Chapter 164: THE WARNING
KEISHA’S POV
The moment I recognized the raven, I knew exactly what I had to do.
Allowing it to remain inside the ballroom any longer would only invite more attention, and the last thing I wanted was for dozens of influential guests to witness the strange connection between me and a mysterious messenger bird.
People would want to know why it was fixated on me, and the last thing I needed was the raven delivering the letter in the midst of all these people.
It would tip off whoever would supposedly harm me.
I needed to get alone.
I turned toward Dane, forcing a small smile onto my face. "Excuse me for a moment. I’ll be back."
He frowned slightly, instinctively glancing around the crowded hall as though assessing whether I needed an escort.
"I’ll only be gone for a minute," I assured him before he could object. "The restroom isn’t far."
He hesitated for only a second before nodding. "I’ll wait here."
I slipped away from the gathering, keeping my pace steady despite the anxious thoughts racing through my mind. Behind me, I continued to hear people whispering and panicking about the unexpected guest.
The raven had become the centre of attention.
Guests pointed upward as the bird glided effortlessly beneath the chandeliers, while several guards were already moving through the ballroom, attempting to predict where it might land.
"I’ve never seen anything like this."
"How did it even get inside?"
"Someone catch it before it causes more trouble."
Their voices gradually faded as I disappeared down the corridor leading toward the ladies’ restroom.
The moment I stepped inside, I quietly closed the door behind me.
Okay. Finally.
For several seconds... I stared at the open window, hoping that I wasn’t wrong and it indeed was the raven.
Then I heard the unmistakable flutter of wings outside.
The window standing slightly ajar swung open a little farther, and the raven slipped inside with ease before landing gracefully on the marble countertop opposite me.
Its eyes were locked on me as it just perched there.
"So it really is you," I murmured.
The bird tilted its head as though acknowledging the recognition.
I approached cautiously before reaching toward the small leather cord tied around one of its legs. The raven remained perfectly still while I untied the folded paper, almost as though it understood the purpose of its journey.
The instant the letter came free, the bird hopped onto the windowsill. It lingered only long enough for me to unfold the paper before it launched itself back into the sky.
I hurried to the window just in time to watch the dark silhouette of the bird disappear beyond the estate walls before lowering my eyes to the message in my hands.
Just as expected, it was the same handwriting as the last. And just like last time, it still contained no name nor signature that could give away the mysterious person’s identity.
’Be careful. Harm will find you tonight.’ A chill crept slowly down my spine but I continued reading. ’You asked who I am. For now, know only this— I am a well-wisher. I once owed a debt to one of your parents, and I intend to repay it by making sure you stay alive.’
My brows drew together. One of my parents? That narrowed absolutely nothing. It only created another mystery. Who had known my family well enough to risk secretly helping me now? Why remain hidden if their intentions were genuine? And if this person truly knew someone intended to attack me tonight, why couldn’t they simply tell me who it was?
Footsteps sounded outside the restroom and I heard several voices.
"The bird came this way!"
"Check every room."
I reacted instantly because there wasn’t time to hide the letter.
Without another thought, I folded it tightly, dropped it into the toilet and pressed the flush lever.
The paper disappeared beneath the swirling water just as the footsteps reached the entrance. A heartbeat later, I stepped away from the stall and calmly washed my hands, forcing my breathing to return to normal.
As I opened the restroom door, I nearly walked straight into two guards and both looked startled. "My apologies, Miss Keisha," one of them said. "Did you happen to see a raven fly in here?"
"I did."
Their expressions twisted into seriousness, waiting for me to continue.
"It already flew back out through the window," I replied, keeping my voice level. "I don’t think you’ll catch it now."
The two guards exchanged quick glances before hurrying away to continue the search and I watched them disappear down the corridor.
Good.
The letter was gone and no one would find it.
Returning to the ballroom, I realised how scared I was. My fingers were trembling and it felt like my knees were starting to buckle.
I forced myself not to let the anxiety show. Instead, I blended back into the celebration, greeting several familiar colleagues from the Intelligence Division who immediately gathered around me with smiles.
"Well, if it isn’t my favourite colleague," Peter slung a hand around my neck, and I hated myself for the way I shuddered as though I expected him to harm me.
He wouldn’t — this was Peter. He could barely harm a fly.
I turned to him with a stiff smile. "I guess you guys missed me, right?"
Sarah huffed slightly. "You can not begin to imagine. All those reports are suddenly beginning to pour in so much. But I’m glad you’re getting some rest now. Peter— get your hands off her. Dane might be around." She snickered.
Peter raised his hands in surrender and stepped back just as a laugh tore from my throat. "Sorry—"
The conversation drifted into familiar territory, and I found myself slightly relaxing at the company.
Soon, my gaze drifted back to the party and I smiled slightly to myself. Nadia moved from one group of guests to another, accepting birthday wishes with a smile so bright it seemed capable of lighting the entire hall. Friends surrounded her wherever she went, and even some of the visiting Alphas appeared genuinely fond of her.
She deserved one evening where she had peace and smiles and I silently prayed she would have it.
"So this is where you’ve disappeared to." The deep voice came quietly from behind me and I turned.
Callum stood only a step away, having somehow crossed the crowded ballroom without my noticing.
His gaze settled on me with quiet approval. "The dress suits you," he said. "Vera has excellent taste."
A smile found its way onto my face. "I’ll make sure she hears you say that. She’ll probably remind everyone she chose it."
"I don’t doubt it."
He stepped closer, his voice dropping low. "I kinda want to take you in now."
My heart jumped at the dark gaze in his eyes. "What?" I stuttered, looking around to make sure no one heard.
He didn’t seem to care for a long second. Then he smirked. "You heard what I said, Keisha."