Raven Read Online Free PDF Page A

know you can’t help her, right? So don’t think that. You know as well as I that when it comes time, you can’t be there.”
    I cringed as he said it. I wanted nothing more than to be there by her side as she fought against the universe, fought to calm the coming destruction, but I couldn’t. The prophecy stated that all those close to her must leave, and recede to where they were born to grant her the strength—myself included. Without me, her powers were stronger, and her heart true.
    “ I know.” I finally answered.
    That’s why preparing her will be an important task. She needs to see the prophecy for herself.
    My eyes grew angry as they shot to his. “No. I won’t allow that.”
    “ But why? She has to see it.”
    I felt my heart grow restless and dark. “She cannot see it. She cannot know her own future because it will effect her decisions.
    Sam nodded. “Exactly, that’s why she needs to see it. We need her to know how important this all is. She needs to know that she is the only one that can save this world, inside and out. The universe trusts her to know what the right decision is, and if she decides that this world is not worth it, then that is what will be. For whatever reason, she lived a divine life in their eyes. She is the chosen judge of us all.”
    “ The gods fear her?” I asked, wondering what it was like when they saw them.
    “ Of course they fear her. They were so shaken with anxiety just knowing she had the dagger, thinking that if they got that back, she would never be able to control them—but they did not understand the power of the prophecy. I think they thought that they could change it, but their powers are useless when it comes to the universe and fate. The knife held little power to Elle. No matter what weapon, or magical spell, she will inevitably lead them. She has the divine right and blessing.”
    I will not show her the prophecy.” I stood by my decision, though I knew it was the wrong one. I was stubborn, and if Fate wanted to play, then I was at least going to put up a fight.
    Sam shook his head. “Whatever you say, Edgar. You are as naive as the gods. What is meant to happen, will. You can’t change fate.” He was echoing me now.
    I stood, walking away from him, tired of hearing his voice. “ Leave .” My brows were sewn together.
    I heard Sam stand. “Fine, but I’ll see you soon.”
    I did not acknowledge his statement, but I knew he already had his answer as I felt him inside my mind.
    The branches were more than happy to let him leave. The door opened up, and he walked out, not another word said. As the branches folded up behind him, I felt my whole body relax. I took a few calming breaths, thinking about home and allowing some essence of excitement to return.
    The sun began to shine through the hole in the ceiling, falling on my back. Its warmth reminded me of the beauty in the world. This place was worth fighting for, and I knew Elle would see that, prophecy or not. She knew what she had to do, because it was ingrained in her very existence, and in her heart.

    HERE COMES THE GROOM
    Edgar

    I paced across the floor of the cabin, nervous, though I didn’t understand why. For the first time in what felt like decades, Elle was finally independent again. She did not need me like she did before, and I was afraid she would no longer crave the energy of my touch and would finally see me for the horrible man I was.
    I straightened my jacket, freshly cleaned in the nearby river and then dried in the sun, making it smell like the lilac it once had—before all the campfires and hunting. My hands were rough, and my eyes tired. What would she think of my wings? Would they repulse her? Would she no longer feel the same because I had moved away from the human I once was, now something ethereal?
    I walked toward the wall as the branches opened up for me. I squeezed my wings to my spine, as though it would make a difference, hiding them more effectively then I had before.