A Conspiracy of Ravens: A Raven Saga Book 1

by Crymsyn R. Hart

  The weight of the sword materialized in his hand. He knew every inch of the blade. It was three feet long. Etched with leaves, its silver edge was sharp enough to cut through stone. At the end of the hilt rested an onyx stone, reminding him of the darkness to which he was bound. He had used the sword to finally kill the demon which had murdered his last charge. He had not been fast enough in the first place because he had been unable to take on his human form. It was the one hindrance of his curse. Then again it was not meant to be easy since he was damned.

  As the door swung open, he stepped forward and caught Jenny Greenteeth by surprise. The sword came down in a graceful arc as her fingers wrapped around the doorknob. Black blood erupted out of the stump in the fairy's neck. It sizzled on his blade as it tried to eat away the metal, but his blade was not ordinary silver. It was elf-smithed, unbreakable, and impenetrable. The blood smoked and slid off the metal in large beads. The body fell onto the floor, and the head rolled to a rest in the doorway of the bedroom door. The sludge pooled around the corpse. Whatever it touched—cloth, rug, wood—it began to burn a hole in. Tremain didn't care if it dripped down into the store on the first floor. His main concern now was covering up the body and melting back into the shadows before Linnea saw him. When he looked up from grabbing Jenny's head, Linnea stood in the doorway, staring at him with a panic-stricken expression. Terror colored her cheeks and her eyes. He sensed her confusion in the air like a ripe perfume. Her gaze darted from the body to him holding the head like a character from a Halloween novel. Somewhere in that instant, she lost her grip on reality and collapsed. Dropping the head, he went to her. As he did, he saw a ghost boy peering at them through the banisters. The boy laughed and then waved. Tremain gave him a little wave back before lifting Linnea's body and carrying her to the couch, careful not to get any of the drying blood on her. As he set her down, he knew he was not going to be able to talk himself out of this one.

  Chapter Eight

  Linnea slowly opened her eyes. She prayed everything that had happened to her today was a dream. If it wasn't, her life had just been turned upside down. She was not expecting to wake up and find she could hear ghosts, see people's auras, feel the energy from crystals, and see a man holding the head of an old hag in her best friend's torn apart apartment. The image had stayed with her as she struggled up through the darkness. Something about it made her soul shiver.

  A handsome man, at least six foot tall, dressed in black, with alabaster skin, chiseled jaw line, aquiline nose, and long black hair pulled back in a ponytail stood in Maili's apartment. In his left hand, he clutched the head of a hag whose mouth was petrified in a wicked grin showing small, yet sharp rows of teeth. A long, pencil thin nose with hairy warts on the end of it pointed at her. Dark enchanting eyes pulled her in even though the thing was dead. White wispy hair was what the man clenched. In the other was a smoking silver sword with black liquid dripping off it. The thing's body had fallen backward. A pool of what appeared to be black blood collected around the stump where the head had been. She didn't think she could ever forget the scene. No matter how much it affected her, the gorgeous stranger intrigued her more. She had never seen anything like him. Are you Maili's knight with a shining sword? It would be nice if you were mine, but why would you want to look at me at all?

  Then the shock of it all had overwhelmed her, and she had passed out. She had only done that once before when her grandmother had told her about her parents’ death. It had stuck with her along with the idea she was not going to be eating anything blue.

  Finally Linnea opened her eyes. Her head throbbed. She must have hit the hardwood floor pretty hard. Her hand rubbed over the spot. A knot was already forming on her skull. It was going to be tender until she could put something on it or at least took some aspirin.

  However, as she opened her eyes, she saw the intruder in Maili's apartment staring down at her. His intense eyes were wrinkled at the edges. He seemed to examine her like she was a science experiment. His demeanor was rather cold. But no matter what his appearance hadn't changed. He was still a dangerous dish. When he realized she was awake, he didn't move away from her. From her vantage point, she saw the fine make up of his lips. They were slightly pink with deep lines etched into them, but ever so soft. She found herself wanting to meet them with her own to see if they were as luscious as they looked. His cheekbones were sharp and he was clean shaven. The aroma about him reminded her of the forest. Clean and vaguely of mint. A bolt of heat went through her and settled between her legs. She would love to pull this man down on top of her and make him see what kind of a woman she truly was. It had been a long time since she had anyone in her bed, and he was scrumptious. So not her type, but very delectable. No matter what though, he was probably Maili's. She always got the good ones. Mentally, she slapped herself at thinking about a man when her best friend was missing and strange things were going on.

  "Hello,” she smiled. Heat flushed across her cheeks as she realized where her thoughts were heading. Linnea wanted to get him naked and have her way with him. Now is not the best time for that. But damn. Can't a girl have any fun?

  "What are you doing here?” he asked. He sat on the arm of the couch she was lying on. He crossed his arms and stared at her like she was really the intruder and not him.

  Linnea sat up slowly as she glanced around the room. The body still lay there. The head now sat on the kitchen counter staring at her. His sword leaned against the edge of the counter nonchalantly like it was a wet umbrella. Its blade was pristine, showing he took good care of his weapon.

  What else does he take good care of? He can certainly have any woman he wants with just a look. God, I have to think about something else.

  "I should ask you the same thing,” she snapped back. She tried to get up, but her legs were wobbly, and she fell back down into the tattered sofa. God, her head hurt.

  She felt the slight burn of the crystal in her pocket. Suddenly her head did not hurt so much. Hmm ... I didn't know quartz had healing properties. I have to look into that when I get back home. Grammie should have had it in her Book of Shadows.

  "What I am doing here is none of your business. I suggest you get out of here before you get yourself into any more trouble."

  Linnea turned toward the arrogant strange crossing her arms over her chest. “I don't have to explain myself to you. I have a key to the door. I wasn't the one holding a sword and a severed head of—whatever that thing is!” She pointed to the hag head which she swore was grinning at her. She glanced away from it since it was creepy. However, she had a feeling she had seen that somewhere before in one of her grandmother's books. She just couldn't recall which one. The stranger got up and stood over her trying to be daunting. Linnea recognized he could be dangerous. He had that kind of vibe flowing off of him, but she also sensed something—he didn't fit in. It was the only way to describe it. He did not belong, not just in the apartment, but in the world. Gathering her temper, she closed her eyes. Inhaling, she opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. Maili was not here. Her fear was rising. The dressing room had looked just like this. Whoever was after her friend was looking for something. The witch feared her friend was in grave danger. Linnea had to figure out a way to contact her best friend's mother. She had no idea of even where to start. Maili described her mother as a globe trotter with no permanent address.

  "Look, I don't have time to argue or ponder why there's a dead whatever it is in the middle of Maili's living room. Get the hell out of my way so I can look for my friend's mother's phone number. I'm sure it's around here somewhere.” Linnea tried to stand once again. This time her legs were not wobbly, and her head not so achy, but he still blocked her way. He stood as still as a statue with his face blank and his arms crossed. Linnea heard the bell-like giggle of the ghost boy who was now standing in the doorway. He had a large smile on his lips and stared at the two of them. She looked back at the gorgeous stranger and saw his gaze move from the door to her. He had seen the ghost too
.

  "You saw the little boy too? Didn't you?"

  "What little boy?"

  "Whoever you are! Why the hell are you in my friend's apartment? I know you saw the little rascal. Do you know anything about Maili's disappearance? If you do, I swear—"

  A cold smile curled on his lips. “You'll what? Harass me to death about invisible boys? Like I said before, who I am and why I'm here is nothing of your concern? Maili doesn't need your help. You'll only get yourself killed. Now go back to your safe little house and normal life and let me take care of it. This isn't the place for you, Linnea.” He grabbed her elbow and began to drag her through the debris toward the door.

  Linnea was not about to go anywhere. The flautist was not going to abandon her friend. She had to find Maili. This guy was the only lead she had at the moment. And how did he know her name? She dug her heels in letting herself only be taken halfway across the room, where she yanked herself out of his grasp. Without thinking, she spun around with an open hand and slapped him.

  Linnea was surprised she connected with his cheek. She didn't think she would get him. He seemed shocked as well because he stood before her staring as if he never expected this kind of treatment from a woman. After the initial shock wore off, his expression grew dark. She swallowed as she watched the change ripple over his handsome features. A black mask dropped over him for a second, and she thought she saw the shadow of a raven's head distort his features. After she blinked, the image was gone. Linnea shook her head, reminding herself today was the day her world turned upside down and was put back on its axis in a different reality because she was seeing and sensing all kinds of paranormal things. Come to think of it, as she concentrated on the stranger, she saw his aura. It was completely black and lined with silver, like an eclipsing moon. She tried focusing on it more, but he must have sensed the intrusion. A wall descended between them. Now before her stood a normal man. Linnea knew he was beyond ordinary. Something otherworldly clung to him, and if he could help her find Maili she wasn't letting him out of her sight.

  "I told you to leave. I suggest you do so before you raise my temper further. There's nothing here for you to intrude in. I assure you, Linnea, we are very much aware of Maili's disappearance and are searching for her as much as you are. Her mother has already been informed and sent me to find your friend. Now be a good human and run along.” He took her elbow again.

  She skidded a few steps as he put some force behind trying to push her out of the apartment. Linnea felt the strength behind his grip and knew he was holding back, but he could hurt her if he wanted to. She threw her hand out and grabbed the door. She was not going anywhere. The budding witch might not be as strong as he was, but she was not going to be forced out either.

  Did he call me human? Events are getting stranger and stranger the longer I'm awake. What's going to happen next? God, he is such a pain in my ass, but still a hot pain in my ass.

  "Look, Frisky. Or whatever your name is. I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what that thing is on the floor? Who the hell are you? How do you know my name? And—” The shadows by the window flickered. Shadows were not supposed to do that. They were flat and grew long in the daytime as the sun slid across the sky. They did not move on their own. Her voice caught in her throat. Her eyes widened as she saw a cloaked figure appear out of nowhere. If this was yesterday she would have sworn she was hallucinating, but she knew better. The darkness of the apartment had coughed up a robed figure.

  "Look out!” she cried.

  The man in front of her must have sensed the intruder before she even finished her warning. He spun around to face the newcomer. The budding witch backed into the doorframe, watching the battle between the two of them. The stranger made a grab for the cloaked figure, but missed. The other moved in a blur trying not to trip over the debris in the middle of the floor. The cloaked pillager brought his leg up kicking the stranger in the stomach. A glint of silver appeared from the folds of the cloak. Her savior fell on his back next to the body, surprised he had been taken off guard by the stunt from the guy in the dark robe. Linnea wanted to rush in and help the one who had saved her, but she had the better sense to stay on the sidelines. The stranger made a face as the cloaked figure sprang on top of him. The metallic flash of the blade came up again covered in crimson. Linnea watched as the ruby droplets slipped off the point and onto the floor like drops of ink. The stranger kicked back, catching the wrist of the hooded figure. The dagger skittered across the floor landing by her foot. Linnea took her gaze from the battle. Things fell and clattered to the floor in the kitchen. Slowly, she bent down staring at the stained blade. Her would-be savior had been hurt. A pang of guilt speared her heart for being bitchy to him. She hoped it wasn't serious. She spied a piece of cloth from Maili's shredded wardrobe, wrapped up the dagger, and stuck it in her purse. Something about it made her realize it was too important to lose.

  The noise settled down. She crept around the refrigerator to see the stranger with the sword poised over the thief's heart. She got the sense the hooded figure was not afraid to die. Sweat glistened on the forehead of the handsome stranger. He seemed to have a little trouble breathing as he drew in a ragged breath.

  "You'll wish you'd never done that. Now where is the girl? What were you looking for?"

  A grated laugh escaped the marauder's lips “You'll never find her, Warrior. Too bad. Only two more days to find her. You'll be dead before moonrise tomorrow, and she'll be ours. No matter that we can't find it. We have her now and soon her mother."

  The stranger clutched his side. Linnea saw him pull his hand away. There was blood on it. He clenched his sword, pressing the tip into the robed figure's throat. “No matter. Bring this message back to your master.” The tip of the sword pierced the black cloaked figure. Instead of red, the blood on the sword was black. The body in the cloak flattened until there was nothing left except a small streak of black ooze. The head on the counter burst into blue flame. She yelped and jumped back into her savior. Linnea watched as the body in the center of the room also erupted in flames. No heat came off the fire, which she knew was strange. But then again the whole day had been weird. The tongue of fire touched the ceiling, but did not leave a scorch mark. Finally it burned out.

  She turned back to face the original intruder into Maili's apartment. She could tell he was pissed. His jaw was set on edge. His grip on his sword turned his knuckles white. Linnea knew he was hurt. Biting her lip, she took a small step toward him. He held up his free hand and stopped her.

  "Please leave. I don't need your help. You've seen enough. And honestly I'm rather tired of trying to tell you to get out."

  "Look. Whoever. Whatever you are. Whatever that thing was. Fuck—look this has been a messed-up day. A messed-up week so far. I know you're hurt. Let me help you. I can bring you to a hospital. Or I have friends who can help heal you. Anything. Please. It's the—"

  Linnea was suddenly stopped by his lips on hers. Without regret and hesitation, she melted into his arms as if she were meant to be there. Her body molded to the contours of his, and she rubbed against his rock hard abs. Her hands entwined around his neck as she pressed herself against him. Her fingers found a mind of their own as they wound through the silky strands of his midnight hair and raced over the back of his neck. Linnea felt him tense beneath her as if he fought the desires she roused in him. The sound of his sword hitting the floor rang in her ears. Her mind was lost in the sensation of his mouth on hers. Just the subtle caress of his lips sent wild zings erupting inside of her, awakening feelings she thought were dead. He sought entrance into her mouth by pushing his tongue against her lips. He tasted just like mint. His hands rested lightly on her hips as he held himself rigid against her. All she wanted was for him to sweep her up in his strong, muscled arms and bring her to the tattered couch across the room. But he wasn't making any more moves. For a long time, she had thought she would be an old maid. Why would such a gorgeous man be interested in her? She could see Maili, wh
o was a natural beauty, but not her, who was plain, bit her nails when she was nervous, and had other insecurities.

  Her head swam from the craziness. She would never do this with someone she didn't know. This man, this stranger was not even human or at least not completely. How had her life gone so far outside of reality in just a night? First her friend disappeared. Then the green hag. Now this. Was he a prince come to sweep her off her feet? Who sent him? What was Maili involved in? If he wasn't human, than what was her best friend? Linnea had no idea.

  She didn't even know his name. She wanted to, though. Wanted to know more about him. The way his lips touched hers, and how her body responded, it was unlike anything she had experienced before. Time had frozen for them. Just their kiss was all she could focus on. If he moved, she would be a puddle in his arms. She didn't know this guy at all, and yet, it all felt so right.