain was worth it as he fell to the floor.

Raven didn’t waste any time closing in for the final strike. His face was a picture of surprise as she dropped down on him with her blade at his throat.

The crowd was silent, but then a single clap rang out. Soon, others joined in.

“I owe you a prize,” he said. “Will you tell me now?”

She nodded. “I want—”

“—you to sit down and discuss the matters at hand with an open mind and to enjoy yourself, of course,” the king said.

The purple man didn’t take his eyes off Raven. “Is that what you want?”

She could feel the king’s gaze boring into her.

Raven sighed. “Yup, down to the last detail.”

“Then I will, as long as you’re there to join us,” he said.

“I’d love to, but I have a hot bath with my—”

“She’ll be there to fill your cup,” the king said.

Raven shot him a glare. The king didn’t acknowledge her or look her way.

“That sounds perfect. Shall we?” the purple man said, standing and knocking Raven to the ground.

“Yes, right after the brands are given later this evening,” the King said, guiding the guy away.

The crowd dispersed, leaving her sitting there.