RAVETHORNE🐺

Chapter Eight

Whispers Among Shelves

Adelaide Nightvale

I cornered Gwen in the crowded streets before she could disappear into the sea of people.

"Don't do anything stupid," I warned.

She yanked at her arm. "Let go. The authorities will judge. Let's see how you find yourself a respectable match after this."

"Go ahead," I said, stepping closer. "Once you report this, Father and Aunt Sibylla will be implicated as well. Let's see how proudly you stand in the Mores household when everyone calls you kin to traitors."

She froze.

For the first time, the weight of reputation settled on her shoulders. In noble society, a stained family name was often worse than death.

"Fine." She turned back to me, her expression hardening. "If I'm going to keep quiet, you're going to do me a favor."

I narrowed my eyes. "What favor?"

"Can your forsaken friend help me with a spell... to conceive a child?"

I blinked.

"Conceive?"

Rumors had already spread that Gwen was with child. She had even returned to the Eyre residence to share the joyful news with Aunt Sibylla.

"I lied." Her voice trembled with a terror I had never heard before. "The physician says I cannot conceive. No one knows... and if I can become pregnant before they find out, I'll be saved."

For the first time, Gwen didn't look cruel or arrogant.

She looked frightened.

She had always been sharp-tongued, proud, and impossible to please. I never imagined I would see fear behind those eyes.

Why hadn't she simply admitted the truth?

Why pretend to be pregnant?

Then another thought struck me.

If she hadn't discovered Eudoria... what desperate act would she have chosen instead?

"She doesn't know magic," I whispered, careful not to draw the attention of the passersby.

Gwen let out a bitter laugh.

"Then she'll find someone who does. Once the Mores family learns I cannot bear children, I'm as good as discarded. If my life is ruined, I don't mind dragging this entire family down with me. You've all treated me unfairly for long enough."

That wasn't true.

The family had never been unfair to Gwen.

But arguing with a desperate woman would accomplish nothing.

"I'll speak to her," I said quietly. "We'll find a way. I promise."

Even as the words left my lips, I had no idea how such a promise could ever be kept.

She stepped closer until only a breath separated us.

"Five days," she whispered. "Help me conceive... or I'll make sure every one of you pays for it."

She brushed past my shoulder and disappeared into the crowd.

I remained rooted where I stood.

This was impossible.

The Forsaken possessed no magic. The only witch gifted with true power had been the first of their bloodline, and according to Eudoria, the Royals had taken her from the coffin she had been imprisoned.

I had to find an answer before time ran out.

Navaryn Library..

The journey from Veryrfall to Navaryn had taken nearly an entire day.

If any place held the answers I sought, it would be the oldest library in all of Kingdom H.

Its towering stone walls stood weathered by centuries, ancient yet imposing, as though guarding every secret ever written. Stepping down from the carriage, I found myself staring at its magnificent entrance.

I presented Vesper's token to the guards before they allowed me inside.

The library was heavily protected, and for good reason. It housed centuries of history, forgotten records, royal decrees, and legends that most believed had long faded into myth.

Although commoners were permitted entry under certain conditions, the nobility enjoyed privileges few others did.

Unlike the quiet library in Veryrfall, Navaryn buzzed with hushed conversations.

I wasn't surprised.

No attendant would dare silence a noble.

As I searched the towering shelves for books on ancient magic and fertility, fragments of conversation drifted through the aisles.

"I heard every outlaw hiding in Kingdom X was slaughtered by the young master of House Ravenor."

"When?"

"Yesterday... at least, that's what my cousin told me."

I continued scanning the shelves.

"My cousin says he's getting married soon."

"Really?" another young lady scoffed. "Who would marry that devil? The man kills without blinking."

"Sissy, lower your voice!" another hissed. "I wonder who the lady is."

"I heard it's the young Lady Duskmere."

"She's so lucky."

"Lucky? He's terrifying."

"As if you wouldn't want a husband that powerful."

"I'd rather marry a passionate man."

"Ewwww..."

The girls dissolved into exaggerated squeals and laughter.

"Do you think it's a love match?"

One of them leaned closer, lowering her voice.

"I heard he gave her the Ravenor Token as a love token."

"Ooooooh..."

Another chorus of dramatic squeals echoed through the library.

Every whispered rumor tugged at my attention, making it impossible to focus on the books before me.

"What utter nonsense!"

The sharp voice cut through the room.

"Out. All of you."

I looked up immediately.

Lady Briar.

The daughter of the King's attendant.

"I heard she's secretly in love with the Ravenor young master," one girl whispered behind me.

"She's just jealous."

The group scattered before Lady Briar's furious glare.

"Briar," another young woman sighed as she caught up to her, "calm yourself before Father hears about this."

It was likely her sister.

"Father has the Crimson Hunt to worry about," Briar muttered bitterly. "Besides, it sounds like that i***t prince is making a mess of everything."

"I still can't believe that woman got into Ravenor Manor before I did."

Her jaw tightened.

"There are plenty of powerful noblemen."

"What do you know?" Briar snapped.

The girl immediately lowered her head.

"I'm sorry... You mentioned the prince. What happened?"

"I heard he's making quite the disaster of this year's Crimson Hunt."

Their voices faded as they walked farther into the library.

For a heartbeat, I found myself wondering what trouble Prince Rhydian had managed to create.

Then I remembered my own predicament.

Still, the Crimson Hunt lingered in my thoughts.

Held once every three years, it was the deadliest spectacle in the kingdom.

Each province presented its own wild beast—creatures native to their lands—to battle against those of rival provinces.

What had once been a sacred display of strength had long since become a contest fueled by greed.

Kings wagered priceless treasures, relics, and fortunes upon the outcome.

Whichever province's beast survived claimed everything.

For years, Yorkhaven had remained undefeated.

Until three years ago.

Grimvale's beast had slaughtered every challengers beast, claiming victory and leaving King Vaelor humiliated before the entire kingdom.

The Crimson Hunt was no festival for children.

Only noblewomen were permitted to attend its grand arena.

For another heartbeat, I wondered what disaster Prince Rhydian could have caused.

Then reality settled over me once more.

Compared to Gwen's ultimatum, royal gossip meant nothing.

I had only five days to accomplish the impossible.