Books were her chance to escape. There was a reason why the young woman loved books! Each book led her onto a new adventure. She could immerse herself in the stories. At night she could dream and fantasize herself as a character, be it the main one, or the supporting character. After a breakdown episode, when her feral side took control and she wreaked havoc, she would be placed within a metal silver cage. It was punishment for her terrible actions. They would leave her out there to face nature, be it sunny, rainy, windy, or snowy. The weather conditions never mattered. Within those bars she would conjure up a daydream, of certain characters from her books that came to save and rescue her. It was foolish and stupid. And yet, it gave her hope.

The pack felt it was necessary to allow her to be with the other children during the school today. It was vital she be educated. After all she was the daughter of the Alphas, and by blood alone, she was supposed to take over when the time was right. Some of them believed they could curb her feralness through suffering and abuse. Others thought that if she was treated more like a human and given a chance to explore it through education, then maybe that would suppress her wolfish nature. If her wolfish nature was suppressed then she would maybe become more human If she became more human then perhaps the threat of her being feral would be gone. She may not be able to run with the pack on their hunts or celebrate in song under the full moon, but she would at least be tamed. It was an interesting theory, but it did not work.

Raven always liked being told stories. She would be lying if she didn't find the tale about Odin fascinating. That attempt of him playing with humor wasn't lost. The young woman couldn't recall the man ever telling a joke. Their interactions with each other was never on friendly terms. So, there would be no use for any humor. Hearing and seeing the man trying to be, well funny was a nice way of putting it, left her extremely uneasy. This wasn't like him, and this was making everything in her feel on edge. That wasn't helping her at all. It wasn't her place to ask him about how he lost his eye. He never bothered to ask about her scars. People that were abused, in one way or another, rarely ever wished to discuss the horror they had suffered from. Flinching from that soft snort she was surprised to hear the man start to talk about what happened to him. It wasn't surprising to hear that he was a difficult horse. The man was certainly difficult. The lupine couldn't blame him for not wanting to be involved in a war he didn't believe in. She would not fault him for being who he was. The name of this rider was...different. Gently she inquired about it, not really expecting an answer.

"Xerxes, was he named after the Persian King? That isn't a very popular name in Persia, Mohammad is."

As he continued on with his story she was sadden to hear how it happened. Even his own were-healing was incapable of saving his precious sight. It was a shame. It was horrendous. Raven could relate to were-healing being incapable of doing what it should do. All those marks and scars on her body proved that were-healing wasn't that perfect. Even today if she got harmed her were-healing could not work. Instead of it bringing rapid relief it was extremely slow. Even though her wounds and broken limbs wouldn't heal as slow as a human, there was still a significant delay. Within the ring when she fought with her mate she did her best to hide that terrible secret. If any of them found out they would use that against her pack. She didn't want to be the weakest link. Raven had no interest in being a victim or a pawn to use against her little family. It was clear to see that the man was still hurt by what happened to him. Why else would he fold his arms across his chest? People that did that wanted to create a barrier between themselves and their foe, present or imaginary, and it was another way to make themselves be comfortable when doing something they didn't like. Softly she spoke with a sympathetic tone.

"I am sorry it happened to you, that wasn't right nor fair. I wish you would have gotten that same knowledge as Odin...to lose an eyesight deserves an impeccable reward."

A very small half-simper appeared on her mauled face. That list sentence was her attempt to be humorous too. She was always a quiet being. Raven wasn't the one that had all the jokes or knew what to say to make another laugh. It simply wasn't in her nature. It took a while for the young woman to learn that when others laugh that didn't mean she would suffer. Those times within her metal cage, when some members of her pack decided to harm her, she would hear their cruel laughter. They used her for their brutal and sick entertainment. If Frost was willing to be funny then she would try in reply as well. Although in a way her humor was also serious too. Losing eyesight, be it from one eye or two, it was absolutely damaging to life. He was always stuck forever having a blind spot. Losing sight in one eye should make his other senses enhance, but that can only do so much. It was unfortunate that this moment was ruined by her feral side needing to take control. She did not forget what Frost had done to them. Feeling her powers start to go she winced as she tried to take control again. Managing a little bit of control she pushed him away. It didn't look like it, but it was for his own good. Feeling those tendrils start to settle around his neck she quickly yanked it back. Feeling her lurking within her mind and start to try to take control she forcefully pushed her down. Raven had no interest in attacking Frost. He had done nothing wrong to her and it would be wrong to attack her. Keeping the other side of her down, she was taken aback by Frost's words. Did he not know what her feral side wanted to do? Her feral side wanted him dead. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, that's how the world turned. He needed to suffer just as much as she suffered.

Blue-grey eyes widened in shock as Frost spoke to her. His tone was soft, but there was a deadly bite in his words. As he shifted towards her she held her hands up, palms open, signaling him to keep back, while at the same time forcing herself to show she wasn't a threat. Quietly she listened attentively to what he had to say. Raven could actually feel her feral side start to calm down as it too listened. Her eyes would widen in shock as the man continued to speak. Her feral side may have never harmed her, but it did harm everyone else. It attacked all of them even before they abused her. It was not fair what they did. Even she knew that, but what they told her...They said she was a danger to herself and others. And they were always right. Her other side needed to be locked away and it was her job to ensure it remained kept under a tight leash. It was good for her and good for the pack at least that is what they said. Even when she told them she couldn't do it they punished her when she apologized. Raven couldn't fathom why she would be created the way that she was. Why would God make her this way? Because he wouldn't. There was no God. He wouldn't have allowed what happened to her occur, or even what happened to Frost...or Tobi...or anyone else that went through something tragic and hurtful. Why would her pack have any sort of ulterior motives? Was Frost correct on this? Raven could no longer feel her feral side. Instead she felt it calming down as if it took was mulling over what Frost said to them.

Holding onto the book she looked down for a moment. Everything he was doing and saying now didn't add up. What was going on? This wasn't like him. Confused and worried she questioned him. His answer didn't comfort her curiosity. It wasn't surprising that he didn't like her. She didn't like him either. But him wanting to save her caught her off guard. He never appeared the type to show any interest of caring for others. Softly she shook her head remorsefully. There was a small part of her that believed her soul was already promised to Hell. No matter how kind she was or helpful she was, nothing would be capable of cleaning her slate. Her voice broke slightly her tone ever so somber and defeated.

"You ever think some people are not worth saving?"

Lowering her dial she held the book tightly against her chest, as she slowly backed away.

"Thank you for the book, I will take care of it, and return it back to you in pristine condition."

And with that she turned around and walked out of the woods, moving up the road, to get back to the car waiting for her. As she started to ponder over his words again. Was he really right?

Raven Clocksworth.