Chapter Text
Mist rolled across the land as the sun peeked over the horizon.
In a dark manor atop a stony hill, a woman sat, blackout curtains drawn over the windows. With russet-skinned fingers, she lifted a porcelain teacup to her plump lips. A dark liquid drips down her chin as she drinks, and she lifts a single finger to wipe it away.
A flutter of dark wings pierced the silence. A raven flew through an open window, perching just behind the ravenette woman. It cawed; once, then twice, then thrice. The raven’s form morphed and twisted, growing and growing. Its plumage peeled away, and in the raven’s place stood a tall man clad in a dark feathery coat.
“Tiberius,” the woman addressed the man with a melodic voice, setting the teacup down.
“There’s a wolf. The Director requires your assistance.”
The woman hummed, “So he does. Where is it?”
The man did not respond. Tiberius walked to the table, footsteps padded by soft carpet, and laid a single manila folder before her.
“I’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list of possible companions-“
“That won’t be necessary.” The woman responded quickly, her voice colored with an undertone of sharpness.
“Your last endeavor concerning wolves did not end in your favor.”
“I survived.”
“Barely, I may remind you.”
Valera’s eyes swept toward Tiberius, deep brown clashing against crimson red.
“It may be in your best interest to take someone else with you,” He broke the stare down first.
She spoke again, “I’ll leave tomorrow night. Send word to the London Waypoint.”
“...Very well. Will you at least allow me to prepare your weapons?”
She waved a hand towards him, and Tiberius nodded, pulling his coat tight around his body. The feathers rolled across his skin like water, and the man-turned-raven soared back through the window.
Valera flicked her wrist; the window shut and the curtain slid closed. She stood from her seat, smoothing down the ruffles of her blouse. When her hand ran over her side, she clenched her eyes shut and stifled a hiss.
She downed the rest of her cup in a single gulp and the pain ebbed away.
Valera glided across the room to a plush bed closed behind towering oaken doors. Her hands came together in a sharp clap, forcing the doors shut and locked. With no one left to see her, she let her shoulders sag.
Even despite the now-closed injury, her lethargy still weighed upon her shoulders like heavy stones. She wasn’t meant to be awake at this time, and stalling her sleep had caught up to her.
Valera stumbled onto her bed, and with a heavy sigh, allowed the clutches of rest to claim her.