Chapter 34

Bonfires illuminated the night. After the explosions and collapses, a dense smoke lingered over the entire city for hours, the wind spreading it in all directions until it finally dissipated.

The night was dark, except for the light of the bonfires, and along with the darkness, the sounds of people suffering or begging for help flooded the surroundings. The Ravens did nothing to help them after the event; on the contrary, it was as if everyone felt defeated, despite having won.

A considerable number of light poles were destroyed, causing the power cables to be broken, and the darkness that enveloped everyone was the price. Cecilia wandered aimlessly between the bonfires, trying her best not to look at the debris, but it was an impossible task. The remains of what had once been part of the city surrounded her in every direction.

The silence from the Ravens was abnormal; they had won, but they didn't feel that way. Deep down, they knew that if it hadn't been for Vann's extreme action, they would all be dead, but listening to the cries of those who were buried or screaming for a loved one hurt more than any wound.

Drinks and drugs were constantly shared among the Ravens. Normally, such behavior would be unthinkable and would be punished by Kasca, but the Nests' leader didn't seem to care at that moment; she herself drank in secret. Some of the survivors who managed to escape unscathed confronted some of the victors, even to the point of attacking them. The victors, in turn, almost gladly took some punches and kicks before being helped by their friends.

Cecilia continued walking, feeling detached from everything that was happening. She didn't know what would happen in the coming days, and she didn't want to think about it, focusing only on her breathing. She felt a bit of jealousy when thinking of Naomi, who was resting in the Nests' medical wing. Naomi had been drugged with medication so her wounds could be cleaned and stitched up. Cecilia didn't wish she had lost two fingers or part of her scalp, but rather that she could sleep and escape reality, even if just for a brief moment.

— Cecilia! — called a boy who was sitting on the remains of a wall.

The young woman turned startled, pulled from her reverie, and her light eyes took a moment to distinguish the person who had called. Taking a few steps toward the boy, Cecilia recognized Gabriel.

The boy's clothes were covered in dust, like everyone else. The only difference was that there was no dust in his hair because he was bald. Gabriel leaned against the rubble with his legs crossed, holding a cigarette in his right hand, his eyes red.

— What are you smoking? — Cecilia asked as she sat next to him.

— Weed. — With a long drag, Gabriel raised his face and exhaled smoke into the sky. Then, he extended his arm toward Cecilia. — Want some?

Without saying anything, Cecilia accepted, inhaling deeply. Unlike the boy, she only exhaled the smoke through her nose indifferently, returning the cigarette to Gabriel.

— Where did you get this?

— From some Ravens, at that bonfire — Gabriel answered, pointing to a bonfire near the Nest. — It was the last one, unfortunately.

— I didn't go there — grumbled Cecilia, wishing she had managed to get one. She then took the cigarette from the boy's mouth, inhaling deeply. — But I'll tell you one thing, Gabriel, this shit is strong.

— Yeah.

They stayed in silence for long minutes, only sharing the cigarette, which was ending with each drag. Both were lost in their thoughts. Gabriel took the last drag, and when he realized the drug was finished, he threw the remains of the cigarette aside, speaking.

— Some of Lorenzo's Ravens are left at the entrance to the city. Tomorrow we should take care of them.

— Shut up, Gabriel — Cecilia grumbled almost casually. — I don't want to talk about this right now, and honestly, I think you want to ask me something else.

Gabriel looked into her large blue eyes, which were piercing his. Adjusting himself against the broken concrete, he spoke, struggling with each word.

— How's Naomi?

— It wasn't that hard — Cecilia joked, turning her gaze back to nothing. — She's drugged, but all her wounds are stitched up. She should wake up early in the morning, lucky girl.

— That's a relief — the boy commented, visibly relaxing against the broken concrete. — And at the same time, frustrating.

— What do you mean?

— Naomi is strong, too strong, and that's why she's always sent on risky missions. Meanwhile, I'm nothing compared to her — Gabriel looked at Cecilia, who was studying him. — This is my limit, and she doesn't seem to have one. I feel like I'm a burden to her, I want to help, but I can't, and it's so frustrating.

— I have to agree — Cecilia said, never taking her eyes off the Raven. — She's stronger than expected.

— I don't know what to do.

— To start, how about stopping with the self-pity — Cecilia replied, continuing. — Don't you think you do something for her? — She didn't wait for a response. — Because staying with her and making her laugh, having fun, is just as important. And if you feel so weak in some way, use your head, Gabriel, and create a fighting style to support her.

Gabriel hadn't expected such an abrupt response from her. He wanted to stay in his depression, but Cecilia didn't allow it. For a moment, the boy felt irritated, but then he understood that, in her way, the blonde wanted to help him.

— I'll think of something — Gabriel said finally.

— Great! — Cecilia responded suddenly. — I can't stand seeing a guy like you crying like this. Your partner is alive, unlike mine, so stop with the tantrum and take action.

Neither of them spoke while they looked at each other, and embarrassed, Gabriel turned his face. He felt pathetic for this moment of weakness, wanting to hide his face, which was now extremely red. He spoke.

— Could we not talk about what just happened with Naomi, or anyone?

— Sure — Cecilia replied, leaning back against the concrete. — But I'll want you to pay for my lunch for a month — seeing Gabriel's face, she continued. — I have a problem on my hands too.

— Want to share?

— I need to tell a friend of mine that I let someone important to her die — Cecilia smiled sadly and continued. — Probably, Sarah will never look at me again, and I'll at least get a punch in the eye.

Before Gabriel could say anything, a movement caught his attention. A Raven appeared running through the debris. At that moment, everyone who had been standing up jumped up startled, thinking it was the remnants of Lorenzo's group seeking revenge.

When they realized who it was, several men and women lowered their guard. The newcomer was the Raven Kasca had sent to check how things were at the entrance of the Pit. But the man's expression was one of someone extremely surprised. Cecilia, followed by Gabriel, joined the group surrounding the newcomer, clearly, he had something important to say. Taking a breath, the scout wiped his forehead with his black shirt, soaking in sweat. He then spoke.

— The Ravens from the Bunker have arrived!!

The shock on everyone's face was evident. No one had expected reinforcements from the Bunker. Cecilia couldn't hide a smile; her partner had managed to send the message. But the boy continued, ignoring the flood of questions coming his way.

— The Crimson Tornado is among them.

A deathly silence fell over the place. Cecilia exchanged a quick glance with Gabriel; there was no way a Raven had never heard of her. The Corva with the strongest reputation across all forty-eight Pits, even the Bunker, and arguably the most incredible Raven in the entire history of the Ravens.