Chapter 1: The new beginning

One of life's most formidable challenges lies in the act of extricating someone from the depths of one's heart. Raven pondered this conundrum as she observed her aunt's bittersweet display of tears and smiles. En route to her university in America, Raven found herself enveloped in a poignant moment as her aunt Rose embraced her warmly. "Oh, my dear Raven, it feels like just yesterday you were a nine-year-old, and now, at eighteen, you are embarking on this new journey. Your mother would be immensely proud," Aunt Rose whispered affectionately. Tears welled up in Raven's emerald green eyes as she absorbed her aunt's words. With a gentle brush of her hand, Aunt Rose parted Raven's black, curly locks before bidding her farewell. Having bid adieu, Raven settled into her seat by the window on the plane, gazing out as the aircraft ascended into the sky. Retrieving a book titled "Vampire Diaries," she immersed herself in its pages until drowsiness overtook her. Startled awake by a slight turbulence, Raven peered out the window to find nightfall had descended. Rising to visit the restroom, she was momentarily blinded by a sudden burst of sunlight upon opening the door. As her eyes adjusted, she found herself inexplicably back in her childhood room, the familiar surroundings evoking a sense of nostalgia. Venturing into the hallway, Raven's attention was drawn to a solitary door, its eerie red light beckoning her forward. With trepidation, she pushed it ajar, only to be confronted by a nightmarish scene—her mother surrounded by a pool of blood, pleading for salvation." Oh my baby bird please. Help me!:" Overcome with terror, Raven recoiled, her cries echoing in the surreal realm before abruptly awakening with a start, her heart racing and breath labored. Realizing the flight was nearing its end, she gathered her composure as the plane prepared to land. Following her arrival, Raven hailed a taxi to her new apartment. Stepping inside, she surveyed the pristine white marble floors and walls, taking in the beauty of her new abode with a sense of awe and anticipation. The elegant abode welcomed Raven with its pristine white marble flooring and walls, exuding an atmosphere of sophistication. Though petite, the kitchen possessed a charming allure. In the living room, a dainty double-seat couch sat gracefully beside a central table. Drawing open the window, Raven beheld a picturesque sight of twinkling stars and verdant trees that accentuated the scene. Upon entering a cozy chamber, she encountered a snug double bed accompanied by a modest study table. The bathroom boasted a sleek shower, further adding to the dwelling's appeal. Impressed by the accommodations, Raven's countenance lit up with delight as she meticulously unpacked her belongings, savoring the moment with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Observing the clock displaying past midnight, Raven hastened to take a brisk shower before retiring for the night. Clad in pink pajamas, a departure from her usual preference, she surrendered to weariness without protest. Nestling into the soft confines of her bed, she succumbed to slumber almost instantaneously. The following morning, Raven awoke to the gentle embrace of sunlight streaming through her window, accompanied by the melodic symphony of birdsong. With a serene grace, she rose from her slumber and made her way to the kitchen to prepare a nourishing breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee. As she settled onto the plush cushions of the couch, she tuned into the morning news, grounding herself in the events of the world before embarking on her day. In the midst of this tranquil interlude, the shrill trill of her phone shattered the peace, jolting Raven back to the present moment. Upon seeing that it was her beloved aunt Rose calling, Raven answered with a warm greeting, "Hello, Aunt Rose. How are you today?" A yawn escaped her lips, a testament to the early hour. Aunt Rose's gentle voice responded, "Good morning, my dear. I apologize for the early call; I just wanted to ensure you arrived safely." Realization dawned on Raven as she remembered the lapse in communication regarding her safe arrival. "Oh, shit , Aunt Rose, I completely forgot to text you. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep," she admitted sheepishly. A soft chuckle emanated from the other end of the line as Aunt Rose reassured her that all was well. Their conversation meandered through moments of shared laughter and familial warmth until the impending start of Raven's school day beckoned her to prepare for the day ahead.In the tranquil sanctum of Aunt Rose's abode, the morning light filtered through the curtains as she set aside her phone, engrossed in the morning news. The serenity was abruptly shattered by an insistent knock on her door, prompting her to rise from her seat with a furrowed brow, pondering the unexpected visitor at such an early hour. With a sense of trepidation mingled with curiosity, she made her way to the door and cautiously opened it. Standing before her were two imposing figures clad in impeccably tailored suits. Their demeanor was stern as they inquired, "Good morning, madam. We are seeking Raven. Do you know of her whereabouts?" Aunt Rose's brow furrowed in confusion as she responded, "I'm sorry, she is not here. I do not know where she is." The men exchanged a knowing glance before fixing their gaze back upon her, their tone turning menacing. "Enough games. We are aware of the presence of the Witch of Spirits in this dwelling," one of them declared sharply. In that moment, Aunt Rose comprehended the gravity of the situation unfolding before her. With unwavering resolve, she met their gaze and uttered defiantly, "You will never lay hands on her." The air crackled with tension as the men's expressions hardened. In a swift and brutal act, they inflicted grave harm upon Aunt Rose, piercing her with a cruel blade. As she crumpled to the ground, her lifeblood staining the floor, a serene smile graced her lips, a silent testament to her unwavering loyalty and determination to protect Raven at any cost. In her final moments, she found solace in the knowledge that her sacrifice would ensure Raven's safety from those who sought to harm her. After a refreshing shower, she carefully selected her attire, opting for her favored tight blue jeans, a sleek black top, and her reliable black Adidas shoes. Tying her long, lustrous black hair into a neat ponytail, she applied a subtle layer of makeup to enhance her natural radiance. With a sense of purpose, she swiftly consumed her morning cup of coffee, relishing each sip before embarking on her day. Ensuring she had all she needed in her backpack, she took a moment to double-check its contents before leaving. Stepping outside, she was greeted by the invigorating embrace of the crisp morning air and the radiant glow of the sun. A smile graced her lips as she made her way to her bicycle, appreciating the beauty of the day. Mounting her bike, she began to pedal towards school, the wind tousling her hair as she embraced the freedom of the journey ahead. Upon her arrival at the school, Raven carefully parked her bicycle in the designated area before proceeding towards the administrative office. Stepping inside, she encountered a blonde-haired woman stationed behind the counter. Meeting Raven's gaze with a welcoming smile, the woman inquired, "Good morning, how can I assist you today?" With poise and confidence, Raven cleared her throat and replied, "Hello, my name is Raven Fair. I am here to collect my books and class roster." The woman's countenance brightened as she swiftly retrieved the materials from their place. "Of course, Raven. We have been anticipating your arrival. Welcome to our esteemed institution, and may you have a splendid day at our university," the woman expressed warmly, extending the books and roster to Raven with a friendly gesture. Expressing her gratitude, Raven accepted the items and gracefully made her way towards her first class. As she traversed the corridors, she consulted her schedule for the day, noting that her initial lesson was in mathematics. Determined and slightly nervous, she hastened towards the designated classroom, eager to embark on this new chapter of her academic journey. Upon entering the classroom, Raven was introduced by the teacher to her fellow students. Though initially reserved, she greeted her peers with a shy smile. As the class unfolded, Raven gradually found herself settling into a sense of comfort and familiarity, embracing the beginning of her educational odyssey with a growing sense of confidence. The transition to her new classes brought a sense of familiarity that washed over Raven, offering a comforting reassurance amidst the sea of change. The initial periods passed swiftly, seamlessly blending into one another until the arrival of the much-anticipated break time. Seeking solace in the outdoors, Raven ventured outside the school premises and settled beneath the sheltering canopy of a tree, a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the bustling school day. Pulling out her homework with a determined resolve, Raven immersed herself in the task at hand, striving to complete it before her impending work shift later in the day. Amidst her diligent efforts, the melodic sounds of laughter and camaraderie reached her ears, drawing her attention to a group of students engaged in a spirited game of frisbee. A smile graced her features as she observed their carefree enjoyment, a fleeting moment of respite amidst the academic demands. Lost in contemplation, Raven was abruptly pulled from her reverie by the sudden presence of a looming shadow. Raising her gaze, she beheld a tall figure standing before her, his dark hair and hazel eyes exuding a magnetic allure tinged with an enigmatic air. Sensing an unusual aura emanating from him, Raven couldn't shake the unsettling vibe that lingered in the air as they shared a silent exchange of gazes. Breaking the silence with a voice that carried both depth and smoothness, the enigmatic figure revealed, "This is my usual spot for repose." Flustered by her unwitting intrusion, Raven's cheeks flushed crimson as she hastily gathered her belongings, ready to retreat. Before she could make her exit, the stranger reached out, halting her departure with a gentle yet firm grasp on her backpack. "It's no trouble. You may stay, but I implore you to maintain a quiet presence," he offered, his words laced with a sense of tacit understanding. Resuming her seat with a sense of acquiescence, Raven resumed her scholarly pursuits, only to be interrupted by a casual inquiry from her unexpected companion. Engaged in a brief exchange of introductions, Raven disclosed her identity and found out his name is Ash, the mysterious stranger, reciprocated in kind. With a gesture of nonchalance, Ash ascended the tree, retrieving his phone to dispatch a cryptic message, shrouded in intrigue. "I think I found her. It's the new kid in school with black curly hair," his text read.

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