When Raven's mother died, her aunt was quick to adopt her. Growing up, Raven always went to hunt with her aunt's husband, Asher, while her cousin stayed with her mother learning herbs.
Among her peers, Raven was the best hunter, winning every competition. That was until Kenji came to Huntherb and stole her spotlight.
" I still can't believe I became second." She muttered to herself disappointed. Girls were surrounding Kenji, complimenting him-something they used to do for her.
She gritted her teeth. "Those little snitches!"
Her cousin came to her side. She was only a few months older than her, yet mature and kind. She wore a cross on her neck, and had a cross shaped scar on her cheek. A scar she had gotten from her bullies when she said she wanted to be a nun.
" I lost." She told her. Shimei only shook her head smiling.
" Of course you did."
" That's not supposed to make me feel good. Is it?"
Shimei laughed. " Wait! Don't tell me you expect to win every time in your life. Huh?"
" You told me to be positive. "
" Be realistic."
Raven gave a shrug.
" I don't like that Kenji guy."
Shimei raised her brows at her in disbelief . She laughed. " You barely like anyone."
" I like you. "
Shimei coughed at the sentence.
" Ahh... You really got a talent."
Both fell silent as they looked at Kenji talking to some old men. Because of the way he was smiling, the two cousins assumed he was accepting compliments.
Raven felt a sting of jealousy in her heart and looked away. Her eyes fell on a woven basket in Shimei's hands. She looked inside. There were different kinds of herbs, including the dreamshade.
Seeing the dumb look on Raven's face, Shimei wanted to explain the herbs things to her. But knowing that Raven wouldn't even be able to stuff it in her head, she let go of the idea.
" It's useless!" She mumbled.
Raven's eyes remained fixed on her. She decided to change the subject.
" Do you remember a disease... " Shimei seemed to not know how to explain.
" Do you remember when we were sent to Melgold to help them with their patients?"
" It has already been two years. You told me none of the sick patients survived."
Shimei nodded looking down. That memory clung to her mind as if thousands of needles were piercing it. It also left a hole in her heart. Yet she gave a small smile. She seemed like she wanted to tell her something, but she held back.
" I'm going to Simi's."
Raven subconsciously glanced at the scar. She frowned.
Simi was one of the bullies who used to bully Shimei as a kid. She was the exact person who had gifted her with that scar.
" I will go with you."
Shimei simply shook her head.
" I will go somewhere else after that and then to the church. Plus father needs you to help with the... Uh, you know, hunting things."
" Where is that somewhere else?"
Shimei frowned. " Somewhere else."
Since Shimei didn't want to tell her, she decided not to push her. Instead she persuaded her not to go at Simi's.
" Her mother is sick."
Raven frowned. " That's exactly what she told you last week. Only to humiliate you. "
" She might not be lying now. I don't want to regret later."
" I don't like her. "
" Me neither, but..." Shimei subconsciously touched her scar. Raven was sure she still felt the pain of the scar. " I'm going anyway."
" You really are too good."
Shimei looked at her. " No."
" No I am not."
Tears streamed down her face as she recalled those memories. She silently wiped her own tears. Only Liza's steady breathing could be heard in the room. Raven caressed the cross on her neck. It was the exact one Shimei wore at that time.
Early next morning, Will, Jaden and Liza went back to the pavilion. The pavilion was in total chaos. Guards were every where. Some kept a close watch on pavilion dwellers. The fact that they were able to sneak out and meet Raven and Kenji was a miracle.
Raven and Kenji stayed together.
Kenji's eyes fell on the cross on Raven's neck. Seeing what he was looking at, Raven looked at him. Their eyes locked.
Raven decided to tuck the cross in her clothes but Kenji held her hand halfway.
His cold hand made Raven flinch. It made Raven think of Kenji's wounds. She wondered if he was fine. Kenji let go of her.
The silence between them got awkward.
Raven cleared her throat. " Uh, thanks?"
Kenji gave her a sideways glance. " You're stupid."
Raven instantly became annoyed. " What?!"