Chapter 8 : She Enters the Scene
Raven walked through the bustling streets, his steps steady and purposeful.
The air was cool, and the sun hung low in the sky, painting everything in shades of gold and amber.
But Raven's mind was far from admiring the scenery. His thoughts were consumed by the conversation he had overheard at the coffee shop.
A stone worth ten million. The sheer amount of money danced through his thoughts like a tantalizing dream.
It was more than enough to pull his family out of their struggles, to secure a better life for all of them. And even if it was just a rumor, it was worth looking into.
His heartbeat quickened with excitement, a sharp contrast to his usual calm demeanor. His eyes gleamed with determination, the kind of fire that only the possibility of something grand could ignite.
Soon, he found himself standing in front of the Silvergate Mall.
The grand structure loomed before him, towering above the nearby shops and buildings like a monument to wealth and luxury. Its exterior was polished marble and gleaming glass, reflecting the golden light of the evening sun.
The entrance alone was adorned with intricate carvings and elegant designs, welcoming only those who could afford its extravagance.
Raven took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the lavish building. His black attire, though well-suited for his shadowy work, seemed out of place in such a pristine and opulent setting. But Raven didn't care.
He stood there for a moment, eyes narrowed as he assessed the place. The large doors opened and closed as rich merchants, nobles, and their escorts wandered in and out.
Guards were stationed at various points, their eyes sharp and their stances rigid. Security was tight, as expected.
But Raven had never been one to back down from a challenge. In fact, the difficulty only added to his excitement.
His fingers twitched slightly, eager for the thrill of what lay ahead.
"Alright," Raven murmured to himself, his lips curling into a smirk. "Let's see what this is all about."
Raven's eyes scanned the entrance of the Silvergate Mall, noting the elegant crowd flowing in and out.
It didn't take much to realize that his current attire would draw the wrong kind of attention. The guards would probably turn him away before he even set foot inside.
He clicked his tongue, annoyed yet determined. "Guess I need to look the part."
Turning away from the grand entrance, Raven wandered down the street until he spotted a high-end clothing store tucked neatly between two luxurious shops.
The place was far fancier than the rugged markets he was used to, its pristine windows displaying perfectly tailored suits and lavish outfits meant for the elite.
The shopkeeper eyed him suspiciously as he entered, but the glint in Raven's eyes and the weight of the money in his pocket was enough to keep the man's mouth shut.
Raven walked straight to the section where the finest suits were displayed.
He ran his fingers over the fabrics, appreciating their softness and quality. It wasn't like he had a choice to be picky, but if he was going to do this, he might as well do it properly.
After a few moments of browsing, he settled on a black suit with sharp, clean lines, paired with a crisp white shirt, black pants, and polished black shoes.
The outfit was simple yet elegant—exactly what he needed to blend in with the wealthy crowd.
Without hesitation, Raven made his way to the changing room and swapped his rugged clothes for the sleek suit.
The transformation was startling. The finely tailored suit fit him perfectly, enhancing his already striking appearance. His white hair and dark eyes stood out even more, giving him a regal, almost dangerous charm.
He stared at his reflection in the mirror, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Not bad."
After making the payment, he folded his old clothes and placed them in a packet the store provided. He stepped out of the shop, his footsteps more confident and refined.
"Dressed like this, l looked no different from the wealthy nobles and merchants who frequented Silvergate Mall" Raven whispered.
Raven once again found himself standing before the grand entrance of the mall. This time, however, he looked the part. His eyes narrowed as he assessed the guards' positions and the flow of people.
He was ready.
"Alright, let's get to work."
Raven strode toward the entrance of the Silvergate Mall, his steps calm and steady.
The guards stationed at the doors glanced at him briefly, their eyes flickering with curiosity and perhaps a hint of intimidation. But none dared to stop him. His appearance alone—impeccably dressed and radiating a quiet, confident authority—was enough to make them hesitate.
He walked past them without a word, their gazes trailing after him as if he were someone untouchable.
As he entered the mall, Raven's senses were immediately overwhelmed by its grandeur.
The air was cool and fragrant, laced with the subtle scent of expensive perfumes. Golden-yellow lights bathed the sprawling interior, casting a warm and luxurious glow over the gleaming marble floors and polished glass walls.
Elegant crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their intricate designs sparkling with every subtle movement of light.
The place was alive with the quiet hum of wealth—laughter, conversation, and the occasional clinking of glasses from a fancy restaurant nearby.
The mall was divided into various sections, each more extravagant than the last. High-end boutiques displayed their finest garments and accessories, jewelry shops boasted glimmering pieces meant to dazzle even the richest of clients, and art galleries showcased masterpieces meant for eyes that could afford such luxuries.
Raven wandered through the first floor, his eyes sharp and attentive as he took in his surroundings.
He entered one of the shops selling luxurious coats and examined the quality of the fabric, pretending to be a genuine customer. His ears remained open, catching bits of conversation here and there. None of it seemed useful, but he needed to keep up the act.
He exited the shop and continued his walk, pausing occasionally to glance at the items on display.
His gaze was drawn upward to the glass railing of the second floor, where the more exclusive stores resided. And among them, his target.
The jewelry shop.
Raven climbed the grand staircase, his footsteps light and casual. Upon reaching the second floor, he continued his little charade, checking out one of the art galleries and then another shop selling exotic perfumes.
He made sure to appear like any other wealthy youth killing time with idle browsing.
But all the while, his gaze would occasionally flicker toward the jewelry shop.
The place was decorated with gold-trimmed glass walls and sparkling displays, drawing the attention of every passerby. Its entrance was guarded by two men dressed in formal attire, their expressions stern and professional.
Through the crystal-clear glass, Raven's eyes landed on it.
The stone.
It sat upon a black velvet cushion inside a glass case, displayed like a trophy meant to be admired. Its surface glowed faintly under the carefully arranged lights, its mysterious beauty drawing the gaze of several curious onlookers.
Raven's eyes narrowed. His heart quickened, a mix of excitement and anticipation coiling within him.
"The stone was right there, waiting for me, But getting to it wouldn't be simple" Raven whispered to himself.
"Alright," he thought, his gaze calculating. "Time to figure out how to make this work."
Raven stood there, his gaze locked on the stone displayed within the glass case. Like everyone else gathered around, he appeared to be admiring the jewelry, his expression calm and composed.
His eyes, however, were focused on every detail—the thickness of the glass, the placement of the guards, the way the light reflected off the stone's polished surface.
But then, he felt something unusual. A presence.
A girl stepped up beside him, her arrival so quiet and graceful that Raven almost didn't notice her at first.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, with long, fiery crimson hair cascading over her shoulders, contrasting against the pristine white coat and fitted white pants she wore. Her attire was elegant, sophisticated, and her aura carried a certain sharpness that was hard to ignore.
Her eyes were golden. A shade so vivid and striking that it almost seemed unnatural. And those eyes weren't focused on the jewelry at all. They were focused on him.
She stood beside him with a gentle smile curving her lips, her gaze unwavering.
The attention made Raven's brows twitch slightly. It was rare for anyone to look at him so directly, with such blatant interest.
He glanced sideways at her, his own dark eyes meeting her golden ones.
The intensity of her stare was almost unsettling. And yet, there was something playful about the way she watched him, as if she had already seen through the calm mask he wore.
"But why? Why was she looking at me instead of the jewelry everyone else is fascinated by?" Raven thought.
Raven's expression remained neutral, though his mind was now buzzing with questions. Who was she? And what did she want?