Chapter 5 Crestwell Academy

FOR the first time in years, Raven woke up without screaming.

No shrill voice yelling her name, no angry foster mother pounding on doors, no scrambling children fighting for the bathroom.

No chaos, no noise.

Instead, a sweet melody drifted through her open window. It was a bird, just a bird singing in the garden.

Raven blinked awake. For a moment, she lay there staring at the ceiling. Silence reigned long enough. Peace followed, comfort too.

The feeling was so foreign she almost didn't know what to do with it.

Slowly, she sat up. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Best sleep ever."

After brushing her teeth and washing up, her stomach reminded her that it was very much awake. It was hungry.

Raven slipped out of her room and headed downstairs.

The mansion was already alive. Several maids were busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen, the delicious aroma of food filled the air.

The moment she entered, the maids smiled.

"Good morning, Miss Raven."

"Morning."

She nodded awkwardly. She still wasn't used to people calling her "Miss."

Walking toward the refrigerator, her eyes landed on a bowl of fresh fruits sitting on the marble counter.

Perfect. She would grab a fruit after getting something to drink.

Opening the refrigerator, she scanned its contents before grabbing a bottle of milk, then she closed the door and turned, reaching for an apple. At the exact same moment, another hand grabbed it.

Raven looked up, then sighed.

Of course. Kai.

The human migraine.

He looked annoyingly perfect even this early in the morning. His white school shirt was crisp and neatly pressed, the Crestwell Academy badge sat proudly above his pocket.

Dark blue trousers, expensive wristwatch, school bag hanging casually over one shoulder like a walking advertisement for rich kids.

Kai glanced at the apple then at her.

"I took it."

Raven said nothing.

"I didn't expect your arm to reach that far."

Still nothing. Kai waited, but there was no response. Raven simply turned and grabbed a glass from the cabinet.

For some reason, that annoyed him more. He tossed the apple lightly into the air and caught it, then walked toward the kitchen exit.

Raven poured herself some milk. Behind her, she heard,

"Mom! Dad! I'm off to school!"

Evelyn's voice echoed from somewhere in the mansion.

"Have a wonderful day, sweetheart!"

Nathaniel followed.

"Drive safely!"

Kai left, just like that, and peace returned.

Raven grabbed another apple from the fruit bowl and climbed onto one of the stools.

Milk. Apple. Perfect pre-breakfast.

A few moments later, Evelyn entered. She was wrapped in an elegant white robe and looked like she was heading straight to a luxury spa commercial.

The moment she saw Raven, she smiled.

"There you are."

"Good morning, Evelyn."

"Good morning, sweetheart." Evelyn studied her face. "How did you sleep?"

Raven took a sip of milk then shrugged.

"I think it was the best sleep I have ever had."

The answer softened Evelyn's expression, she heard more emotion in that sentence than Raven probably intended.

"I'm glad."

Turning toward the kitchen staff, Evelyn clapped her hands lightly.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, Madam."

She immediately switched into business mode.

"I hope everyone followed today's breakfast menu?"

"Yes, Madam."

"And the steak?"

"It's being prepared."

"Good. Remember, don't overcook it."

One maid nodded.

"Of course, Madam."

"Just enough. Nathaniel likes it tender."

"Understood."

"And don't forget the fresh orange juice."

"Already done."

Evelyn smiled approvingly.

"Wonderful."

Satisfied, she turned to leave. Then suddenly stopped.

"Oh!" She looked back at Raven, "I almost forgot."

Raven swallowed her milk.

"Forgot what?"

"Please come with me."

A few minutes later, they were walking through another section of the mansion. Eventually they entered the Ashford private spa.

Raven's jaw nearly dropped. Again. This house seriously had everything.

Evelyn gestured toward a chair.

"Sit."

Raven sat.

Evelyn settled into the seat opposite her.

"So."

Raven immediately became suspicious.

"So?"

Evelyn laughed.

"I have questions. What was school like for you?"

Raven relaxed slightly.

"I went to public schools."

"You did?"

"Mostly, more than one."

Evelyn nodded.

"What grade are you in?"

"Twelfth."

Evelyn blinked.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Then you are the same grade as Kai."

Raven immediately frowned.

Wonderful! Just wonderful.

Evelyn pretended not to notice.

"Were you involved in any clubs?"

Raven nodded.

"The Auto Mechanics Club."

That caught Evelyn's attention.

"You really love cars, don't you?"

Raven smiled slightly.

"I do."

"Why though? Care to enlighten me?" She shrugged her shoulders.

Raven nodded.

"I learned a lot moving from foster home to foster home," the smile faded slightly, "some people taught me things."

Evelyn nodded gently. There was no pity or judgment, just understanding.

"That's a wonderful skill."

Raven looked away. Nobody had ever called it that before, they instead called it weird.

Evelyn checked her watch.

"Speaking of skills..."

Raven immediately sensed danger.

"What?"

"We are going shopping today."

There it was. Raven groaned.

"Evelyn..."

"No."

"Is it really necessary?"

"Absolutely."

Raven sighed dramatically.

"What exactly are we buying?"

"Essentials."

Her eyes widened.

"Essentials?"

Evelyn started counting on her fingers.

"New clothes…"

Raven groaned louder.

"...new shoes, school supplies. A new phone."

Raven paused.

"A what?"

"A new phone," she repeated.

"My phone works."

Evelyn looked unconvinced.

"Barely."

Raven narrowed her eyes.

Evelyn smiled.

"What phone do you want?"

Raven hesitated, then decided to try her luck.

"The latest iPhone."

"Which one?"

"The iPhone 17."

Evelyn nodded casually.

"Done."

Raven blinked.

"Done?"

"Done."

"Just like that?"

The older woman nodded, smiling softly.

"Just like that."

Raven stared. She had expected negotiation, an argument, a lecture, anything. Instead… done. She didn't know whether to laugh or panic.

Evelyn chuckled at her expression.

"I told you."

"You weren't joking about this shopping thing."

"No."

"Wow! You people are serious."

She laughed. Raven shook her head slowly, rich people were terrifying.

Evelyn laughed again, then straightened.

"Now," her tone became more serious, "back to business."

Raven sat up.

"I will speak with Nathaniel."

"About what?"

"In a few days..." a smile appeared on Evelyn's face, "you will be enrolled at Crestwell Academy."

Raven froze.

"The same school as Kai."

Raven stared.

"Huh?”