Chapter 23: Gambling With Rats
After leaving what was likely the state’s most wanted criminal group’s secret base, we had quite a stroll through the dark corners of the criminal underworld.
If not for the terrible atmosphere between us and a thief getting zapped by a black lightning bolt at every corner, it might have been at least a little romantic.
Ravenna, however, seemed very hesitant to talk. She lead the entire way with a fake smile, saying "It’s nothing" or "Let’s keep moving", and I’m not dense enough not to know something’s bothering this girl.
The question is how to get close without being too invasive. Let’s be clear: we’ve never been close. In fact, counting that one time in prison, I’ve only met Ravenna twice, which on its own is more than most of my usual flings.
"I think you must be very tired, aren’t you?" she says.
"Hard not to be after so many adventures..."
"Hahahaha! Indeed, it still impresses me that you’re alive, Darius."
Seriously, that smile full of pain actually hurts my heart. Hah. How much more of this do I have to tolerate? Oh, screw it.
I grab her hand and intertwine our fingers, taking the lead instead of just following her aimlessly. It actually takes the madam’s breath away a bit, which is good. I was dying to at least surprise you after suffering so much at your hands.
I mean, I’m probably thinking with my lower head, right? Look at me, walking around with a crazy witch just because I’m thinking about what favor can demand, deplorable.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Let’s just have a good walk and enjoy the time. Being used and discarded by someone probably isn’t the best feeling in the world, and considering she didn’t do that to me, I can be sure there’s at least some respect or affection for me... I hope.
We walk on like a pair of enamored dark angels. Definitely better than spinning through the air and flinging lightning in the open sky. There’s not much to say about the Scorn, it’s that typical creepy environment the protagonist eventually ends up in.