Raven's POV
Raven pushed open the wooden door of her small orphanage room and stepped inside, her jaw clenched so tightly it hurt.
She didn't bother lighting a lamp.
The room remained dark, except for the pale moonlight spilling through the window.
Seraphielle.
Just hearing that name again made her blood boil.
She walked to the window, staring out at the silent courtyard below. Her hands were shaking from anger she could no longer contain.
A soft whisper curled behind her.
"Still angry, I see…"
Morrivayne materialized into her true form—tall, ethereal, wickedly beautiful—floating just a few inches off the ground. Her red eyes glowed faintly as she circled Raven like a shadow given life.
"It seems," Morrivayne purred, "that your dear goddess is trying to meddle in your life again."
Raven's teeth ground together.
"Why now? What does she want?"
Morrivayne drifted closer, her smile sharp and cruel. She reached out and let her fingers trail along Raven's cheek—burning red marks like flames appearing beneath the skin, only to vanish as soon as the touch lifted. The pain was sharp, biting, but Raven barely reacted.
She was too angry to feel it.
Morrivayne's hand slid down to Raven's neck… then stopped over her heart.
"She isn't satisfied," Morrivayne whispered.
"That was never the punishment she wanted for you."
Raven's eyes narrowed. "Say it."
Morrivayne's grin widened.
"She wanted you to die," she said sweetly.
"In every life you reincarnate into. Brutally. Over and over again, until eternity grows bored of your suffering."
Raven's fists clenched.
Morrivayne moved behind her, sliding her arms around Raven's torso like a lover embracing her from behind.
Burning handprints flashed across Raven's skin wherever Morrivayne touched, fading only after she pulled away.
"But now that she cannot reach you…"
Morrivayne's voice dropped to a whisper against Raven's ear.
"She will simply send others to kill you. Again. And again."
What do you mean by she can't reach me ..? Raven asked confused.
Morphine smiled maliciously and leaned close to Raven's ear, whispering, "I've kept you hidden from her. She can't see what you're doing or planning. She can't control your life or your decisions. She doesn't know anything about you, and that scares her a little. That's why she sent someone to kill you." She hugged Raven tightly. "And she won't stop until she sees you dead. You're a threat to her."
Raven exhaled slowly, but it wasn't calm.
It was fury.
"That damned goddess…"
Her voice shook with rage.
"I'll kill her."
Morrivayne smiled, dark and delighted.
"Oh? And how will you do that, little one?"
"She wants my life?"
Raven turned, her eyes burning with a cold, lethal fire.
"Let her try. I'll become stronger—stronger than anything she sends."
A quiet, dangerous breath.
"And when the day comes who's will dies first."
Morivine laughed loudly, as if she enjoyed seeing Raven angry.
⸻——
Lyria's POV
Lyria Waking Up Determined to See Raven
Lyria jolted awake in her bed, heart pounding.
Her cheeks were still damp—she had cried herself to sleep.
For a moment she just sat there, breathing shakily, staring at the morning light slowly creeping through the curtains.
Raven walked away.
Raven is hiding something terrible.
Raven is hurting.
The thoughts wound around her chest like a tightening ribbon.
"I can't just sit here," she whispered to herself.
She threw off the blankets, stood up, and paced. The palace was quiet, the servants barely awake—but her heart was loud, restless.
"I'm going to see her."
She didn't care if Raven pushed her away again.
She didn't care if Raven tried to pretend everything was fine.
Lyria clenched her fists with a determination that surprised even her.
"I won't let her face anything alone."
She dressed quickly, brushed her hair with trembling hands, and took a deep breath.
Today.
I will see Raven.
And this time—
She swore she wouldn't let Raven slip away again.
The moment I woke, I already knew what I wanted—
No, needed—to do.
I'm going to see Raven.
What happened yesterday… the way Raven walked away without a word, hiding something dark and hurting alone…
It left a small, quiet ache in my chest.
So today, I would try again.
I'd get closer—slowly, gently.
I'd earn her trust, and maybe, one day… she would open her heart to me.
It was still early morning. I chose simple clothes and pulled a cloak over them to hide my identity. With careful steps, I slipped out of the palace, avoiding every guard—even Cara.
The streets of Aurelia were still half-asleep when I reached the marketplace. Most shops were closed, and a cool breeze drifted between the buildings. I walked carefully, head low, terrified someone might recognize me.
I paused at a bakery. The warm scent of fresh bread filled the air, comforting, soft.
Perfect for the children.
I bought a bundle of pastries and continued toward the orphanage. When I arrived at the garden gate, I stopped and pressed a hand to my chest.
You can do this, Lyria. Just… get closer to her. One step at a time.
I took a deep breath—
Then another—
But before I could open the gate, mother Mary appeared.
She didn't recognize me at first beneath the cloak.
"May I help you?" she asked politely.
I lifted the hood and smiled.
"Oh— I was passing by and saw these pastries… I thought I'd bring them for the children."
A harmless lie. I wasn't ready to admit I came here for Raven.
Mother Mary's face softened.
"That is very kind of you, Princess. Please, come in."
I followed her inside, trying to slow my heartbeat.
After a few moments of silence, I gathered the courage to speak.
"Um… is Raven here?"
"She's in the kitchen," mother Mary replied warmly. "Preparing breakfast. Go on."
My steps grew slower and more nervous with each hallway I crossed. By the time I reached the kitchen door, my heart felt like it was trying to escape my chest.
Inside, Raven stood at the counter, chopping vegetables with such focus that she didn't notice us at all. Her movements were skillful, smooth, precise.
I couldn't look away.
"Raven," mother Mary called.
No response.
Mother Mary sighed, walked over, and gently smacked her on the head.
"I've been calling you."
Raven blinked, rubbing her head.
"Sorry, I didn't hear you."
"We have a guest today," mother mary said. "She was nearby and brought pastries for the children."
Raven turned toward me slowly.
Her eyes met mine.
And just like that—
My entire face heated, my heart thundered so loudly I was certain she could hear it.
Mother Mary excused herself, leaving us alone.
Raven set the knife down and walked toward me. With every step, my breath grew shorter. She stopped just in front of me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from her.
"…Where's Cara?" she asked quietly.
I couldn't speak.
"You came alone?" she pressed, stepping even closer.
My gaze fell to the floor, my throat tight.
Then—
Her fingers touched my chin, lifting my face gently until I had no choice but to meet her eyes.
I shivered.
"Do you realize how dangerous this is for you?" she whispered.
"There are threats after you, Princess . What would you do if another of Lord Cassian's followers attacked? You can't even defend yourself."
Her concern hit me harder than her words.
But all I could think was:
She's so close.
She's too close.
My heart is going to explode.
"Why aren't you answering?" Raven asked softly, confusion in her tone. "Didn't I tell you I'd come to the palace today?"
Still, nothing came out of my mouth.
Raven sighed and stepped back, returning to the counter.
"Since you left so early, I'm guessing you didn't eat breakfast?"
I finally found my voice.
"Uh—I… no. Not yet."
"I'm cooking for the children," she said without looking up. "It isn't much, but you're welcome to join."
"Yes!"
My answer came too fast.
"I mean—yes, I'd love to… if that's okay."
I moved to stand beside her.
"I didn't know you could cook," I said.
Raven shrugged lightly.
"I learned a bit while traveling. And I enjoy it."
She glanced at the pastries I brought.
"Thanks for getting those for the kids."
"Oh—um—yes. I passed the bakery and smelled the bread and… couldn't resist."
Raven's eyebrows lowered.
"Princess … I know you don't like being guarded, but you're in real danger. You can't keep sneaking out alone. Please don't be reckless again."
Her voice wasn't strict—it was worried.
That alone made something warm bloom in my chest.
"I just wanted to check on you…" I whispered. "After what happened yesterday. You were angry. And you didn't speak to us before leaving. I was… worried."
Raven paused mid–whisking eggs.
"I'm fine now," she said calmly.
"I just needed time."
A lie. I felt it.
But I didn't push.
She gave me a small smirk.
"So, Princess… you came to see me, hm? I thought you said you were here for the children."
My face instantly burned.
"I—I was nearby! So I thought I'd… visit them. And also—maybe—check on you…"
Raven laughed softly.
Laughing.
It was the first time I'd seen her laugh.
"You're welcome here anytime," she said.
Breakfast with the children was warm and loud—messy laughter, crumbs everywhere, bright eyes and tiny voices.
So different from the palace's quiet, formal meals.
This is… actually fun.
When we finished and helped mother Mary with chores, Raven walked me back toward the palace.
The streets of Aurelia were full of life now—children running, shopkeepers calling out. A sweets shop shouted new offers, and I slowed instinctively.
Raven noticed.
"Do you want to go in?"
"No," I said too quickly. "It's fine."
"Well, I do," she said, smirking. "If there's something good, I'll buy it for the kids."
I knew she was doing it for me.
My smile gave me away.
Inside, the shopkeeper greeted us excitedly. Raven bought cakes and sweets and sent them to the orphanage. I bought too many pastries—nervous, excited, happy.
Before we left, the shopkeeper offered us a new drink from a distant city.
I sipped it and immediately frowned.
"Ugh—it's so bitter."
Raven took a sip, closed her eyes briefly, and whispered, "Finally…"
"You like it?" I asked, shocked.
"It's delicious," she said, then asked for three bags to be delivered to the orphanage.
I hesitated, then said,
"I'll buy five bags too."
Raven blinked at me.
"I thought you didn't like it."
"I didn't say I didn't like it," I defended quickly. "I said it's bitter. With some sugar, it will be fine."
Raven chuckled, shaking her head.
We left the shop and continued toward the palace—
And for the first time in a long time…
I felt light.
Like walking next to her made the whole world a little warmer.