Raven Read Online Free PDF Page B

convince her to give up, telling her I was gone.
    I gently snapped my beak, trying to gain her attention. Unable to ignore the noise, she looked at me. I gazed upon her face, my raven eyes wide, drinking in her every feature. Her face did not change, surprise thwarted by the animal before her. I saw her draw her hand up and grasp at something around her neck. A slow smile grew across her face then, and she looked away, as though she still could not believe what she saw.
    Shock now laced in with the smile and my heart pumped even harder. Feeling it was time, I changed back into my human form, silent like the wind.
    Her hair blew in wisps around her face, her hand never leaving what she held around her neck. I smiled, breathing slowly as I saw Sam look at me and then her, enjoying every moment of this little reunion. I leaned in toward her neck, wanting so badly to kiss her skin, to feel the cool softness against my lips.
    I drew close to her ear. “ Thank you. ”
    I let my breath graze her face, and I saw the hairs on her neck stand on end. She turned to face me then, and I felt a fire erupt in my soul. I brought my hands to her face, no longer able to suppress the desire to touch her. Her skin was warm against my frozen palm. I pulled her toward me and pressed my lips to hers, feeling the peace I always did in her presence—the darkness dissipating long enough to allow me asylum in her heart.
    She brought her hands to my arms, and grasped onto them. Her touch was gentle and slow, but full of a power I had all but forgotten. It was hard to deny that she was truly The One . She knew how to calm all the fury in the world, to tame whatever creature came across her path. As I pulled back, she refused to look away.
    “ Edgar, you’re back ,” she whispered, a tear forming in her eye.
    “ I’m back,” I replied. The calm feeling in my heart began to twist as her touch remained, and the familiar darkness and desire to kill replaced what little peace there was left. I pulled my arms away from her, and she let go, the release just as sweet as our first touch. Disappointment grew in my heart. Every time I touched her, I wished I could hold on longer, remain in that calm place with her forever, but it always turned.
    She smiled. “Its okay, Edgar. I don’t need it.”
    The words stung, feeding the doubts I had in the forest. It was true she did not need me like before, and I hoped the feeling was still strong enough to grant me purpose as her other half. I looked down into my lap, but she brought one hand to my chin and tilted my face upward.
    “ But that doesn’t mean I don’t want it .” It was as though she knew exactly what I was thinking.
    I smiled. “I love you.”
    She let a tear finally fall. “I love you, too.”

    CATCHING UP
    Edgar

    The crowd began to stand and filter toward the bride and groom. I watched as some eyed me, likely wondering where I came from, and who I was. Sarah glanced at me and gave me a wink. Scott did the same. I winced, remembering them as students, uncomfortable with this change in our relationship.
    Elle laughed. “Edgar, don’t glare .”
    I looked at her, her blue eyes so bright they were hard to watch. “Sorry, it’s just…”
    She cut me off, rolling her eyes. “I know, sickening , but they’re happy.”
    I laughed. “Glad I’m not the only one that thinks that.”
    She gave me a playful slap on the arm. “You don’t have to act fake with me, Edgar. Ever.” She continued to stare, still in awe that I was back.
    I kept my hands in my pockets, wanting so badly to hold her, but knowing my strength was still unpredictable.
    “ Where were you?” she asked.
    I eyed Sam. “I’m not sure.”
    She looked disappointed by my reply.
    “ Here, follow me.” I drew her away from the crowd and deeper into the field. “Things are going to be different,” I whispered.
    She frowned, perplexed. “What do you mean?”
    I didn’t know how to say it, how to admit to her that I was