Knock. Knock.
The sound was soft, almost hesitant, but it might as well have been thunder to Raven's ears.
That was when the voice came, like a bomb blowing the warmth of the room.
"Raven," said Argon's voice from the other side—deep, measured, but with a faint current of wariness beneath it. "Who is there inside with you? I sense a familiar yet unfamiliar... presence."
Raven's spine stiffened.
That voice had never failed to make him feel like a child caught in the act of stealing a candy.
He turned toward Catherine, whispering in surprise, "Mother, father is here—"
He wondered if he was going to see another reunion today, but he froze as soon as his eyes found Catherine's.
Because her expression wasn't confusion or fond surprise—it was hatred.
Even that wasn't the loud or flaring kind. No—it was cold, ancient, and patient. The type of hatred that could wait a thousand years to be repaid.
Raven's eyes widened by a fraction as realization dawned.
'Right…'
