In the bustling town of Raven’s Bay, visitors came from far and wide. Positioned on the oceanfront with a busy port, its resident population was around 5,000, but with the influx of travelers, the numbers often surged to over 15,000. Yet, everyone who lived or visited there knew one thing for certain: The Raven of the Tower was law.


    Jessica began her morning routine as usual, battling with the tangled mess that was her hair. After that, she rushed to the well to fetch enough water for her family before they woke up. She lived with her mother and two younger siblings. Her father had left four years ago, he was off to join a call to arms, they hadn''t heard from him since. Their house sat on the outskirts of town—a humble abode built long before her parents ever met. The base was made of gray stone, with a thatched roof and a single stone chimney. It had just three rooms, but for Jessica, it was the only home she''d ever known. She dreamed of exploring the world, maybe even finding her father, but with her mother’s illness, she couldn''t leave.


    After gathering water, Jessica tended to the chickens, ran to the baker to grab bread, and returned home to prepare breakfast for her family. Every morning was the same. Her mother, strong as she was, suffered from a disease unknown to modern medicine. Dr. Tilden, the town’s medical representative from the Health Society, would arrive shortly after breakfast to administer her daily dose of herbs and medicines. Though well-intentioned, Dr. Tilden was sometimes overly ambitious in his attempts to cure her. They had requested other doctors, but with the war raging in the Azirum Kingdom, medical resources were stretched thin. Jessica didn’t concern herself with outside politics; all that mattered was her mother’s health. Her mother, bedridden and barely conscious, struggled with every movement and word, often passing out soon after partaking of anything.


    By late morning, Jessica would pick wildflowers around the Tower of the Raven. The tower stood on the town''s edge, opposite the port, overlooking the entire province. Behind it lay beautiful meadows perfect for flower-picking. In the early afternoon, she would head to the market where booths were set up to cater to the incoming ships. These ships would stop briefly, buy supplies, visit the brothels, and then head back out to sea. If Jessica couldn’t make enough money selling her flowers, she knew there was always another place that would take her. She wouldn''t mind the work, as she had a drive for pleasure that exceeded most. However, she preferred the image of a young woman selling flowers. It may sound a little vain, but her image impacts the family, as such her pleasure remains spent in secret, and flowers she will sell. so as long as that earned her enough, she was content.


    As Jessica set up her stall, the town’s bells began to ring. It was unusual to hear them on a Wednesday, and as early as it was. They typically rang only at the start of the week and later in the day, as more people than just the merchants will hear the doctrine. The bells signified an announcement from the Mayor, the town’s representative of the Raven. No one had seen the Raven in 36 years, or so Jessica had been told. At 26 years old, she had never seen him in her entire life. The mayor, Thomas, was known for his kind nature and his love of hosting dances and parties. Jessica had come to know him more intimately, though that still remains a secret. He would ascend the tower to commune with the Raven and return to relay new laws, festivals, or news. The Raven, it was said, could see all from his tower.


    Curious about this mid-week announcement, Jessica and her fellow merchants made their way to the town square. Mayor Thomas was already there, waving warmly to townsfolk as they arrived. But when he locked eyes with Jessica, he did not wave. Instead, he stared for longer than was comfortable. Jessica and Thomas had shared a drunken night together after the Harvest Festival, a night that was nothing out of the ordinary for her, given her constant desire for intimacy.


    The crowd gathered, and the bells tolled twice more to signal the start. Mayor Thomas began: “I’m sorry for this being so early, but for those it applies to are already here. The Raven, after much thought, has made a decision,” his voice booming through the plaza. “As he grows older, he seeks a wife.” Silence gripped the crowd. The title of the Raven was passed from person to person as a Raven passes. With the role being lifelong. Once passed to the new, the Raven was forbidden to ever leave the tower. A wife was permitted to leave but only before sundown. Jessica had never paid much attention to the rules; she had enough to worry about with her family. And in her opinion the rules that must be followed seem silly.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Thomas continued, “The search was conducted in secret, but the Raven has chosen his bride.” He looked directly at Jessica and beckoned her to the stage. Jessica’s heart froze. Surely, she was misunderstanding the situation. But Thomas repeated himself: “Jessica, the fair maiden who sells wildflowers and herbs to sailors, has been selected as the bride.” He gestured for her to come forward.


    Her legs trembling, Jessica slowly ascended the stage. She had never been in front of such a large crowd before, but she walked toward Thomas, her mind racing. When she reached him, he asked, “Are you the maiden Jessica, who picks flowers and herbs?”


    “Yes, you know this,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She was certain this was some kind of ritual, a formality, given how frequently Thomas bought flowers from her for his wife. That is not even to mention their nights alone.


    Thomas turned back to the crowd. “This woman rises before the sun, before the town stirs. She cares for her family, picking flowers and herbs to sell at the market. The Raven has witnessed her diligence and spirit. He has chosen her to join him.”


    Jessica stood in stunned silence. “Did he just say she was to marry the Raven?” Her confusion began to morph into anger. Why was she not given a choice, why was this so abrupt, and why would she be tied down with someone she has never even seen? All thoughts raced through her mind only increasing her anger and difficulty understanding.


    After a few more formalities, the crowd dispersed, and Mayor Thomas pulled Jessica aside.


    “Listen, girl…” he began, only to be abruptly cut off.


    “What the hell is going on? Why was I not consulted about this? Who decided I was to marry him? And did you just call me a girl?” Jessica''s words were sharp, her fury barely contained. Her fists were clenched as nails dug into her palms, and blood dripped down her knuckles, staining the dirt.


    “I know this is a shock,” Thomas replied, nervously fidgeting with his fingers. “But the Raven has been watching you. He asked me to find you, and… he promised to cure your mother, Jessica.”


    Stunned, Jessica’s mind went blank. In the span of ten minutes, her life had changed from that of a flower vendor to the chosen bride of the Raven, with her mother''s life hanging in the balance. Never had she felt such fierce adrenaline and emotions. Her plans, her dreams—everything had shifted. But if the Raven could truly heal her mother, was there anything she wouldn’t do?


    Jessica raised her hand to the mayor. “Please stop. I am not really sure I understand everything that happened. But, take me to him. If he thinks he can take me without asking or getting to know me, he has another thing coming.”


    Led to the base of the tower, Thomas knocked three times with the heavy door knocker and whispered, “I knock to avoid disturbing the spirits of past Ravens. They still haunt this place. They guard the tower, and remain guiding the current Raven in all choices.”


    Opening the door, he gestured for her to enter. “This is where I leave you, madam. Just follow the staircase to the top where the Raven awaits. One last thing,” he hesitated, “I know our past is complicated, but I promise I will look after your family.”


    With that, he gave her a gentle shove and closed the door behind her.


    Jessica stood there, dazed. Her legs gave out after a minute, and she collapsed to the floor, leaning against the now closed wooden door. When she finally came to her senses, the light streaming through the windows had dimmed. “The entire morning and afternoon must have passed”, she thought. “Well, every journey begins with a single step. I never imagined mine would start here, the first step towards my end?”


    Taking a deep breath, she placed her foot on the first stair.