The road narrowed as Raven left the seed depot behind, the Ironhowl X4 chewing through frost-bitten asphalt under a gray winter sky. Her fingers tapped the steering wheel absently as she passed snow-dusted fields and shuttered barns, each mile taking her farther from city noise and closer to the edge of rural industry.
The map on her dash marked her next destination with a red pin: Stonevale Mineral Supply Co. It wasn't a place that came up on commercial registries easily—it specialized in agricultural salt, road-grade mineral blocks, and long-term storage additives. A quiet, under-the-radar operation. Exactly what she needed.
Salt wasn't optional. Most amateur preppers forgot that. But the human body couldn't function without it, and once society fell, scavenging it would become a death race. It preserved food, regulated hydration, and stabilized nerves. Without it, you didn't last long.
The entrance to the yard came into view just as the wind picked up. A chain-link fence stretched across the front, hung with metal signage dulled from years of neglect. Piles of white tarp-covered mineral mounds lined the yard behind the gate. A squat brick office building sat off to the right, tucked beside two warehouse silos.
Raven pulled into the lot and parked beside a half-rusted forklift. The Ironhowl's engine died as it was turned off. She stepped out, surveying the open gravel yard. The salt piles looked untouched. Clean. That was good.
She crossed the yard toward the office, her boots kicking up powdered dust with every step.
Ahead of the main building, a company employee—a man in a neon vest and insulated jacket—was standing with a clipboard, nodding to someone speaking to him. Raven slowed.
That someone stepped into full view.
Tall. Posed. Wrapped in a gray leather coat that looked designer made even under the salt-dusted haze. Blonde hair twisted into a sleek bun. Black gloves. Narrow sunglasses perched high on her head.
Her voice was sharp, clipped with impatience. "William said the order had to be processed today. No delays. If the local staff can't handle the weight, maybe he needs to contract elsewhere."
The employee nodded nervously, gesturing toward a forklift as he turned away. She didn't notice Raven approaching.
Not at first.
Verena Langford.
Raven's eyes locked onto her, and for a moment, time folded.
In her last life, Verena had been her father's mistress. One of many—but the worst. She'd posed as a company strategist, but everyone knew she was just another woman on William Salvatore's payroll, hiding behind fake LLCs and glamorous fake titles. After the collapse, Verena hadn't just survived—she thrived. With Raven sold to the Blood Raiders, Verena moved in like a vulture. When Raven escaped, clawed her way back, Verena had been waiting.
She'd humiliated her. Undermined her. Tried to destroy everything Raven had built.
And now, here she was. Alive. Untouched. Smiling like the world still made sense.
Verena finally turned and saw her.
She paused, removing her sunglasses as she recognized Raven Salvatore after seeing her for the first time in person.
"You must be Raven," she said, voice dipped in theatrical surprise. "William's daughter, right? You're… taller than I imagined."
Raven didn't answer.
"You've got his jawline. The stubborn chin. I suppose the attitude comes with it."
Raven stepped forward. Her voice was calm.
"I didn't come here for introductions."
Verena tilted her head. "Well, I've already handled the salt order for your father. If that's what you're here for, I've saved you the paperwork. You're welcome."
There was that smug smile. The same one Raven remembered seeing over a table of looted gear and desperate refugees.
Her fingers twitched.
"I don't think you understand who you're talking to," Raven said.
Verena arched an eyebrow.
Then came the slap.
It cracked through the air like a whip.
'Crack'
Verena stumbled a half-step back, sunglasses falling to the gravel. Her face turned with the force, mouth parting in stunned silence.
The nearby employee looked over, startled, but froze when Raven didn't move.
Raven leaned in, her voice low.
"You don't know me yet. But you will. And you'll regret for every moment of your life."
Verena blinked, hand rising slowly to her cheek.
The smugness was gone. Replaced by something calculating.
Join my patreon today to read up to chapter 29 in advance your support is my inspiration join for only 3 to 5$
patreon.com/everstone