Chapter 17: The Calm before another Storm
"Raena..."
It was rather a familiar voice.
"Raena..."
Somehow, it sounded like her grandma.
It took her some time before the princess, now considered a witch, realized it was just a dream.
Raena awoke slowly, her surroundings swimming into focus.
The first thing she noticed was the sterile scent of antiseptics mingling with the faint smell of lavender, a peculiar but oddly comforting combination.
"Mhm... where... where am I?"
As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she realized she was in the academy's infirmary.
The moonlight filtered through the window, casting a silvery glow over the room. Medical equipment and neatly arranged bottles lined the shelves, confirming her suspicions.
She tried to piece together the fragments of her memory, but everything was a blur. As she raised her hand, she saw her finger, the one that had unleashed the devastating "finger of death."
Raena bit her lip again.
The memory of that power surged through her, a mix of awe and fear washing over her.
"The governess never told me about that technique..."
You can see from her eyes the pure ecstasy from what she had done.
It was as if, somehow, the innocent princess they started calling a witch had finally proved herself in front of everyone... that she mattered, anyway.
She was starting to get the hang of it. Perhaps if she continues improving, the others will back off her. Or so she thought.
She was about to revel in her newfound strength when a movement from the shadows caught her attention.
A cloaked figure emerged, moving with the silent grace of a predator.
Raena's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the mysterious professor from the banquet, his features obscured by the hood of his cloak. His presence was unsettling, his aura reminiscent of the Shadowmen she had encountered in her past.
"Who are you?" Raena demanded, her voice trembling but determined.
The professor stepped closer, his face still hidden in the shadows.
"Your power is formidable, but it is far from sufficient if you seek justice for our family," he said in a low, gravelly whisper.
"Our family?" Raena repeated, confusion mingling with curiosity. What is this guy yapping?
The professor reached into his cloak and pulled out a small pin, holding it up to the moonlight.
It gleamed darkly, the unmistakable shape of a raven – the sigil of House Ravenscroft!
"How... How is that possible?"
Raena's eyes widened in shock. "You... you're one of us?"
He nodded slowly, lowering his hood to reveal a face etched with lines of hardship and wisdom. "I am your uncle, Raena. I was traded by the Kingdom as a child, a fucking pawn in their game to control our family's power. My brother... yeah, Lord Ravenscroft? He agreed to hide my existence to protect the rest of the family."
Raena was so confused!
She could not believe what was happening right now. How could this possibly be?
Raena's mind raced with the revelation. "I don't... I don't understand! Why tell me now?"
The professor's eyes softened. "Listen to me, you have the potential to change everything. But you need to know the truth, to harness your power fully."
"But—!"
Before Raena could ever defy, she jolted from her bed when her uncle suddenly forwarded himself and sat beside her! And with those eyes... they seem very determined.
"Listen, young raven. This fucking Kingdom... it fears our magic. They always have, and they will always do! That is why you must be prepared for what's to come."
"Uncle... you're confusing me!"
"Shh!" The professor hushed the rattled Raena, trying to calm her down. "Did my mother ever tell you about anything?"
Raena tried to recollect herself before she answered. "Y-you mean Granny Rosaria?"
The older Ravenscroft nodded.
"The Black Rose."
"The Black Rose."
Raena was so shocked when they said the same thing in chorus, at once!
However, the professor was more than pleased. He smiled proudly! "I am on a mission to find this as well. You must search for it, Raena. It was taken away from us, so it must have been somewhere here in the middle of this God-forsaken city."
Just as Raena was about to ask more, a soft knock on the infirmary door interrupted them.
She glanced toward the sound, and when she turned back, her uncle had already vanished, leaving only the raven pin behind.
"Raena?" Vladimir's voice broke through her thoughts as he entered the room.
A wave of relief and warmth washed over Raena at the sight of him.
"Vlad," she whispered, a soft smile curving her lips.
Vladimir moved to her bedside, his eyes filled with concern.
"Are you alright? I was so worried."
Raena nodded, her heart fluttering. "I'm okay, just... tired."
Vladimir reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"You were incredible out there. I knew you had it in you."
Raena felt a blush creep up her cheeks.
"Thank you. I... I had to prove something, not just to them, but to myself."
Vladimir's gaze softened, and he took her hand in his.
"You've already proven more than enough. You're stronger than you think, cutie."
...
Raena could not hear anything for a moment.
C-Cutie?!
What is he even... Ungh, what is he even talking about?
Raena's thoughts flustered throughout her mind, her cheeks burning red!
She was so caught in the remark even Jaime should ask her for tips to make her face burn!
Vlad noticed this, and he could not leave the princess confused.
"I... I mean, y-yeah... Raena. I meant your name."
'Oh my gods, gather yourself, Rae!'
A moment of silence passed between them, charged with unspoken emotions.
Gathering her courage, Raena asked shyly, "Vlad, would you... stay with me tonight? Just until I fall asleep?"
Vladimir's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and then he smiled warmly.
"Of course, Raena. I'll stay as long as you need."
As he settled into the chair beside her bed, Raena felt a sense of peace wash over her. With Vladimir by her side, the looming trials of tomorrow seemed a little less daunting.
"Thank you, Vlad," she murmured, her eyes growing heavy with the comfort of his presence.
He squeezed her hand gently, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves.
"Rest now, Raena. I'll be right here."
Raena closed her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips as she drifted off to sleep, the weight of her uncle's revelation and the comfort of Vladimir's company mingling in her dreams.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone