storybook | {gryphon} blitz

I wanted to be a princess when I was little.

My brother was a knight, my parents evil rulers, and I was just Raven.

(Poor, naive young Raven.)

"Ravens are a dark breed, Sis." Gavin had once said, "But they are survivors. I think you have that in common with them."

I hope he was right about me, about stupid just Raven. Gavin died for a stranger, then Rowan died for Gavin. And I am all that's left. (Just Raven.)

I've lived on my own for a few months now. Rowan's grandmother offered to let me stay where Rowan's parents had once lived, not too far from society. Not too far from Gavin's spot.

The trees remain bruised and limbs still litter the ground. My axes-- his axes-- are hidden in the same place, and I use them until the blades are dulled and my fingers bleed, and I use them some more.

I'm just a kid. My parents were supposed to be parents and my big brother was not supposed to die. I'm supposed to be at home right now, trading stories in front of a log fire. But I'm here. I feel the anger boiling inside of me, my blood fevered and my skin screaming. Anger. Heartbreak. Hatred.

I scream.

My head snaps around to the opening and--

"Who the fuck are you?" I ask, my axe raised in defense.