Page 67 of White Raven

The man, Hvit, snarled, looking like he was ready to strike me again, but he stepped back.

“You move and no one will stop me from ramming my blade through your gut, tispe.” In a huff, he stomped away.

“You don’t want to make him mad,” a male voice whispered next to me. “Don’t look at me, keep your head forward.”

Keeping my head straight, I let my eyes drift to the person sitting next to me, a youngish man with dark hair and eyes of deep indigo, like the darkest twilight. A Shadow Rifter.

“He really hates Day Ravens.” His voice wobbled at the last part, a brokenness in his tone, capturing more of my attention.

“But he is one.”

“That doesn’t mean anything here,” he muttered.

My gaze drifted over the group, and the familiarity of a few of their faces pulled my memory from the night before. They were the ones the Boss had been trying to sell at auction, but the two Day Ravens were gone.

“There were two Day Ravens in this group before?”

In my periphery, his head bowed forward, his expression crumbling with pain. “Yes.”

“What happened to them?” I knew the answer, but I still needed to hear it.

“They were sold.” A sob strangled his vocals. “Yrsa and Ulf. They were twins.” He tipped back his head, blinking his lashes. “Yrsa was my wife.”

Shock jerked my head to him but quickly looked away. “But . . .”

“I’m a Shadow Rifter and she is a Day Raven?” He finished my sentence. “Yes. We are the forbidden love story.” He exhaled. “We met in Beggar’s Hole as adolescents.”

“Silverguard.” I breathed out.

“You know of it?”

“Unfortunately.”

“We didn’t care that there had been a war between our towns or the fact we were supposed to hate each other. We were very young. We fell in love. Imprudent to the obstacles, we secretly married even though we knew it was against her laws.” He swallowed. “When her parents found out . . . they went to King Stallard for leniency.” He swallowed and so did I. “He ordered her death instead.”

“What?” My head started wagging, denying my father would have a young girl murdered because of who she loved. “He wouldn’t do that.”

He scoffed, like that was the most foolish thing he ever heard. “He ordered her brother’s death too, for being an accomplice in her treachery.” He rubbed his face on his sleeve. “They escaped to come back to me . . .” His shoulders shook in silent sobs. “And all it eventually did was get them sold as thralls. A life worse than death.”

I sat on an open sea, trying to stabilize my thoughts and emotions, trying to rectify everything I grew up knowing with the cruel man these people kept describing. King Vorian was fierce and commanding, yes, all kings had to be, to keep their throne secure. But killing a young girl just because she fell in love with an outsider?

“You’re wrong,” I muttered, shaking my head.

“I saw the brutality of King Stallard firsthand.” His neck popped with a vein. “Believe me, he has no mercy or forgiveness. Especially for anything threatening his rule.”

“Do you know why the White Raven was fated by our deities to be the only child born?” Father didn’t wait for my response. “Because they knew Day Ravens were the rightful rulers. The ones to heal this world and lead it back into prominence and power once again.” His hand came down on my little six-year-old shoulder, squeezing. “Understand the significance of your role, Wrennlyn, the part you play in making sure that comes true.

“We have to be dedicated and do anything to achieve it. No matter how hard it seems. I must lead this realm, protect the White Raven until she is called upon by the powers of Huginn and Muninn in her nineteenth year. That is my duty. And I will destroy anyone and anything who threatens that future.” He touched my chin, drawing my head back up to him. “Their lives are nothing when it comes to the greater good.”

“Hey?” A figure stepped into my view, breaking me from my recollections. The Boss stood over me, his greasy hair curling into his eyes, his lustful gaze prowling down me. “I think it’s time to check out the goods. Want to make sure I get the best price for you.” His touch slithered to my cloak, untying it, the wool slipping off my shoulders.

His leering grin dissolved from his face, his attention moving down my marked throat to my chest. He stepped back. “What the fuck . . .” He retook the space, his hand yanking my chin up, scanning my tattoo closer. “Rev?” he yelled out. “Get over here.”

The man I hit earlier when trying to escape stepped forward, his eyes so dark it was unnerving.

“Look at this.” Boss pointed to my ink, peering at him. “Is that what I think it is?”

Rev leaned over, examining my throat. He inhaled deeply, his back straightening, peering down at me with a twinge of fear.