Chapter 130
**Avery**
We stand side by side, our minds racing with the knowledge that Queen Victoria is plotting something sinister. My eyes
narrow in concentration, I turn to James with a determined expression. “I’m summoning a friend,” I declare, my voice
steady despite the gravity of the situation.
James, his muscular frame clad in finely crafted leather armor, raises an eyebrow, his bright green eyes flashing with a mix
of curiosity and skepticism. “A friend, huh? And what kind of friend can help us against the likes of Victoria?” he asks, his
tone laced with sarcasm. I ignore his doubt, my focus unwavering as I begin to chant softly, my hands moving in intricate
patterns through the air.
Moments later, a raven lands gracefully on the windowsill outside, its dark feathers glistening in the dim light. James
scoffs, his arms crossing over his broad chest. “I don’t see how a bird is going to help us,” he mutters, his frustration
evident. Unperturbed, I open the window with a swift motion, allowing the raven to enter. It perches between them, its
dark eyes gleaming with an intelligence that seems almost human.
In a flicker of movement, the raven transforms into a man, his tall, athletic frame clad in black leather. His long black hair
falls in straight strands, and his void-like eyes seem to pierce through the very souls of those he gazes upon. A smirk
plays on his lips as he regards James. “Daft King, I am no mere bird,” Donn declares, his voice smooth and laced with
amusement. Turning to me, he adds, “Darling, you’ve certainly gotten yourself into a pickle this time.”
James gasps, his eyes widening in shock as he takes in the man before him. “A Raven? Avery, you know a Raven?” he
all—I freed them. And Donn here? He’s my favorite.”
As the tension in the room eases slightly, Donn’s smirk deepens. “Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear,” he teases,
his eyes sparkling with mischief. “But enough of this banter. We have a queen to dethrone and a kingdom to save. Shall we?”
I nod, my expression turning serious as I gesture for Donn to join us at the small table in the center of the room. James,
still processing the revelation about my connection to the Ravens, takes a seat beside me, his mind racing with questions. Donn,
ever the enigmatic figure, settles gracefully into the chair opposite us, his long legs crossing at the ankles.
“Victoria’s been amassing power, hasn’t she?” I begin, my voice low and steady. “We need to know her next move, and more
importantly, we need to stop her before she can execute it.”
Donn leans forward, his elbows resting on the table as he steeples his fingers. “The queen’s ambitions are no secret, but
her methods are as shadowy as the night sky. She’s been forging alliances with lesser houses, promising them power and
protection in exchange for their loyalty. But her true strength lies in her ability to manipulate and control.”
James grunts, his green eyes flashing with determination. “We can’t let her consolidate her power any further. We need to
strike at the heart of her operation, disrupt her plans before they come to fruition.”
My lips press into a thin line as I consider our options. “We’ll need to gather more information. Donn, can you infiltrate
her court? Find out what she’s planning?”
Donn’s smirk returns, his void-like eyes glinting with a dangerous light. “Infiltrate? My dear, I can do more than that. I can
become her shadow, her confidant, her most trusted advisor. By the time she realizes what’s happening, it’ll be too late.”
James raises an eyebrow, a hint of admiration creeping into his voice. “You’re that confident in your abilities?”
else. Happy reading! Donn’s laughter is low and velvety, sending a shiver down James’s spine. “Confidence is my middle name,
King. And
besides, I owe Avery a debt. She freed my kind, and I intend to repay her in full. Plus, I like her. You? I am still unsure
about.”
As the conversation continues, the room grows warmer, the tension giving way to a sense of camaraderie and shared
purpose. My mind races with the possibilities, my strategic mind already plotting our next moves. James, though still
processing the revelation about my connection to the Ravens, feels a surge of determination. With Donn’s help, we just
might stand a chance against Victoria.
But as the night wears on and our plans take shape, a shadow of uncertainty lingers. Victoria is a formidable foe, and her
reach is long. They know that their mission is far from over, and that the true test of their resolve is yet to come. As Donn
prepares to depart, his dark eyes meet mine, and a silent understanding passes between us. “I’ll send word as soon as I
have something,” he promises, his voice low and intense.
I nod, my expression grateful. “Be careful, Donn. Victoria’s not one to underestimate.”
With a final smirk, Donn vanishes into the night, leaving us alone in the chamber. The silence between us is comfortable,
a testament to the bond we share. James turns to me, his green eyes searching my face. “You never cease to amaze me,”
he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.
My lips curve into a soft smile as I reach out to take his hand. “We’re in this together, James. No matter what happens, we’ll face
it side by side.” As our fingers intertwine, the tension of the night melts away, replaced by a sense of unity and
purpose. We know that the road ahead will be treacherous, but with each other, and with allies like Donn, we are ready to
face whatever challenges lie ahead. But as we stand there, hand in hand, a whisper of doubt creeps into my mind. What if
Victoria is more powerful than we anticipated? What if our plans fail, and we are left vulnerable to her wrath? The
thought sends a shiver down my spine, but I push it aside, focusing instead on the strength of our bond and the
determination that burns within us.