Chapter 7

The moment I see an opportunity, I slip silently out of camp. I’ve memorized the path Dylan took, and roughly where the traps were placed. I’ll just have to look for places that look uneven. The more I explore Cobra, the closer I get to retrieving the pendant. At least, that’s what I let myself believe.

“You are such a horrible stalker, do you know that?”

I jump, but before I can even turn, Dylan grabs my arm and jerks me towards him. “I’m not letting you stumble into another trap, Blackbird,” he snaps, his eyes narrowed. I blink, my wide gaze staring into his. “I—”

“What are you really doing here, huh?” Dylan asks, his posture tense.

“I wanted—”

He cuts me off again. “You used that reason last time,” he mutters dryly. “And now you’re trying to find me again?”

I open my mouth. And close it. I can lie. I should lie. But my mind is blank. I take a few steps back. The ground suddenly looks more interesting. “I was curious,” I mumble. Dylan scoffs, his mouth curving into a mocking smile. “Curious enough to spend so much time and effort in sneaking out and risking your life?”

I don’t answer, my eyes burning a hole into the ground.

“Raven.” Dylan shifts closer to me, his expression sharp. I wince at the warning tone in his voice. “What are you really looking for?”

My eyes flicker briefly to the pendant hanging lightly over his chest. Just for a second. But Dylan notices. His hand reaches up to touch the smooth stone, his eyes fixed on me. “You want this,” he states, his voice hoarse. My heart races.

“No.”

Dylan’s gaze drops, and he takes a small step forward. “You looked at it.”

“I was just—”

All of a sudden, he’s awfully close to me. Dylan bends down slightly to my eye level. I watch the pendant, which is now dangling in between us. “Little Blackbird,” he murmurs softly. “Do you think I’m stupid?”

My lips twitch. It’s right in front of me. And I realize how painfully easy it would be. To just take it. But something’s holding me back. I can grab it in one quick motion. Yank it off. Just a pull—

But at the same time, I can’t.

Dylan studies me for a moment longer. Sighs. Steps back. His eyes soften, and he swallows. “Whatever you’re getting yourself into, little Blackbird…” his voice drops into a hushed tone. “stop.”

My chest tightens. If only I could. It was right in front of me. I could’ve taken it. In that moment. So why didn’t I?

It’s late afternoon. It has been hours. My mind’s still lingering on regret. I could’ve ended the mission much faster. If only…

I stare ahead, my fingers curling into my palms. They’re slick with cold sweat. There will be another chance. There has to be. And when it happens, I’ll make sure I do the right thing. Yet, my focus seems to go somewhere else. The murmuring in the camp makes my ears ring. I should’ve taken it. I should’ve taken it. I should’ve—

“Raven!”

My eyes snap up to meet Saber’s. He’s staring at me, his gaze dark with confusion. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” I mutter quickly.

He looks skeptical. “I called you four times, Raven.”

“Sorry,” I murmur.

“Is something the matter?” He presses, staring intently. I shake my head, looking down. “What do you need?”

Saber looks at me for a moment longer, but decides not to ask further. I let out a quiet breath of relief. “Axel told me to find someone to train with.” He hesitates. “Do you want to?”

I think for a moment. “Sure.”

Why not? It’ll distract me from the situation. I don’t know why I didn’t take it. My heart was thundering, but that wasn’t what stopped me. I grab a weapon from the shelf, and follow Saber to the training area. My chest tightens. I swallow as I adjust my stance. Saber turns to face me, the sand flying into the air. “Ready?”

I nod.

He dips his head. And swings. I barely manage to dodge. My sword clangs against his. Saber sends a blow to my shoulder, and I stumble back at the strong force, my feet digging into the soft sand. “Focus,” he murmurs.

“I am,” I say breathlessly. He raises an eyebrow.

“Are you?”

“Yes,” I pant, my fingers curling around the sword tighter. I swing at him, but he blocks. Again and again. The sword suddenly strikes my arm with a jolt. My grip loosens as my weapon skids to the ground. Saber looks unconvinced. “I don’t think so.”

I feel a pair of eyes on me. Unconsciously, I whip around, expecting to see Dylan. Instead, Axel’s standing there. He’s watching us closely. “Raven.”

“Yes?” I ask, my chest heaving from the fight.

“Come here.”

I straighten, walking stiffly over to him. For some reason, there’s a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

“You seem distracted,” Axel observes quietly.

“I’m not—”

“Don’t lie to me,” Axel says, his eyes amber slits. My gaze lowers. He continues. “It’s Ashye, huh?”

“Who?” I ask, confused.

Axel sighs. “The assassin. Last names.”

“What about him?” I ask carefully.

“He’s distracting you from your mission, isn’t he?”

“No,” I say, a little too quickly. Axel’s eyes narrow.

“Remember your task, Raven.”

I dip my head. “Yes, Axel.”

“I’ll let you two be,” he murmurs, turning to leave. “Train well.”

Saber walks over to me, handing me my sword. “Ready?”

“Mhm,” I mumble. But I don’t think I’m ready. For anything.

Not at all.