The Raven Conspiracy

Chapter 36 - Interrupted By Art

Chapter 36 – Interrupted By Art

I stepped out the front door into the cool night air. It was difficult to see the stars between the tall buildings and bright lights. Somewhere to my right, a party raged in its fully grown glory. A deep, thrumming beat shook the ground and rose to greet the sky with the laughter and cheers of the party-goers. I shivered and pulled my jacket closer around me as I turned to lock the door. Someone tapped my shoulder and I spun around, stifling a scream when I saw Kairo.

“Where were you going?” he asked.

“Just around...I was bored,” I confessed. “Did you get Art?”

“He’s here,” he answered. He sighed and stepped aside. Art waiting, his wrists bound with rope and his face expressionless. But he couldn’t hide the fury burning in his eyes.

Kairo nudged Art forward, and reluctantly Art moved into the flat.

“Stay with him for a moment,” Kairo instructed me, disappearing into the kitchen. I folded my arms, tilted my head and looked at Art. He didn’t look around, but stayed near the door.

“You can sit down, I guess,” I said, gesturing to the couch. He didn’t move.

“Fine...Stay there.”

He sat down and I glared, rolling my eyes. He fixed his gaze on me.

Kairo returned carrying a thick, metal chain and padlocks. He used it to secure Art to the window frame. Art continued to glare at me.

“Maya, if you want to get some sleep, you can take the room. I’ll stay out here,” said Kairo. “I want to keep an eye on Art.”

I nodded,

“Thanks.”

I appreciated getting the room and some privacy rather than the couch.

“What about him?” I tilted my head in Art’s direction.

“There are some blankets and stuff in the cupboards. Would you mind getting some? He’ll sleep on the floor by the window, where I can see him.”

I fetched the blankets, pillows and a few sheets from the room and dropped half on the couch. They could make their own beds.

I said goodnight to them and went to the room, closing the door behind me. I pulled off my jeans and climbed under the cold blankets. I was drowsy, but it would be a long time until I fell into a light sleep.

I was woken by a sudden scream. I sat up, my heart pounding from the sudden break in my haze of sleep. I got up, pulling a blanket around me and padded to the front room to investigate.

Art lay still on the floor, facing the wall. I couldn’t tell if he was awake or sleeping in the dim light. I went over to the couch. Kairo shivered under his blanket, still fast asleep. His breathing was rapid and his face glistened with perspiration as he tossed around. I knelt next to the couch and carefully pressed my palm to his forehead. It was warm, but not feverishly hot. His eyes opened at my touch and he reached out and grabbed my arm.

“Maya,” he said weakly, letting go. His breaths were ragged.

“I heard you scream,” I murmured. “What’s wrong?”

“I woke you up...I’m sorry. It was just a nightmare. Go back to sleep.”

“Will you be alright?”

He closed his eyes and nodded.

“I’ll be fine. You should rest. I won’t disturb you again.”