After finishing my conversation with Cobra, we agree to meet again and head for the city at dawn. I waste no time and rush home to pack my belongings. Luckily, when I arrive, Pepe is already in his room, fast asleep. I quietly slip into my room and close the door.
For a moment, I pause, taking in the place I'd called home since I was nine, ever since my mother passed away, and Pepe took me in.
The walls are painted a soft purple, and posters of my favorite mages cover nearly every inch. A neat collection of mage figurines line the shelves, each one crafted with stunning detail. To a stranger, this room would seem like it belonged to a child, but to me, it was my sanctuary. The thought of leaving it behind made my heart ache.
I shake the feeling off and pull a large travel bag from under my bed, quickly stuffing it with clothes and essentials. My hands move quickly with purpose. The faster I finish, the better.
Once packed, I linger for a moment, my gaze falling on my figurines. I reach for my favorite one, El Destructor, an underdog mage that came into the scene four years ago and rose to the top, destroying every opponent he'd gone up against in the King's Tournament.
He was not only strong but also charismatic. He'd won both the tournament and the hearts of the people.
Meeting him was definitely a lifelong goal of mine.
Without hesitation, I reach for it. Into the bag it goes.
I'm about to slip out of my room when a thought stops me mid-step: Pepe.
I grimace. I could just leave without telling him, but somehow, that doesn't sit right with me. Pepe, for all his faults, had taken care of me for almost ten years. This was the least I could do.
I walk over to the bed, open the drawer of my nightstand, and pull out a piece of paper along with a quill. Sitting down, I quickly write a short note, thanking him and letting him know that I'm leaving for good.
He will be furious when he finds it. But by then, I'd be long gone.
I read over my note one more time, ensuring It's perfect. Then I leave it on the bed.
Moving carefully, I cross the hallway, making sure not to wake Pepe. His door remains closed. I stop at the kitchen and grab a couple of apples for the ride to the city.
Just as I'm about to slip out, Pepe's door swings open. My heart leaps into my throat, but I don't hesitate—I dive behind a table, holding my breath.
Pepe strolls into the kitchen, grabs a pitcher, and fills a cup with water. I stay frozen, praying he doesn't hear the frantic pounding of my heart. He takes a long drink, lingering far too long for my liking.
Just when I think it's safe, he starts heading straight toward me.
Crap.
I squeeze my eyes shut and silently chant, Don't come any closer. Don't come any closer.
If he catches me now, it's over. My chance at a better life will be gone before it even has the chance to start.
Pepe stops right at the table.
"Raven?" he calls, uncertainty in his voice.
I don't move. I don't even breathe.
He rubs his eyes and squints into the dim room.
This is it. I'm done for.
But then, to my amazement, he shakes his head and mutters, "I must be seeing things," before turning away and disappearing down the hallway.
The moment he's back in his room, I don't waste a second. I bolt out of the house.
When I'm sure there's enough distance between me and the house, I turn around to take one last look at my old home.
Sadness swells in my chest, but I force myself to face forward and keep running.
I wish you nothing but the best, Pepe, take care and goodbye.