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The world gave its acknowledgment, and it encased the flower in what almost appeared like a glass box.
Opening my eyes, I smiled. Thea stood at the end of my couch, waiting, her hands clasped before her.
I had no disillusions. She was Apollo's little spy. She would report everything I said and did to him. But I didn’t care, since I had a few secrets of my own. And those I tried very hard to keep from him while on this world. I was afraid the god could pluck them straight from my mind, or had already done so.
No, he couldn't have. He would have done something if he had. Besides, hiding my thoughts was something I did well. I remembered that small vision deep inside and deepened my smile.
“How about a stew for dinner tonight, Thea? One with plenty of root veggies and potatoes. Thick, rich gravy and tender meat—beef, I think. But chicken would be okay too.”
A sound came from the other side of the room and we both turned our heads to stare at it.
Standing on the sill was a raven. This one was as familiar as my hand. Ravens were common here, flying high in the sky and filling the tree branches. But few visited with me. This one did, several times, generally when I was alone.
“What the—?” Thea stepped back a step, her hand on her throat, her eyes open wide.
Popping up onto my feet, I crept towards the window, pausing several paces away while I studied the bird. It wasn't all black. A heart-shaped patch of white feathers flowed over one of its wings, which was tucked against its side.
It cocked its head, one eye studying me.
“Watch out, miss. Those birds can be mean. Why, I saw one attack the landscaper the other day!”
Waving one hand, I wanted her out of this room so I could figure out why it was here. “Please order dinner, Thea. This raven won't hurt me. I am familiar with them, through my mate.”
Which wasn't exactly true, but close enough.
For one quick second, I wondered if it was it Soren. No, that felt wrong. “Hello there, beauty. What can I do for you?”
“Message.” He croaked out.
Curiosity bloomed inside me. This bird not only could speak, which was difficult for them to do, but it spoke English.
I frowned. How could this be? Was someone I knew sending me a message? Was it a spoken message or a—?
I stepped closer.
Thea squeak her dismay before I heard her rapid footsteps rushing off and a door closing. Hoping she left to order my dinner, I realized she would report this to her employer as well. No matter. Perhaps I can figure out what the raven wanted before she came back.
“You have a message for me?” Taking another step, I was now almost within arm’s reach of it.
It nodded its head, the movement regal, the intelligence in its eyes shining through. It lifted one leg, and I glanced down at it, my brows lowering.
A band with a small pouch was around one leg. Curiosity now overtook any caution I had, and I moved next to the bird, tapping the fabric with my index finger as I gazed into its black eyes.
“This is for me?”
“Yes,” it squawked.
“From who?”
“Take.”
Okay, it couldn’t tell me. Or wouldn’t. Hard to say with birds.
Opening it, I pulled out a tiny white block, which opened up into a square of paper that easily fit into my palm. I hesitated, staring the bird in the eyes.
“Do you have a name?”
It nodded.
