Page 19 of Ravenrose

It’s true.

“Rowan—” he starts.

I ignore the tired way he says it, too used to my name coming out of everyone’s mouths that way. “We don’t have secrets.” I frown, hurt flashing in my eyes.

My brother glares down at me, well aware he’s being manipulated before he finally breaks, but not before uttering a few choice curse words at my persistence.

“Out with it,” I growl, folding my arms over my chest, irritated that he’s making me berate him for the information.

Defeated, he caves like a sandcastle at high tide.

“It’s the Kovarian army that approaches.”

My eyes widen with surprise. The humans? My thoughts immediately go to Theo.

“They’ll reach our walls just before dawn.” His green eyes, so much like my own but lighter with flecks of gold, study my face, still hesitant to continue. “Our scouts have reported seeing a Raven with them, yes.”

My heart drops at the confirmation of what I knew deep down was true, but still had hoped—prayed to the gods—it wasn’t.

A Raven.

A shadow walker.

The monster has many names. The demon, as I prefer to call it, has the power to bring Rosecliff, and maybe even all of Sitara itself, to its knees.

It was bold of Kovaria to attack the faeries. They have clashed a few times in the past, sure; tension on the borders is fairly normal, and while the humans have the numbers, they lack power—magic. But a Raven… A Raven would give them the advantage they truly need to take on the fae.

I release a slow breath, lifting my chin to meet my brother’s eyes once again. “So that’s it then, we’re just giving up? Turning tail and running?” My fingers curl into fists at my sides. “We should fight.”

Riven’s usual mischievous grin is nowhere to be seen. Instead, a tense and barely contained anger graces his sharp features. “Even if they didn’t have a Raven… the castle guard can’t face Kovaria alone.”

“But the walls—” I argue, but Riven cuts me off.

“—will only hold so long.”

The appearance of an anxious-looking maid draws both of our attention. It’s not Liana; I don’t recognize her, but already know she must be one of Alita’s. The governess was as dissatisfied with her maids as she usually is with her princess; she almost always had a new one in rotation.

The maid gives a quick curtsy, her eyes wide as she addresses both Riven and me. “Your Majesties.”

I ignore her, turning my attention back to my brother, but he nods his head for her to continue.

“Princess, Lady Alita sent me to check that you are ready to depart. She—” the maid stutters nervously, “she is waiting for you at the west tower entrance.” She’s referring to the evacuation tunnel.

I scowl, not at the maid, the poor, quivering thing. What a day to be in service to the governess. “Please tell her she should go ahead. I will remain here until Prince Riven has completed his duties, and he shall escort me through the tunnels himself.”

My twin stiffens beside me.

The maid, fearing the consequences she might face if she returns to the tunnel entrance without me, chews her lip, her hands anxiously smoothing down her already smooth skirts.

“You should go,” Riven pushes, turning to face me.

I glare at him.

“I’m serious, Rowan. The Kovarian army is nearly within striking distance. It’s not safe. Fel and most of his men have already gone through to secure the tunnels and lead the first group of evacuees. They will seal the tunnels soon.”

I already know Riven is to oversee the final stages of the evacuation, but is supposed to leave Rosecliff before Kovaria attacks.

“No, I’m not leaving you.” I step forward, gripping the balcony railing tightly, lest someone try to tear me from it.