Lyria's POV
I collapsed onto the training ground, breathing heavily.
The stone beneath me felt cool against my palms as I tried to catch my breath.
Beside me, kara was lying on her back, staring up at the sky while panting just as hard.
"At last…" I said between breaths. "Training is finally over. That was brutal today."
Kara nodded weakly.
Then she turned her head toward Raven.
"I didn't think you'd come at us with that much force."
Raven rested the wooden training sword casually on her shoulder, completely calm — not even slightly out of breath.
"We'll continue training at this level until I see that you've adapted to it," she said. "Then we'll move on to the third stage."
Kara groaned dramatically.
"And how long will we be stuck in this stage?"
Raven shrugged lightly.
"Maybe weeks. Maybe months. Or maybe just days."
She looked at both of us.
"That depends entirely on how fast you learn."
Kara rolled onto her side.
"Well… I hope we finish this stage quickly," she muttered. "Today was exhausting. And painful."
Raven's expression softened slightly.
"I don't think it will take long," she said.
She looked directly at us.
"I trust your strength. And your ability to improve quickly."
A smile formed on my lips.
"Well, if the teacher is excellent," I said playfully, "then of course the students will also be excellent."
Raven extended her hand toward me to help me stand.
I took it.
She pulled me up easily.
But the moment I stood—
My legs trembled.
I nearly lost my balance.
Instinctively, both my hands landed on Raven's shoulders to steady myself.
For a moment—
We were very close.
Too close.
I could feel the warmth of her body.
My heart suddenly began racing, and heat rushed from my neck to my face.
I couldn't lift my head.
I couldn't look into her eyes.
My mind went completely blank.
Then suddenly, I remembered something Ayla had told me before.
"If you get close to Raven… try to act normal. Don't panic."
Act normal.
Right.
I took a slow breath.
I forced my heartbeat to calm.
Then I stepped back and placed a small smile on my face.
"I'm sorry," I said softly. "For grabbing you like that suddenly."
Raven shook her head slightly.
"No need to apologize."
Then she studied my face with mild concern.
"Are you alright? I hope I didn't push you too hard."
I nodded quickly.
"I'm fine," I said with a smile.
"It seems I almost tripped over something."
Raven didn't question it.
Instead she turned and helped Kara to her feet as well.
"Thanks," Kara said.
Then she suddenly asked,
"So… when are we going to look at those houses you mentioned?"
Raven answered immediately.
"We can go now if you're ready."
Kara straightened.
"I'm ready."
I nodded as well.
"So am I," I said. "Just give me a moment to grab a cloak."
Raven smiled faintly.
"Take your time. We'll wait by the front gate."
I nodded and hurried toward the palace.
My heart was still beating faster than usual.
When I reached my room, the first thing I did was call out.
"Patty!"
Within seconds my maid rushed inside.
"Yes, Your Highness. How may I help?"
I sat in front of the mirror.
"Can you braid my hair quickly please ? I don't have much time."
Patty stepped behind me and gently lifted my hair.
"How would you like it styled?"
I thought for a moment.
"A loose braid," I said. "Not tight at all. And don't pull the front strands back."
Patty nodded and began immediately.
Her fingers moved quickly and skillfully.
In less than five minutes she finished.
I looked at my reflection.
"You're very talented," I told her sincerely.
Patty smiled shyly.
"Will you be changing clothes?"
I shook my head.
"No time. Just bring me a cloak."
She walked to the wardrobe.
While she did, I quickly washed the sweat from my face and applied a faint cherry-colored lip tint.
When Patty returned with the cloak, I was already standing.
"Perfect," I said.
I put it on and thanked her before leaving the room.
Then I hurried through the palace corridors.
Toward the front gate.
Where Raven was waiting.
When I reached the front gate, I saw Raven and kara already there, speaking quietly.
For a brief moment, I simply watched them.
Raven stood with her usual relaxed posture, arms loosely crossed, while Kara spoke animatedly about something I couldn't quite hear.
Then Raven noticed me approaching.
I hurried the last few steps.
"Sorry for the delay," I said. "I'm ready now. We can go."
Kara waved her hand dismissively.
"You're not late at all," she said cheerfully. "Let's go."
I nodded, and the three of us began walking down the road that led away from the palace.
I walked between them.
The royal palace stood on a hill slightly outside the capital, about fifteen minutes away from the city on foot. The path downward wound through trees and quiet stone roads before eventually joining the main streets.
The air felt pleasant after the intense training.
For a while we walked in silence.
Then Kara suddenly spoke.
"Hey Raven, can I ask you something?"
Raven glanced at her and nodded.
"Of course. Go ahead."
Kara tilted her head thoughtfully.
"Why do you still live in the orphanage? I mean… you could probably afford a small house by now."
I glanced at Raven as well, I had wondered the same thing.
Raven answered calmly.
"Because I consider everyone in the orphanage my real family."
Her voice softened slightly.
"And because living among them feels more comfortable."
Then suddenly—Her voice changed It became colder More distant.
"And it's not like I'll stay here forever," she said quietly. "The moment I find what I'm looking for… I'll leave. And I won't come back."
My steps slowed.
She'll leave Aurelia…?
A strange unease formed in my chest.
Kara frowned.
"What are you looking for?"
Raven blinked and said "What do you mean?"
"You said you'd leave once you found what you're searching for," Kara replied. "So what is it?"
Raven smiled.
But the smile never reached her eyes. "Did I really say that?" she asked lightly.
"Please ignore it. I must have been talking to myself."
Kara looked at me.
I looked back at her.
We both frowned slightly.
Raven hid many secrets She almost never spoke about herself, She was like a locked door — beautiful, mysterious… and impossible to open.
Soon the road brought us into the city.
People filled the streets, merchants shouted from stalls, and the smell of baked bread and spices drifted through the air.
After a few minutes, we stopped in front of a shop with a large wooden sign:
"Pete's Property House."
We stepped inside.
Behind a desk sat an elderly man, perhaps seventy-eight years old. His hair was completely white, and he wore thick glasses while sorting through piles of documents.
When he noticed us, his face lit up.
"Welcome to my humble shop!"
Then his eyes landed on Raven.
"Oh! Raven, you're here. Please, sit down while I prepare the papers."
Raven sat beside the desk, and Kara and I took the chairs next to her.
"How are you, Mr. Pete?" Raven asked kindly. "I hope your health is good."
The old man laughed in a rough voice.
"Thank you for asking, Raven. I'm quite well. Though I must admit… sitting all day makes me a little tired."
Raven smiled.
"Didn't I tell you to keep moving? Your muscles will stiffen otherwise."
"Yes, yes, I know," he said with a wave of his hand. "But I've been very busy with all these documents lately."
He sighed.
Then with a small gesture he used wind magic to lift a stack of papers and gently slide them across the desk toward Raven.
"These are houses that match the requirements you gave me," he said. "My son Eden will arrive soon to take you on a tour so you can inspect them personally."
Raven nodded and began examining the papers.
After reading several pages, she handed some to Kara and me.
Each sheet contained details about a different house.
Location.
Number of rooms.
Size of the land.
Price.
Less than five minutes later, the shop door opened.
A tall man with broad shoulders stepped inside. His hair was short and brown, and his eyes were the same color.
"Father, I'm back," he said. "Sorry I'm late. I had to take my wife to the doctor."
Then he noticed Raven.
"I'm sorry, Raven. I should have come earlier."
Raven shook her head.
"We just arrived ourselves, Eden. You're not late."
He sighed with relief.
"That's good."
Then he looked at all of us.
"Are you ready to go?"
Raven stood.
Before leaving, she looked back at the old man.
"Please take care of your health, Mr. Pete."
He chuckled.
"I will."
We stepped outside and began walking toward the first house.
As we walked, Eden asked,
"Are these your friends, Raven?"
Raven nodded.
"Yes. This is Kara."
Then she glanced at me for a moment before continuing.
"And this is Lyria. They're helping me choose a suitable place."
Eden smiled.
"Nice to meet you both. I'm Eden — Raven's friend."
Then he laughed.
"Even though there's quite an age difference between us, we somehow became friends."
Kara and I both smiled politely.
"Nice to meet you too."
Raven looked at him.
"You mentioned taking Rachel to the doctor?"
"Oh, don't worry," Eden said quickly. "She's fine. As you know, she's pregnant, and the due date is getting close. We just wanted to make sure the baby is healthy."
His smile widened.
"It's our first child, so… we're very excited."
Raven's expression softened.
"I'm happy for you."
"Thank you."He pointed ahead. "And here we are. The first house."
It was a two-story building We went inside to inspect it But the rooms were small, There weren't many of them either, and the entire place felt old and cramped.
After we finished looking around, Raven turned to us.
"What do you think?"
Kara spoke first. "I don't know… but I don't really like it."
I nodded.
"I agree. It feels old… and too small."
Raven nodded as well. "I think so too."
Eden shrugged.
"That's fine. We still have three more houses to see."
He smiled confidently. "I'm sure one of them will suit you."
We walked to the second house, When we arrived at the gate, Raven frowned slightly before we even entered.
"Doesn't this look smaller than the place I live in now?"
She checked the information sheet again.
"It doesn't have a backyard either," she added. "And the front garden is very small."
Kara shook her head.
"I don't think it could fit all the children."
Eden nodded. "You're right. No need to inspect it." , He gestured down the road. "Let's move to the next one."
Ten minutes later we reached the third house.
It stood near the center of the city.
The streets around it were lively and crowded with market stalls and shouting merchants.
Inside the gate was a large garden. The house itself was spacious.
Many rooms.
A large kitchen.
A wide living room.
And a large backyard.
Raven looked around and nodded.
"This place is ideal," she said. "It's big enough for everyone."
Kara nodded.
"Yes, it's great."
I hesitated.
Then I spoke carefully.
"You're right… it's large and the gardens are perfect for children."
"But…"
Raven looked at me.
"But what?"
I clasped my hands together.
"I don't think the location is suitable."
Kara frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"This house is in the middle of the market district," I explained. "Children need a peaceful environment. Somewhere quiet — away from the noise of the city."
Then I quickly added,
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to interfere with your decision. If you like this place, I was only giving my opinion."
Raven looked at me silently for a moment.
Then she nodded and said with a smile . "No need to apologize."
She glanced around the noisy streets.
"You're right. A quiet environment is better for children."
Then she turned to Eden.
"Do you have any houses located away from the market?"
Eden nodded.
"Actually… the last one is on the edge of the city." He smiled. "And it's just as large as this one."
Raven nodded.
"Good."
She started walking toward the road.
"Let's go see it."
After walking for a while, the noisy market slowly faded behind us.
The loud voices of merchants, the clatter of carts, and the constant hum of the city became distant echoes. The air itself seemed calmer here.
Soon we reached a quieter district.
It was greener.
Small houses stood neatly in rows, each with gardens full of flowers and trees. The streets were clean and peaceful, and the wind carried the scent of grass instead of smoke and spices.
It was… beautiful.
We walked a little farther until Eden finally stopped. "We're here," he said.
I looked up.
The house before us was enormous.
Three floors tall.
A wide front garden stretched before it, filled with several tall trees whose branches swayed gently in the breeze. Behind the house I could already see a vast backyard that almost resembled a small forest.
Even more surprising—
The house stood slightly apart from the others. A large empty space surrounded it, giving it privacy and silence.
"This place…" I whispered.
"It's perfect."
Eden smiled.
"Let's check the inside too."
We stepped inside the house.
The first floor opened into a large living room.
Tall windows stretched nearly from floor to ceiling, letting sunlight pour into the room. The golden light made the wooden floors glow warmly.
The entire space felt open and welcoming.
From there we moved into the kitchen.
It was also large, already fitted with shelves, counters, and storage spaces. Only cooking tools were missing.
As I turned, I noticed Raven A faint smile rested on her face.
A real one.
It seemed she liked the house too.
After we finished exploring the interior, we stepped outside into the backyard.
The grass stretched far behind the house, dotted with large trees that provided shade. Birds fluttered through the branches.
It truly looked like a small woodland.
Eden crossed his arms proudly.
"Each floor has ten rooms and two large bathrooms," he explained. "The rooms are spacious, not small like the previous houses."
He gestured around.
"As you can see, the garden is perfect for children. It's far from the noise of the city, but not isolated either."
Then he pointed toward the road.
"There's a bakery five minutes away in that direction. And a vegetable shop right next to it."
Finally he looked at Raven.
"So, what do you think? If it's not what you want, I can search for more places."
Raven looked around once more Then she smiled. "I think this is exactly the place I was looking for."She turned toward us , "What do you think?"
kara nodded immediately.
"I think it's the perfect place."
I smiled as well. "I like it too. It's spacious, and it looks new. All the children would fit comfortably here."
Eden grinned.
"So… is that a yes?"
Raven nodded.
"Yes. I'll buy it."
Eden's face lit up with excitement.
He extended his hand, and Raven shook it.
"I'll prepare all the paperwork," he said eagerly. "You can come tomorrow to sign everything, and the place will officially be yours."
Raven nodded.
"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow."
After that, Eden left.
The three of us remained standing on the quiet street.
I looked at Raven and smiled.
"Congratulations on your new home."
"Thank you," she replied softly.
Kara suddenly smacked Raven's shoulder with a loud thump.
"Congratulations!" she said enthusiastically. "Now you finally have a house of your own!"
Raven laughed quietly.
"Thank you, Kara."
Then she added calmly,
"But the contract will be in mother Mary's name. The house will belong to her."
Kara blinked in confusion.
"What?!"
She stared at Raven.
"Why in her name? Why not yours? Don't you want a house under your own name?"
Raven simply shrugged. "What would I do with such a big house under my name?"
She added casually,
"And besides… I already own a house."
Kara's eyes widened. "You do? Where?"
"In Azeria," Raven replied calmly.
I stared at her in surprise.
"You have a house in Azeria?"
She nodded.
Kara looked even more shocked.
"Since when? And why buy a house there instead of here in Aurelia?"
Raven spoke without looking at us.
"I travel a lot," she said. "So I needed a fixed place to return to."
Then she continued calmly. "And its location is ideal. To the east lies Noctharyn Dominion."
"To the west is the Ashfall Wastes — the place where the first gate opened."
My breath caught slightly Everyone knew that name.
The cursed land where monsters had first appeared in the world.
Raven continued.
"To the north is Sylvarien." . "And to the south lies Port Valtheris."
She shrugged lightly. "So Azeria is the perfect location for someone who travels often."
Kara stared at her in amazement. "You've been to all those places?!"
Raven shook her head slightly.
"Not all of them. Just a few."
Kara leaned closer.
"Have you been to the demon kingdom too?"
Raven answered casually.
"Yes."
I stopped walking for a moment.
"You've really been to the Demon Lands?"
Raven nodded.
"Yes. But I didn't stay long. Only a few days."
"What were you doing there?" I asked.
"It wasn't my destination," she replied. "I was simply resting there after a long journey."
Kara looked confused.
"They allowed you inside? They didn't attack you?"
Raven frowned slightly.
"Why would they attack me?"
Then she added quietly,
"You seem to have the wrong idea about them."
"They're not as terrible as the other kingdoms claim. They're actually peaceful… if you treat them well."
I stared at her in disbelief.
"What are you talking about?" I said. "They're a savage race. They've killed many humans."
Raven replied without looking at me. "They only killed to defend themselves."Then she added calmly. "Didn't your king summon heroes from another world to assassinate the Demon Queen Nythera?"
Kara suddenly froze.
"Wait."
She looked at Raven with wide eyes.
"Do you… know the Demon Queen?"
Raven said nothing.
She only smiled.
A small, mysterious smile.
Kara looked at me in shock.
I simply shrugged.
Kara turned back to Raven, staring at her.
"Raven… what was that smile? Do you actually know the Demon Queen?"
Raven blinked innocently.
"What do you mean? What smile?"
She stretched slightly.
"I didn't say anything."
Then she turned and started walking.
"Well, we've been standing here long enough."
She glanced back at us.
"If you both have time… how about I treat you to something? I know a place you'll definitely like."
Kara groaned.
"Raven! Don't change the subject! You still haven't answered my question!"
But Raven simply smiled.
"Come on. Let's go. I don't want us to be late."
I followed her.
"Raven… where are we going?"
She looked back at us with a playful smile.
"It's a surprise."
And with that, we began walking back toward the heart of the city.
We stopped in front of a large building filled with people coming and going. Laughter, conversation, and the clinking of dishes drifted out through the open doors.
I looked at Raven with curiosity.
"Raven… what place is this?"
She folded her arms casually and said,
"This is one of the most famous restaurants in all of Aurelia."
She gestured toward the lively building.
"They serve dishes you probably haven't tasted before. And since you like sweets…" she added, glancing at me, "they also serve desserts from many different cities."
The moment she mentioned sweets, I felt excitement bubble inside me.
Raven continued,
"This place is also a meeting point for travelers. You'll see many unfamiliar faces here… and many different races."
She looked at us.
"So… do you want to go in?"
Kara shrugged. "I'm a little hungry, so I'm in."
Then Raven looked at me.
"What about you?"
I nodded with a smile.
"If they have desserts… of course I'm coming in."
Raven smiled.
"Then let's go."
We entered the restaurant.
The interior was large and lively, filled with the warm glow of lanterns and the scent of grilled meat, spices, and baked bread.
Just as Raven said, there were many different races inside.
Elegant Elves sat together near the windows, their silver hair shining in the light.
At another table were several members of the Luphar — tall, broad-shouldered people with wolf-like ears and sharp eyes.
The diversity was fascinating.
We walked directly to the bar.
Behind it stood an older woman with kind eyes.
Raven greeted her with a smile.
"Is there a free table?"
The woman squinted at her — then suddenly brightened.
"Oh! Raven! Long time no see!"
She laughed warmly.
"Where have you been all this time?"
Then she waved toward the dining area.
"Of course there's a place for you. There's a table by the window."
"Thank you, Sophie," Raven said.
We walked over and sat down. Sunlight streamed through the window beside us, bathing the table in warm golden light.
I sat beside Raven.
Kara sat across from us.
Less than a minute later a waitress approached our table holding menus.
"Hey Raven!" she said excitedly. "Mom told me you were here but I didn't believe her, so I came to see for myself."
Raven nodded calmly.
"Hi, Kate. I'm doing well. How are you?"
"I'm good," she said cheerfully. "And happy to see you again. So… what will you order?"
Raven glanced briefly at the menu.
"I'll have the Sunfire Herb Chicken."
Then she looked at us.
"What about you two?"
Kara immediately answered.
"I don't care what it is as long as it has meat. Bring me something with meat."
I hesitated.
"I'm not sure what to order…"
Then I looked at Raven.
"I'll have the same thing she's having."
Kate nodded with a smile and walked away.
Kara leaned back in her chair, looking around the busy restaurant.
"There are so many people here," she said. "Most of them don't look like they're from Aurelia."
Raven nodded.
"Many of them are traders or hunters who pass through the city. Aurelia is a common place to rest before continuing their journeys."
Soon Kate returned with our food.
The plates were placed in front of us, steaming and fragrant.
We began eating.
The chicken was tender and perfectly seasoned, accompanied by roasted vegetables glazed with herbs and spices.
When I finished, I leaned back in my chair with a satisfied sigh.
"That was delicious," I said honestly. "The flavors are so rich. I really loved it."
Kara nodded.
"Yeah, I liked it too. It's different from anything I've eaten before."
Raven smiled faintly.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
I hesitated slightly.
"…Can I order dessert now?"
Raven chuckled softly.
"Of course you can. Order whatever you want."
She tilted her head.
"So what would you like?"
I looked toward the dessert display.
There were so many cakes.
Strawberry.
Vanilla.
Chocolate.
Cream.
Fruit.
They all looked amazing.
"I don't know," I admitted. "There are so many… they all look delicious."
Raven thought for a moment.
"Then order one slice of each and see which one you like best."
I shook my head quickly.
"I won't be able to finish them all."
Raven smiled.
"Kara will help you."
Before I could protest, Raven stood and walked to the bar.
A moment later she returned with Kate, both of them carrying several plates.
They placed them on the table.
Kate smiled.
"You sit down, Raven. I'll bring the rest with tea."
Raven nodded and sat beside me again.
"I hope you like them."
There were four plates in front of me, each holding a different slice of cake.
Strawberry.
Vanilla.
Chocolate.
Cream.
Kate returned with two more plates and tea for Kara and me.
Then she left.
I picked up my fork and took a bite of the strawberry cake.
I closed my eyes.
"Mmmm… this is so good."
I tried the vanilla cake next.
"I've never tasted anything like this before."
I looked at Kara.
"You have to try it!"
She took a bite.
"You're right," she said. "This is really good."
Then I noticed Raven watching us.
There was a small smile on her face.
"Why don't you try some too?" I said. "I bet you'll like it."
Raven shook her head.
"Thank you, but I'm fine."
Then she pointed at me.
"There's some chocolate on your face."
I quickly wiped my cheek.
"Not that side," she said calmly. "The other side."
I tried again.
"A little lower."
I tried once more, but apparently I still missed it.
Raven leaned slightly closer.
"Let me help."
The moment her hand moved toward my face—
I froze.
Her thumb gently wiped the small bit of chocolate from the corner of my mouth.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Then she smiled.
"All clean."
My heart started pounding wildly from the moment she leaned closer.
I thought she would wipe her hand with a napkin.
Instead—
She casually licked the chocolate from her thumb.
Then she frowned slightly.
"It's really sweet."
She quickly grabbed her glass and drank some water.
I stared at her in complete shock.
I could feel my face burning.
My heart was beating so loudly I could hear it.
Suddenly—
KICK.
Kara kicked my foot under the table.
I looked at her.
She was smirking.
"Drink some water and calm down."
I slowly picked up my glass and took a sip.
We stayed there for a while, talking about different topics.
But my mind kept drifting.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Back to that moment.
When Raven leaned close.
When her thumb touched my lips.
When she—
I quickly shook the thought away.
Later, when we left the restaurant, Raven offered to walk us back to the palace.
"You must be tired," I said quickly. "We'll be fine. We can take a carriage from here."
Raven tilted her head.
"Are you sure? I'm not tired. It won't take long."
I nodded with a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. We'll be fine."
Raven studied my face for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow."
She turned and walked away, disappearing into the evening crowd.
Kara crossed her arms and smirked.
"What are you staring at? Raven already left."
I didn't answer.
She nudged my shoulder.
"Hey, Lyria. Did you hear me? What happened to you back there?"
Then she chuckled.
"I have to admit… that was a bold move from Raven."
She laughed again.
"But honestly, I don't think she meant anything by it."
Then she added between laughs,
"Did you see her face after tasting the cake? I don't think she can handle sweet things. That was hilarious."
I punched her shoulder.
"Stop laughing."
Then I turned away quickly.
"Let's go back to the palace."
Kara was still laughing as she followed me.
"As you wish, my princess."
After returning to the palace, the evening passed in a blur of responsibilities.
Meetings with members of the royal council.
Reviewing documents that required my approval.
Listening to reports about trade routes, city security, and minor disputes between nobles.
Normally I handled these duties with patience and focus.
But tonight…
My thoughts kept drifting.
Again and again.
Back to the same moment.
Back to her.
By the time the final meeting ended and the last advisor left the chamber, I felt completely exhausted.
Not just physically.
Mentally as well.
I walked through the long marble corridors of the palace and finally reached my chambers.
The moment the door closed behind me, the silence wrapped around me like a blanket.
I let out a long breath.
Without wasting time, I took a quick hot bath. The warm water helped relax my sore muscles after the day's training and endless meetings.
Afterward I changed into my night clothes and walked slowly toward my bed.
The moonlight slipped through the tall windows, painting silver lines across the floor.
I lay down on my back and stared at the ceiling.
For a while…
I simply breathed.
Then, without warning—
My thoughts returned to Raven.
The memory appeared so vividly that my chest tightened.
The restaurant.
The sunlight through the window.
The taste of strawberry cake.
And then—
That moment.
When she leaned closer.
When her hand moved toward my face.
When her thumb gently wiped the chocolate from the corner of my lips.
Slowly.
Carefully.
I could still remember how close she had been.
How warm her presence felt.
I exhaled softly and whispered into the quiet room.
"I want to hold her…"
My fingers tightened slightly against the bedsheets.
"I want to feel her warmth… and hear her voice…"
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
"I want her."
The confession lingered in the air.
I turned onto my side, burying part of my face into the pillow.
My heart was beating faster again.
For weeks—perhaps longer—I had tried to hold these feelings.
But tonight…
After everything that happened…
I could no longer lie to myself.
I whispered quietly into the darkness.
"I can't hide these feelings anymore."
The thought felt terrifying.
But also strangely freeing.
"I don't want to hide them anymore."
I closed my eyes.
My decision slowly formed in my heart.
I have to tell her.
I have to confess.
Even if I didn't know how she would respond. Even if it changed everything between us.
I didn't want to keep pretending.
My thoughts slowly grew softer as sleep began to pull me under And the last thing I felt before drifting into dreams…
Was the certainty that tomorrow when I woke up
The first person I would think about
Would be Raven.