Plans

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CHAPTER 20

As the day gradually went by, Raven kept her mind preoccupied with trying to figure out who Xavier's supporters were.

She had seen them arrive earlier today but the barrier kept her sight blurred from seeing their faces.

At first, Raven cursed him for being so thoughtfully observant.

Everything he did with the barrier ensured she was on her best behaviour and it bothered her way more than she expected it to.

'For how long would I remain caged in here?' Raven pondered deeply as she threw a punch at the barrier.

Immediately, her retribution came and she felt a severe pain coarse straight into her right fist.

Letting out a deep grunt, she turned away and marched back to her bed, sitting down with a huff while crossing her arms under her chest.

From the corners of her eye, she saw Layla whining and watching her with a sad face.

Since Layla's arrival and reunion with her, she had been so focused on Xavier that she ignored her pet fox for an extended period of time.

Left with no choice, Raven let her hands fall to her side on the bed as she tapped on it lightly, beckoning Layla over.

And whenever she was not thinking, she had Layla keep her company.

'I really wish I could cause a disturbance like I did the other time with the barrier and signal the new supporters of my presence here.' Raven thought deeply.

She tilted her head to the side, squinting at nothing in particular as she nibbled on her lower lip softly.

Her thoughts had driven wide into her mind that she did not bother, she wore all of her feelings and confusion on her face.

'Hmm, I wonder if my father had sent one of his people with them to save me. That should be the case. I should have done more than just stare. I bet they don't have an idea. I wonder what their reaction would be though when they find out he kidnapped a warlock's daughter.'

Raven heaved out a deep sigh and shook her head. Suddenly, a sinister smile spread from her lips and spilt into her eyes.

'This would have been truly splendid. Hehe, their ideology of him would be shattered in an instant. This way they would question their resolve and in time, seek forgiveness back from King Jared.'

Layla, who remained on the bed beside Raven could not help but wonder what kinds of thoughts roamed through Raven's mind.

And judging from her expressions, she knew it wasn't good.

'Well, I guess I will have my chance again. I would cause another great rubble the next time I see a gathering outside.'

After finalizing her thoughts, Raven threw her hands in the air and let her body free fall to the bed, loving how the mattress welcomed her.

'Hmm… I need to prepare an attack worse than what I did…' She cut her thoughts short and rose to a sitting position as her eyes flew open.

"Wait. Heavens! How can I be this stupid?" She cried out and facepalmed herself hard.

All this while she had been thinking of escaping and attracting attention, but in all her planning, never did she for once take into consideration that her body would suffer severely for it.

"The pain is not something I can… No, the last time I almost lost my life from acting rashly. What if this time I actually lost my life? Then of what use would be rescuing a dead body?"

A deep breath fell off her lips as she drew her brows together. "This barrier really is disturbing. At this point, I may have to reconsider my escape plan."

She placed her fingers on her jaw and gazed thoughtfully to her side, where Layla lay.

"Hmm, who knows, even if I survive such an attack, I would be comatose or worse and then he would use his blood to bring me back."

A chill ran down her spine at the thought of drinking his blood once more. "Eeeww…."

Raven shook her head, trying her best to get rid of the thought but no matter how hard she tried, she felt the lingering taste of copper at the back of her throat instead.

Her body trembled once more and she lowered her gaze to the concerned Layla. "Come here, you. I need a hug to keep those thoughts at bay."

She waited no more and reached for Layla, drawing the white fox closer to her body as she rested her head on her back.

"Shh… Let's sleep. We shall wait. I shall make my escape another time."

*****

By the time Xander finished settling everyone in, he escorted Zeno to his chambers.

The second the door shut behind them, Zeno lifted his hand into the atmosphere and erected a barrier to keep all of their words in.

He turned around swiftly, letting his sharp gaze settle on Xander.

"Speak, I know you have a lot to say," Xander urged him and made his way over to the living room to take a seat.

"Why did you lie?"

Xander's eyes lowered to his hands as they fumbled with the black leather protective glove on his wrist. "Hmm, out of all the questions troubling you, that is the one you choose to ask?"

He peeled his gaze from what he was doing, sending a cold look at Zeno.

"Yes." Zeno blurted out. He crossed both hands in front of his chest while casting a disapproving glance at Xander.

"I thought you feared the king and you would rather speak about that and his reaction when he found out Pendragon favoured King Jared. Alas, how wrong I was."

"I know. That is also another topic but it is exactly because I fear him, that I am saying this. Have you no fear?"

"You would have to be a little more specific there, Zeno. Fear of what?"

"How can you lie to him about the second house favouring King Jared."

"I didn't lie," Xander countered as he rose to his feet.

"Then you did what?" Zeno retorted.

"I did what I had to. I was going to inform him later. And I am guessing he got my cue which was why he asked me to meet him."

"Whatever. I think he didn't. Besides, he trusts you."

"So should you," Xander began, lifting his head up while casting a questioning glance at Zeno.

"And I won't fail that trust but do you expect me to reveal a suspect this early? No. Not out loud yet but soon. For now, you should keep a close watch."

"I?"

"Yes. Remember, I am returning today. The others would be under your care."

"Urgh…" he blew out a puff of air from his lips, letting his hands drop to his side as he shook his head. "Fine."