I learned that the old man's name is Dimitri San Antonio and he's living in this secluded cabin house with his wife, Lara. A petite angular woman who is evidently the envy of many in her youth, her hair was cropped just under her ear highlighting her facial features even more. She cooked us a delicious meal and prepared a room for us to stay in. After we ate, Damon excused himself and went to the chapel which is actually a diner just five kilometers east from here.

''If you need anything else just say it, okay?''  Lara said softly laying some of her clothes that she have me barrow on the bed where I was seated. I nodded and managed to give her a small smile, she was about to leave when Dimitri knocked on the ajar door.

''You ladies done?'' He asked looking at his wife. Lara nodded giving me a quick glance before saying ''she's all yours.'' Dimitri let himself in while Lara went out closing the door behind her. Dimitri waited until Lara is entirely out of the room before he took a seat on the old leather sofa positioned near the window to the left where the abundance of greenery can be viewed.

He was quiet for a moment before crossing his legs, propping his elbows on his thigh and his chin bracketed by his thumb and pointer the finger. His lips were pursed and he was giving me a nondescript look.

  ''Is there something wrong?'' I initiated the conversation because the way he looks at me makes me feel anxious and uneasy. His eyebrows rose and fell before letting out a long deep breath.

''Damon didn't tell you anything, did he?'' His hands scratched his bearded chin. I shook my head frowning. ''Well,'' he continued ''let me say sorry first, for your situation. The infraction between the two sides of the Erinyes is not yet officially confirmed, per se, but it's always good to be careful. I'm an Erinyes myself, but I do not walk that path anymore until recently―''

''Where are you going with this?''

He sighed heavily giving me a pointed look.
''What I'm saying is, trust Damon. He will never do you harm. We will get you through this. Without killing you.''

I shivered. Kill me? I bet there are some willing to do that without any second thought. I hope mom, Dr. Hudson, and Lucas are safe. I won't be able to live with myself if anything happens to them.
''Thank you,'' I replied meekly, playing with the hem of my wine-red pencil skirt ''how long have you known Damon anyway?'' I inquired. His lips curled upwards, assessing my question.

''I've known him ever since I was young.''

''But you're older than him, how young were you exactly when you met him?'' Dimitri offered me a small smile, reluctantly shifting on his seat.

''You didn't know that Erinyes are immortal, did you?'' There's a hint of amusement in his tone while I couldn't hide my shock. Of course, why did I even expect that they are mundanes when I'm an Iridescent. I shook my head.

''How old are you guys exactly?'' Dimitri opened his mouth to answer when a distressed scream ricocheted from the living room. I stood up abruptly so did Dimitri and we both rushed out to see where the scream is coming from.

Every step closer felt like I'm walking with metal boots, I can't even start to think of what I'm about to see. When we reached the living room, the first thing that registered to me was Lucas' blood-covered button down. I gasped at his appearance then Dr. Hudson appeared from beside him carrying a limp body in his arms. I froze.

No, please no.

''Get the first aid kit, now!'' Damon orders, Lucas immediately shuffled on his feet and went to the bathroom down the hall led by Lara. It's all happening in a blur and their voices seemed muffled and incoherent. The next thing I know, Dr.Hudson is laying Olivia's limp motionless body on the leather couch. I felt the oxygen leave my body and I stood there like a statue.

I opened my mouth to talk, to ask what the hell happened to her or who the fuck did it, but nothing came out. The impact of the scenario shocked the remaining light in me. I walked closer to her as all of the other people in the room moved animatedly around me, it was like I couldn't even hear them. My focus is on Olivia.

I sat right next to her and caressed her platinum blonde hair. She looked pale, almost like a ghost. Her eyes, those eyes that always amaze me with their magnificent colors is now so devoid of it. I felt my heart crumble into million pieces, my hands started to quiver violently and my knees felt weak and numb.

Please wake up. Please! I prayed silently, as Lara and Dr. Hudson cut her pantsuit open to address the gunshot wound gushing with a pool of crimson.

I can barely hear Dr. Hudson spitting profanities as Damon and Dimitri seem to be arguing.

''She's dead.'' Dr. Hudson declared solemnly, his blood-covered hands still putting pressure on Olivia's chest, he visibly paled, his stethoscope still dangling on his arched neck. Lara's eyes searched my face ''I'm sorry Raven.'' And that's all it takes to make my world fall apart, her words brought me back to earth with a hole in my chest. I was lost for words. What am I even gonna say? My pain couldn't be translated to any word that can really amount to it. But not one tear rolled out of my eyes.

I felt a hand squeezing my shoulder reassuringly. It was Damon. ''Raven, I'm sorry.'' He said in what I deem to be a comforting manner, his voice filled with concern and worry. But I didn't even turn to look at him, I was numb. Something in me died along with Olivia.

''Clothes'' I whispered. Lara, who is still crouched down beside the sofa where Olivia's lifeless form was laid, looked at me quizzically.

''I need some decent clothes for mom. She will not be very pleased if we bury her like this.'' I replied in a monotonous tone. Not recognizing the sound of my own voice. Silence fell in the room where we all stood. Not one dared to say anything to me. Without any more words, I turn my heel toward the hallway near the small kitchen and into my room. I closed the door behind me and stared blankly ahead through the window.

''Raven'' Damon called softly opening my door ''please say something. You're making me worry.'' I felt his presence behind me, but I did not move.

''There's nothing to say.''

''Of course, there is. Raven, your mom just died. You should be letting your grief overwhelm you, it's just normal.'' He prodded, sounding harsher than I would've tolerated.

''Go away, Damon! Leave me alone!'' I replied through my teeth, and I can hear him letting out a frustrated breath.

''Raven, god damn it! Come here.'' Without a warning, Damon encircled me in his arms, protectively, possessively. He did it with such finesse that I did not even protest ''cry, Raven. Bottling it up will only make it worse.''

Just like clockwork, my tears started crawling down my face. His warmth melted the ice in my chest and cracked open the floodgates of agony. One sob followed by another while he caressed the top of my head sliding down my back.

He let me be consumed by my grief, he let me cry hysterically and be overwhelmed by the tidal waves of emotions that I've been trying to hold back. He rocked me and whispered words in my ear as he saw the splinters of my shattered heart scatter upon his feet. I was devastated beyond words and he held me, he held me as I crumble and succumb to the pain.

I buried my face on the crook of his neck and held on to him as my life depended on it. I'm falling apart and he's here keeping me together.

Today I'll cry it all out. But after I bury Olivia, I will hunt those who killed her down.

●💀●

Olivia died! 😢😱😱🙇
I don't want her to go. Poor Raven really loves her. 😢

↪ in accordance with our little agreement, here's an early update to make up for last week 😊 i will update two more chapters until friday. Am I now forgiven? 😚😉

👉 let me know what you think about this chapter modern bookworm. And PLEASE donate a star for Raven. It will cheer her up 👍😊