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There’s a thought I’ve entertained for some time. I just need to make sure she’s ready for it. She will be, soon.
Katura Crone.
I smile to myself.
Sounds abrasive, just like her.
Perfect.
EPILOGUE
RAVEN
One thingI stayed away from for the longest time was parties. I have no interest in large gatherings, flattering, and forced politeness.
But there’s a change of heart lately. It’s a girl. Not just any girl, but the most good-hearted and liked girl on this island, Maddy.
Maddy, Maddy, Maddy.
She’s a mystery. I can’t explain it yet, but she’s drawing me in. She doesn’t know that I’m watching her closely.
Bangkok is booming with music and laughter, laced with the smell of whiskey and spices. Half of Ayana is at the grand opening of the restaurant Archer build for his girlfriend.
He’s chatting with Kai Droga and Ty Reyes, winking at Katura across the room. They survived the Ashlands—this is a post-victory high.
I lean on a statue of a sitting Buddha by the small inside waterfall amidst the bamboo trees as I watch everyone.
Our precious island is in its happy bubble again. This place is like a trampoline, shooting you high on serotonin, then bringing you low, and you are lucky if you don’t miss and land on a hard surface, breaking your bones.
Archer has had more extremes than anyone else, and look at him—smiling, drinking, celebrating, not realizing that what happened in the Ashlands is crumbs compared to the war that will soon break out on Zion. It’s only a matter of time.
The rowdy crowd goes through a line of buffet food, chats and drinks. Soon, they’ll be dancing, and there’ll be more drama. Hence, me usually staying away from parties.
Except there’s one person who finally showed up on the social scene—Maddy.
I saw her come in an hour ago, wearing a light blue summer dress and white sneakers, her hair loose. She’s the only reason I’m here. I like to keep tabs on people who interest me, and she’s become the number one on my list.
It’s an hour of me doing just that—staying away from everyone, watching, sipping whiskey, and watching some more.
I eventually lose sight of her for a minute, then find her in the crowd with Marlow. The two make their way with cocktails in their hands toward the other side of the waterfall where I stand, close enough for me to hear their conversations.
Katura stalks toward them with a plate in her hand. She looks gorgeous, right up Archer’s alley—I’ve seen his girls before, though knowing Katura’s background, his choice surprises me.
Katura pushes the plate into Marlow’s chest. “There. That’sKua Klingand is super hot, for daredevils.”
“I said I wanna try.”
“I warned you. You might hurt yourself.”
“I like living dangerously,” Marlow responds, takes the plate, then says something in Russian, and Kat bursts out laughing.
They look around, like they’re sharing a secret, then blurt, “Sorry,” to Maddy.
“You’re fine. I have to go anyway.”
Maddy sets her cocktail down on the waterfall edge, pulls a hair tie from her clutch, and fixes her loose hair into a bun—I know she’s going to work the night shift at the medical ward. She’s always working. It’s admirable. She’s a loner like me, too.
What I see next gives me goosebumps.
