Suddenly, it disappeared, breaking her into reality. However as a few seconds passed, the raven was nowhere to be found.
The thunder struck again, almost snatching her feet from the ground. She could barely look at the sky to realize how thick the cloud mists had covered themselves, passing lightning that didn't cease to flash in and across.
She grasped the bag firmly across her shoulder and gulped the lump down her throat when she took a step and began to walk. Faster. She took her heels to the right and down the lonely street.
CROAK!
She heard it again. But this time, Ravenna didn't stop walking. She held the bag firmly as she moved her frightened feet, letting the coldness beneath her sink into her whole body. She was adamant about the numbness below and the way her body reacted to the weather.
All she thought of was home. The place she had grown up living true emotions and not the fake ones. The place she had enjoyed being held under the arms of her blood. Her-
CROAK!!!
And she fell.
"Argh!" Hannah grunted when she missed her footing and tripped to the muddy ground. The veil covering her head pulled down her neck, revealing that silver messy hair, and her eyes that blinked the water blinding her lashes.
She hissed and pushed herself to her feet. It hadn't been up to a millisecond when something flew across her face, smacking her hard and causing her body to slump behind once more.
She cursed inwardly for the nth time at her bad luck with her dress which was completely drenched, rendering her helpless under the weather.
Ravenna wiped off the mud that stained her face with freckles that matched her beauty, pulling off the cap from her head.
Her fragile beauty covered by that veil could now be seen. She had black eyes, flawless skin, and full lips that complemented her vibrant pale color. Her long lashes would blink now and then, and they flaunted the innocence in those angry eyes that seemed to burst anytime soon.
She sighed trying to control her racing heart as it thumped loudly beneath her rib cage and into her eardrums, causing her eyes to scour her surroundings warily. It seems it was only the sound of thunderstruck that always broke her out of her reverie when the realization hit her at the thought of how late she had stayed out.
Ravenna got on her feet, picked up her box, and started walking- no, running- when she heard the strange rustling of leaves. She had only gotten closer to the mansion when its sight greeted her view.
Though traces of its ruins and scorched pieces, it retained its beauty. Home, she thought. And for once over the long hectic and tiring day, Ravenna's lips curled upwards to a genuine smile. She was back to her safer haven, away from reality.
She walked towards the mansion, unaware that a raven had perched on top of a tree, its black irises making ugly shadows of flames as it watched her, till she reached the door and into the house.
***
Ravenna walked into the house with a tired sigh. She dropped the box at a corner and set the small bag on the nearby couch, taking away her drenched hood.
"Alaric," she called, walking towards the furnace that seemed to have died a long time ago, indicating someone had put them off.
Strange, Ravenna thought. Why would he have them put off considering the condition of the weather? The darkness within was unsettling and the furnace warmth was absent.
"Alaric," she whispered. She looked at the curtain that was left open and the window pane ajar, letting in the breeze to sweep the curtains.
Ravenna's brows furrowed at the sight of it, wondering if he forgot to close them while he waited. The reason was clear, but a part of her didn't buy it. No matter what, Alaric was always wary of his surroundings and wouldn't put their safety at risk. He was always fond of the darkness as she was fond of the comfort it brought and not the solace.
She had pictured him waiting at the entrance, watching from the window, and reciting his daily prayer whilst waiting for her return. She had pictured his big eyes widening at the sight of her, the excitement bubbling over them both at each other's warm embrace.
But here she was, at home not to find his shadow. Ravenna felt uneasy with this feeling. She approached the window, shutting the curtains in a jiffy and stepping back almost immediately.
Her heart didn't stop its wild beating when she took that step. If Alaric wasn't here, then it could only mean one thing.
And with that, she hurried upwards and assembled before a wooden door. Dear heavens… she found herself praying when she held the knob and pushed the door open, to be greeted by the tired creaking of the old door and the sight of an empty bed.
Ravenna could swear her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach at this. She managed to move her legs and walk into the room, shutting the door as quietly as possible, and letting it lock with that same old creak.
Her breath caught. "Alaric?" Her voice was barely audible when she called. Fear gripped her insides. He would never leave the curtains open, especially on a stormy night. He would never leave his window as he waited for her return, unless…
Unless he was fighting his nightmares again.
A faint whimper responded and Hannah's eyes scanned the room. Where was he?
Suddenly, she spotted a slight movement under the bed. Alaric's small frame was hidden, shaking uncontrollably.
Hannah rushed to his side, gently coaxing him out. "Alaric, it's me. You're safe." Her heart clenched at the state she found him in.
But he continued shaking when Ravenna pulled him into her embrace. She almost regretted it, judging from how drenched and cold she was, but the feeling of the heat spread across her body without remorse.
He was burning and she was shivering.
"Shh," she coaxed, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "It's Ravenna. It's me, Alaric. No need to fear. No one is coming. I'm here."
"R-ravenna?"
Ravenna trembled when she heard the fear in that small whisper, and the broken words made her heart clench firmly. "Yes, it's me. It's Ravenna."
Alaric's eyes were wide with terror as they locked onto hers. "R-ravenna… I-I saw him again… I-I saw him… He's coming for me."
Ravenna's grip tightened around her brother. "No one is coming. No one is here. You're safe with me. It was just another night-"
"It wasn't," her brother whispered. "This time, t-they held me. All seven of them. They whispered strange words and… and I was burning… burning in their flames… burning in their sins."