“Raven!”

Through her blind tears, she could see Raven seething, his dark magic flowing around him. However, as she cried his name Calla felt Aro’s hand stop. Her blood would run cold as he began to laugh wildly as if he had just heard the funniest joke in the world.

“Raven? The man who hates non-magicals?” Aro questioned, making Calla’s eyes widen. “Then I know just what to do with you.” She looked in horror as he raised his hand, creating what appeared to be a dark portal near them.

Raven’s eyes widened. “Raven, don’t!” she heard someone yell before Aro pulled her into the portal, soon followed by Raven who tackled him away from Calla. The three tumbled out of the portal and into an area Calla was unfamiliar with. It was some kind of field but the flowers were nothing she had ever seen before. Were they in the other realm?

“You stay away from her, you son of a bitch!” Raven growled, making Calla look over to see the two men were grappling. Aro just laughed at him, hitting Raven with a spell that sent him flying away from the blonde man. Raven hit the ground but soon got to his feet, sending his blast of dark energy toward Aro.

“S-Stop! Please!” Calla exclaimed, watching in horror as Aro easily dodged Raven’s attack and with a swing of his cane, sent a line of dark spikes from the ground.

Calla could only watch helplessly as the two men continued to fight each other. She couldn’t even follow the fight with her eyes, clearly witnessing a battle between titans. What she did notice was just how similar Raven’s magic was to Aro’s, both having darkness to it and yet Aro’s seemed to be on a different level.

Time seemed to freeze when Aro managed to catch Raven off guard, hitting him with a powerful attack. Her heart stopped, watching as Raven fell to the ground, bloody and broken. Aro seemed to be injured as well as he staggered when he got to the ground, his clothing red with blood but still holding a smile on his face.

“That was what I expected from a fellow user of abyss magic,” Aro said. Calla sobbed, finally finding the courage to run to Raven.

“Raven!” she cried, kneeling next to him and looking over his form horrified. She shook him, unable to wake him. “Raven! Please! Get up! Please!” She was shaking, not sure what to do, and panicking as she heard Aro’s footsteps getting closer to her.

She searched around her before finding a stick and getting to her feet. She swung it towards Aro who easily caught it, even with his bruised and bloody look. He chuckled, looking down at her with interest.

“A non-magical who is willing to fight for a magical… now that is amusing to see.” He said but his expression soon sank, as if knowing something she couldn’t sense. He sighed, making the stick dissolve into ashes before reaching out to touch her face. “There is never enough time to have any fun.”

Calla shivered as he tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “Little lamb, we will be meeting again. The others will be here any second. My dear Marick has always been one who could find me easily.” he said, his orange eyes glowing slightly, making her look away. She felt a sharp pain as he gripped her face.

“I’m relaying a message to your beloved coven,” he said sharply, making her whimper a little. “I am requesting 10 vials of potent death’s kiss potion and I know a quest that will be coming up in the other realm. It is going to be offered to me but I have no intention of taking such a boring quest, so I have already placed in the queue that your coven will take it.”

Her eyes widened as she listened to him, frightened by the intimidating man before her as she shivered. “T-The other realm?” she asked, not really as a question. Aro gave a devilish grin at her words, a spark of interest in his eyes.

“I’m giving you three weeks to prepare. After all, a maiden like you has a special little gift she needs to give.” Aro said, moving the cane between her legs. She let out a cry, trying to pull away from him only to be held in place as he laughed wickedly.

“You will be joining them when they go to the other realm, dear little lamb. I’ll make sure of it. Even if I have to personally make it happen.” Aro said calmly. In a swift motion, he pushed his lips to hers, making her squeal in surprise and terror. He slipped his tongue into her mouth as she struggled to get away from him.

The kiss was cold, commanding like Aro was claiming ownership over her. It wasn’t broken until Calla felt the weight of someone on her shoulders and she was pulled away. Aro looked amused, staggering back as he licked his lips.

“Good to see you still fight you, my dear Raven,” Aro said, making Calla’s eyes widen as she looked to see the very injured Raven was holding her, nearly supporting his whole weight on her as he glared at Aro.

“R-Raven…” Calla was barely able to say before flashes of light could be seen before her. Aro was surrounded by the other members of the coven. Gwydion was the first to see Raven and a look of horror rested on the younger brother’s face.

Aro had swirls of magic around him, and a symbol glowed before Marick’s hand. “Aro-” Marick started in a dark tone before he was cut off.

“I’m leaving. I got what I wanted for now, and my message is with your sweet little lamb.” Aro said calmly, brushing off his vest before he turned and began to slowly walk between Marick and Gwydion. He stopped when he was just next to Marick, smirking.

“You always seem to find the interesting ones, my love,” Aro said, making Marick shoot him a look of disgust. Aro sighed and gave a half-wave as he moved past. “Oh, and little lamb. Make sure you take care of dear Raven for me. I look forward to fighting him again.” He stopped and turned to look back at her, his devilish grin returning. “Make sure you are ready in three weeks or I will personally make sure you are.”

Blaise growled at him, sending a ball of fire his way only for Aro to spin his cane to block it. He smirked before disappearing into another black portal.

“What did he mean by that?” Blaise snapped angrily as he looked toward Calla. However, she wasn’t able to say as Raven soon let out the sound of pain and slipped from her arms, hitting the ground hard.

“R-Raven!!” she exclaimed with Gwydion as she turned to kneel to him. Gwydion rushed over, kneeling as well as he seemed to scan the wounds on his brother. Calla looked at him with tears in her eyes, but also saw the look of fear in Gwydion’s eyes.

Blaise growled but moved over as well, soon followed by Marick who stood behind Calla. “Damn fool, he knew better than to take on Aro alone!” Blaise said angrily, however, looking up at him Calla was catching the look of worry and even guilt in Blaise’s expression.

“Let’s get him back. It’s not safe to be here any longer.” Marick ordered. The other two men seemed hesitant but nodded, Blaise moving to help Gwydion pick Raven up. Calla sniffled, feeling helpless as she looked at the beaten man she cared about. So many things ran through her head as the group soon teleported back to the cottage.

Gwydion and Blaise pulled Raven onto his bed, Gwydion immediately moved to pull off Raven’s shirt to try and begin healing him. Calla was trembling as she watched from the other side of the bed, holding Raven’s hand with tears in her eyes.

“He’ll be fine, Calla. Raven… Raven’s too stubborn to give up.” Blaise said, doing his best to comfort her. Gwydion was hyper-focused on his task, his magic glowing around his hands as they were pressed against Raven’s chest. Raven's body was cut as if someone had tried to turn his chest into a bloody dark mosaic. Black magic radiated from his wounds. Raven was out again, just laying there limply.

Marick had been in the hall, seemingly trying to calm his emotions down before he walked in. He still showed signs of anger on his hard-to-read face. It was just in time for Gwydion to let out a growl in frustration, his magic stopping.

“He used an abyss magic level curse that is preventing me from fully healing him!” Gwydion said angrily, Calla slightly frightened by the look on the normally handsome man’s face. Marick let out a tsk in annoyance, moving over.

“If it’s the spell I’m thinking of, it means that Raven’s going to have a hell of a time as he recovers on his own,” Marick muttered in annoyance, his eyes staring off in thought. “I can see if some of the potions I made can expel the curse but he’ll need at least two weeks to fully heal with someone tending to him.”

“I-I’ll do it,” Calla said, catching the attention of the room. Her eyes were on Raven, holding his hand in both of hers. She was crying. “I’m not going to leave his side.”

Gwydion’s anger seemed to fade before he sighed, getting up and moving to her side of the bed. “Calla… let me take care of your wound,” he said calmly as he did.

She just clung more to Raven. “I-I’m fine.” she lied, ignoring the growing pain from the slashes to her chest. Aro’s nails had been sharp enough to cut her deeply, the bleeding still oozing but not enough for her to bleed out.

Gwydion seemed to give an annoyed look, grabbing her arm and pulling her to sit on the bed. “If you want to help him, don’t give him something to worry about. I’m not having both of you injured.” Gwydion snapped, making Calla jolt a little before looking down. Gwydion rubbed his eyes before sighing, calming himself. It was clear he was worried for his brother. “Please… just let me heal you.”

Calla frowned at that, looking towards Raven before back at Gwydion and giving a nod. She moved to undo her dress enough to slide the top part down, covering her breasts but allowing the cuts to be easily seen. Blaise, who stood nearby, frowned at the sight before looking at Marick angrily.

“What was Aro even doing here? I thought he was in exile.” Blaise stated bitterly. Marick glanced at the younger red-haired man with a scowl, a bitter look in his eyes.

“As far as I had heard, he was,” Marick stated back before his eyes looked between Raven and Calla. “Knowing him, he was called back because of his abilities for a task and felt the need to pay us a visit.” Calla flinched at that, looking away as Gwydion was healing her wounds. Lucky for him, Calla’s body was healing, meaning that Aro hadn’t used any kind of magic on her.

“Calla,” Marick said, making the girl with puffy red eyes look up at him. Marick frowned, but his look was as soft as he would allow on his stone face. “I need you to tell me everything said to you.” She stared at him for a moment before giving a nod.

The looks on the faces of all three men were hard to read as Calla finished telling them everything she heard Aro say and do. She gripped her dress tightly, looking off as she wanted to forget the memories of Aro’s hands on her and the kiss he had given.

“T-That’s when you guys showed up, and you know the rest,” Calla said as she finished what she knew. Blaise gave a low growl in annoyance. His arms were folded, his hands digging into his arms so hard that the skin was white.

“That rotten bastard,” Blaise spat with a dark tone, making Calla shiver in the intensity of his words. However, even Gwydion held a similar expression as he finished healing her. He got to his feet.

“He knew Calla was important to one of us and baited Raven to follow him. It’s almost as if this is a game to him.” Gwydion said bitterly as he looked towards Marick. Marick just gave a nod at that, seemingly taken in everything that was said. “So what do we do now, Marick?”

Marick was quiet, thinking it over a moment. “We are not allowed to turn down any requests, and if he has given us a quest offered by the other realm, it has to be followed or the council of the other realm will get on our case.” He states bitterly, folding his arms. He didn’t like what he was saying any more than the rest of them. “We have three weeks to prepare… if we are lucky, Raven will be back in good shape before then.”

“What about me?” Calla asked, slowly getting to her feet. She looked between the three men but then her eyes rested on Marick. “Aro threatened that he would make sure I have to go to the other realm with you guys… that means…” Her expression sank, her heart giving a painful thump as she looked toward Raven. She knew to go to the other realm she would need to give up her purity or the group would be at risk of an attack to keep her safe.

She heard Gwydion sigh before he patted her head, making her look up at him. “You should focus on tending to Raven,” he said softly, making her a bit surprised to hear him be so tender towards her. “My brother adores you, we can all see that and not one of us would ever want to force you to betray your heart.” Gwydion looked at the form of his brother on the bed before going back to Calla. “We have three weeks to worry about it. For now, I will leave my brother in your capable hands, love.”

After a moment, she heard Blaise sigh. “Calla, go with Gwy and get cleaned up. I’ll bandage his wounds,” he said, making Calla look surprised. Blaise was always glaring at Raven, why would he offer to do something like that? She figured it was best not to argue for the time being as everyone looked stressed out. She gave a nod before looking at Gwydion. Gwy gave Raven another look over before smiling at Calla and leading her from the room.

Marick watched them go before glancing at Blaise. “When you are done, meet me outside so we can check the wards around the cottage. I don’t like how close Aro was able to get,” he said sternly before turning to leave the room.

Blaise gave a nod before moving over to the bed. With a wave of his hand, a roll of bandage wrap appeared. He scowled as he grabbed a chair and moved. He scanned Raven’s bruised and cut-up body. Gwydion’s magic had managed to stop the bleeding for the moment but Blaise could tell it wouldn’t hold. If Gwy couldn’t heal him, he couldn’t, but he would attempt to hold off the bleeding while he began to wrap up Raven’s wounds.

“What you did was stupid… but I understand why you reacted that way…” Blaise muttered, not caring if Raven could hear him. Blaise gave a look of guilt on his face. “I’m sorry I called you an ass. I just… I just was concerned that you saw her as just another non-magical. I was worried you would be hostile towards her like you were me at first…” Blaise looked down, scowling a little. “Maybe I was a little jealous that she picked you. But I can see you really care about her… so… so you better hurry up and wake up. Cause if you don’t, I’ll kick your ass for upsetting her.”

For the first week, Calla was true to her word, staying by Raven’s side. It got to the point that the others would have to distract her to lift her spirits. Gwydion had begun teaching her how to cook. Blaise was teaching her how to change Raven’s bindings when he was busy. Even Marick took time to check up on her and Raven’s status. It only confirmed what she had been told, this coven was a family, one that went out of its way for each member. That being said, Marick did seem annoyed that his potion was doing little to help get rid of the curse inflicted upon Raven. Whatever spell Aro had used was far stronger than the low-level potions he had, but Marick didn’t have the right quality materials to make a more potent potion.

It was halfway through the second day of the next week when Calla felt Raven’s hand twitch. She had fallen asleep seated in a chair next to him, holding his hand. She sat up as she heard him groan, slowly trying to sit up. He looked out of it and was still in a lot of pain as his eyes scanned the room before falling on her.

“C...Calla?” he asked, his voice groggy. However, the girl didn’t seem to take a lot of notice of the fact that he shouldn’t be moving as her eyes soon filled with tears.

“Raven…” she called before throwing her arms around him. She felt him let out a sound of pain, falling back down to the bed as she hugged him tightly. “Raven!!”

“A-Ah!” Raven exclaimed, making Calla freeze and pull away worried.

“I-I’m sorry!” she said, looking to check and make sure she didn’t break open any of his wounds. However, her hands were caught by his, making her look back at him. He frowned, moving to touch her face gently before looking around.

“You’re fine… what happened?” he asked, pulling his hand away from her face to rub his eyes. He tried to sit up again, this time Calla taking notice and pushing him back down.

“You are still healing, Raven. You have to stay in bed!” she exclaimed in a slight panic. Raven seemed slightly confused before a thought hit him.

“Aro!” he said, jolting up only to let out a cry of pain and fall back to the bed. He groaned, touching his bandaged chest as Calla once again moved to make sure he hadn’t done anything to break open his wounds.

She sighed in relief when she saw he looked to be okay before she looked into his eyes with a stern look. “Stay. In. Bed.” she stated a bit more commandingly. He blinked a little in surprise at her tone before sighing.

“Fine,” he said before smiling slightly, a pained amused smirk on his face. “Are you going to threaten to cut my legs off if I don’t?” The comment made her blush softly, remembering her first day waking up here. It was a bit strange, seeing the roles switched. Her eyes softened as she looked off.

“You were injured badly during your battle with Aro… you are covered in cuts that run very deep. Gwydion was able to heal enough to stitch you up and stop the bleeding but Aro used some kind of curse on you that prevents him from fully healing you. Outside of the cuts, you have five broken ribs and a broken arm. You also have bruises everywhere.” she explained softly, watching him look down at himself as she told him everything. Calla gripped the bedding a little, looking off.

He hummed in thought. “Well, I guess that answers my question on why Gwy or Blaise didn’t heal me…” he muttered before seeing Calla shake a little.

“Raven… you’re been out for a little over a week. We’ve… We’ve been so worried about you. I was so scared you would never wake up.” she said, her lips quivering as tears fell from her eyes. She heard Raven sigh before using his good arm to pull her close to him enough to kiss her cheek. He gave her a warm smile.

“Calla, I’m okay,” he said softly, using his thumb to clear her tears. “I would never leave you alone like that.”

Calla pressed her face into his hand, smiling softly with a deeper blush. She sighed after a moment, getting to her feet. “I’ll go tell everyone you are awake and get you something to eat,” she said before giggling a little. “Fair warning though, Gwydion might cry and tackle you. He’s been very worried.”

Raven sighed in annoyance at that before shaking his head. “Thanks for the warning,” he said, looking towards the ceiling.

She looked him over, her heart thumping faster, the joy clear on her face. She had a lot she needed to tell him unless the others informed him first. However, she remained silent as she moved to the door and left the room.

“Marick,” Raven said as he handed back the empty vial of the potion he had just downed. His eyes rested on the tall silver-haired man next to the bed. Marick eyed him, taking the vial back. “I know you enough to know when you are not telling me everything.”

It had been two days since he had woken up and the group had been careful about what Raven knew as they wanted him to focus on healing. Marick kept his face hard to read but scanned Raven’s stern look.

“And you know me well enough that pointing that out isn’t going to make me tell you any more information.” Marick pointed out, turning towards the door to leave. Raven growled, sitting up despite his pain.

“I have a right to know what Aro said!” Raven snapped as he did, making Marick stop and turned to look back at the man in the bed. “What job did he give us? I heard him threaten Calla. I can’t protect her if I don’t know what he’s doing.”

Marick just stared at him silently before giving a hum in thought. As much as Marick was the head of this coven, the man respected Raven’s thoughts and opinions. He frowned, turning to him.

“You know why Aro is dangerous,” Marick noted calmly, tilting his head. “So you should have an idea of what Aro is planning.”

Raven’s eyes narrowed but he soon lay down on the bed, covering his eyes. Marick watched him a moment before closing his eyes. “Aro gave us three weeks from the day he arrived to prepare to head to the other realm,” Marick said after being silent for a moment. The comment made Raven uncover his eyes and stare at Marick with a dark look in his eyes.

“So Calla…” Raven started before trailing off. Marick just nodded at the question.

“Worry about healing,” Marick noted as he moved to the door. “I know what you think, Raven. As much as I would appreciate it if there were some way for her to lose her purity sooner rather than later, especially knowing Aro is lurking around, I would advise against it in your current state.”

Raven was silent as he just listened before recovering his eyes again. “...I’ll bed her as soon as I am able.” He replied calmly as he did. “But I’m not going to like having to force it on her like this.”

“I’m aware,” Marick said before opening the door. The tall man paused however as Calla stood just outside the door. She was looking off, clearly having heard the majority of the conversation. Marick just stood there a moment before sighing and patting her head softly before moving around her and towards his room.

Calla watched him before walking into the room and closing the door. Raven glanced up as she did, however, he didn’t seem as surprised to see Calla there or the look on her face. He just watched as Calla moved to set new bandages down on the nightstand.

His eyes softened, looking towards the ceiling. “Were you keeping that from me for a reason?” he asked after a moment. Calla just kept her eyes forward before turning to sit down by his bed.

“I wanted you to focus on getting better,” she said softly before hearing him mutter to himself a moment.

“You’re not being fully honest.” He said, not accusingly but just simply pointing it out. Still, it made her frown at his words and grip her dress a little. “It’s because you were hoping things would change and you didn’t have to.”

“I’m not holding it off, Raven.” She said suddenly, her eyes catching his stare. “I...I understand that it has to happen. I’m going to give my body to you as soon as you are healed. Aro told me if I didn’t within the three weeks, he’ll make sure to do it himself.” She looked off, fear in her eyes. “I don’t want to think about what he would do to me and as soon as I think about being intimate with you, that thought enters my head.”

His expression was hard to read as he just silently listened. With a sigh, he began to lift himself up, much to the worried look on Calla’s face. “...I would prefer to be a bit more romantic about it. Us having sex for the first time shouldn’t feel like a job we have to do.” Calla gave a nod at that but soon got to her feet to push him back down.

“Stop trying to get up,” she said only to let out a yelp as she was pulled onto him, hearing him give a slight grunt as he did. He pulled the blanket around both of them and held her close as she protested him for what he did.

“I know you were probably coming to change my bandages, but you can wait a moment,” Raven said, rubbing her back. His arm had healed by this point but there was a good amount of pain from his chest which was taking longer to heal due to the abyss magic.

“R-Raven, you shouldn’t have done that,” Calla said with a frown. However, the familiar warmth and comfort of his arms soon made her cuddle close to him. She didn’t catch the soft smile on Raven’s face as she did, holding her close. It was clear they both missed each other’s company.

They were quiet a moment before Calla looked down at him. “...Raven… was Aro right when he said you hated non-magicals…?” she asked. It had been a question that had been on her mind. After all, during their date, he had commented on the others around them being ‘just non-magicals’ which had upset her at the time. He had never given her a clear reason for why he would say that with such malice in his tone.

Raven frowned as she said that, sighing as he looked to the ceiling, petting her head. It seemed like he didn’t want to talk about it but knew he had to.

“Calla…” He started before sighing again with a frown. “...I’ll be honest with you, I don’t particularly like non-magicals. For a long time, I resented them, saw them as lesser beings to be used when I was bored but nothing more. I will also not lie and tell you I haven’t caused harm to non-magicals because of what I think of them.”

His words hurt to hear, making her shiver in fear but another part of her looked confused. “Why?” she asked timidly. His gray eyes caught hers before he carefully moved her to lay next to him, turning his body to face her. He lightly touched her face to move hair from it.

“Remember when I said my mother passed long before we started the coven?” he asked, to which Calla nodded with a frown. He returned the look. “...A few years after we started working in the other non-magical villages I had accompanied my mother on a trip to an area that was said to have gotten injured during an attack of some kind. We hadn’t been to the village before and I advised her to be subtle about her magic as the villagers all looked tense about us being there. Of course, my good-hearted mother didn’t heed my words.” He started, his eyes distant as if recalling the memory.

“At first, everything seemed to be fine. Most people were just happy to be tended to by someone who wanted to help. But then, we got an influx of people from a village nearby who had just survived a major attack. I could feel the lingering magic around them. It was clear they had been attacked by a magical and as soon as they saw my mother performing magic to heal there was an outcry.” He said darkly, his body tensing as he spoke. “Gwydion wasn’t around at the time but I was. My mother and I were captured by those who spread the word that there was a witch among them.”

“That night there was a trial held and my mother was sentenced to death on the grounds of being a witch. I had been chained up and made to watch as they led her to the execution block, all the while hearing her voice above the voices in the crowd. She told me not to hurt them.” His expression was dark as he gave a small sad smile. “Funny, isn’t it? They were going to kill her and the whole time she was worried about them.” He sighed, closing his eyes as she held Calla close to him.

“There are times I can still smell the fire and hear her screaming as they set her aflame. I...I lost it.” He continued, his expression dark again. “I broke out and attacked. In my eyes, non-magicals had betrayed my mother’s kindness. They didn’t deserve forgiveness or mercy.”

Calla shivered at his words, seeming to catch his attention as his eyes focused on her and he frowned. “You killed them…?” she asked, her lips trembling. Raven looked off, however, his eyes held no shame for what he had done. The whole time she had been listening, Calla’s expression had gone through so many emotions.

“I laid waste to that whole area before sunrise,” he admitted. “I left no survivors…”

They were silent a moment before Raven gave a small breathy laugh, but not a happy one. “You know what the best part was? It was all because of Aro…” he said, making Calla freeze, eyes widening.

“W-What?” she questioned, looking surprised.

“Aro had gotten bored and was going around attacking non-magical towns,” Raven explained. “When the place was in cinders and only I remained, Aro casually walked into the village. He looked surprised and then almost proud at what I did. I just walked past him and left. Looking back now, I hate how entertained he was.”

Calla was once again reminded of a thought that had hit her during their battle. However, it seemed Raven was aware of what was on her mind. “I’ve been told that I am similar to Aro in the way I think... and I think that bothers me more than anything. Because of my understanding of how spells work, I dabble in both light and dark magic, including abyss magic. This makes my energy dark in color which doesn’t help the comparisons.” he said calmly, however, Calla could tell from the look in his eyes that it tended to bother him.

“You are not that much like him…” she said tenderly, cuddling close to him. “You’ve never hurt me or have ever acted as if you hated me even though I am a non-magical.”

He gave her a slight smile. “You were in rough shape when you first arrived, Calla. It would be difficult to see you as anyone but a person who needed help.” he pointed out calmly, rubbing her back. He sighed. “But I won’t say that I didn’t have trouble seeing you as an equal part of the coven with what you were… I believe I stopped seeing you as just a non-magical person who I could toy with for the first time you spent time with me alone.” He looked off. “You spoke so honestly, so sweetly towards me. It was the first time I regretted treating a woman as a toy for my entertainment.”

Calla listened to him with a surprised look on her face which he seemed to take notice of. “I don’t hate you, nor do I blame you for what happened to my mother. As much as I would rather avoid non-magicals, I understand that it is good and evil on both sides. I don’t think of us as superior to non-magicals like Aro seems to think, however, I cannot say my dislike for non-magicals doesn’t come to the surface from time to time. I’ve gotten better at handling myself around them with age… though, that didn’t stop me from being rather nasty towards Blaise when he first arrived at the coven.” He said, more to himself towards the end of his sentence. He gave a small grin. “That might be why he’s been so tense with me being around you.”

She frowned slightly at that. “Oh, so that is why he has been glaring at you. But, you are not that way with him anymore, right?” she asked to which he shrugged.

“I can’t say I am close with Blaise, but if he was ever in trouble I would protect him as I would anyone in this coven,” he admitted with a gentle look her way.

“Hearing you say that might make me sick to my stomach.” a voice called which made both of them glance towards the door. Leaning against the door frame was a tired and grumpy-looking Blaise. Raven sighed at that, letting go of Calla to allow her to sit up.

“Damn, the warden’s here,” Raven said, although a playful look tugged on the corner of his mouth. Calla frowned and got up.

“Sorry, Blaise. He wouldn’t let me change his bandages,” she said as she did. Raven gave a tired wave of his hand.

“It wasn’t so much as wouldn’t let you, and more we had a difference in priorities.” Raven teased with a small smirk towards Calla. Blaise made a face, rolling his eyes.

“Right, well, be gross together some other time. I’ll deal with his bandages.” Blaise said, ignoring the pouting from the other two. “Gwy needs your help in the garden and Marick says that if he hears him whining any longer he’s going to curse his mouth shut again.”

Calla seemed surprised at that while Raven cackled at the thoughts, only grunting in slight pain as doing so hurt. Calla soon sighed and shook her head. “I shouldn’t be surprised to hear any of this anymore…” she muttered before nodding. “I’ll go deal with it.”

She moved towards the door. “I love you, Calla. Thank you for listening to me and understanding.” Raven called with a tender tone of voice. It made her stop, a blush on her face as she turned to look back into the room at the man who smiled at her tenderly.

“I love you too, Raven. Don’t give Blaise a hard time, okay?” she returned, a small smile on her lips. He let out a chuckle.

“No promises,” he returned, hearing her sigh before she left the room. Blaise had watched after her a moment before grumbling and moving towards the bed, grabbing the bandages that Calla had left on the counter.

The two were silent as Raven sat up and allowed Blaise to remove the bandages, replacing them with the new ones, the feeling of the warm embers of his magic running over the wounds to work towards closing them up, although slowly given the curse wouldn’t allow for him to be fully healed.

“I have the faint memory of you threatening to kick my ass if I upset her,” Raven said after a while, Blaise not stopping as the older man looked off.

“That’s still on the table. Someone like you needs a good kick in the ass.” Blaise muttered as his eyes narrowed, but he was focused on his work. Raven smirked at that and shook his head.

“I nearly died,” he pointed out to which Blaise scoffed at that.

“Being reckless to the point of almost getting killed, and getting your ass kicked because you're a dick are different things,” Blaise stated sharply as he finished with one of the bandages. Raven seemed slightly taken aback by his words but soon let out a pained chuckle.

“Is that so?” he asked, laying back as Blaise finished the bandages on his chest. The boy was not that great at wrapping wounds. He was sure Gwydion was going to get on his case later for how messy they looked, but it was always good enough to do what was needed of them, no matter if they didn’t look pretty. Raven watched the younger man as he finished up and moved to toss the used bandages in a bin nearby. As he did, his smile soon faded. “Blaise, I wanted to apolog-!”

“Save it,” Blaise said, although his tone was not as harsh as his words made it seem. His green eyes locked with Raven’s gray ones as he stood tall and folded his arms. “I heard what you told Calla. There is nothing you need to apologize to me for.” Raven seemed surprised by that as Blaise grumbled and scratched his head. “It’s not as if you were the first guy who treated me like crap for who I was.”

“The truth of the matter is, I had no reason to be that way.” Raven pointed out to which Blaise shrugged, folding his arms again.

“Let me tell you the differences between how magicals treat each other and non-magicals treat each other. Magicals judge whether someone is worthy by if they have magic or not. Non-magicals judge based on birth. There isn’t much of a divide in the caste system when it comes to the magical realm. Those born into poorer families still have enough to get by. But you know the difference when it comes to the rich and poor of the world Calla and I come from. You’ve seen it.” Blaise said as he looked off in thought. Raven just watched him with his expression seemingly deep in thought before the young man returned his gaze to him. “You were an asshole towards me when I first arrived, but that wasn’t new for someone like me. But, given what you said to Calla, I get why you were hesitant and aggressive. I’m not gonna stand here saying that non-magicals are totally blameless about things. In a sense, you might be right about us being greedy, lesser beings, but magicals are not perfect.” Blaise’s eyes narrowed. “We are a coven. No matter if you are an ass, I’ll fight by your side. Just make sure you are a better person from this point forward, especially since you fell for a non-magical girl.” Blaise’s words made Raven pause a moment before he leaned back with a small smile on his face.

“I’m starting to think you are a better man than I could ever be,” Raven said as Blaise turned to leave, making the boy stop again. He gave a roll of his eyes but smirked.

“Nah, if anything, we are both assholes. I’m just not dumb enough to take on someone like Aro alone.” Blaise said with a mocking tone. Raven rolled his eyes at that.

“Fine,” Raven said with a smirk on his face. “Next time I’ll drag you in to fight with me.”

“I look forward to it,” Blaise said with his own smirk on his face before he turned and walked out of the room. Raven watched him go before he lay back with a light laugh. Perhaps Calla had a point about them being similar.

“Oh, stop pouting like that!” Calla whined as she brought Raven food that evening. He had been giving her a pouted look since that afternoon when she had found him working at his desk instead of resting. “You knew you should be in bed, not working at your desk. I’m sure the spellbooks can wait.”

“You didn’t have to tell on me for that. Do you have any idea how upset Gwy was with me for being out of bed? And here I thought you loved me.” Raven said with a bigger pout. Calla huffed at that with a blush, hating the sad puppy look he was giving her. “I just wanted to write down the thoughts I had before I returned to bed. I would have returned to bed as soon as I was done.”

“Raven! You just woke up! Writing should be the last thing on your mind!” Calla exclaimed before she sighed, sitting down on the bed. “Why are all of you warlocks so damn stubborn? You nearly died and like three days after you woke up, you just sit at your desk as if nothing happened?!”

Raven’s expression had faded to a warm, gentle look before he shook his head and sat up to grab the food she had brought for him. As he did, he leaned in to kiss her head. “I’m sorry for making you worry, Calla. That wasn’t my intention,” he said softly, before taking a bite of what she brought. He raised a brow at it. “This is really good. I didn’t think Gwy could improve on cooking more than he had.”

Calla blushed softly as she turned herself to watch him. “I…um…I actually made dinner tonight. Gwy’s been busy going into town to get things for Marick.” she said softly. Raven’s expression only grew in his surprise before he smiled warmly.

“Is that so? Well, I have to say, I’m impressed,” he said before a playful smirk rested on his face. “I better snatch you up in a hurry before someone better whisks you away to be their cute little housewife. Shall we go to the courthouse?”

“R-Raven!” Calla whined as he chuckled at how red her face was. She couldn’t deny his teasing made her heart flutter at the thought though.

“No? Then how about after dinner you can make it up to me for being a tattle tale by starting a family with me. If we start now, I’m sure we can make a rather large one.” he teased more, loving how she whined in embarrassment. “How many little ones do you think you could handle raising? 6? 7?”

“You’re the worst! Why do you feel the need to tease me when I want to do something nice for you?!” Calla exclaimed, pouting towards him. Raven laughed and waved it off.

“Sorry, sorry. I just love how flustered you get when I mess with you. We have time to think about marriage and starting a family.” he said with a wink, a smirk on his face. His expression grew soft, however. “But I mean what I said. This really is good, Calla. I appreciate you making something I like and bringing it to me, and that you care enough to make me rest. I don’t deserve a girl like you in my life.”

His words held a slight sadness in them and it made her frown. Calla shook her head. “That’s not true,” she said as she scooted closer to him. She gave him a softer look. “I know what you said you have done, but I don’t blame or judge you for what your past was like.”

He gave a sigh, a small smile as he shook his head. “You are too kind for your own good, Calla. The truth of the matter is that I am not a good person,” he said, stopping her from speaking by touching his fingers to her mouth. He gave a warm smile. “But I will try to be a better man, at least for you.” He saw her face warm with a pink blush as he moved his fingers to touch her face, running his thumb over her lips. “I want to be a man who is worthy of you… worthy of the angel who found her home among sinners. You’re everything I want, and picturing life without you hurts deeper than any wound I have.”

“R…Raven…” she said softly, her heart fluttering at his words.

“Calla,” he started, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again. “I know you will probably turn this down because I am wounded, but it wouldn’t be an issue if you wanted to continue sharing a bed with me.” He frowned slightly. “I know you have returned to share a bed with Marick during this time, but… I miss you at night.”

She watched him with a conflicted look of worry and want at his request. There was nothing more she wanted than to share a bed with him like before the attack. Raven was warm and snuggled her close at night. Before the attack, it had been nice waking up in his arms to a gentle kiss on her head. It had been hard to return to Marick’s bed after being with the man she loved for the nights she had.

“I miss you too…” Calla admitted with a gentle look up at him, leaning into his touch. “Are you sure that would be okay? I wouldn't want to get in the way of you getting better.”

He shook his head with a small chuckle. “If anything, you being around would help me improve more just being in your presence.” he pointed out with a smile. “Any time I got hurt or sick when I was a child, mom would always cuddle with me at night and say that being close to someone you care about makes one heal faster. To be honest, it might have been her healing me while I slept, but it was always nice to cuddle with her.”

She seemed surprised to hear him talk about his mother like this, but it made her smile. “It sounds like you have a lot of fond memories. I would love to hear more about your childhood,” she said. He hummed at that, finishing his meal and setting the dishes aside only to grab Calla and pull her to lay down with him. She gave a surprised sound at that but he held her close and pulled the blankets around them.

“I wouldn’t mind telling you more about my childhood, but in return, I want to know more about your childhood,” he said calmly as he ran his fingers through her hair. She snuggled close to him, resting her hand on his chest but frowned.

“I don’t know if I have many fond stories from my childhood.” she pointed out. He seemed to hum at that but rubbed her back lovingly.

“That’s fine. I just want to know more about you. Your likes, your wants, your fears. I know we’ve talked a little about things like this in the past, but I feel there is so much I don’t know about you or your world.” he said calmly, making her look up into his face. He had a warm smile on his face and she sighed, finding being in his arms relaxing and safe again, knowing he wasn’t using his powers to do so.

Calla frowned at that but it did make her happy that he wanted to know more about her. “Okay, well, what about you? Do you have any fears or likes that I don’t know?” she asked. He raised a brow at that before giving a smile, turning to face her more.

“I guess it is only fair,” he said with a shake of his head. He seemed to think it over. “Well, for likes, you know my favorite tea and how I like it with honey. I’ve also told you about my favorite foods.” He hummed in thought. “My favorite flower is forget-me-nots. My favorite color is blue… which might be why I love your eyes so much.” She blushed at that but he just kissed her head softly. “As for fears, I don’t have many. I do fear for the safety of others I care about. Oh! I guess there is something I do fear.” She seemed surprised at that as she waited for him to reply. “There is a creature in our world that can morph into horrific things and likes to take the forms of other people to mess with others. I had a bad experience with it when I was a boy and I can’t say I enjoy jobs that have us run into those creatures. I have gotten better at not panicking at the sight of them, but they do bother me still.”

“They sound scary,” she said with a frown.

He gave a smile towards her. “If you ever join us on a mission with them involved, I will make sure to protect you from them,” he said calmly, touching her face lovingly. “That might help with my phobia with them if I have something around to keep safe.” She hummed at that, silently hoping she would never have to face something like that any time soon. “Now then, it’s your turn to share.”

Calla frowned at that. “W-Well… my favorite color is a soft pink, like on some wildflowers or even some powders I’ve seen. Something is soothing about the color even if it's not uncommon for girls to like the color. You know my favorite foods and things like that.” she said before she grew bashful, blushing softly. “And my fears… you… you have to promise not to laugh, got it?”

He blinked in surprise at that but gave a light chuckle. “I promise, no laughing,” he said, moving his hand to make a cross over his heart. “Cross my heart.”

She hesitated a moment before nodding. “I…um… I’m afraid of thunderstorms… and well, I keep looking around the woods just in case of bears. Bears are kind of scary.” she said, embarrassed at that. It seemed Raven was holding back a laugh as he smiled, making her huff. “You promised!”

He took in a breath to calm himself before he hugged her tight. “I’m sorry. It’s just, you’ve been sold, attacked, seen things you thought didn’t exist, and came face to face with Aro… yet the things that you fear the most are thunderstorms…and bears.” He said, doing everything in his power not to laugh. He covered his mouth with his hand, eyes closing. “That’s… that’s so cute!”

“It is not!” she whined, hiding her face in his chest. She felt his chest move with his silent laughing before she felt him hold her close, rubbing her back.

“Dear, have you ever seen a bear?” he asked, playing with her hair.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

She frowned, not lifting her head as she blushed with embarrassment. “N…No… but I’ve seen them in books and they are huge!” she whined, hearing him chuckle at that.

“Alright, alright, I’ll give you that,” Raven said with a smile on his face, leaning back as he enjoyed the feeling of her in his arms like this. “So why are you afraid of thunderstorms?”

Calla grew silent for a moment, her eyes distant as she thought about her childhood. She had been fortunate that there hadn’t been any storms while she had been staying with them. Rain, yes, but no thunderstorms. “I…” she started, the seriousness of her tone making Raven stop rubbing her back as he listened. “I am the youngest of four in my family. I have two older brothers and an older sister. However, I was born later than my siblings and they are all a good deal older than I am. My sister is about 8 years my senior and she is the closest to me age-wise. For that reason, I have never been very close to my older siblings and I always got the opinion they didn’t like me very much… and… well… because I was a girl… there wasn’t much use I would have to my family. I was trained by my mother to be a good wife for when I would be married off to a wealthy man, the same as my sister had been. However, my sister always was a bit more disobedient than I was. By the time I was 10, people started to stare at me more and my sister… I always got the impression that she hated me, especially when I entered my teens. I never understood why. She was far prettier than I was.” She sighed and snuggled close. “When I was little, my sister played a cruel trick on me and locked me in the barn during a really nasty thunderstorm. I was terrified and cried the whole night. In the morning, my father found me but instead of getting upset at my sister, I got in trouble. After that, when it storms, I think back to that time in the barn.”

The two said nothing for a while before Raven hugged her tightly, ignoring any pain he felt. “I’m sorry that happened to you. You didn’t deserve such treatment,” he said calmly, running his fingers through her hair again. His eyes were distant with darkness behind them. He couldn’t deny that there were feelings inside to punish her family for what they did, but he knew she would be upset with him if he ever did that. He sighed and used his hand to lift her chin to make her look up at him, a warm smile on his face. “If you ever feel frightened, you know you can come to me. I’d protect you, even from thunderstorms…” His smirk grew a bit more playful. “Or bears.”

Calla blushed but huffed at that last part. “You’re mean,” she muttered, feeling him give a silent chuckle at that. Still, she was grateful to hear him say that. She scanned his face a moment before moving to kiss him deeply. He seemed surprised by that but soon hummed into the kiss, wrapping his arms around her before he rolled her into laying on her back, him over her. She broke the kiss when he did that, a worried look on her face. “R-Raven, you’re going to-!”

“I’ll be fine…” Raven said with a soft smile, his tone low. It made a shiver run over her body as she could see the desire in her eyes. “I’ll stop myself if things get too painful… but I want more of you, Calla.”

She frowned at that, but couldn’t argue more as she felt him lean in to kiss her neck slowly, causing her to close her eyes, a soft hum escaping her lips. His hands explored her above her clothing for now. How fortunate! The dress she had on had buttons on the front of it. Raven smirked against her skin, his hands reaching up to start undoing the buttons, his lips touching the newly exposed parts of her body as they become visible to him. Her sounds were encouraging, the soft hums and sighs as he played with her body.

“You make it difficult not to want to do more when you make sounds like that, Calla.” he purred in a low tone. “I love how your body reacts to my touch. It nearly begs for my attention.”

Calla whined at that, her body growing warm. “T…This isn’t fair, Raven. Y-You know how to mess with me to get me this way!” she whimpered, hating how easily he was able to get her all hot and bothered. He let out a chuckle at that, leaning in to kiss her softly.

“It only works because you are attracted to me.” he teased, his hand fondling her breast gently as he watched her squirm under him. His eyes held more desire. “I desire you deeply. No woman has ever made me feel this way before. I’m practically giddy with my lust when you are around.” Calla blushed darker as she looked up at him, lust in her eyes.

“R-Raven…” she said softly, her body squirming under his touch as her dress fell open with the last button becoming undone. Her fingers trailed over his arms as he hadn’t worn anything for a top while he was healing but her eyes were on the bandages around his chest and body. However, he touched her face when he caught her staring at his bandages.

“Ignore them… I feel fine and I don’t want them getting in the way of us spending some time together.” Raven said calmly, smiling down at her. He sighed before shaking his head. “Allow me to make it up to you for worrying you so much earlier. I want to make you feel good.”

“Y-You should worry about healing…” she said, trying to ignore how her body felt as he continued to play with her body.

“Calla, I mean it, don’t worry about me,” he said as his hand slowly ran down her body and between her legs. Her breath caught as he stroked her, teasing her between her folds. “You tend to my wounds, you worry about me, and you do so much for my wellbeing… you deserve the world… but for now, I can at least make you feel good.”

How amusing, the girl was already turned on with so little. Raven watched with desire in his eyes as he saw her body squirm as he teased her clit before slipping his fingers into her, thrusting them skillfully. She covered her face, trying to hide her lovely sounds and the fact that she was enjoying what he was doing. Raven chuckled softly, keeping up the motion as he used his free hand to play with her nipple again. However, Raven shifted on his knees, hating how uncomfortably turned on he was just by watching her.

After a moment, he couldn’t hold himself back, pulling his fingers out as he moved between her legs to press himself against her. Calla gasped at the feeling of how turned on he was, him looking at her like an animal in heat. “Calla, let me have you…” he nearly begged. “I need you. I crave you.”

Her body quivered at his words and the feeling of his bump against her, rubbing her with the neediness that echoed what he said. She watched him, her face bright red as he seemed to wait for her to agree. He was injured and needed to heal. They shouldn’t…

She wanted him just as badly, her mind slightly clouded with her desire to think clearly. If they were careful he should be okay. They just needed to take it easy. “R-Raven…” she said, opening her mouth to agree before the flash of pain ran across his face. Raven let out a cry of discomfort, sinking over her. “Raven!”

He took deep breaths to seemingly calm himself before he rose again, an apologetic look on his face. “I...I’m okay… I…” he said as he touched his chest, Calla’s eyes widening with worry as she saw spots of red forming on the bandages. Raven sighed and got off her. “Damn…”

“Are you hurt? Did you break your stitches?” Calla asked frantically as she sat up, moving to check. Raven caught her hands before giving a soft smile, pain in his eyes but he tried to look loving.

“It seems I’m not quite at the point where I can follow through with what I say,” Raven said softly, touching her face. “I’m sorry, Calla.”

She shook her head. “Don’t worry about that. Please, just don’t push yourself.” she pleaded. Raven sighed.

“I know. I know…” he said as he looked to the ceiling. “It’s nothing serious. I think I might have pulled some of the stitches, but nothing is open. But damn it hurts.”

Calla frowned at that, clearly worried. His gray eyes found her again and his smile was warm. “There you go again, worrying about me,” he said, reaching up to touch her face. “It was my fault, don’t feel bad. I thought I could handle more.”

She sighed at that, leaning into his touch. “You should rest… okay?” she asked softly, seeing him give a nod at that.

“Fine, I’ll obey my sweet little nurse,” he said, trying to tease but he was clearly still sore. Calla just shook her head again before moving to climb out of the bed, doing up her dress again. She only looked back his way when he spoke again. “If I were in a better shape, would you have agreed to make love with me then?”

Her face turned a slight pink with a blush. His being in pain had killed the mood but she still felt the lingering feeling of his touches, kisses, and teasing. She shyly gave him a nod. “Yes… I would have,” she answered. His expression grew gentle as he smiled before closing his eyes and turning his head away from her.

“Good,” he answered. He couldn’t help but be happy to hear that, knowing the girl he loved was comfortable enough to be with him intimately. Now it was up to him to heal to catch up to her. “I’ll see you tonight.”

With that, he had a smile on his face as he listened to Calla pick up the dishes she had brought in before leaving the room. He touched his chest once she was gone before his smile faded, his eyes opening. In reality, he hadn’t pulled anything. What had happened was nothing to do with what he had done, but he didn’t want to worry Calla more with that information. The pulsing of the dark curse in his wounds felt like he was being stabbed by a heated knife. Raven gritted his teeth, an angry expression on his face.

“You piece of shit, Aro,” Raven grumbled before he turned to try and relax, knowing the pain would fade as soon as he was calm.

“How do you feel?” Calla asked as she took back the vial of the potion for Raven. He sighed, laying back down in the bed as she moved to set the empty vial on the table.

“Better, thank you,” Raven said with a smile, watching as she returned to the bed and climbed in. He couldn’t help but watch her lovingly as she did. It had been so long since they shared a bed and he couldn’t wait for a night where he could rest easy with the woman he loved by his side.

Just as he had hoped, Calla instantly cuddled close to him, making him chuckle as he wrapped his arms around her. “I’m glad… but please promise not to do anything to hinder your healing,” she said softly, snuggling close. Raven sighed but shook his head.

“Honestly, and you say that Gwydion worries over me like a mother hen,” Raven said, laughing more as he heard her huff, pouting up at him. He petted her head. “I’ll try not to worry you so much, alright?”

She didn’t really believe him but nodded after a moment. “Alright…” she said softly, running her hand over his chest, tracing the lines of his wounds. She frowned as she did. “But I also don’t want you to play off what happened to you. I was really scared. I…I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself if you died protecting me.”

“Give me a little credit, Calla. I’m not a pushover in the magic world.” Raven pointed out as he pouted down at her. “I may not be an elite, but I’m well known for my power and intellect. All I would need to do is to be seen as an elite by the council to get the title. As you saw, it takes a lot more than what happened to me to kill me. Besides, I would never die and leave you alone in this world.”

She knew he was trying to make her feel better. “I wouldn’t be alone. I have the coven.” she teased back. Raven gave a shocked look, resting a hand over his heart in a pose that mirrored Gwydion in a way.

“Ah! You wounded me,” he said, giving a fake hurt look before he smirked playfully. “And yet I am the devil in this relationship.”

“You are the devil,” Calla said with a huff. He just chuckled at that.

“And what does that make you? The devil’s lover?” he teased back with a wicked smirk. She blushed at that but pouted at him.

“Apparently I’m the bewitched one who has been seduced by the darkness.” she mocked, which he seemed to find amusing. He touched her face with a smirk.

“Well, I guess I can’t deny that. If I were the actual devil, I would do everything in my power to corrupt such a pure angel to be a slave to my love.” he purred in a low tone that made her shiver, her blush darkening. He seemed to chuckle at the sight. “And I feel it wouldn’t take much to do, especially with that curiosity of yours.”

She gave another huff at that, trying to look annoyed at his words. “I-I’m not that easy!” she exclaimed, only to swallow hard as he leaned his head back on his pillow, allowing a few strands of his hair to fall over his face. She trembled at that, trying to ignore how handsome he looked with the smoldering look. “S-Stop it!”

He chuckled low, resting his arm over her as he leaned closer. “Stop what? I’m not doing anything and yet you are already red in the face.” he purred, making her whine more. “Could you imagine how easily you would melt if I put in some effort?” Oh, why did he have to give such a coy look? And why was this working?! Calla’s heart raced in her chest, a more submissive look on her face. He seemed to smirk more at her look before he gave her a soft kiss, leaning back and holding her in his arms. “But to prevent a repeat from earlier, we should just rest. Try and contain your lust for one night.”

“I-I’m not f-filled with lust!” she whined, hiding her face in his chest. He laughed at that, running his fingers into her soft hair. He watched her lovingly. “You were the one begging for intimacy earlier!”

“I don’t recall hearing you try to stop me. In fact, I would say your body seemed hungry for my attention.” he returned with a smirk. However, his hand slipped down to rub her back. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop teasing.”

She was still for a moment before lifting her head to look up at him. His eyes were closed as she scanned his face. Her heart still fluttered but a small smile rested on her face. “Raven?” she called, hearing him give a hum in response. She wrapped her arms around him, just glad to be sharing a bed with him again. “I love you.”

A warm smile grew on his face, but he didn’t open his eyes. “I love you too,” he said with a tenderness in his voice. He rubbed her back. “Sweet dreams.”

It was only after he was sure that Calla was sound asleep that Raven opened his eyes with a more serious look, watching the lovely girl sleeping next to him. He just watched her for a while, taking in the gentle rise and fall of her chest. He couldn’t help but smile at his beloved Calla by his side. He loved her more than anything in this world and that was why he feared what Aro was planning. Raven wanted to protect her with everything he had, no matter what it did to him. Aro was an abyss magic-user, one of the strongest levels of dark magic there was and he was well known for a reason.

Raven sighed and turned more her way, his hands starting to glow with the white and black mix of his energy. Counterspells. He needed to place as many counterspells and wards he could remember on her if she were to encounter Aro again without him being around. It would be draining on his energy, but it would be worth it to keep her safe.

“I won’t let him hurt you, Calla. I promise.” Raven whispered to her, knowing she would be upset with him using his energy on her if she were to wake. However, she was far too precious to him to take any kind of chance.

“Hey, Calla. Are you busy?” Blaise called as he walked into the room. Calla had just brought Raven something for lunch and had been in the process of leaving with the dishes when the red-haired man walked in. She gave a curious look towards him while Raven couldn’t help but give him a side-eye.

“Um… no, not particularly. Do you need something?” she asked, gathering the last dish into her hands. Blaise looked between Raven and Calla before he sighed and scratched his head.

“I got thinking about it, and well, it’s not right that you have to rely so much on us to keep you safe when dealing with someone like Aro,” Blaise said, standing tall again. “I highly doubt a guy like him would waltz in while you were with people and the idea of you being alone at any time with him bothers me more than you being alone with Raven.”

Raven gave a blank stare at that. “What is that meant to imply?” Raven asked only to be ignored.

“So, I wanted to know if you would like to learn some self-defense stuff I picked up from my time working as a fisherman. I mean, I don’t think you will be as good of a fighter, but I can at least help teach you some things to help you if he ever corners you.”

Calla blinked in surprise at that, frowning as she thought it over. To be honest, learning how to defend herself, even against magicals, was a good idea. She had no power otherwise and at least she could catch the blonde off guard if he attacked her again. She gave a hum before nodding towards the other. “If you are willing to teach me a few things, I’d be willing to learn,” she said with a smile. Blaise gave a nod at that but glared slightly as Raven laughed.

“This will be good,” Raven said as he tried to sit up.

Blaise rolled his eyes before turning his attention back to Calla. “Alright, I’ll meet you in the training area after you are done with the dishes,” he said before turning to leave the room.

“Okay, so the first thing I need you to do is hold up your fists like this,” Blaise said, standing next to Calla as he modeled what he wanted her to do. Calla, of course, did what was asked. She asked to make sure she was doing it right, allowing Blaise to move her hands to where he wanted them to be.

“Like this?” she asked, to which Blaise nodded with a smile.

“Yeah, just like that,” he replied, hitting her fist with his hand to make sure she was holding it out with some strength behind it. “Now, I want you to hit my palms, and I want you to use as much force as you can.”

Calla jolted at that, looking worried. “I-I didn’t think I’d actually be hitting you!” she exclaimed to which Blaise gave an amused glance like he had done when they first hung out in the forest together.

“Trust me, you are not gonna hurt me,” Blaise said. Calla huffing slightly at his words before he looked serious again. “Now, come on, give me a good punch!”

Calla nodded and threw her fist at his hand, which he easily blocked. Blaise sighed. “Come on Calla! You gotta give it your all. Even some twiggy man like Aro would laugh if you hit him like that.” Blaise said with a blank stare. Calla's face was bright red, a whine escaping her lips. “Try it again.”

Giving a huff with a much more serious look, she threw her fist at his hand again, using more force. Blaise hummed at that, blocking her hit. “Better. Again,” he said.

“So this is how non-magicals learn to fight.” a voice to the side called just as Calla threw another fist. Blaise looked annoyed, eyebrow twitching as he glared towards the fence.

“Aren’t you supposed to be inside resting?” Blaise snarked back before he grumbled. “And did all of you feel the need to come out and watch?”

“Yes,” all three of the older warlocks said while Raven shrugged from where he sat, resting against the fence. Marick seemed to watch with a blank stare but ultimately seemed curious. Gwydion seemed more concerned about Calla getting dirty than anything else, watching more like a protective father over his younglings.

At their answer, Blaise grumbled, rubbing his face with one of his hands. “Bloody magicals,” Blaise muttered as he did, making Calla flash a worried smile.

“Hey now, you were the one who said I didn’t know much about the world of non-magicals. I’m simply taking time to learn.” Raven said with a smirk before he scanned Calla slightly, making her blush under his gaze. “As well as getting to see Calla in a new light. Besides, I had to make sure you were not going to try and steal my sweet lover from me.”

Blaise grumbled. “I’m not you.” Blaise snapped before turning back towards Calla. “Focus.”

Calla jolted at that, blushing darkly but nodding. “R-Right!” she exclaimed. The two returned to their lesson, having Calla hit his hands a few times just to get her more confident in doing so before teaching her what to do in different scenarios.

Blaise pulled her into her arms, taking slight pleasure in the annoyed look on Raven’s face as he held her tightly against him. “So, if you find yourself in a hold like this, try and get a good hit to the chest or gut,” Blaise said as he looked down at her. Calla nodded at that before Blaise frowned. “If you are both standing though, the best place to hit a guy to get him off you is in the balls. Just move your knee up swiftly into a guy’s crotch and I assure you, it will give you enough time to run.”

Calla jumped at that. “W-What?” she seemed, more in surprise and less that she didn’t understand.

Both Gwydion and Raven seemed slightly uncomfortable at that while Marick just sighed and folded his arms. “I…don’t think you had to tell her that one. How about we avoid that area.” Gwydion said with a nervous laugh.

“Even for someone like Aro that just seems cruel,” Raven muttered, making Blaise let go of Calla to turn towards them, starting to argue.

“Don’t show sympathy towards that bastard!” Blaise exclaimed, patting his chest. “I’d sooner she castrate the fucker before he did anything vile to her!” Calla gave a nervous wave of her hand, trying to calm the area down.

“I-I don’t think I’d go that far,” she said nervously as she did. Blaise turned his head her way to see her shake her head. “But anyway, thank you for the lesson, Blaise. I feel a lot less nervous about seeing him again.”

That seemed to relax him as he scratched his head but gave a ‘hmph’ in response. “Y-Yeah… no problem,” he muttered, looking off.

Marick sighed. “Alright, well, now that this is out of the way. I need to finish planning for heading into the city tomorrow.” Marick said, glancing towards Gwydion. “Gwydion, I would like to-!”

However, Gwy had already disappeared, and the silver-haired man and the others seemed surprised when Gwydion grabbed Calla and started to push her towards the house. “I let you train with Blaise and you have dirt all over your dress. Honestly.” Gwydion muttered while Calla tried to protest.

“Dammit Gwy!” Blaise snapped, starting to follow only to be stopped by Marick who sighed.

“No, I’ll deal with this,” Marick muttered, moving to follow after the two. That left Blaise standing there with Raven, who slowly started to get to his feet.

Raven had a more amused look on his face than anything. “Leave it to Gwy to be more concerned about possibly ruining a dress than listening to Marick,” Raven said calmly, flinching in slight pain as he soon staggered to his feet. He did glance towards Blaise as the other gave a sigh and shook his head. Raven seemed to hesitate for a moment before smiling warmly. “Thank you for this, by the way.” Blaise glanced towards the other when he said that. “I feel better knowing that she wouldn’t be completely helpless and I’m sure she appreciated the lesson.”

Blaise was silent as he listened to him before he looked off, folding his arms. “Can I ask you something?” he asked as he did, making Raven seem surprised.

“Of course,” Raven said with a nod. Blaise sighed, eyes distant.

“You… You and Aro are quite similar from what I hear of the guy.” Blaise started, making Raven frown but for now, didn’t say anything. Blaise lifted his eyes to stare in the direction the others went. “If you were him, how would you do it? How would you get to Calla without everyone getting involved?”

Raven was surprised by the question before he looked off in thought for a moment. Finally, he sighed and looked in the same direction that Blaise was. “...I would get her alone, in the closest time that everyone would seem to have put their guard down,” he answered honestly. The two were silent before Blaise nodded, turning towards the others.

“You must have used up a lot of energy placing those wards on her over the last few days. If you don’t take it easy, you will pass out before you ever encounter him again.” Blaise noted much to the other’s dismay. “You know he’s more than likely watching us, right? Watching and waiting. I know you are not as bad as you were when you first were knocked out, but… in your current state, do you think you could stop him from taking off with her?”

Raven frowned, looking off with a bitter look. He was silent before sighing and shaking his head no. “No, I wouldn’t stand a chance. Especially with the curse he has on me.” Raven pointed out, touching his chest.

“So what do you suggest?” Blaise asked, returning the other’s eyes to him. The red-haired man looked serious. “You know more about dark magic and abyss magic than anyone I know. Is there a spell that would catch him by surprise if used against him while he was distracted?”

Raven paused before humming in thought. He closed his eyes to think for a moment before he gave a nod. “There is one, but in my current state, I would need help to perform it,” Raven said, the two staring at each other before giving a nod with a silent understanding. “Come to my room later while Calla is busy making dinner with Gwy. We will discuss more about what to do.” Blaise simply nodded at that before moving to help the other back into the house.

Calla let out a gasp as she saw the wind had lifted the sheet from the clothesline and began to blow it off in the direction of the treeline. Sighing, she put down the clips and quickly moved to chase after them.

“I told Gwy it’s too windy!” she huffed as she reached for the sheet. However, just as her fingers were just about to reach the sheet, the wind seemed to pick up and pull it up, getting caught in a tree branch in one of the trees just by the path that the group had used which led towards the twisted woods. Luckily, it wasn’t in the path but the tree wasn’t within the wards that protected the land around the cottage either. The sheet rested on a branch that Calla could reach if she stood on something. She gave another sigh, wondering if she should just go back inside and ask Blaise to help her. Marick and Gwydion had gone into town, having heard about high-quality resources that could be used towards the potent potions that Marick needed to do. With there being one more week left before they went to the other realm, they were all growing stressed to be ready. That was why Calla was helping out more, wanting to do what she could to ease that stress from the others, even if she couldn’t do much. Raven was getting stronger but the man was still resting and healing. However, Gwydion noted that Raven should be fully healed soon, the wounds being a lot less worrying, even on his chest.

She looked back to the sheet when the wind picked up again, making her worry about the sheet being taken away if she went to get help. Figuring it wouldn’t be a problem, she nodded to herself before going to grab the little wooden bench by the garden and bringing it over, setting it just below the sheet. She was a little nervous being away from the wards, hoping this wouldn’t take too long as she stood on the stool. She reached to take hold of the sheet, taking hold of it. She had thought she needed to pull it more so as it easily was pulled out, it made her stumble forward. Wide-eyed, she braced herself, unable to stop herself from falling forward, partially blinded by the sheet that had covered her slightly.

She expected to hit the ground, anticipating the sudden impact. What she didn’t expect was the feeling of someone catching her before they both fell to the ground, her landing on top of whoever was below her. She let out a groan, feeling the person sit up, causing her to do the same. She thought it had to have been Blaise, but Blaise would have griped at her for being so careless. Whoever had softened her fall was being oddly silent.

“I...I’m sorry…” she said with a soft whine, trying to untangle herself from the sheet. Silently, whoever’s lap she sat on, the person seemed to move to help her. That was good because as soon as her eyes fell on the rainbow vest and white shirt of the man before her, Calla froze, panic set in. She felt the sheet pull itself tightly against her back, pulling her against him as her terrified eyes slowly looked from his rainbow vest to the wicked smirk on his lips before locking eyes with the orange orbs that stared at her with amusement. She was about to scream when his hand covered her mouth, the other wrapping around her to hold her close as he leaned back against the tree he had sat up next to.

“Shh,” he hushed with a mockingly warm tone, moving his face closer to hers. “If you scream, I’ll make you regret it.” His words were as cold as his hold, making her shiver. He scanned her fearful expression, him seeming to take pleasure in her fear. “You should be thanking me, little lamb. If I hadn’t caught you, you would have hit the tree behind me. And it would be no fun to play with a broken toy.”

He moved the hand away from her mouth to stroke her face lightly with his long black painted fingernails. She shivered but glared at him, trying not to look scared as it only seemed to amuse him more. She tried to push herself out of his hold, only for his arm to tighten.

“W-What are you doing here, Aro?” She asked in a mix of anger and fear, her body trembling. His smile grew, eyes showing a wild expression of giddiness.

He quivered with delight, gripping her chin to force her to look up at him. “Hearing you say my name is wonderful~! Do it again,” he said with a dark amusement to his tone. It made a chill go down her spine and a whimper couldn’t help but escape her lips. He chuckled slightly, his lips nearly touching hers. “One more time. Say my name one more time.”

She whimpered, trying to turn her head away from his potential kiss. “Aro, stop!” She tried to order only for it to come off as a beg. Aro let out a laugh, his body shivering but he did pull his face away from hers, leaning back against the tree again as he looked over the trembling girl on his lap.

“Even scared, it rolls off your tongue so nicely, little lamb” he purred with a wicked grin. However, he seemed slightly annoyed by something, a flicker of the expression in his eyes as he scanned her face. His smile never wavered as he watched her. “I wonder how nice it would sound coming from your lips with you sobbing in a mix of pain and pleasure…”

“No!” She yelled, glaring at him. She hit his chest as hard as she could at this angle, making him grunt and his arm loosening enough for her to pull away from him. She stumbled back, crawling away from him until her hand hit something. She looked down to see his walking cane, wondering if he had dropped it when he caught her.

She heard him chuckle as he got to his feet, touching the spot she hit him. “I have to admit, I didn’t expect that from you. Someone has been learning how to protect herself.” He said in amusement. He smirked as he stepped towards her before watching her scramble to her feet, grabbing his cane tightly.

“S-Stay back or I’ll break it!” Calla yelled, trying to sound serious. She had no idea if the orange orbed cane was even all that important to him. Sure, this was now the second time she had seen it with him and it looked as if he used it for his spells, however, the item might just be for his fashion.

It did seem to make him stop, giving her a curious look over before he smirked. “Is that so?” he asked. He hummed in thought, taking another step towards her. His smile turned into a playful smirk. “It’s just a walking cane, dear. It would mean nothing if you did.”

She shivered, taking steps back as her eyes widened. She couldn’t tell if he was being serious or if he was calling her bluff. Looking around, she noticed a large stone on the ground and stopped by it, holding the cane above the rock. “You...You’re bluffing. You said your power works differently but… but it still works through touch and it has something to do with this. I know it’s important to you.” she said, watching him carefully. She scowled, trying to look brave. “You like making deals, right? So make a deal with me. Let me return to the wards and you can have the cane back.”

Aro seemed to raise a brow at that before smirking, shaking his head. “Come now, dear, you need a better deal than that if you want to perk my interest. There would be nothing of value in your deal for me,” he said with a shrug, continuing to walk forward casually. “I would lose such an interesting toy for a walking cane? How boring. Besides, getting my cane back wouldn’t be difficult.”

She shivered at that, holding her glare but getting more nervous as he continued to get closer to her. “My name is Calla and I am not your toy or your little lamb!” she yelled, raising the cane about ready to smash it before a sudden and aggressive gust of wind sent her back and hit her against a tree. She held onto the cane for dear life before hearing a sigh. Calla looked up with horror as Aro was nearly before her looking slightly irritated.

“Alright then, Calla.” He said as he reached his hand out to take the cane from her. “How about we stop with this little game and hand me the cane.”

Calla shivered, seeing the dark look in his eyes but was more worried about what he would do with the cane back, feeling at least somewhat in power keeping it away from him. She quickly moved it behind her as he stopped before her. Aro’s dark look locked with her terrified eyes as she did.

“Dear, I am not a good man to piss off.” he hissed before his smile reappeared. He used one of his hands to hit the tree just above her head before touching her face as he moved against her. She shivered in terror as she looked up at him.

“Calla,” he purred, making her shiver as he scanned her eyes. “Don’t you want to help Raven?”

Her eyes widened at that, watching as his mouth twitched into a playfully dark smirk as he leaned closer to her again. “I know he’s taking longer to recover because of my spell, but my curse has another effect that I haven’t used much of yet which will allow me to cause him significant pain and reverse any recovery he has done.” He looked amused at Calla’s horror at his words before tapping her cheek. “I haven’t used it yet because I have my own plans and for those plans, I need dear Raven to be fully healed when he comes to the other realm.”

He hummed in thought, gripping her chin as his eyes held a dark look again. “However, I can have just as much fun if I kill him now,” he said calmly, making her shiver with tears in her eyes. However, his smile returned with a wicked look in his eyes. “I only came around to observe, playing with the wind to draw you near. After all, we didn’t have time to play last time we met.” He scanned her face before his orange eyes locked with her blue ones again. “I’ve been bored waiting for these three weeks to be over so the real game can begin in the other world and I see you have yet to give your gift to someone yet~”

His lips touched her quivering ones again. “If you love him, how about you persuade me to remove my curse on him? I can be a reasonable man~” he purred with wickedness that shook her to her core. She wanted to scream for Blaise, wanted Marick and Gwydion to come to save her. She gripped the cane tightly, keeping it behind her as her body tensed.

She glared at him, turning her head away from his kiss again. She had to pull his attention away, hoping to stall long enough for the others to get back. “T-They told me about you,” she said nervously, seeing his look change from one of interest before sinking to a playfully curious smirk.

“Did they now?” he asked, not really as a question. “I’m assuming good things.”

“Y-You were in exile and… and you want to kill the members of this coven.” She said, not really answering him. He chuckled at that, mostly he was amused at her stalling. Aro knew Marick and Gwydion were not around and as long as he kept his magic at small levels, he wouldn’t attract the attention of Blaise or Raven inside the cottage.

“I’m afraid my exile and wanting to kill the coven have nothing to do with each other,” he said calmly before pulling his hand away to hold it out before her. “Give me my cane and we can have a civil conversation, little lamb. However, I mean what I say, I will only remove that curse from Raven if you give me your body.”

“As if I would fall for that. I-I’m not that foolish. You would simply use the cane to do something vile and what would stop you from taking what you wanted and still hurt Raven?” Calla asked, shrinking away from him. He frowned at that before giving what looked like a small pout of some kind.

“Now, now, I am nothing if not a man of my word,” Aro said as his smile returned. He smiled more as he hummed in thought. “What if we pretended to trust each other? Just this once.”

Calla scowled at that, locking eyes with him. However, something in his eyes made her hesitate slightly. He was almost as if he was hoping for something, something that she couldn’t figure out. Whatever it was looking for in her eyes, he seemed slightly bummed by not seeing it as she spoke. “No one in their right mind would trust you, Aro,” she said. He smirked at that before waving his hand lazily.

“Sticks and stone, dear,” he said before his eyes fell to her body again. There was a dark desire in his gaze, making her uncomfortable.

He hummed in thought before lightly touching the bow on the bosom of her dress, making her push herself back against the tree. “Raven knows me a little too well it seems. Odd for a boy I only met a few times,” he muttered, staring at her body as if looking into her soul. “Have you not been curious as to why I haven’t attacked you yet?” The question made her shiver but looked at him confused. Aro just smirked, his eyes scanning her body slowly. “Even though I see you are still pure, I can tell you have been spending time with him by the number of different wards he has placed on you specifically against my type of magic. I can’t do anything fun with magic with you, including stealing you a way to do what I please.”

Her heart thumped at that, blushing at the idea that Raven had been casting spells on her as she slept next to him to protect her when he wasn’t around. Aro chuckled at the sight of her blush, making her look fearful towards him again. “But there are always loopholes, even with magic,” he said calmly. In a flash, he reached around and grabbed the cane, making her flinch but hold onto it as she was spun around and pushed against the tree. “For example…”

Calla let out a scream that was muffled by Aro’s free hand as sudden jolts of electricity flowed through her, making her body spasm until her fingers let go of the cane. She trembled and whimpered in pain, her arms shaking as they moved to hug herself as tears fell from her eyes. He chuckled and leaned down to purr into her ear.

“If you are touching me or any of my items, I can hurt you despite the wards on you,” he said before moving the cane around her to pull her back against him. Her eyes opened wide at that, looking over her shoulder up at him. He chuckled down at her. “You were right by the way, my magic is based on touch. However, it is amplified through my cane, making my magic stronger and can be sent farther.”

Calla shivered at that, looking around as she tried to figure out how she could get out of his arms and towards the safety of the wards.

“Now then,” Aro said, pushing his lower body against hers, making Calla’s eyes widen and her face pale. “With this game now over, let’s get back to dear Raven.” Aro’s hands glowed with dark magic, making terror fill Calla’s eyes as she whirled around to look up at Aro in fear.

“No! Don’t hurt him!” she cried with tears in her eyes. Aro’s eyes held a wicked look as he smirked down at the poor girl in his arms. However, there was something else in his eyes, a distant look as he watched her.

“Tell me, dear,” he started, leaning closer to her. “Do you think men like Raven will change their view of the world?” Calla’s eyes widened at that as he pulled her closer to him with a strong grip on his cane. “You are a sweet little thing, but surely you understand that someone like Raven isn’t going to change how he feels about your kind just because of a cute girl like you. The hatred between magicals and non-magicals runs deep like an old wound. He may care for you, even love you, but you won’t change his opinions in a single day. Could you still love him if he says something hurtful about your kind again? Could you stay by his side if he kills non-magicals? People like him and I, we cannot be fixed, Calla.” His words made a sad thump in her heart as she looked up at him.

“You are wrong!” Calla exclaimed, not seeing the look leave Aro’s eyes. “Raven…Raven said he wants to change for the better. He promised.”

Aro gave a slight snort at that, shaking his head. “A man can make thousands of promises and not mean them. Promises are weak.” Aro said calmly, moving one of his hands from the cane to stroke her hair. Why was he acting so gentle? It made her nervous. “If he meant what he said, he would make a vow to you. Magicals cannot break a vow once it is uttered.” He smirked, making her worried. “If you were mine, I would make all kinds of vows for you. I would make it clear that I would ravish you.” Her eyes widened at that as his own eyes filled with delight. “I would abuse you and force you to enjoy it over, and over, and over again. Your body would grow hungry for my needs and I, as your master, will use you for my pleasure as long as I want. I would fill you with my lust. But, I would also make a vow to you, that I would never kill you. I would not make empty promises of not killing other non-magicals. Only you would be special enough for a vow.”

Calla trembled at that, whimpering in fear as he gave a wicked grin down at her, feeling his hand slip from her hair and grip the cane again. Aro chuckled at the sight. “You see, I’m a man who likes what he likes. I have no reason to change who I am nor make false promises to change for anyone,” he said calmly, his lips nearly touching hers again. “You know what to expect when it comes to me.”

“That is the difference between you and me, Aro,” a sudden voice said, making them look over to see Raven and Blaise. Calla’s teary eyes looked overjoyed at the sight but she soon looked worried, seeing the pain on Raven’s face. Blaise looked pissed, hands up, and his fiery sparks rushed around him like a wildfire. Raven took a step forward, eyes trying to look serious. “I’m willing to change who I am. My promises are not meaningless.” He held out a hand that glowed with a mix of his magic. “Get your filthy hands off her. Now.”

Aro looked at them with a bored expression before sighing. “And here things were about to get fun…” he muttered before he smirked and his hands glowed. All at once, Raven’s eyes widened and he sank to the ground with a cry of pain.

“Raven!!” Calla cried out, struggling as she tried to break out of Aro’s arms. However, Aro held her close. Blaise’s eyes widened and he turned to help Raven.

“W-What happened?” Blaise asked as Raven growled, slowly getting to his feet as he started to walk towards Aro and Calla.

“I knew about that part of your damn curse, Aro,” Raven said with a growl. “I also know you’ve been watching us and using your curse to cause pain so I can’t physically be with Calla. I refuse to play your stupid games and I’m not going to let you have your way with her, you piece of shit!”

Aro just smirked and waved off the comment. “Sticks and stones, boy,” he said calmly before turning back to Calla. “See, dear? I wasn’t bluffing. I am also not lying about removing it from him if you are a good girl.” He touched her chin, making her look up at him. “Agree to become my entertainment for a few hours and I’ll remove my curse~”

Her eyes were wide with terror, her body trembling as she looked from Raven to Aro. Unseen to them, Blaise was shaking in his anger. “Calla! Don’t agree to give him anything! He knows he can’t hurt or do anything to you without your willingness due to the protective wards on you!” Blaise growled as he moved over to help Raven, who staggered. Blaise’s energy flared as he grabbed the other man, beginning to heal any new damage caused by Aro’s curse. “He’s powerless and he knows it.”

Aro glanced at the boy before rolling his eyes. “Powerless, hilarious,” he said before he smirked. He grabbed Calla’s face tightly before she let out another scream of pain as new jolts of electricity hit her. Both Raven and Blaise growled before they rushed him. Aro laughed before he was hit by two spells, pushing him away from Calla, and making her drop. However, Aro just laughed as he leaned against a tree nearby as Raven bundled Calla into his arms with a dark glare at Aro. “I can hurt her as long as she is touching me, and you know that.”

Blaise stood between Raven with Calla and Aro, his magic flaring in large quantities. “I’ll get you for that,” Blaise said darkly, making Aro chuckle.

Aro stood tall and began to slowly approach Blaise, a wild look on his face. “Interesting. The former non-magical thinks he can do what a pure-blooded magical could not?” he asked as he laughed. “Fine, if you want to die here. I will grant it to you!”

With that, Aro rushed him, making Blaise look horrified but soon growled with a determined look and smirked, the blonde had fallen for a trap. Before Aro could react, Raven grabbed the shoulder of the young red-haired man before both raised their hands, sending a spell that Calla could not even comprehend toward Aro. Aro couldn’t dodge, raising his own hand to counter as much as he could as the spell hit, sending the blonde back with a scream.

There was a flash of light as Marick and Gwydion appeared, Marick grabbing Calla and pulling her back into the warded protected area while the three warlocks remaining chased down Aro as the injured man began to flee, growling.

Calla blinked before looking at Marick with terror in her eyes. “A-Aro! Aro’s curse! He’s going to kill Raven!” she exclaimed, tears in her eyes. Marick just listened with his stony expression resting on his face before pulling out a vial.

“No, he won’t,” Marick said calmly, though it was clear he understood Calla’s fear. Calla blinked before looking worried. Marick, however, sighed. “This one is potent and infused with anti-curse life magic. Besides, Aro won’t try to use the curse now of all times, not while you are out of his reach. Raven’s going to be okay, I promise.”

She looked unsure but nodded, trusting Marick. She looked down. “I-I’m sorry for leaving the protected area. I… I was just retrieving a sheet. I didn’t know he was-!” Calla started before Marick just patted her head.

“You are fine, Calla,” Marick said calmly, looking towards the treeline as the others began to walk back. “I forgot Aro’s abyss magic could manipulate the wind. I didn’t think anything of it either until we felt Blaise’s energy spike.”

Calla looked over as the other three entered the safe area, Blaise complaining in annoyance as Raven and Gwydion just spoke amongst themselves. Her tears began to fall again before she ran over to wrap her arms around Raven, hiding her face in his chest. “Raven…!” she exclaimed. The man looked at her surprised before his eyes softened. He wrapped his arms around Calla and held her close, rubbing her back.

Blaise gave a huff at that before pouting. “Thanks, Blaise, for helping my dumb ass of a lover when you saw him attempt to rush off to fight Aro alone again,” Blaise muttered in a mocking of her voice. Calla blinked as she looked his way before she giggled, a blush on her face. She pulled away from Raven, who just flashed her a warm smile before moving over to hug Blaise.

Blaise froze as she did. “Thank you, Blaise,” Calla said softly. The boy flushed a dark red with a blush before scratching his head and giving her back a pat.

“You’re welcome…” he muttered back shyly. Gwydion chuckled at the younger man’s face.

Raven touched his painfully throbbing chest as he walked over to Marick. Marick handed him the vial before eyeing the man. “I told you he would try something,” Marick muttered only loud enough for Raven to hear. Raven downed the vial, making a face at it before sighing. His eyes fell on Calla as she spoke with Gwydion and Blaise, Gwy seemingly mocking his apprentice.

“He knew he couldn’t teleport away with her with the wards I had in place… I should have known he would use hurting me to try and manipulate her.” Raven replied, his eyes softening. “... We are in the last week before we go to the other realm. If she doesn’t go with us, I fear he would find a way to steal her. I have no magic that can prevent his special ability to control time.”

Marick folded his arms as he watched the other three as well. “Bedding her wouldn’t keep him away.” He admitted, making Raven glance at him. “When something holds his interest, it doesn’t matter what happens to it as long as he can still obtain it. It is the same with people.” Marick sighed, seemingly thinking something over. “We may need to seriously discuss the possibility that Calla will not be returning to the non-magical world after this quest. Either with her staying at the estate or whatever Aro is planning.”

Raven frowned at that, looking off in thought for a moment before nodding. “We should move the cottage to the estate land,” Raven stated, making Marick glance towards him before humming in thought. The two said nothing more on the subject as soon enough the group headed back inside.

“How are you feeling? Has the potion taken effect?” Calla asked as she walked into Raven’s room after a bath. Since the potion, it looked as if he was healing again with no fear of Aro causing any more pain. He glanced over at her from where he was at the table. He eyed her, taking in the gentle beauty of the girl in her light nightdress as she toweled off her hair. He gave her a tender smile.

“Better,” he said honestly, turning to dip his quill into the ink again before continuing what he was writing in the spell book before him. Calla watched him a moment before frowning.

“Should you really be working right now?” She asked, taking up a brush to comb out her wet hair. She heard him chuckle at that, resting his head on his fist as he focused on writing.

“Are you going to report me again?” He countered playfully, making her roll her eyes at that.

“You are the one who should be resting.” She pointed out with a huff. “Just because the spell is gone, it doesn’t mean your wounds disappeared and I know Gwy didn’t heal you.”

Raven just chuckled again and waved it off using the quill. “Let me finish this section and I’ll lay down again.” He said calmly before returning to his task.

Calla huffed at that, moving to sit on the bed. The room was silent outside of the scratching sounds of the quill on the parchment as she waited. She had no idea how long of a section he was working on, not that it mattered as her mind was off in thought. They only had a few days left and it had surprised her that he hadn’t been as pushy as she had expected, especially with what he had promised Marick about bedding her as soon as he was able. Sure, there was the one time when they nearly went all the way but when he was in pain, they hadn’t tried anything since.

She blushed, her legs rubbing together as she thought about their time at the waterfall, wondering if it would feel similar with him inside of her. The idea made her flustered at how dirty her thoughts were. Her body felt warm as she watched the black-haired man seated facing away from her. She wondered if he would know what was going through her mind when he would look at her again. That was, whenever he would finish with what he was working on. Whatever it was, it was taking longer than she thought it would.

After a moment, she bit her lip, her body warm and needy of his attention. She hesitated as she silently got to her feet, wondering if she should do this. However, her heart began to pound as if to tell her she was ready to be with him in every sense. Swallowing hard, she fixed her nightdress before moving to stand just behind his chair, resting her hands on it.

“Raven…” she started, shifting on her feet. He didn’t look up, busy scratching the new spells into the spell book. However, unseen by her, a warm smile rested on his lips.

“Is there something you want?” He asked in a low, sensual voice that made her shiver. She blushed softly, running her fingers through his dark hair.

“Will you…. Will you dance with me?” She asked, chickening out of asking him what she really wanted for now. She heard him chuckle, him setting the quill into the ink before leaning back to look up into her face. He could see the hints of arousal in her eyes, making his heart race with desire. However, he smirked playfully.

“Is that all?” He asked, seeing her face growing hotter by the minute. He chuckled before sitting tall and stretching. “I guess I can do that.”

She moved as he pushed the chair back and turned to her. He was only in some kind of long johns that men used for sleepwear, leaving him mostly unclothed before her. Giving a bow, he winked at her before raising and pulling her into a dance hold.

“Do you remember the steps?” He asked, making Calla nod as she looked up at him. She smiled, just glad to have his undivided attention as the two began to dance.

“I will try not to step on your feet,” she teased with a giggle, trying to ignore how sensitive her body was. He chuckled before spinning her and pulling her into his arms again.

“If you do, you will be punished~” he purred into her ear, making her bite her lip and face grow hot. She shivered at that, making Raven’s smile turn more playful. He knew what he was doing, curious to see if she would say what she wanted. “Unless that’s what you are hoping will happen,”

Calla closed her eyes tightly, hiding her face in his chest as she did. He didn’t move other than to wrap his arms around her as they were silent again. “Y-You’re the devil…” she whimpered, making him laugh lightly.

“If you say so,” he teased. He sighed, holding her close as he started to hum the song that had played while they were at the dance hall, swaying them back and forth in an informal dance. He stopped humming after a moment and leaned down to kiss her head.

“Calla, we have a few more days left… we don’t have to until you want to,” he said with a tenderness in his voice. Calla just rested her hands on his chest before lifting her red face to look up at him. His eyes were filled with desire, making her heart skip a beat. Her head and heart were in agreement, ready to be his.

“Raven, I…” she started, rubbing her legs together as her own eyes stared up at him with her desire. “I’m yours…” She swallowed hard before saying no more, standing on her toes as he leaned down, catching his lips.

He groaned into it, deepening the kiss as their eyes closed tightly. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing back eagerly as he backed her against the wall of the room. His heart raced, feeling how badly she wanted him. In a swift motion, he broke the kiss long enough to pull her nightdress off, making her shiver before pulling her back into the heated kiss.

She shivered with delight, only making a small sound when he helped her remove his long johns, before he picked her up, pressing her between him and the wall. He lifted one of her legs for the moment, using his other hand to grip his hard manhood.

“Raven,” she moaned softly as he rubbed his member between her sensitive and wet folds to tease the clit as he trailed kisses down her neck. He groaned at that, nipping her neck before gripping her hips again.

“Are you ready?” He asked breathlessly, making her bite her lip with a nod. Her body quivered as she clung to him. He nodded, lifting her enough to fully move between her legs. Holding her against the wall, Calla let out a small cry as she felt him push into her. Her legs trembled, toes curling as her cry was muffled by his deep kiss. He rubbed her hips once he was fully inside of her, breaking the kiss with a breathy pant.

She clung to him, a dull ache in her lower body but nothing to the pain she had been told she would feel. She could feel him throbbing, his tip deep inside of her as he seemed to wait for her to get used to it. She pushed her lips to his again, her tears running down her cheeks as he kissed back passionately. She would gasp into the kiss as he began to rock his hips, thrusting into her slow but deep. She rolled her head back, wrapping her legs around him as he started a steady pace, groaning as he held her hips. His mouth nipped her neck as she gasped and moaned, her body reacting to his every motion as waves of pleasure flowed through her.

In a matter of minutes, Calla was a moaning mess, Raven guiding her to rock her hips with his as he picked up speed. She locked her legs around him as he moved inside her, hitting areas that made her cry out in bliss. Her tears rolled down her face as if trying to cool off her cheeks, hearing him pant and groan with his pleasure. As he hit a sensitive area, she panted, feeling a new sensation building inside of her. She wrinkled her face, clawing at his back as it grew closer, making her start to pant his name. He groaned, chuckling breathlessly as he felt her tighten around him, knowing he was sending her over the edge. The cries of his name were music to his ears, making him want as much of her as he can tonight, never wanting to pull away.

He had been savoring this pleasurable time together, not wanting to finish straight away so as the girl had her first climax, he chuckled, becoming a little rougher with his motions wanting to give her as many as he can before he too could not hold back. He was sweating and panting, ignoring the twinge of pain in his chest as he sought his release. Calla’s head rolled back with a louder cry of ecstasy as she was pushed over the edge again, feeling Raven push as far into her as he could go before he soon found his release. He panted, rocking his hips slower before fully stopping, leaning against her and the wall.

After a moment she unlocked her legs and allowed him to pull away, finally having caught her breath but looking worn out. Her legs felt both on fire and weak as she staggered, leaning against the wall for support as he let her down. However, soon enough she looked up as he grabbed her hand and led her over to the bed, moving to lay down, pulling her to join him.

He gave a small tired chuckle as he held her close. “It wasn’t so bad, huh.” He said, making her blush with a loving look in her eyes. She snuggled closer to him, trailing sweet kisses over his chest. He watched her with a warm smile of his own, running his fingers into her hair. “Was it what you expected it to be like?”

Her sweet face looked towards him, making his heart race again. She smiled, still shy to say such things but nodded. “It was better than anything I could imagine…” she said softly, making him chuckle again and rub her back.

He moved to lay her back on the bed, climbing over her as he kissed her deeply, her gasping as he entered her again. “Good, because we have a lot of time to make up,” he said breathlessly before groaning low as he began to move again.

Calla was out moments later, her body slick with sweat but her breathing had steadied. Her skin had light bruises from love bites but for the most part, he had been gentle with her, taking their time to explore her body and love her tenderly. He wanted to make her first time as special as he could and hoped she had enjoyed making love as much as he did. Raven couldn’t help but watch her sleep, love in his eyes. Still, he gave a soft sigh, carefully moving to get up. He sat on the side of the bed for a moment, scratching his head. He looked towards the wall to his room, seeing where his pants had gone before noticing the trickles of blood on the floor. He smiled at the sight before shaking his head.

“Probably shouldn’t have made love against the wall for your first time…” he muttered to himself, turning to look back at the young woman sound asleep in his bed. The way her brown hair flowed around her softly, framing her gentle face. The way the sheet covered her form like waves on the water. Calla was perfect in his eyes. He smiled and lightly removed a strand of hair from her face before leaning down to kiss her cheek.

“I love you, Calla,” he said softly, not wanting to wake her. With a warm smile, he moved away, getting out of the bed and stretching as he returned to the desk. Grabbing his long johns on the way before he began to work again. He would return to the bed once he was finished to sleep by Calla’s side for the rest of the night.

Raven and Calla's relationship has increased

Adventure awaits in the other realm! Raven's story will continue in chapter 18.