POV: Ice
The field stretched endlessly beneath the pale afternoon sky, wildflowers swaying like trembling witnesses beneath the soft wind. Beauty like this wasn't supposed to coexist with dread—but the ancient castle standing at the center made it possible. Its stone walls were blackened with history, its towers piercing the heavens like judgmental fingers. Anyone who saw it would think twice about stepping closer.
Ice didn't flinch. She never did.
She stood beside her fathers near the balcony overlooking the field, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
"Ice, I think it's time we return to Country P." Mr. Sochai's voice came firm, cold with resolve.
The words hit harder than expected.
She didn't move. "We agreed we would never return."
"Exactly, what are we going back for?" Mr. Keerin stepped forward, one hand protectively on her shoulder.
Mr. Sochai exhaled, turning away from the peaceful view as though it disgusted him. "Work. Trouble. Things that should've been dead but refuse to stay buried."
"I refuse." Keerin's voice sharpened. "Not after what happened with Raven—and with Ice. You can't drag us back into that hell."
"Exactly, Father." Ice added, standing straighter. "We just found stability here. Raven needs me. His company only just regained balance."
"He isn't coming with us." The statement cut through them like a blade.
Both Ice and Keerin whipped around.
"What?"
Sochai's gaze didn't waver. "He stays."
"We are not going anywhere." Keerin's tone was low, dangerous. He stepped forward, chest squared. "I will not abandon him. Not again."
"He isn't a child anymore. Stop treating him like one."
Ice swallowed. Her heartbeat remained steady, yet something inside her twisted. They were talking about Raven's future like he wasn't flesh and blood—like he wasn't hers to protect.
"Dad." Her voice lowered. "Raven's life is not a chess piece. If we vanish, he'll look for us. He'll follow. And then you'll drag him right back into danger."
"No buts, Ice." Sochai said sternly. "It's safer if no one knows he's from Country P. That is the only way we can shield him."
Ice clenched her jaw. She didn't shout. She didn't argue.
But that was when the fear truly set in.
Not for herself.
For Raven.
—
POV: Thanin
Smoke coiled lazily across the ceiling of Thanin's office, the dim lights casting long shadows across the obsidian décor. Dark marble floors. Black leather seating. Tinted windows overlooking nothing but threats waiting to happen.
" Well, the company looks mysterious" thanin said.
" You love mysterious things bro, here the company portfolio" Dante replied passing him some documents.
" Raven, what a unique name " thanin replied as the taste of the name lingered on his tongue.
" Here's his picture got it for an Intel. This company has quite a backing" Dante replied.
Shocked and excited, thanin could not get his eyes off the picture before him. It was the very person he had being thinking off.
" Hey bro, what's with the mischievous smile " Dante asked a little lost.
" Found my little meow " thanin replied with a wild grin.
" Oh oh , why do I smell something heated " Dante asked.
" Not just heated man, a lot of sexy things is about to go down " thanin replied.
" Oops, I seriously feel sorry for him "
" Well, I don't think you should " thanin replied.
" Still, we can't barge into his company just like that ".
" Says who " thanin asked
" This company isn't the Mafia type, it's a normal one. We need to schedule a meeting with them " Dante explained painfully.
" Meeting ? "
" Yes meeting "
Decision made.
"We're visiting his company."
"What?" Dante sputtered. "Are you insane? That's a dumb move."
Thanin turned slowly, gaze lethal. "Are you… telling me no?"
Silence.
"Thought so."
As they moved toward the exit, Dante sighed. "You're going to get arrested someday, and I won't bail you out. Ice is already ignoring me, man. I'm in emotional crisis here."
Thanin didn't even spare him a glance.
"That's your problem."
Dante groaned louder. "You really need to get laid or get therapy."
Thanin smirked.
"Maybe I'll do both."
---
POV: Raven
Raven's office was warm. Too warm. He'd turned off the AC three times and turned it back on again five.
Anxiety made him fidgety. Ice sitting on his couch, legs crossed like a monarch surveying her kingdom, didn't help.
She stared at the interior like she was memorizing it. Like she was trying to freeze the image in her mind.
He knew what that meant.
She was leaving.
"We're returning to Country P." she said at last, voice flat.
Raven stilled. "Why? I thought your parents swore never to set foot there again."
"It's just me and my dads. You're not coming."
Silence.
Then—
"What?" He shot up from his chair. "You can't be serious. You know how long I've been waiting to go back."
She finally met his gaze. There was no softness in her voice. Only iron.
"Raven. If anyone finds out you're from Country P, you'll be dead before you even pack a bag. What happened three years ago—"
He flinched.
Her eyes softened briefly. "I refuse to watch it repeat. You're strong. You'll survive without me. Just—don't break beyond repair."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
His voice trembled. "How long?"
She exhaled. "No idea."
He laughed bitterly. "So you're abandoning me without an ETA. How generous."
She stood. Walked past him. Paused at the door.
Then, without turning—
"One more thing. Thanin—"
His heartbeat stuttered.
"Don't let him break your heart. Because if he does… I'll break his bones."
She left before he could reply.
Raven stood frozen, throat tight, pulse racing.
Her words echoed.
Thanin.
He hadn't even told her.
How did she—
The door clicked behind her.
He exhaled shakily.
And that was when he realized:
She wasn't the only storm approaching.