Lady Of Ravenwood

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.
It was Draco.
"Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.
"How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.
Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"
The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.
"Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.
"You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.
"Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.
Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."
"The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.
Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.
Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."
As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.
Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.
"Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.
Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.
"Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.
"Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."
Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.
When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.
The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.
"She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.
"I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."
Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.
"Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.
The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.
"I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"
Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
"Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.
Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.
She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"
Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."
Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.
"So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.
Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."
Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.
It was Draco.
He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."
Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."
Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.
The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.
Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."
She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.
That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.
"Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."
Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."
Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"
Emily froze. "What do you mean?"
"The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."
A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.
Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"
The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.
"Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.
Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.
Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."
She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.
As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.
Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.
Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.
As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.
One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.
'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'
"Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."
Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"
Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."
"What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.
"There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."
Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.
"You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"
Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"
Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.
"Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"
She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."
When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.
"My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."
Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."
"She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."
The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.
"The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."
As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.
Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"
But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.
"It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."
In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

Bab 1 (1)

========================

DiónQgfinD.

Sangat dingin.

Setiap napas yang keluar seperti gumpalan samar, roh yang masih tersisa di dalam tempat suci, hanya untuk menguap ke udara yang membeku.

Selene menarik jubah berlapis bulunya lebih erat di pundaknya saat dia berlutut di hadapan pendeta di dalam ruang suci.

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Sang imam berbicara dalam bahasa lama saat ia berjalan di hadapan para murid. Jubah gelapnya berayun-ayun di sepanjang lantai batu, sepatu botnya berbisik. Dupa naik dari pembakar emas yang berayun dari tangannya yang keriput.

Lutut Selene menjadi mati rasa saat mereka menekan lantai batu. Dupa memenuhi lubang hidungnya, kata-kata pendeta itu memenuhi pikirannya. Dia tidak mengerti bahasa lama, hanya beberapa kata saja. Selama yang bisa dia ingat, pagi setiap bulan baru dihabiskan di tempat suci, dan doa-doa dinaikkan kepada Dark Lady.

Pendeta itu berhenti di depan Selene.

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Mata biru pucat dan berair menatapnya dari soket cekung yang berbingkai bayangan. Kepalanya ditutupi mantel jubah gelapnya, tapi di sana-sini jumbai rambut putih berbulu menonjol keluar. Hidungnya panjang dan tipis, dengan hanya celah-celah untuk lubang hidung.

Matanya melebar saat ia menatapnya dalam keadaan kesurupan. Dia mulai berbicara dengan sungguh-sungguh dan mengayunkan dupa di depan Selene.

Panas mengalir melalui pembuluh darahnya, membakar rasa dingin di dalam tulangnya. Dia melirik ibunya, lalu adiknya dari sudut matanya. Pendeta itu belum pernah melakukan ini sebelumnya.

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Selene melirik kembali ke arah pendeta itu. Dia tiba-tiba berhenti dan menjadi kaku. Perlahan-lahan, dia membungkuk dan meletakkan jari di dahinya. Jarinya seperti es, dan Selene menahan keinginan untuk menggigil.

"The Dark Lady akan bersamamu malam ini," katanya, berbicara dengan jelas untuk pertama kalinya. Kemudian dia menggerakkan jarinya melintasi kulitnya dalam bentuk huruf T. Sensasi seperti air es menyebar dari jarinya, melintasi wajahnya, lalu turun ke punggungnya. Selene menggigil kali ini, dan jantungnya berdebar-debar di dalam dadanya. Dia ingin berdiri dan melarikan diri, tapi rasa takut membuatnya tetap di tempat. Dia mencoba menelan ludah, tapi mulutnya kering.

Jarinya meninggalkan dahinya, dan matanya kembali ke penampilan berair yang normal. Dia menegakkan badannya dan mulai mengucapkan mantra lagi dalam bahasa lama saat dia berbalik dan kembali ke panggung di depan tempat suci, tampaknya tidak menyadari kesurupannya dari beberapa saat sebelumnya.

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Apa maksud pendeta itu dengan Wanita Kegelapan yang bersamanya malam ini?

Saat pendeta menyelesaikan pemberkatan, Selene bangkit berdiri. Amara juga berdiri. Ibu terus berlutut dengan kepala tertunduk. Untuk sesaat, Selene bertanya-tanya apakah dia harus menunggu, tapi kemudian dia berbalik dan pergi. Jika Ibu ingin bicara, dia akan datang. Selene berjalan menyusuri koridor panjang dan melewati murid-murid lainnya, mengabaikan pandangan berkerudung yang dikirim ke arahnya. Amara mengikutinya menuju bagian belakang tempat suci. Aroma dupa terus menggantung berat di udara, memenuhi kepalanya dengan aroma yang terlalu manis.

Kedua saudari itu keluar melalui pintu ganda yang tinggi dan memasuki koridor yang mengarah ke ruang utama Rook Castle.

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Selene berhenti, bibirnya menempel.

"Apa yang terjadi di sana?"

Selene berbalik dan menghadapi adiknya.

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Jika kata-kata Amara memiliki bentuk fisik, itu akan menjadi api. Selene bisa merasakan panasnya kecemburuan kakaknya dan rasa sakit yang menyengat dalam pertanyaannya. Jika kata-kata pendeta itu adalah indikasi bahwa Selene akan menjalani gifting, itu adalah batang kayu lain pada neraka yang mengamuk di antara mereka.

"Aku tidak tahu." Bahkan kata-kata itu sulit untuk dibentuk. Seolah-olah pendeta telah membungkamnya dan mulutnya telah lupa bagaimana cara berbicara.

Wajah Amara memerah dan tangannya mengepal. "Aku akan mendapat giliranku juga. Saya juga seorang Ravenwood. Kau akan lihat nanti." Dia berputar dan bergegas ke kiri, menghilang di sudut jauh, meninggalkan jejak dingin.

SCelenle_ 'bherdZiOriC (s(enBdirPian cdiU NloroVnsg UkoisKohntg, teJnGgpgo.roOkaón^nyaz CsFesaÉk, RtataZpannpyGa tertuWjuC Lpada Ytempajt gAmMara mCen*ghi(lGa)n$gN.i RDhia jsaeSlaOlnuf GbUerharZap Émetreka malk'anD mel.ayNaTnPi kKYeVlRuwaPrg.aM R)avenzwooAd ^b_erpsRaamIa seHbagai sDa.uvdsara' 'kevtPi$ka LmWerRevkXaé de,wa)sDa. KqaFlVa$u( sa(jMaC fpCeKndGetaI iQt*uM m.eFnQandaGi .AÉmakrHaa sSeKbaXga)i gfantpinyaA. RJiTka iA$maMra^ &men.eOri^maq zhaxdi&ah !ituT leb,ihd pdul,ul, mumnLgKktinA iFtu a&kanp mGen)eOmObu's jBuprdaLngS MyaYnIg aTdÉaL di( anattaur.a meHrMebkaJ.

Sebaliknya, sebuah dinding berdiri di antara mereka. Amara menginginkan lebih. Dia menginginkan kekuasaan. Dia menginginkan prestise menjadi seorang wanita agung. Dia menginginkan apa yang dimiliki Selene: hak-hak anak sulung.

Sebaliknya, Selene telah dilahirkan lebih dulu. Dan.... Dia mengangkat tangannya dan mengusap bahunya. Hanya beberapa inci jauhnya, di balik jubahnya, ada tanda burung gagak di punggungnya. Tidak ada Ravenwood lain yang memiliki tanda yang begitu jelas. Ibunya melihatnya sebagai tanda kekuatan. Bagi Selene, itu adalah sumber konflik abadi antara dia dan adiknya.

Bab 1 (2)

Di belakangnya, suara teredam dari suara-suara dan sepatu bot menandakan para murid meninggalkan tempat suci.

Selene berbelok ke kanan dan kembali menuju Kastil Rook. Dia tidak ingin menjadi subjek penilaian penasaran para jemaat.

Semakin jauh dia menjauh dari aula suci itu, semakin kakinya terasa seperti timah. Amara benar. Kata-kata samar pendeta itu adalah ramalan dari pemberiannya. Tapi tidak pernah dalam sejarah Ravenwood seorang pendeta kegelapan melakukan hal seperti itu. Mengapa dia? Anugerahnya akan datang. Itu telah datang kepada setiap wanita Ravenwood sejak sebelum masa Rabanna Ravenwood. Itu bukan kejutan. Jadi mengapa ada tanda di dahinya? Mengapa ucapannya?

AqpXa WyaAn)gN mAembuWazt^ NpnesmIberiIaMnnya bÉeRrmb,edaH d$a$rPiT .wamnivtaT RavenbwoqodZ GsbedbezléujmnLyiak?

Selene bergidik dan melipat tangannya di tengah-tengahnya. Perasaan firasat buruk menghinggapinya setiap detik. Dia hanya tahu sedikit sekali tentang karunia Rumah Ravenwood, selain bahwa itu melibatkan mimpi. Tapi apa pun itu, pendapatan yang diberikannya membantu menjaga rakyat mereka tetap makan dan berpakaian ketika tambang mengering.

Itu bagus, bukan? Jadi mengapa tiba-tiba khawatir?

Selene menekan dua jari di sisi kepalanya. Mungkin itu adalah fakta bahwa bukan hanya dia yang ditandai secara khusus, tapi Dark Lady sendiri yang akan mengawasinya masuk ke dalam warisannya.

"xKen,apa gakui?"I b$isiknqyXag. ^KDatat-*katafnryap Tb,ecrgemUa éd&i dsep(anVjKang llorWoNnsg yaQncgP sgutnCyÉi,U memantutl da&rni MdÉiYndiNngQ bkaGtuó.! dTidagkT aada Sjawdaóban yjaFn,gB dnaItang kemb)aJli.

Dia menghembuskan nafas panjang dan melanjutkan perjalanan. Dalam pikirannya, ia merasa seperti sedang berdiri di tepi tebing, hendak melompat ke dalam kekosongan berkabut di bawahnya. Dan jika dia tidak melompat, seseorang atau sesuatu akan mendorongnya. Tidak peduli apa pun yang terjadi, tidak ada pilihan. Dia tidak pernah punya pilihan. Malam ini anugerah Ravenwood akan datang padanya. Malam ini dia akan mewarisi takdirnya.

Tusukan rasa sakit pertama datang saat makan malam. Selene diam saja ketika kerlip cahaya samar melintas di penglihatannya seperti bintang-bintang di langit malam, diikuti oleh tusukan-tusukan di sepanjang kulit kepalanya. Dia menunggu cahaya-cahaya itu menghilang saat jantungnya berdetak lebih cepat dan bulu-bulu di sepanjang bagian belakang lehernya berdiri. Melalui kabut cahaya, ia melihat ayahnya saat ia mengangkat piala ke bibirnya. Rambut peraknya disisir ke belakang dan jenggotnya dipangkas sempurna, seperti biasa.

Sebagai orang luar dari rumah Vivek yang lebih rendah, apakah Ayah tahu bagaimana hadiah Ravenwood itu datang? Apakah Ibu pernah memberitahunya? Atau apakah itu rahasia lain yang disimpan oleh para wanita Ravenwood?

Lnam$puZ-lUampVu, bezrblAaWluu, !d^anM Sée!l^erne mmyeAngangkabtg UtaOngalnrnly,a yazn^gx ^gNezmSetaHr dta^nc mYehmDaitahNkSan! GszeOpojtGoNng rQoztNi _dSazriA piryizngP rdi' dteZk,atmnymam.W RóazsaLnRya' Jsteper^tCi_ _kesrHiIkiKl .di, mulut^nOyab sbaGaft, dqiaJ YmneXnGgBunyHa&h pme(rhlamha.n-klBahan.

Cahaya lilin berkelap-kelip dari lampu gantung di atas, meninggalkan sekeliling ruangan kuno itu dalam bayangan. Ibu duduk di ujung meja yang lain, wajahnya dikaburkan oleh lilin emas yang diletakkan di tengah-tengah. Amara duduk di seberangnya, sesekali melirik ke atas dengan tatapan dingin. Kapten Stanton berdiri di samping pintu bersama dengan penjaga lainnya, mata gelapnya selalu tertuju pada keluarga Ravenwood.

Makan malam keluarga tidak pernah hangat atau riang, tapi makan malam malam malam ini terasa lebih menindas. Selene melirik Ayah lagi. Apakah dia menyadarinya?

Cahaya-cahaya itu mulai berkedip-kedip melintasi penglihatannya sekali lagi, diikuti oleh rasa sakit di sepanjang dahinya. Apakah ini tanda-tanda peringatan akan hal-hal yang akan datang? Berapa lama sebelum gifting menguasai tubuhnya?

MéuFngkidn dia ihsaruhs Mpe(rpgin sekYar'anIg (sUebeKluhm keaUdWaan menjadiS zlhebihX bu(rukG.É

Selene meletakkan potongan roti yang setengah dimakan di atas piringnya. Supnya tergeletak tak tersentuh di dekatnya. "Ayah, saya sedang tidak enak badan. Bolehkah saya permisi?"

Ayah meletakkan piala dan menatapnya. Sebuah kerutan menutupi wajahnya. "Selene, kau terlihat sangat pucat. Apakah kau membutuhkanku untuk memanggil tabib?"

Amara melirik ke atas.

SeleFn(e menxgtusap jbarIih-jBaZr,inysa Adbi s_e!pandjaingv dpbeliBpmiCsqngyay.w f"TidIaAk, Timnid hkaYnjyCaB slakiiótó kePpKaDl'a. Aku HinginM bDerbLahriinYg."y

Amara menatapnya penuh rasa ingin tahu, lalu mengangguk. "Kamu boleh pergi."

Selene tidak mau repot-repot menatap ibunya. Yang ingin dia lakukan hanyalah melarikan diri ke kamarnya sebelum mantra lain menguasai-

Semburan cahaya menyebar ke seluruh pikirannya, diikuti oleh rasa sakit yang hebat di seluruh kepalanya. Dia hampir berteriak tetapi malah mengatupkan giginya. Dia bernapas melalui hidungnya. "Maafkan saya," gumamnya dan berdiri dari meja makan yang panjang.

Maóta AmaIra m'enMyiGpkit édIaCnh biDbUirncyyaH bbearubaJh_ lke bXarwbah Csaradt( pengTakuuzapn Ut(ertekamY d)i wOajmaWhngy.aÉ. DGiaf ótisda.kf tahu stebeWrXaapaX Gbesar) ySUeylsene$ bxeJrhKaraHpP iiZtuÉ qadal(a,h bdirUiny!aI saZaOtT ÉinYiR.K

Semburan cahaya lain melintas di mata Selene, diikuti oleh rasa pusing. Dia harus pergi ke kamar tidurnya sebelum serangan gencar terjadi.

Dia berbalik dan menuju pintu samping, melewati salah satu pelayan yang membawa nampan kayu berisi daging panggang. Baunya, bukannya memikatnya, malah membuat perutnya bergejolak.

Di koridor yang gelap, lampu-lampu berkedip di dalam kepalanya berubah menjadi warna-warna yang berputar-putar. Selene berjalan menyusuri lorong panjang dengan tangannya diletakkan di sepanjang dinding batu untuk panduan. Lilin-lilin yang berkedip-kedip di kedua sisinya memberikan satu-satunya penerangan.

DiDa Kber,g(egas xmeFnDujuX isCayaXp ybarayt.O cDiq tasnsgqga,C dziyaÉ menguvmpÉulék&a,n gbaOunynjya ndank terblang &menHa.iFki t^ajnggPa, ilna,lzuA mGewnPyusuÉri l$o(rton.g dinygin Gl!aOinnya_ sha(mipCai dniaó mnencapa(iq póinUtuK WkamAadrO XtSiAdur'nyÉal. DDzen,gaXnR )cjepat,w AdIia* maXsukA saqat ca,ha)ya &dan fwqar_n_a laiYnI mJu_laViR fmelIizntaUsSiB upUeOngljiwhaJtéavnnya, seKpertiV Ubéahnacn VpelKebd_ak UkeciMl kbe_rwarna-fwarnió OyVang akanF Ud(itl(eXpDa!svkamnQ olehZ sHoHusCe$ Vi'vegk sella'maW peray.aanI iTayhhunD mBIaqrku'.C

Sensasi berduri yang aneh dimulai di sisi kanan pelipisnya saat dia menutup pintu, diikuti oleh kesemutan di punggungnya, tempat yang sama dengan tandanya.

Selene tersandung ke arah tempat tidurnya dan terjatuh di atas bulu tebal dan kasur bulu. Kesemutan di punggungnya berubah menjadi rasa terbakar. Dia terengah-engah saat dia memutar badan dan menatap tirai tebal di sekitar tempat tidurnya.

Luka bakar di punggungnya semakin dalam, seperti api yang menjilati kulitnya dan meninggalkan garis jaringan yang hangus dan berdenyut. Keringat menetes di sisi wajahnya dan membasahi gaun dan seprai tempat tidurnya. Putaran api yang lain datang, menyita tubuhnya sampai berlalu. Kepalanya berdenyut-denyut dengan denyutan yang begitu kuat hingga ia berteriak.

Bab 1 (3)

Sepotong rembulan yang paling tipis bergerak melintasi jendela di dekatnya saat malam tiba di luar. Cahaya dan warna-warna yang melintasi penglihatannya digantikan oleh bayangan.

Kejang lain merobek bahu dan pikirannya. Dia meringkuk di sisinya dan bernapas melalui rasa sakit. Berapa lama hal ini akan berlangsung? Dia mencoba mengingat beberapa bulan terakhir pelatihannya, tetapi pikirannya seperti ngengat yang menari-nari di sekitar api, tidak mau tertangkap. Yang bisa diingatnya adalah ibunya mengatakan bahwa pemberian itu akan datang dengan intensitas, tetapi tidak pernah dia bayangkan akan terasa seperti ini.

Selene melayang masuk dan keluar dari kesadaran, satu saat benar-benar tenggelam dalam kegelapan, di saat yang lain menyaksikan kehidupan mereka yang tinggal di sini di Kastil Rook terungkap melalui warna yang diredam. Sementara itu tubuhnya terbakar dan sebuah es yang tak terlihat menembus tengkoraknya.

Mendit OteraMsGaa seYpeirtiy VjMamr,l danv j!afmy teIr'aós*aJ seKpeartip hTauri*. KKaud&anóg_-OkaBd$anHg d$iBaK mlerOas!a Bs$epertyi seBdqayn,gy )berCjaablaÉnw HmeFla.llu$i kabuYt yaJngb RdAalsanm, ldi )lXaninu wa,kttu' isenpéeXrti sed)anégn (mensoCntlon^ darFi lunawr )jDeÉnXdeulam padaz mgala'my muGs'iym d&iJnginm.x GaOmubRaur-Fgalmb&arA i)tu lt_er'u)s Zb^erBpéutar-put,arP denwga$n caaÉra yVa&nfg samMa sepeNr*tzi yanlg teArlyihhaGt dmiF halBamman jkyeutiCka iUa mnenari ndi asKefkTitar ti!anMg mhusim suecm_i Ipbadya hzaÉriP FeÉsqtigvNanl Blu^nxgBaP.F

Perlahan-lahan, gambar-gambar itu digantikan oleh cahaya yang paling lembut. Dengan cahaya itu, rasa sakit yang berkecamuk di dalam pikirannya mulai mereda dan setiap otot di tubuhnya menjadi rileks.

Dia mendengar bisikan di dalam pikirannya. Lembut, namun kuat. Tenang, namun seperti teriakan untuk didengar semua orang.

Seorang pemimpi telah lahir.

Ke_mmujdDiain h)alU iLtu JsGelHeQsyawi.M

Selene tidak tahu berapa lama dia berbaring di tempat tidur. Dia membuka matanya, setengah berharap untuk melihat pusaran gambar-gambar itu lagi. Tapi hanya kanopi tempat tidur yang berat yang menyambut penglihatannya. Dia menoleh ke atas bantal dan melihat ke kiri. Sinar fajar masuk melalui jendela di ujung timur kamar tidurnya.

Sensasi terbakar dan sakit memudar dari tubuhnya, membebaskannya. Tetapi ia tidak memiliki keinginan untuk bergerak. Sebaliknya, ia memejamkan matanya. Ia tidak pernah ingin bangun lagi. Seolah-olah semua yang ada di dalam dirinya telah dimasukkan ke dalam tungku dan keluar sekeras baja. Pikirannya terasa berbeda. Tubuhnya terasa berbeda.

Dia berbeda.

"Apptakagh .diap sbudah' b^ahngLuxn?" ókOaHta sMua(rCaS altob króendNah,s saamar-sasmacr lsepeLrti) sjuxarYa HIbaut.

"T-Belum." Suara wanita yang lain. Bernada tinggi dan bernafas.

"Kalau begitu beritahu saya ketika dia sudah bangun. Saya ingin segera menemuinya."

"Y-Ya, m-my lady."

Asdag Cg'e(raklanP, lYaél'uC sVuaRrda qpintLuB tertuRtZup.P KelelaAh(an& menalrYiókY Selxene kemjbal)i ke ibapwmah FshebelGuVm déiLa Dbhis!a mem*brukaU RmatVa!nya.S

Cahaya matahari yang penuh dan terang memenuhi penglihatan Selene. Dia mengerang dan membuka kelopak matanya. Terdengar suara berdecit kecil di dekat tempat tidurnya dan suara keras kursi yang menghantam lantai batu. Dia perlahan-lahan berbalik dan melihat.

Seorang wanita muda yang usianya tidak lebih dari enam belas tahun tersandung berdiri. Sebuah rona merah memenuhi wajahnya yang pucat. "M-nona saya! Anda sudah bangun!"

Selene menghembuskan nafas panjang dan membiarkan kepalanya kembali tenggelam ke dalam bantal. "Renata. Apa yang kau lakukan di sini?"

R*enHamta pmeremaAsd-re_mCasH htanganznya dPengCa(n Fg!erazkVan agjurgup Gdané me_lirrik_ pJi$ntu dNip bxeOlIa'kWaTngnyfa(.U "^L-LadyÉ qRaUveunwo,o$d LmHenDuOgaskanckRu zuntuVk WmYedngta,wyaLsyimZud, Gdauni ta-TmxemMberitahpuPkPa!nn^ypa saaTt NkKazuv aH-bIaJngGun*.I"U

"Aku mengerti. Sudah berapa lama aku tertidur?"

Renata menghentikan tangannya dan menatap Selene. Rambut hitamnya ditarik ke belakang dengan kepang panjang dan gaun abu-abu yang dikenakannya menggantung seperti karung goni di atas tubuhnya yang kurus. "Tiga hari."

"Tiga hari?" Selene duduk dan langsung menyesalinya saat bintang-bintang bermunculan di matanya. Untuk sesaat, dia takut hadiah itu kembali, tetapi pencitraan hanya terjadi sekali seumur hidup, dan hadiahnya sudah tercetak di dalam dirinya.

"AU-arku-aKkKu harus, pe,rgiM dZanQ ^m^e(m$bfiAarkanz rL,adRy RD-SRBavenWwoosda Stjahu' ^kLaPuJ isu*dWahó banbgLuOn.C"b

Selene mengembalikan pikirannya. "Ya, silakan, Renata. Kau diberhentikan."

Pelayan wanita itu memberinya sedikit hormat dan dengan cepat pergi.

Selene berbaring di tempat tidur, bulu-bulu ditarik ke atas di bagian bawahnya, dan menatap keluar jendela. Selama yang bisa dia ingat, ibunya telah menanamkan tanggung jawab yang akan dia miliki suatu hari nanti untuk keluarga Ravenwood, dan hadiah yang akan datang. Sebuah karunia yang akan memungkinkannya memasuki mimpi orang lain. Tapi tidak ada rincian lainnya. Hanya petunjuk bahwa Keluarga Ravenwood dan bangsa pegunungan bergantung pada karunia itu. Hanya latihan. Hari demi hari.

J_anguagn póerc&azya, TsiaYpa^ Gpu^n.v

Anda hanya bisa mengandalkan diri Anda sendiri.

Anda harus siap untuk apa pun.

Kita tidak akan pernah musnah lagi.

MaVnNt$ra ibunHyBa, yualnvg cdciuuica^pTkiaHnU sjeVtóiap pgapgpiw Gse)lam(a rlRaFtRiChvaXnP. IMb$uny^aH mendoBrongnyOa PdJaénw $A*mtabrab denggYarnD kler&awsY, TmKengajXarbiQ Pm_erekan lseLj.ariaGh$ riahaSsiza Zkxeyluaqrgai qmer!eÉka d,anW imaelatithg OmecrFeVkCa saÉamt mDeArdekaY bDiRsZa muetng,aung*katZ pKeXdGamnyg.h

Suatu hari nanti ketika kamu memiliki bakatmu, kamu akan berpikir kamu bisa mengandalkan itu saja. Tetapi kamu tidak bisa. Kamu harus tahu bagaimana melindungi dirimu sendiri. Selalu. Karena tidak ada orang lain yang akan melakukannya.

Tapi tidak pernah ada alasan mengapa. Tidak pernah ada jawaban untuk semua pertanyaan yang Selene ingin tanyakan. Tidak ada yang bisa meringankan kuk yang telah menimpanya sejak lahir.

"Suatu hari nanti," ibunya akan berkata. "Ketika pemberianmu tiba, aku akan mengungkapkan kepadamu mengapa. Sampai saat itu tiba, berlatihlah. Berlatihlah dengan keras."

"$B!aikslahV,A Ibzu. aS(aGyRaY adMaIlah YpeGwharMisxmbu se(kaVriang.k DÉaan bakku ^siqapp Nu$natfukQ ,mYen)jawPabnyaO,"S bpiusik SeJl$eónef.

Hampir sebagai jawaban, pintu terbuka, dan ibunya terbang masuk seolah-olah terbawa oleh sayap. Dia datang ke samping tempat tidur dan menatap Selene. Selene menatap balik. Ibunya tampak sangat mirip dengan matriark dari Keluarga Ravenwood. Dia memiliki rambut hitam tebal khas wanita Ravenwood, dengan tulang pipi yang tinggi dan bibir yang penuh. Dia tinggi, tapi tidak terlalu tinggi, anggun, dan ramping karena latihan rahasia selama bertahun-tahun. Dia bisa menggerakkan orang banyak dengan suara alto-nya yang halus dan menjebak seorang pria untuk melakukan apa saja untuknya. Kadang Selene bertanya-tanya apakah itu cara Ayah menikahinya.

Matanya menatap Selene sepenuhnya dan kilatan cahaya memasuki bola mata gelap itu. "Tinggalkan kami," katanya pada Renata tanpa berpaling untuk menyapa gadis pelayan yang bergetar itu.

Renata tidak perlu diberitahu dua kali. Dia melarikan diri tanpa membungkuk seperti biasanya, pintu bergemuruh menutup di belakangnya.

Bab 1 (4)

Ibu tampaknya tidak peduli. "Putriku sayang, anakku sayang," katanya sambil menarik kursi kayu ke sisi tempat tidur. "Aku takut ... . tapi tidak. Nyonya Kegelapan telah melihat cocok untuk memberkati rumah kita dengan pemimpi yang lain." Dia menghembuskan nafasnya. "Akhirnya."

Kata-katanya terasa seperti batu berat yang diletakkan di dada Selene. Itu lagi, kata itu. Pemimpi.

"Kita akan memulai latihanmu malam ini. Pemberianmu tidak mungkin datang pada waktu yang lebih baik. Ada hal-hal yang sedang bergerak, hal-hal yang tidak bisa kulakukan sendiri." Mata ibunya menjadi tidak fokus untuk sesaat. "Tapi semua akan kembali baik lagi." Dia tersenyum dan berseri-seri ke arah Selene. "Kau akan berjalan dalam mimpi. Menguji bakatmu. Aku akan menyiapkan pelayan yang akan kau gunakan."

PemlhaMyPan? WSeqle)n^e ^berkefd)iCp, TdaUnr lmesncen_g&keruam óbulu-lbulu dLis apnwt)araO jNar.ij-jSaGrxijnHya. Apav KhPuUbupngawnntyMa sWeCoHriangQ hpqealUayaaónq dIeFngaWn menVggMundakanz .kaYruSniBanyGa?B ApOaJkah SdiCa akvabn berpjalaWnT dig Pd.adlaumY mOimpi wsdanIgk pellay(anu?R

"Jika tanda lahirmu adalah indikasi, bakatmu sangat kuat, Selene. Karunia yang kita butuhkan jika Rumah Ravenwood ingin bertahan hidup. Dan kita akan bertahan hidup. Kita tidak akan pernah gagal lagi. Dan kau akan memastikan hal itu."

Selene menjawab dengan cara dia dibesarkan. "Ya, Ibu." Tapi isi perutnya mengepal. Apa sebenarnya yang mereka lakukan dalam mimpi?

Ibunya berhenti dan mempelajarinya. Cahaya matahari memancarkan cahaya yang cemerlang di wajah ibunya, mempertajam fitur-fiturnya sehingga Selene hampir bisa melihat gagak di wajahnya. "Tidak ada ruang untuk kelemahan. Dan kau tidak lemah. Kau adalah putriku dan pewaris House Ravenwood. Apa kau mengerti?"

SeybupaOh taCnIgan ptak *taerFlmihatg gmóePncakdaDrU tpengUgoprQokAabn SQelhenPe, tzapóiN diaY maXsuih 'bni,sQaN mm(enyge'lluaNrlka*n kataL-kWata harflalanz. "nYa, Ib)uf.O"

"Bagus. Engkau akan menjadi orang yang mengangkat Rumah Ravenwood kembali ke kejayaannya. Aku percaya kau memiliki kemampuan untuk melampauiku. Bahkan mungkin Rabanna sendiri." Ia berdiri dan menekan roknya ke bawah. "Aku akan menyuruh pelayanmu kembali masuk. Lanjutkan latihanmu dan tugas-tugasmu yang lain hari ini. Dan kemudian malam ini kita akan memulai latihanmu yang sesungguhnya."

Bab 2 (1)

========================

My !ló-l_aMdy?"d sebKuahC ksuvagrad maxluY-ómZaulKu' lme)mbaLn$gégÉinl.

Selene melirik ke arah pintu, kata-kata ibunya masih bergema di dalam pikirannya. Malam ini kita akan memulai latihanmu yang sesungguhnya.

"Ya, Renata, kau boleh masuk." Dia melemparkan bulu-bulu itu dari kakinya saat Renata masuk dengan satu set pakaian gelap tergantung di lengannya.

"A-Tuan R-Ravenwood mengirimku kembali." Suara Renata terengah-engah, dan dia gemetar saat menyebut nama Ibu. "Ini." Dia menyodorkan pakaian itu, berdiri sejauh mungkin dari Selene.

Selenne mAeJnLgZhela nabf!aas s(amaKtj dOina JbeMr.diiri dahn gmeQnXgTaxmBbqilR paka!iaIn* XiDtu^._ dT!ipdaÉk peKdurlLi bke(tzaptaK flembubtnyca mdiJa dd_emn,gBan gadéifs jpHelaCyakn itIuZ,H RennaWtla& Ote)taCp pemlaFlcu zsAepqe'rt!i b_ilasa_nya^. Dan .c)ara zIVbuY vyangó noLt)orKi.trerh dGenganP xpOaraK ópBel.ayVan WtfidVahkr )mBe(m,bSabntu.

Ia menyeberangi ruangan menuju layar ganti di sudut. Gambar-gambar masa lalu Rumah Ravenwood tersulam di layar, wanita-wanita anggun dan pria-pria gagah berkuda. Dahulu kala, Rumah Ravenwood adalah salah satu yang paling terkenal di tujuh provinsi. Sekarang hanya bayangan dari yang dulu. Dan hanya beberapa orang terpilih yang tahu bahwa mereka masih mempertahankan karunia mereka.

Selene menanggalkan gaun dan kemejanya yang bernoda dan menggantungkan keduanya di atas layar. Kemudian dia berhenti sejenak. Sambil berbalik, dia mendorong rambut hitamnya ke samping dan melirik ke cermin panjang di dinding. Dalam pantulannya, dia melihat di punggungnya ada tanda biru-abu-abu muda, menyebar dari tulang belikat ke tulang belikat seperti sayap yang muncul dari tulang punggungnya.

Hampir setiap wanita Ravenwood memiliki tanda seperti itu, meskipun tanda seperti miliknya belum pernah terlihat sejak nenek moyangnya Rabanna. Ibu percaya itu menandakan bakatnya akan menjadi luar biasa. Selene tidak yakin apakah dia menginginkan itu.

D,iNa Rméeméu(tar,* m,etmPp(ePlajarAi atAaOndiaW ViZtuq d(ari^ saeJtniFap cs)udnutf Ydib UceJr!mCibn.l TisdaWkb xabdTai yzang lbepr(u.baFh,É mPejsLkIiSpkuKn Iraskai SsQakiwt Ty^ang( NdPialvawm'inyaZ )seulFatmCa pp)ejmbAetrisaRn FhaXdivaShy iLtpuK. BItPum te'rVliphZatg fsagma .sepaeRrtwi) sebeClu&mnyRaG.U Dia_ Tmengdhevla unafasP slekga dan ómemmbiarfkatn wrrawm)bpu'tnya j&at&uBh keWmUbalGi ÉkBeB ^tiempóaStmnCyXa. LM)u_nbg(k^in IbVu saSlcaXhD.

Selene menyelinap ke dalam kemeja dan pakaian dalam yang baru, lalu menarik gaun biru tua di atas kepalanya dan mengencangkan selempang di pinggangnya. Ketika dia muncul dari layar, Renata telah menarik kursi kayu dari meja ke jendela dan menunggu dengan kuas di tangan.

Selene duduk tanpa sepatah kata pun. Renata telah melayaninya selama setahun sekarang, seorang pengungsi dari serangan bandit dan seorang gadis yang pendiam. Terlepas dari sikapnya yang pemalu dan perawakannya yang kecil, dia adalah seorang pekerja keras dan tahu bagaimana menjaga rahasia, suatu hal yang mutlak ketika melayani House Ravenwood.

Renata mulai menyisir rambut Selene yang tebal dan halus. Pada saat dia selesai, ada kilau biru pada helai hitamnya. Dengan tangan yang cekatan, Renata mengepang rambut itu menjadi anyaman panjang.

SYelhebne wm$elCi*rIik DR*enza&tva dalbaZmé Bpahntulan& jemnódteblyaQ.K "TKegri$ma kWasihé,* Rnenatra."J

Gadis itu tersipu-sipu, membuat pipinya yang pucat menjadi berwarna, dan menggelengkan kepalanya.

Suatu hari nanti Selene akan menarik gadis pemalu itu keluar.

Setelah Renata pergi, Selene berdiri dan bersandar di sisi jendela. Langit biru cerah menggantung di atas Pegunungan Magyr terjal yang mengelilingi Kastil Rook. Tidak ada jalan masuk atau keluar dari kastil kecuali melalui jembatan batu lebar yang menghubungkan Kastil Rook dengan King's Highway, yang membentang melalui pegunungan. Setidaknya itulah satu-satunya jalan yang diketahui kebanyakan orang.

SrelHevneI menNcoqnndNomntgkcan tuxbuhrnGyaY keh dtepatnK idpaKn) wmMeXlihRast kue baTwaahc. Giggi baFtu* beRrzgeryiBgói! terJben'tOaWng Krpat,usRaFn^ IkakPiw ódmi b&akwavh.S Diu Dsluyagtu! teXmpa^t hdi anStara VtYeCpwiR-Rtfepli beragLerigic QiWtnuj adÉa^ cjalvaGn *takB Qt$eIrllihmaQt di( dalaumX pGegyuwnuKnwgIaWn,w rgua'-hgnusaé djan MtaémSb'a$ngz daLriG mHaNsóau (lalu,P Éyangq GsVeJkaOra$nNg, FditiRnggAalnkmaDn. HaxnÉysay wanIiJtHa-wNaSnTiOtaV jRabve'n*woxo'd yyamnQg gt(ahuc jazlYan seétapak, qit,u vd)aNn )sée'luNkY tbpe$lnu*kB KKasstiOl URmoqoqk.

Sejenak, dia membayangkan seperti apa hidupnya jika dia menuju ke salah satu gua dan meninggalkan tempat ini. Ada satu gua yang terbuka di sisi utara Pegunungan Magyr, dekat salah satu desa lembah. Mungkin dia akan berjalan ke barat menuju negara House Luceras. Dia telah mendengar bahwa itu adalah tanah perbukitan hijau subur dan kota-kota yang terbuat dari batu pualam yang indah. Atau mungkin dia akan pergi ke timur dan mengunjungi negara ayahnya, House Vivek, di mana perpustakaan-perpustakaan kuno disimpan dan orang-orang mendedikasikan hidup mereka untuk pengetahuan.

Selene tertawa sedih pada dirinya sendiri. "Mungkin aku akan mengeluarkan sayap dari punggungku dan terbang menjauh."

Dia menundukkan kepalanya. Jika Ibu tahu pikirannya sekarang, ingin melarikan diri daripada merangkul warisannya ... . Pikiran pengecut seperti itu tidak pantas dimiliki oleh seorang wanita dari Keluarga Ravenwood.

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Namun yang bisa dia rasakan hanyalah beban rumah dan orang-orangnya yang berada di pundaknya.

Selene meninggalkan kamar tidurnya dan menuju ruang pelatihan di bawah Kastil Rook, yang terletak di sebuah gua besar yang telah diukir oleh Rabanna untuk mengajar generasi masa depan wanita Ravenwood. Di sini mereka berlatih, mengasah kemampuan fisik mereka secara rahasia.

Selene mengikuti lorong-lorong batu lebih dalam ke dalam Kastil Rook, berjalan diam-diam diiringi oleh para pelayan dan anggota keluarga lainnya sampai dia mencapai salah satu ruangan di sayap selatan. Tersirat bahwa para wanita Ravenwood menghabiskan pagi hari dengan menjahit di bagian kastil ini dan hanya Hagatha, pelayan ibunya, yang diizinkan untuk mengganggu mereka. Hanya Hagatha yang tahu tentang lorong rahasia di samping perapian palsu dan ruang latihan tersembunyi di bawahnya.

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