《The Raven's Tower》 Chosen In the bustling town of Raven¡¯s Bay, visitors came from far and wide. Positioned on the oceanfront with a busy port, its resident population was around 5,000, but with the influx of travelers, the numbers often surged to over 15,000. Yet, everyone who lived or visited there knew one thing for certain: The Raven of the Tower was law. Jessica began her morning routine as usual, battling with the tangled mess that was her hair. After that, she rushed to the well to fetch enough water for her family before they woke up. She lived with her mother and two younger siblings. Her father had left four years ago, he was off to join a call to arms, they hadn''t heard from him since. Their house sat on the outskirts of town¡ªa humble abode built long before her parents ever met. The base was made of gray stone, with a thatched roof and a single stone chimney. It had just three rooms, but for Jessica, it was the only home she''d ever known. She dreamed of exploring the world, maybe even finding her father, but with her mother¡¯s illness, she couldn''t leave. After gathering water, Jessica tended to the chickens, ran to the baker to grab bread, and returned home to prepare breakfast for her family. Every morning was the same. Her mother, strong as she was, suffered from a disease unknown to modern medicine. Dr. Tilden, the town¡¯s medical representative from the Health Society, would arrive shortly after breakfast to administer her daily dose of herbs and medicines. Though well-intentioned, Dr. Tilden was sometimes overly ambitious in his attempts to cure her. They had requested other doctors, but with the war raging in the Azirum Kingdom, medical resources were stretched thin. Jessica didn¡¯t concern herself with outside politics; all that mattered was her mother¡¯s health. Her mother, bedridden and barely conscious, struggled with every movement and word, often passing out soon after partaking of anything. By late morning, Jessica would pick wildflowers around the Tower of the Raven. The tower stood on the town''s edge, opposite the port, overlooking the entire province. Behind it lay beautiful meadows perfect for flower-picking. In the early afternoon, she would head to the market where booths were set up to cater to the incoming ships. These ships would stop briefly, buy supplies, visit the brothels, and then head back out to sea. If Jessica couldn¡¯t make enough money selling her flowers, she knew there was always another place that would take her. She wouldn''t mind the work, as she had a drive for pleasure that exceeded most. However, she preferred the image of a young woman selling flowers. It may sound a little vain, but her image impacts the family, as such her pleasure remains spent in secret, and flowers she will sell. so as long as that earned her enough, she was content. As Jessica set up her stall, the town¡¯s bells began to ring. It was unusual to hear them on a Wednesday, and as early as it was. They typically rang only at the start of the week and later in the day, as more people than just the merchants will hear the doctrine. The bells signified an announcement from the Mayor, the town¡¯s representative of the Raven. No one had seen the Raven in 36 years, or so Jessica had been told. At 26 years old, she had never seen him in her entire life. The mayor, Thomas, was known for his kind nature and his love of hosting dances and parties. Jessica had come to know him more intimately, though that still remains a secret. He would ascend the tower to commune with the Raven and return to relay new laws, festivals, or news. The Raven, it was said, could see all from his tower. Curious about this mid-week announcement, Jessica and her fellow merchants made their way to the town square. Mayor Thomas was already there, waving warmly to townsfolk as they arrived. But when he locked eyes with Jessica, he did not wave. Instead, he stared for longer than was comfortable. Jessica and Thomas had shared a drunken night together after the Harvest Festival, a night that was nothing out of the ordinary for her, given her constant desire for intimacy. The crowd gathered, and the bells tolled twice more to signal the start. Mayor Thomas began: ¡°I¡¯m sorry for this being so early, but for those it applies to are already here. The Raven, after much thought, has made a decision,¡± his voice booming through the plaza. ¡°As he grows older, he seeks a wife.¡± Silence gripped the crowd. The title of the Raven was passed from person to person as a Raven passes. With the role being lifelong. Once passed to the new, the Raven was forbidden to ever leave the tower. A wife was permitted to leave but only before sundown. Jessica had never paid much attention to the rules; she had enough to worry about with her family. And in her opinion the rules that must be followed seem silly.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Thomas continued, ¡°The search was conducted in secret, but the Raven has chosen his bride.¡± He looked directly at Jessica and beckoned her to the stage. Jessica¡¯s heart froze. Surely, she was misunderstanding the situation. But Thomas repeated himself: ¡°Jessica, the fair maiden who sells wildflowers and herbs to sailors, has been selected as the bride.¡± He gestured for her to come forward. Her legs trembling, Jessica slowly ascended the stage. She had never been in front of such a large crowd before, but she walked toward Thomas, her mind racing. When she reached him, he asked, ¡°Are you the maiden Jessica, who picks flowers and herbs?¡± ¡°Yes, you know this,¡± she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She was certain this was some kind of ritual, a formality, given how frequently Thomas bought flowers from her for his wife. That is not even to mention their nights alone. Thomas turned back to the crowd. ¡°This woman rises before the sun, before the town stirs. She cares for her family, picking flowers and herbs to sell at the market. The Raven has witnessed her diligence and spirit. He has chosen her to join him.¡± Jessica stood in stunned silence. ¡°Did he just say she was to marry the Raven?¡± Her confusion began to morph into anger. Why was she not given a choice, why was this so abrupt, and why would she be tied down with someone she has never even seen? All thoughts raced through her mind only increasing her anger and difficulty understanding. After a few more formalities, the crowd dispersed, and Mayor Thomas pulled Jessica aside. ¡°Listen, girl¡­¡± he began, only to be abruptly cut off. ¡°What the hell is going on? Why was I not consulted about this? Who decided I was to marry him? And did you just call me a girl?¡± Jessica''s words were sharp, her fury barely contained. Her fists were clenched as nails dug into her palms, and blood dripped down her knuckles, staining the dirt. ¡°I know this is a shock,¡± Thomas replied, nervously fidgeting with his fingers. ¡°But the Raven has been watching you. He asked me to find you, and¡­ he promised to cure your mother, Jessica.¡± Stunned, Jessica¡¯s mind went blank. In the span of ten minutes, her life had changed from that of a flower vendor to the chosen bride of the Raven, with her mother''s life hanging in the balance. Never had she felt such fierce adrenaline and emotions. Her plans, her dreams¡ªeverything had shifted. But if the Raven could truly heal her mother, was there anything she wouldn¡¯t do? Jessica raised her hand to the mayor. ¡°Please stop. I am not really sure I understand everything that happened. But, take me to him. If he thinks he can take me without asking or getting to know me, he has another thing coming.¡± Led to the base of the tower, Thomas knocked three times with the heavy door knocker and whispered, ¡°I knock to avoid disturbing the spirits of past Ravens. They still haunt this place. They guard the tower, and remain guiding the current Raven in all choices.¡± Opening the door, he gestured for her to enter. ¡°This is where I leave you, madam. Just follow the staircase to the top where the Raven awaits. One last thing,¡± he hesitated, ¡°I know our past is complicated, but I promise I will look after your family.¡± With that, he gave her a gentle shove and closed the door behind her. Jessica stood there, dazed. Her legs gave out after a minute, and she collapsed to the floor, leaning against the now closed wooden door. When she finally came to her senses, the light streaming through the windows had dimmed. ¡°The entire morning and afternoon must have passed¡±, she thought. ¡°Well, every journey begins with a single step. I never imagined mine would start here, the first step towards my end?¡± Taking a deep breath, she placed her foot on the first stair. The Haunted Stairs Jessica hesitated as she stepped onto the first stair. The staircase spiraled upwards, a slow and steady climb that seemed to go on forever despite being only about 40 feet high. At the top, she could see a gilded door, which she assumed led to the Raven''s quarters. The tower was spacious, about 30 feet across, allowing for a wide, graceful ascent. The place was impeccably maintained. The marble steps gleamed, recently polished, and the stained glass windows cast rainbows of light that danced around the tower¡¯s interior. She imagined the colors would be even more brilliant earlier in the day, before dusk. The entrance door behind her was made of steel-reinforced oak, a barrier that seemed impossible to breach if locked. As she lifted her foot to ascend, her vision abruptly darkened. For a moment, she was enveloped in pitch blackness. Flickering images appeared, shadowy figures staring at her¡ªdozens of them, watching intently. Her foot touched the second step, and reality snapped back. Jessica gasped, her breath caught in her throat. "What was that? Am I losing my mind?" She stared down at her feet, trying to make sense of the sudden vision. Was it a hallucination brought on by stress? Shaking it off, she pressed on, though her heart pounded in her chest. The moment she lifted her foot again, darkness enveloped her once more. This time, the whispers came¡ªhundreds of voices, their words indecipherable, a cacophony of sound that surrounded her. The shadowy figures from before were now swirling around her, their whispers growing into screams. Panic surged through her, but amidst the chaos, she managed to focus on one voice. As she honed in on it, the other screams faded into the background. The voice was clear, repeating the same phrase over and over: ¡°He chose this one? There were better.¡± The words cut deep, stoking a fire within her. Anger rose to the surface. ¡°He chose this one? There were better,¡± the voice taunted, relentless. ¡°He chose this one? There were better,¡± each time it pressed her nerves, and this was the point where she would end the taunts. Jessica clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. ¡°I am the best there is,¡± she shouted into the void, her voice trembling but fierce. ¡°I¡¯ve worked, I¡¯ve fought, and I¡¯ve earned my place.¡± The shadowy figure she was addressing seemed to dissolve, the silhouette disintegrating into a warm mist that slipped through her fingers. But the staircase was far from over. Each step brought a new voice, a new challenge. ¡°No one cares about you. No one will miss you,¡± one voice hissed. ¡°I forge my own path,¡± she shot back, her voice steady. ¡°I need no one¡¯s praise or disdain.¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Step by step, she ascended, battling the voices that sought to undermine her. ¡°There is no more hope. Your freedom ends now,¡± another voice jeered. Jessica¡¯s eyes narrowed as she pressed on. ¡°Freedom is mine to choose. No one has the right to take that from me.¡± With every step, she confronted her doubts and fears, refusing to back down. The voices became fewer, weaker, until finally, she faced the last one. ¡°You have destroyed my brethren. But they were never real,¡± the final silhouette whispered. ¡°You think you''ve won, but you still walk toward your doom. Worthiness is something you will never possess.¡± This last voice struck a nerve. It felt more real, more personal than the others. Jessica¡¯s rage flared anew. ¡°You do not decide my destiny,¡± she declared, tearing the shadowy figure apart with her hands. The spirit dissolved into smoke, leaving her in a void of silence. As she caught her breath, the darkness around her receded, and she realized her feet were still moving, carrying her steadily up the staircase. A new voice, deep and resonant, filled the space: ¡°You have been tested and found worthy. You have overcome the spirits. You have proven yourself stronger than the darkness.¡± The voice paused, then continued, ¡°The path you now walk is the same as the Raven¡¯s. Be strong, for war is coming to these lands, and the magic of the Raven will be tested.¡± The void faded, and Jessica found herself standing before the gilded door at the top of the staircase. The door was intricately decorated, with painted markings of a raven overseeing the village below. Three words were etched into the wood at the bottom: Faith, Law, Knowledge. The golden lines around the designs seemed to capture and reflect the last rays of daylight. The handle was a smooth piece of ebony, cool to the touch. Jessica¡¯s mind reeled as she stared at the door. What is happening? she wondered for what felt like the thousandth time that day. I was supposed to be selling flowers, tending to my family. Now I¡¯m here, in this tower, facing... whatever this is. Her thoughts turned to her siblings and her mother. She had imagined returning home to cook dinner, playing with Xavier until he finally fell asleep after countless assurances of her love. She would have checked on her mother, dimmed the lamps, and written in her journal before bed. Now, all of that seemed impossibly far away. With a deep breath, she forced herself to focus. There was no turning back now. She rolled up her sleeves, squared her shoulders, and knocked firmly on the door. She was determined to tell the Raven that he could find another bride. Her mother¡¯s health was her only concern. After a few moments of tense silence, a voice called out from the other side¡ªa voice that was shockingly young. ¡°Hello? Yes, Jessica? If that¡¯s you, please come in.¡± Confused, Jessica pushed the door open and stepped inside. To her astonishment, she found herself face-to-face with a boy no older than eighteen, seated at a desk. He was staring out a window that overlooked the meadows she knew so well. It dawned on her that he must have seen her from here every morning as she gathered flowers. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought. ¡°Welcome,¡± the boy said, turning to face her with a soft smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡± A Lifelong Change Jessica stood, baffled by the sight before her. The boy sitting at the desk, who she could only assume was the Raven, gave her a sheepish smile and a shrug. ¡°I know you may be a bit alarmed, but I assure you¡ª¡± he began before being abruptly interrupted. ¡°Who in the halls of the Raven are you!?¡± Jessica blurted out. ¡°And I know I just said ¡®halls of the Raven¡¯¡ªI¡¯m here, and I¡¯m not sure if that¡¯s sacrilegious, but if it is, then screw it!¡± The boy blinked, unfazed by her outburst. ¡°I know you have questions, child, but please, sit with me. All will be answered.¡± His voice was far more confident than his youthful appearance suggested, and without thinking, Jessica found herself complying. She sat in a plain wooden chair across from him. ¡°I am the Raven,¡± he said with quiet authority. ¡°I know I may look young, and that is true¡ªI am young. But do not mistake my youth for a lack of power.¡± He leaned forward slightly, his deep green eyes piercing hers. ¡°The previous Raven passed away eleven years ago. As his health declined, I was chosen as his heir. I had no parents, so it was easy for the elder spirits to train me in the ways of scrying.¡± Jessica took in his appearance as he spoke. His skin was pale and smooth, framed by curly chestnut hair. His face was boyish but well-defined, his sharp jawline softened by full lips and arched, meticulously groomed eyebrows. Beneath his black silk shirt, his strong arms and broad shoulders hinted at physical strength that belied his confined existence. The shirt was undone at the collar, revealing his creamy skin, and tucked neatly into a fitted vest embroidered with lace patterns of flowers and swords. His pants clung tightly to his muscular legs, showcasing thighs and calves that could belong to a laborer¡ªthough she knew the Raven never left the tower. Jessica¡¯s thoughts shifted to the surreal events of the day. The idea of marriage felt distant, eclipsed by the memory of the staircase. ¡°What happened on the stairs?¡± she asked, her voice trailing off. ¡°I was blinded and¡­ assaulted by voices. So many voices.¡± The Raven raised a hand gently to pause her. ¡°I¡¯m going to ask you to let me finish my story before I attend the other questions you may have, okay, wife?¡± The word wife made her stiffen. She shot him a glare but said nothing, though in her mind, she scoffed. ¡°This is crazy, I know no one has seen the Raven, but we all assumed a wise sage old man, and not a child¡± She thought to herself. Though, in a moment of strange wonder, she listened. Normally, she would have already slapped him for even daring to possess her. But there were too many questions now. ¡°I sympathize with your situation,¡± the Raven continued, his voice filled with genuine compassion. ¡°I know how difficult it must be to have your life upended so suddenly. Believe me, I wouldn¡¯t have done this if I had another choice. As you know, the Raven is forbidden to leave the tower. That makes choosing a spouse¡­ challenging.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. He turned to gaze out the window, prompting Jessica to follow his line of sight. From their vantage point, the sprawling fields she walked each morning were visible, bathed in the golden glow of sunset. Beyond them, the Deep Oak Mountains loomed, enclosing the city like protective arms. Travel through the mountain pass was rare, with most visitors arriving by sea. ¡°I would watch you every morning,¡± the Raven admitted softly. ¡°Picking wildflowers and herbs. It piqued my curiosity, so I asked Mayor Thomas about you. He spoke highly of your dedication to your family.¡± He paused, his gaze returning to meet hers. ¡°He spoke of the sacrifices made after your father left. He spoke of the love you hold for your friends, and those around you. He spoke to how you choose the specific flowers you do not want to sell, to bring back to your mother. I became intrigued, invested, and some may say slightly obsessed. And those emotions stayed and morphed over the last couple of years before¡­ they turned into love.¡± Jessica froze. She was no stranger to hearing declarations of love, but they usually came from suitors seeking a fleeting night of passion. Love, to her, had always been a prelude to abandonment. Though, for Jessica, that was not an issue. She had a lot of prior commitments, and being tied down had not been in the books. ¡°What do you mean by love?¡± she asked cautiously. ¡°At first, I admired you from afar,¡± he explained. ¡°You were alluring. But as I learned more about who you are¡ªyour strength, your kindness¡ªmy admiration grew into something deeper. Something real. From lust to love as many of the old books call it.¡± Jessica¡¯s cheeks flushed. His honesty was unsettling, yet strangely refreshing. She forced herself to regain composure. ¡°Why do you think I would agree to marry you?¡± she asked, folding her arms. ¡°I have a family to care for, duties to meet. Beyond all of that, I do not know you. I have never gotten to know anyone close enough that I would even consider a marriage.¡± The Raven smirked slightly. ¡°That¡¯s simple. No one else gets to learn scrying magic¡ªbut the woman of the Raven does. No one else has the chance to shape the future and prevent disasters¡ªbut the woman of the Raven does. No one else is afforded the respect and resources of the kingdom¡¯s finest¡ªbut the woman of the Raven is. And¡­ in time, I hope you¡¯ll come to love me too.¡± His final words were spoken so meekly that Jessica almost didn¡¯t catch them. She sighed. Despite her anger at being chosen without her consent, she couldn¡¯t deny the allure of adventure and the opportunity to learn magic. It was a temptation too great to ignore. She pondered his last words for a second as well. From his point of view, he has known her for many years. If not her, he has grown to know and understand an image of her. ¡°What will happen to my family?¡± she blurted out, her most pressing concern. ¡°Mayor Thomas will look after them,¡± the Raven assured her. ¡°Your mother will receive care from the best doctor in the land, who will also train Dr. Tilden to be her personal physician. All necessary resources have been provided.¡± Jessica shifted in her chair, its creak echoing through the room. Her heart was torn, but the promise of adventure and magic outweighed her doubts. With a deep breath, she nodded. ¡°Yes. I will become your wife.¡± Jessica thought to herself ¡°Rash? Of course it was. Probably a bad idea? I can see the countless red flags waiving high from far. But the allure of adventure is too strong. Maybe someday, I will be able to leave, and see the world.¡± She pondered this. Before noticing the Raven staring at her, with a large smile on his face. The Raven¡¯s smile was genuine, though she barely knew him. ¡°You have no idea how happy that makes me,¡± he said softly. Before he could continue, his expression suddenly changed. His eyes glazed over, his body stiffening. He clutched the edges of his chair, his head snapping back as he stared at the ceiling. Jessica leapt from her seat, startled, but quickly moved to his side. She placed one hand on his forehead and the other on his shoulder, checking for signs of injury. The veins pressed against his skin, showing signs of restricted blood-flow. The Raven¡¯s mouth opened, and a voice¡ªhis, but layered with countless others¡ªrasped three chilling words: ¡°Prepare for war.¡± As the echoes of the proclamation faded, the Raven slumped forward, unconscious. Jessica¡¯s heart raced. Whatever lay ahead, her life as a flower-seller was well and truly over. The Truth of Scrying Jessica gently laid the Raven down on the floor, ensuring he was in a comfortable position. His breathing had slowed to the steady rhythm of sleep, but his final words still rattled in her mind: ¡°Prepare for war.¡± ¡°What did he mean?¡± she wondered, the ominous phrase echoing in her thoughts. Taking a moment to gather herself, she slumped back into the chair, letting her eyes wander around the room. It was clearly his bedroom, and living space. A grand bed stood beneath a massive stained-glass window depicting a raven, its intricate details glowing faintly in the candlelight. The bed¡¯s wooden frame was gilded with gold, and its craftsmanship immediately caught Jessica¡¯s attention. She rose and ran her fingers along the headboard, noticing a small mark on the leftmost post. It was the signature of Samson, the town¡¯s blacksmith. Samson was a good man, known for his generosity¡ªdonating tools to farmers and crafting necessities for the poor when needed. Jessica smiled faintly at the thought of him. Her hand pressed into the tightly fitted sheets, surprised at how perfectly the bed was made. As she looked around the rest of the room, she realized everything was immaculate. The bookshelves looked freshly dusted, the kitchen area was spotless, and the plates and bowls were arranged neatly. Sitting down on the bed, Jessica felt the luxurious comfort of what only the wealthiest in the province could afford. Her thoughts drifted to the concept of war. How would a conflict affect Raven¡¯s Bay, a small town with outsized influence on the province? It seemed almost surreal. Yet, as she pondered, her body betrayed her. Her eyelids grew heavy, and despite her efforts to stay awake, she succumbed to sleep. Jessica¡¯s dreams were vivid¡ªa collection of fleeting, disconnected images. She saw herself and her mother picking flowers together, her little sister laughing as they played pranks on sailors, and even an unsettling vision of herself and the Raven sitting on thrones, holding hands. The final dream was the strangest: a man in a distant tower, peering through a glass device aimed directly at the Raven¡¯s Tower. The man turned his head and looked directly at Jessica and screamed. She awoke with a start, rubbing her eyes as she took in the dimly lit room. Hours had passed, and now only a few candles illuminated the space. Across the room, the Raven sat at a desk, the flickering light casting shadows that accentuated his muscular frame. Despite his youth, his physical presence was striking. Without looking up, he spoke calmly. ¡°I hope you slept well, my dear. We still have much to discuss.¡± He turned to face her, setting down the pen he had been using. ¡°I apologize for the earlier interruption, but it seems the ocean dwellers are approaching sooner than I anticipated.¡± Jessica stretched, groaning as her fingers caught in her tangled hair. ¡°What do you mean by ¡®ocean dwellers¡¯? Do you mean fish? Why would fish be coming here?¡± she asked, rubbing her eyes in confusion. The Raven sighed. ¡°There are secrets about my¡­ art that very few know. One of those secrets is that the power behind it was stolen long ago.¡± He stood and walked toward her, his silhouette outlined against the faint candlelight. ¡°And by that, I don¡¯t mean something was stolen from us¡ªI mean we stole something from them. Scrying is an ancient and powerful magic, but it was not gifted to us by the gods¡ªback when gods still existed.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. He sat down on the floor in front of her, his boyish face looking strangely vulnerable. Jessica struggled to reconcile the image of this childlike figure with the power and responsibility he wielded. ¡°Scrying magic,¡± she repeated, trying to shift her focus. ¡°That¡¯s the magic you use to make laws, right? I remember you mentioning it.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he replied, his fingers fidgeting in his lap. ¡°Scrying magic allows the Raven to see the future and guide this province, even in ways that defy the king. It has ensured that our leaders remain honest and loyal. But generations ago, the first Raven struck a truce with the ocean dwellers.¡± Jessica interrupted, eager to clarify. ¡°Who exactly are these ¡®ocean dwellers¡¯? And why haven¡¯t I heard any rumors about them from the sailors?¡± The Raven¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°They are the three Titans who rule the oceans. Their existence isn¡¯t widely known because it isn¡¯t taught, not even to sailors. The ocean dwellers are not our allies. My magic hides the ships that dock in Raven¡¯s Bay, shielding us from their gaze. But I fear that protection is failing. The Titans may have found us.¡± As he finished, a faint blue light appeared behind him, gradually taking the form of an elderly man. The ghostly figure approached, its presence commanding the room. ¡°The young Raven is correct,¡± the figure said in a gravelly voice. ¡°We always knew they would find us. We just hoped it would take longer.¡± The apparition turned to Jessica and bowed. ¡°I am the first Raven. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, milady.¡± Jessica¡¯s jaw dropped. The ghost¡¯s glowing blue eyes seemed to absorb all other light, drawing her gaze into their depths. The Raven scratched the back of his head awkwardly. ¡°I was going to mention the help we receive from our ancestors¡­ I guess I forgot, what with the whole vision thing.¡± He averted his gaze sheepishly. ¡°They offer advice a little more directly than the stories share.¡± The Raven¡¯s voice slowly drifted out of sound. Jessica, overwhelmed, collapsed back onto the bed. It was too much¡ªher life had been completely upended in a single day.
The first rays of sunlight streamed through the stained glass window, casting vibrant patterns across the room. Jessica sat up, feeling groggy and more exhausted than before her nap. ¡°I am getting really good at passing out. Not the development I hoped for.¡± She thought as she reprimanded herself. She glanced around, noticing that the Raven was nowhere to be seen. On the far side of the room, however, part of a bookshelf was ajar. ¡°A secret door?¡± she murmured. ¡°What are you up to, Mr. Raven?¡± Sliding off the bed, she tiptoed to the hidden doorway. Behind it was a staircase spiraling upward. To her surprise, the top of the tower had been a falsehood. With cautious steps, she ascended, relieved when no visions or voices emerged to haunt her this time. At the top was another door, slightly ajar. It appeared to lead to the back of another bookcase. Beyond it was a strange room filled with glass panels and unfamiliar metal instruments. A voice echoed around her, disorienting in its direction. ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve arrived earlier than we expected,¡± the Raven said, his tone calm but tinged with excitement. ¡°Welcome to the scrying room.¡± He sat there, wearing torn, grease covered clothes, as he was tinkering with a piece of the large contraption. The ghastly form that introduced itself as the first Raven floating next to him examining the work. The space was unlike anything Jessica had ever seen, and the overwhelming sight nearly made her faint for the third time that day. Forcing herself to not make a habit of fainting, she leanded against the door. ¡°This is actually not the most surprising thing I have seen in the last 24 hours.¡± Jessica mumbled to herself. ¡°You and I still have a lot to talk about.¡± The Egg of Bakunawa Jessica stood, taking it all in. She wasn¡¯t sure what she was looking at, but it was mesmerizing. The room was filled with intricate golden and brass gears, all turning in a synchronized dance. A central walkway led to a staircase, where the Raven was seated. The stairs ascended to a platform overlooking a central glass sphere. Inside the sphere was a pearl-like object no larger than an apple, radiating bright hues of green and blue that shifted and cascaded over its surface. Occasionally, small bolts of lightning arced from the pearl, illuminating the space. Tall windows lined the walls, stretching up to the vaulted ceilings and allowing light to flood the room. Jessica¡¯s thoughts drifted back to the stained-glass window she had seen from outside the tower¡ªthe one at its supposed peak. These new windows, impossibly vast and glowing with shifting images, should have been visible from the outside, yet they weren¡¯t. Each window¡¯s light changed rapidly, morphing into faint shapes resembling people, animals, and places. A brief moment flashed that she could have sworn was the Mayor helping up a small child. That small child looked eerily like her when she was much younger. The ghostly form of the First Raven hovered near the current Raven, smirking as he noticed Jessica¡¯s awe. ¡°I think you may need to attend to our curious guest,¡± he said, his tone wry. Bowing to the Raven, the apparition turned to Jessica. ¡°We will eventually have a conversation where I can answer some questions you may have, that time is not now. Until then my lady.¡± With a faint smile before fading away. The Raven stood, brushing soot off his boyish face and smiling. ¡°We certainly have a lot to discuss. I imagine this room is at the top of your list,¡± he said, drying his hands on his shirt as he walked toward her. Behind him, Jessica noticed exposed wires and gears in the area where he had been working. Reaching her, he gave a small bow. ¡°This is the Scrying Room,¡± he announced, turning to face the expansive space. ¡°It¡¯s where I spend most of my days. The windows allow me to observe current events¡ªany event I wish to see, anywhere in the world. They also hold records of every event that has ever happened.¡± Jessica¡¯s gaze shifted to the pearl within the central sphere. ¡°The windows are just the display, aren¡¯t they? The real magic is in that pearl,¡± she said, pointing toward it. As she looked, there was a pull, a pull for her to touch it. A sound that seemed similar to wind brushing through the grass permeated her mind. Her trance was cut short as the Raven continued. ¡°Precisely!¡± The Raven¡¯s smile brightened. ¡°You¡¯re looking at the Bakunawa Egg, an artifact stolen by the first Raven from the sea titan Bakunawa, He Who Devours.¡± His expression grew serious. ¡°I understand that theft may sound unpleasant, but it saved our people then and continues to save us now. During the Great Conflict, scrying magic gave Raven¡¯s Bay the power to act as neutral mediators, setting us apart in the province. Without it, we would have been overrun. Robbing the titans of a treasure of this broke the truce with them, but it saved countless lives. The greater good, and all that.¡± His gaze drifted toward the egg. Jessica felt an inexplicable wave of emotion¡ªremorse, duty, and awe, as if she were channeling the feelings of a soldier preparing for war. Her eyes drifted past the Raven to the apparition of the First Raven, who stood silently on the stairs, his gaze fixed on the Bakunawa Egg. ¡°So this stolen egg is what allows you to scry?¡± she asked, still watching the ghostly figure. ¡°This room wasn¡¯t the egg¡¯s original home,¡± the Raven explained, starting up the stairs toward the platform. ¡°This chamber was built years later, to not destroy the scryer. As the Raven¡¯s authority became solidified in the province, so did the resources he was provided.¡± Jessica¡¯s eyes followed him as he ascended, her mind catching on stray thoughts¡ªboth about his words and his occasional flashes of muscle through the loose fabric of his work clothes. ¡°Scrying magic is dangerous,¡± the Raven continued, his voice echoing in the vaulted room. ¡°The human mind wasn¡¯t meant to know everything. We use magic to strengthen our mental resilience, but even that isn¡¯t enough to hold all the world¡¯s knowledge. This room helps filter the information, isolating what¡¯s important and discarding the rest.¡± Reaching the top of the stairs, he turned and gestured to her. ¡°Today, you¡¯ll have your first introduction to the art. Come up and see.¡± Jessica climbed the staircase, marveling at the gold-and-marble inlay on each step. She found herself mentally cataloging her experiences with staircases. This one easily ranked in her top three: first was the haunted tower staircase, and second¡ªshe flushed at the thought¡ªwas the staircase incident with her neighbor, Nathan. The moment when she had too much to drink, and shared an extremely uncomfortable, but intimate experience with him. It was only one time, but based on the absurdity of location and time, one she could not forget. Uncomfortable, as the steps stabbed in her back, or as there was still a party happening on the ground floor, it was unforgettable. One thing is for sure, Nathan knew exactly what he was doing. She finished twice before he even got inside of her. His mouth and fingers took complete control of the moment. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. The memory lingered briefly before a bright light in the room snapped her back to the present. Horror dawned on her as she realized the window in front of her was displaying the very memory she had just recalled. She froze mid-step, watching as the scene played out: her dress hitched up, Nathan¡¯s head buried between her legs, and her hands gripping the edge of the steps. Her legs shook violently, as her first orgasm of the night took place. Jessica¡¯s cheeks burned as she realized the Raven could see everything. Worse, she felt a warm sensation start to spread through her, intensifying her embarrassment. Her mind raced, trying to stop herself from this arousal. The Raven¡¯s eyes were glued to the window, his expression tense as he focused. The image began flickering between the intimate memory and a field of wildflowers. His face tightened as he exerted his will, trying to shift the scene. Jessica stood paralyzed, her will locked in conflict with his. The images alternated: her legs trembling as Nathan performed magic like no man before, then the patch of lilies she picked for her mother. The window shown, with Jessica slowly pulling off her top, her right hand coming up and caressing her breast, fingers poking at her nipple. Then flashed to the field she traversed every day, the path that she primarily walked, being trod in the patch. The fingers caressed the sensitive skin, pulling gently as Nathan lifted his head, a grin peering out, and eyebrows wiggling. The scene turned back to a dirt path, as the sun was peeking over the mountain range. A patch of lilies off to the side. It was her mothers favorite flower. Nathan lifted onto his knees, his hands reaching for his belt, as Jessica adjusted herself, making a more accessible opening. Those lilies, those were the flowers that she picked in the morning. The same flowers that she sifted through, to find the best ones to take back home to her mom. She never got the chance, as the mayor made his announcement of Jessica¡¯s marriage just a few minutes later. The image of the flowers took over, then another image of her selling flowers, calling one of the local sailors over to convince him he needed to bring his girl back some of the collection. The Raven let out a relieved breath as the images stabilized. He turned to Jessica. ¡°I see now that I should¡¯ve given you a warning about how this magic functions¡­¡± Jessica folded her arms, her expression defiant. ¡°Don¡¯t ask me to apologize! That was a kind of special moment for me.¡± She defended herself. ¡°Nathan is a very nice boy, and we both had an enjoyable time.¡± She thought to herself how it was his fault for not telling her what the magic could do. He was the one that asked her to marry him, and she barely knew the stranger. She continued to think that she would be who she was, and he could take her or leave her. The Raven hesitated, then chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t judge. Though I admit to a twinge of jealousy.¡± Jessica¡¯s hand shot out, her index finger poking into his muscular chest. ¡°You, mister, don¡¯t get to taste until you¡¯ve proven yourself worthy,¡± she teased, feigning a scoff. ¡°Or until we¡¯ve had a few drinks,¡± he quipped, gesturing toward the window as it had apparently shifted to a lively tavern scene. On where Jessica was taking a mug of ale, and chugging it down, as dancing and music permeated the room. Jessica laughed, focusing on the window and changing the image to her commissioning a rocking horse for her sister¡ªa memory filled with warmth and pride. The Raven smiled, watching as Jessica gained control of the magic. The room was not just filled with the scene of her commissioning the piece, but it was filled with the exacting feelings of love she felt that day. Jessica, turned back to the Raven ¡°Well mister, we shall see where the wind takes us. So, it¡¯s based on emotions and thoughts?¡± she asked, her curiosity taking over. ¡°Exactly,¡± he replied, eager to explain. ¡°Your will and emotions shape what the magic reveals. It¡¯s how I displayed your path yesterday¡ªusing my will to see where you were in the fields.¡± The Raven said, thankful that he was able to be in a place where he was far more confident talking about. He was always respectful of privacy, and never once used the magic to visit intimate moments of Jessica¡¯s life. Though feeling wrong, he did have to admit, that surprise display was an enjoyable one. Jessica grinned mischievously. ¡°So, I could see anything?¡± The Raven nodded. ¡°Yes. This power ensures accountability. Knowing they can¡¯t hide from me keeps the royalty and elected officials honest.¡± He gestured around at the windows, and they once again displayed various colors and scenes. ¡°If they know that there are no secrets that can be kept from me, they¡¯re less likely to even attempt breaking trust.¡± Jessica concentrated, and the windows around them filled with infinite reflections of the moment: her standing next to the Raven, staring at the windows themselves. It created a dizzying cascade of overlapping realities. The Raven broke the silence. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen myself in the present moment before. It¡¯s¡­ remarkable.¡± Jessica shrugged, also glancing at the now being displayed. ¡°I tried to see you earlier, when you were tinkering with that stuff, but I guess it didn¡¯t work.¡± She gestured down to the place he was working. The Raven shook his head, clearing his thoughts. ¡°Let¡¯s leave this room for now. I¡¯ll give you a better explanation downstairs.¡± Taking her hand, he led her down the stairs and toward the exit. ¡°Run ahead¡ªI need to finish my earlier project,¡± he said, gesturing to the gears and wires he had been working on. As Jessica left, the First Raven¡¯s ghost reappeared, joined by countless other apparitions. They inspected the windows and mechanisms, their faces grave. The personage of the First turned to the current Raven. ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be possible. The room cannot be scryed upon. If that has changed, we are truly in danger. The Titans are gods, far beyond our power to resist.¡± The Raven¡¯s gaze lingered on the doorway where Jessica had exited. ¡°I don¡¯t think the room is broken. I think it¡¯s her. The egg reacted strongly to her presence. We must be cautious. Some truths are not hers to know.¡± He sighed, looking down at the broken panel. The ghost of the First nodded solemnly as the Raven turned back to his work, his thoughts heavy with the implications of what had just occurred.