Chapter 87

Caleb’s POV

Raven is quiet, she hasn’t said another word, she sits by the small window of the cabin, the blanket wrapped loosely around her shoulders, staring at the trees outside as if they’re whispering something only she can hear.

Her eyes are distant, lost somewhere between peace and guilt and it kills me.

Every instinct in me wants to reach out, to touch her, to remind her that she’s safe here with me that she doesn’t have to carry whatever storm still lingers inside her. But I also know she needs space. She’s trying to make sense of everything: the bond, the moon, the fragments of memory that still haunt her.

Fenric is restless in the back of my mind.

I rise from the bed and walk toward her. The floor creaks softly beneath my feet, and she glances at me over her shoulder, eyes flickering golden for just a second before turning human again. She’s fighting something inside, the storm, the pull, maybe even Raphael’s lingering presence.

“Hey,” I say gently, crouching beside her. “You’re safe now.”

Her lips twitch into a faint smile. “I know. I just… can’t stop thinking. Everything feels blurry. Like I’m living someone else’s memories.”

I reach up and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Her maroon-streaked curls catch the light, glowing like embers. “You’re not alone anymore, Raven. You don’t have to fight those memories by yourself.”

She leans into my touch, but I can still feel the tension in her shoulders.

That’s when the idea hits me.

She needs to breathe, away from these woods, away from the whispers of Nadine-West, away from Raphael’s shadow. Somewhere she can feel peace, even for a while.

I pull back slightly and link Nashon through the pack bond.

'Nashon, I need you to do something for me.'

'Anything, brother. What’s wrong?' he asks.

'Raven needs space… somewhere quiet, secure. I want you to prepare one of the villas at the southern coast near the old cliffs. Make sure it’s fully stocked, clean, and guarded. No one gets close without my permission.'

There’s a pause before Nashon responds, his tone turning serious. 'You’re expecting trouble.'

'I’m expecting Raphael,' I answer grimly. 'He won’t let her go without a fight. But I won’t let him near her again.'

'Consider it done. I’ll have the guards stationed before nightfall.'

'Thank you, Nash.'

When the link cuts, I feel lighter, more certain. I turn back to Raven, who’s watching me with those storm-gray eyes that have always undone me.

“What is it?” she asks softly.

I smile faintly. “You’ll see.” I say covering her with the blanket. I pick a small one and cover my loins.

“Come on,” I say, holding out my hand.

She blinks, confused. “Where are we going?”

“Somewhere far from here,” I reply, my voice firm but gentle. “You need a break. We both do.”

She hesitates for a moment before placing her hand in mine. “Okay.” She smiles, and thats the only thing I want hence forth.

I pull her close, scooping her easily into my arms. Her small gasp makes me grin. “You really don’t have to carry me everywhere, you know,” she says, but there’s a soft laugh behind her words.

“I know,” I say, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “But I want to.”

We step out of the cabin into the golden light of evening. The forest air is crisp, scented with pine and earth. I shift slightly, letting Fenric surface enough to heighten my senses but not fully take over. My feet move swiftly through the woods, each step precise, measured.

Raven’s head rests against my chest, her fingers tangled around my neck. The rhythm of her breathing steadies with mine, syncing perfectly a reminder of our bond pulsing just beneath our skin.

It takes hours to reach the nearest border road, and by then, Nashon has already linked me to confirm everything is ready. Vehicles, guards, everything.

When we finally arrive at the coastal villa, the sound of waves crashing fills the air. The sea stretches endlessly before us, silver and blue under the fading sunlight.

Raven’s eyes widen. “Caleb… it’s beautiful.”

Her voice is full of awe, almost disbelief. For the first time since I found her, there’s genuine light in her eyes.

I smile. “I thought you could use some peace.”

She walks forward slowly, the ocean breeze tossing her hair around her face. The villa behind her glows softly in the evening light all white walls, open windows, and the faint scent of lavender and sea salt drifting through the air.

Nashon did well. Guards are stationed discreetly around the perimeter, but not close enough to alarm her. Every exit is secured. I double-check the signals, the borderlines, the motion sensors.

I’m not taking chances. Not this time.

When I return to her side, she’s standing barefoot in the sand, eyes closed, listening to the waves. The wind dances with her maroon curls, and the moonlight paints her skin in silver. She looks like she belongs to the sea itself.

“You really did all this for me?” she asks without opening her eyes.

I step closer, wrapping my arms around her from behind. “For us,” I whisper. “We’ve both been through hell. We deserve to breathe again.”

She leans back against my chest, sighing softly. “You always know what I need.”

Her words hit something deep inside me. I press my lips to her temple and close my eyes. For now, I don’t want to think about Raphael, or the coming danger, or the storm still trapped inside her.

For now, I just want to hold her.

The waves crash gently at our feet, and the stars shimmer like silent witnesses above us. The night feels calm almost too calm.

Fenric stirs uneasily.

He’ll come for her, he warns.

I tighten my hold on her, my voice firm, quiet, unyielding. 'Then he’ll have to go through me first.' I answer him.

"Let's go inside. We need a shower and a change of clothes." I say scooping her up again.