The underworld buzzed with a low hum. "Willow," a voice hissed, "did you hear? Your daughter's marrying a witch hunter!"
Willow's lips curled into a chilling smirk. "That girl never listens. I warned her to stay away from him, but she wouldn't heed my advice. Boys," she addressed her shadowy entourage, "prepare the portal. We're visiting my ex-husband in the human world."
Later that day, Willow materialized in front of Raven's father's house, her presence radiating menace. She didn't bother with pleasantries. Gripping Mark by the throat, she pressed him against the wall, her voice a venomous whisper, "Where is Raven Mark?"
"I'm not telling you anything, witch," Mark spat, venom lacing his words.
Willow's smirk widened, a cruel glint in her eyes. "Oh, you want to play it that way, Mark?" With a sharp snap of her fingers, Mark doubled over, coughing up blood. Willow leaned in, her face inches from his. "Are you going to tell me where Raven is?"
Mark's face contorted in pain, but he remained silent. Willow sighed dramatically. "Fine. I'm bored." She turned and walked away, leaving Mark gasping for breath on the floor.
Meanwhile, at Jake's house, Raven relaxed, chatting with her friend. Her phone buzzed. It was her father. "Hey, Dad, what is it?" she answered, annoyance coloring her voice.
A ragged, terrified whisper crackled through the phone. "Raven... r-r-run..." The line went dead.
The phone clicked dead. "My dad needs help. We're going to his house," Raven said, her gaze fixed on Jake.
She started for the door, but Jake stopped her. "Raven, we don't know what we're walking into. We can't just blindly rush in," he said, gently restraining her. She arrived at her father's house moments later. Calling out, she heard her father's voice.
"Raven," Mark's voice was strained. "Your mother wants a war. She wants you to lose yourself to this war; don't let her win. I love you."
"Your dad was fun to play with; I told you someone would die if you didn't listen."
The words hit her like a physical blow. She crumpled to her knees, tears streaming down her face. Jake rushed to her side, gathering her into his arms and rubbing her back in a desperate attempt to soothe her. But her sobs only intensified, wracking her body as she clung to him, grief overwhelming her.
YOU ARE READING
Lovers Have Fallen (Editing In Process)
RomanceWhen Jake and Raven meet, they get caught in the remnants of their parent's war that had left Jake an orphan. Will Jake forgive and forget, or will he avenge his family's death through Raven? Credit to @thepaintedshadows for the cover
