Disclaimer: I do not own Inkheart or any of its characters. They all belong to the brilliant Cornelia Funke. I also do not own the book the complete Fairy tales of Grimm it belongs to JacobGrimm and Wilhelm Grimm I only own my oc characters Raven, Uncle Lorenzo, Rosalie, Sterling, Ingram, Grandma Phoebe, Aponi, her daughter Gavino, Hawk, and Falcon. Most likely more characters to add as the story continues :)

"Actually, I do have doubts, all the time. Any thinking person does. There are so many sides to every question."
― Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven.

Chapter one: Free as a bird

Twenty-Two-year-old Raven Wynter gazed out at the train window, her green eyes taking in a whirl of the beautiful sight of Italy's countryside as the train continued its journey to the next stop. It would not be long now before it reached the station and she travelled by bus to the Village of Neive where her Uncle Lorenzo was waiting for her arrival.

Raven had been given the chance to take a holiday break to clear her head and get away after the sudden death of her grandmother. Her and her family lived in the Oxfordshire Countryside of the United Kingdom. Her mother Rosalie worked as a full-time registered nurse in the same care home as Raven, and her father Sterling worked as a graphic designer in the video game industry.

The picturesque views of Italy reminded her of the beautiful illustrations her father had drawn since her childhood. His imagination and upbeat spirit shone through in each one of them, as though you could reach in and go into that amazing world of creation of colourful ink with endless possibilities. He and her mother had decorated her childhood bedroom together with a fairy tale theme surrounded by many plush toys. As she was growing up Raven had doodled in her spare time, or during class when she was bored. Teachers had always praised her drawing skills telling her she should take it further. At the age of eighteen she had chosen to study Art design at her local college. There had not been many opportunities in that work field without earning a degree. Knowing she would not be able to afford to go for one by herself with only a part time job as a receptionist to go on. Raven found herself in a slump for a bit, it felt like everything worth achieving had a price.

Her parents had suggested she take a break to visit her uncle Lorenzo in Italy within the village of Neive where he lived. Lorenzo Dante worked as a full-time police officer also known in Italy as the Polizia di Stato. Raven at first had doubted she would be able to spend much time with him, however during their emails he had mentioned he was due to take some annual leave.

Uncle Lorenzo lived in a small, detached house with two bedrooms alongside his canine companion, a retired police dog called Lupo. Raven had recalled when they had visited Uncle Enzo when she was a child. Lupo was his prime back then, Raven had been so frustrated at not being able to play with him and give him loads of attention. Her parents and Uncle had explained to her that Lupo was a police dog and even though it did not seem fair it was the right to do because he had a job to do. It was not that they did not care about him. Lorenzo had been sure to send her photographs of Lupo over the years, to which she thanked him by making a drawing of the police dog. Lorenzo had been touched by the gesture and framed the drawing, hanging it on the living room wall.

Raven smiled at the memory; everything has seemed so much simpler back then. As a child she had been blind to the reality behind the situation with her family. The dark truth that had kept them at a distance all that time.

As she made her way onto the bus Raven chose a seat near the middle. There were not many people on there. Neive was a small village located in Piedmont, it was known as one of the loveliest villages in Italy. It had a medieval type of architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, with beautiful flowers framing the stone walls of the eccentric cottages. Each time Raven had been there it had felt like she was stepping into a fairy tale cottage. Everything was so picturesque and pretty, it felt so warm and welcoming.

However, most people did not come to visit Neive just for the scenery. They came to drink and enjoyed its finest wines. Something Raven knew her Uncle Enzo made sure to indulge in. To the point where she was surprised, he did not have his own vineyard.

Raven was not one for drink. It was nothing personal, but she preferred to avoid it with the medication she was on for her migraines she had suffered from since her early teens. They were usually bought on by stress, and oddly enough the smell of peppermint. The crippling pain they caused was reminder enough for her to never forget her meds, which she had stored away safely in her backpack.

Her green eyes fell on an elderly lady making her way towards the bus. She was hobbling along with a walking stick and a single suitcase. Raven looked at the driver wondering if he was going to lend her a hand. The young man was looking at his mobile phone texting away not paying any attention or choosing not to.

"Charming" Raven thought.

The woman smacked the bus door with her walking stick to prevent it from shutting. "It's nice to know there are still some gentlemen around!" she mumbled sarcastically.

Without a second thought Raven made her way towards the elderly lady and offered to take her suitcase for her as she made her way up the steps. The old woman seemed surprised by this and smiled warmly at her. "Thank you dear".

"No problem!"

Raven placed the suitcase in the luggage department alongside hers as the two made their way towards their seats.

The bus ride was going to be lengthy, so she took out a pair of blue earphones to plug into her iPod touch. Letting out a quiet yawn as she scrolled through her song playlist. She had been reading a book called The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales while she was on the plane for just over two hours. Her eyes were feeling a little tired, so music was the next best thing on a long journey. She smiled at seeing a text message from her parents with various emoji's asking if she had a safe journey. Deciding to reply right away to put their minds at ease Raven responded before brushing her hands through her long dark hair.

Her and her family used to visit Lorenzo more often when she was a child. Going to Italy was always a pleasant experience. Italians were so warm and welcoming as opposed to the British. Not that British people were not friendly but each time they had gone over there everyone had just seemed so much happier and fuller of life. Raven could see why her Uncle had chosen to live there, he felt more welcome there than he had ever done back in England.

The music played as Raven stared out at the passing scenery.

It used to feel like a fairy tale
Now it seems we were just pretending
We'd fix our world
And on our way to a happy ending

Then it turns out life
Is far less like a bedtime story
Then a tragedy with no big reveal
Of the hero's glory

And it seems we weren't prepared
For a game that wasn't fair
Do we just go home?
Can we follow through?
When all hope is gone
There is one thing we can do

Let's just live
Day by day
And not be conquered by our sorrows
The past can't hold us down
We must break free
Inside we're torn apart
But time will mend our hearts
Move onward, not there yet
So let's just live

Can we get back to a happy place?
We've suffered so much pain and sorrow
After yesterday, is there any way
We can trust tomorrow?

Will we go through life filled with strife
Like it's torn and tattered?
Can we keep this up
When we know that every hope has shattered?
And the lesson isn't new
That some dreams just can't come true

When it finally falls
And the battle's through
When our faith is gone
And there's nothing left to lose

Let's just live
Day by day
And not be conquered by our sorrows
The past can't hold us down
We must break free
Inside we're torn apart
But time will mend our hearts
Move onward, not there yet
So let's just live

When it feels like there's nothing
Worth living for
Everything is broken
The light's not there anymore

And the story
Takes an unexpected turn
A friend is suddenly gone
We can cry our lives away
But if they were here
They'd say
"Go forward
You must keep moving on"

Let's just live
Just one day
Let's forget about our problems
Let's fall in love with life
And just be free
The sun will never fade
The night won't steal our day
Let's dance and laugh and love
And let's just live

"I wonder how Uncle Enzo is doing these days?"

"Hm? Did you say something dear? I'm afraid my hearing isn't that great!"

Raven looked over to see the elderly lady sitting across from her and smiled. "Sorry! Just thinking out loud". Now getting a better look at the woman Raven could see she was most likely native American. Raven had learned in her history class back in school that the native American people preferred to be called by their specific tribal name. The elderly lady had silver white hair was in a braided bun with prominent dark strands that faded into the blanket of snow with a few stray strands hanging down her face. Her shapely dark eyes went nicely against her tan skin, she must have been a beautiful woman back in her youth. She presented herself well with a colourful shawl embroidered with patterns of turquoise, red, green, and yellow. A pair of turquoise stone earrings with a matching necklace caught Raven's eye. It reminded her of the ocean with all the wonderful aquatic life her and her brother saw at the aquarium in London together when she was a child. Her brother was twelve years older than she was, their parents had Ingram when they were seventeen years old. They had managed with the help of family here and there and Raven was born when they had more financial stability behind them.

The elderly lady laughed brining Raven back to the present moment. "Don't worry dear, I do that a lot myself. Son in law think's I have lost all my marbles! I sure as hell am more on the ball than him!"

Raven laughed from her comment. "Families, can't win them all right?

"Right you are!"

Putting her earphones away she decided to try and make conversation instead. Raven did not consider herself a social butterfly, but it did not hurt to talk to new people. This lady seemed friendly and approachable to talk to.

"Are you here to visit your family?"

"Mainly my daughter…and her fiancée. I can't say I'm happy about her choice but as a mother I do wish to see her happy".

"I'm here to visit my uncle, he works as a police officer in the village in Neive".

"Oh? How interesting, that's where my daughter lives…with that man".

"I'm getting the sense you really don't like him that much?"

"Oh dear! Whatever gave you that impression?" she laughed.

Raven laughed too. Her family had been at odds throughout her life as well. Blood was not always thicker than water. Her Uncle Lorenzo was the result of an affair between her grandmother Phoebe, and an Italian man named Rico when the family had gone away on holiday for a few months. This caused a huge hostility within their family and Phoebe was left to raise her sons in England as a single parent. Lorenzo had left home when he was eighteen years old making his way to Italy to find his biological father. During his time there he had gained citizenship and pursued a career in the police force. It was not easy by any means, but his older brother Sterling had sent him money to help him out. Lorenzo eventually managed to get a small house in the village of Neive where he worked long hours. Raven looked up to him as he had made his way out into the world by himself. He had flown the nest, gone for what he wanted and succeeded.

However, he had never found his father.

"Are you alright my dear?"

"Oh! Yes sorry! Just thinking!"

"You don't have to apologize so much, what is your name?"

"Raven, Raven Wynter".

"Raven? How interesting. In my culture the Raven is a significant figure".

"How so?"

The elderly lady gave her a knowing smile. "Since you asked it's seen as the creator of light, and as trickster figure".

"The trickster?". Raven knew her parents had picked out her and her brother Ingram's names based on their shared interest of Norse mythology. They had based the names of their children on the Odin's two Raven messengers Huginn, and Muninn. The birds said to fly all over the world bringing information back to the Viking god Odin also known as the 'raven god'. Legend had it that he sat on his throne with the ravens perched on his shoulders, many believed it symbolized his power to see into the future with both his mind and thoughts.

The elderly woman continued. "Not all tribes believe that, however. Mine for instance sees the Raven as a creature of metamorphosis, that symbolizes change and transformation. It is the symbol of the ultimate creator of all things that existed before the beginning".

Raven was doing her best to take in everything the woman was saying. She recalled the book she had been reading the complete fairy tales of Grimm. The Ravens had made their presence known in those tales as well. The tale of faithful John with the three Ravens telling him of the future to try and save his king and the kings bride. Many terrible and twisted events transpired to reach that happy end.

"I feel people like to interpret things they don't understand with something negative. Instead of looking at the meaning as a message of doom, it's a matter of looking into the significance of the symbolism behind it" the woman responded.

"I think I get what you mean to an extent".

"Ha-ha! I do not mean to ramble on dear! If you would rather listen to your music, I won't take it personally".

Raven shook her head. "It's ok, honestly this is interesting!" taking to this elderly woman had reminded her of her conversations with her grandmother as she was growing up. Grandma Phoebe might have made mistakes like every other human, but she was an insightful and caring person. Nobody was perfect in this world.

The elderly woman continued.

"What I was getting at was that even though the Raven may appear at a time of sorrow it should not be interpreted as a messenger of doom. The symbolism behind it is to make the person take a long hard look at their lives and focus on what they have to do to change it".

"I understand, in a sense it's rebirth. Guiding the person for the next step to take".

"Exactly".

"I wonder if mum and dad put that much thought into it? Probably not" Raven smiled.

The elderly woman looked out the window sadly. "Yes, life doesn't always go the way we want it to".

Raven looked over concerned. "Are you alright Miss…?"

"Aponi" the woman responded given her a small smile.

"That's a pretty name, what does it mean?"

"Butterfly, although my son in law would probably see me more as a mosquito draining away my daughter's happiness".

"Oh…I'm sure he doesn't think that Aponi!" Raven felt awkward. She could imagine Aponi's daughter was like piggy in the middle between these two from the sounds of things.

"I'm sorry dear, I don't mean to moan. My visit is not a family catch-up. My son in law's business was recently involved in an arson attack".

"That's awful, I'm really sorry to hear that" Raven frowned. "Are your daughter and her husband, ok?"

"They made it out before the fire went too far in thank goodness, but everything inside was burnt to ashes. Its amazing nobody was hurt from that beastly fire".

Uncle Lorenzo had not mentioned anything like that recently.

"Did they find out who caused the fire?"

"No sadly" Aponi replied. "If anyone did see anything, they're not speaking up about it, shameful!"

"What kind of business does your son in law own?"

"A bookstore" Aponi rolled her eyes. "He owns or should I say owned a shop in the village selling all kinds of books, including rare copies signed by the authors. Why anyone would want to cause a fire at a small business like that is beyond me. It's not as though they're made of money".

"That is strange, regardless I'm glad nobody was hurt that's the main thing". Raven would have to ask her uncle about the arson incident in the village. Hopefully no more attacks would take place, maybe it was just a one-off incident?

"You're right Raven, you have a good head on your shoulders for one so young".

"I'm twenty-two".

"Child, I'm sixty decades more than that. When you get to my age twenty-two seems like a lifetime ago".

The bus came to a halt at a stop where two young men were waiting. One had blonde spiked hair, tanned skin, and blue eyes. His ears and face were decorated with silver piercings in odd places, and Raven was sure she could see a tattoo on his neck. He did not look as though he was from Italy, maybe he was visiting like she was. He stumbled on the bus awkwardly with his large backpack bro fisting the driver before making his way down the aisle before dumping his backpack in the luggage slot. He was wearing black clothes from head to toe with a punk like fashion to him. The man gave Raven a confident carefree smile his eyes tracing her form as he sat not far from her, her face scrunched up as she smelt strong cigarette smoke coming from him. The second man with him was tall with flawless dark skin, braided long hair, and light brown eyes that shone in the sunlight like golden honey. He gave off a different vibe from the other man with him as he silently looked over at Raven. His eyes shone with quiet intelligence as he stared straight at her before turning his attention to the other man.

Raven tried to avoid eye contact with them both. Something felt off about them, she could not explain it, but they felt different but not in a good way. The bus driver obviously knew them and seemed fine with them, maybe she was just being paranoid? Hopefully, the bus journey would not take much longer.

"Are you alright Raven?" Aponi asked. "You look awfully pale dear".

Raven was used to this comment about her pale skin. People had assumed she was ill due to how white her skin was. However, she could see Aponi was genuinely concerned about her.

"I'm ok thank you. I just get a bit travel sick at times".

"Oh? Would you like some water?"

"No thank you, I'm ok".

Raven could see the blonde guy looking at her again from the corner of her eye.

"Seriously? What is his deal?" she thought.

"Hey there doll face!" the blonde man called over.

"Are you talking to me?" Raven asked.

"I'm certain he doesn't mean me dear, unless the poor boy needs his eyes tested" Aponi muttered.

"I think you're being quite hard on yourself-

"Yep, you! little red! I'm not talking to grandmother over there!"

Aponi rolled her eyes. "A real Casanova, aren't you?"

The blonde man laughed while his associate rolled his eyes. The other man looked as though he would rather be anywhere else.

"Mind if I sit next to you little red?"

"I'm fine thank you".

"Oh! She's a cold one Falcon!"

"Hawk shut up" the other man replied.

"Aw! You're no fun man!"

Hawk, Falcon, and Raven all on a merry bus ride together…talk about cliché.

"Ice queen?"

"Please stop talking to me".

"Oh? You prefer ice queen? See Falcon? She responded to that one!"

Falcon rolled his eyes. "Grow up".

Aponi gestured to Raven to come and sit next to her. Raven took her up on her offer as Hawk looked disappointed.

"I think you have an admirer dear".

"I'm not interested, I don't like pushy guys".

"Smart girl".

As Raven went to go in her bag to reach for her water bottle her book of the complete fairy tales of Grimm fell out onto the seat.

"Oh? You like reading?" Aponi had picked the book up scanning the cover.

"I do, ever since I was a child. I would be lying if I didn't say I didn't prefer books with all the detailed illustrations though".

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words, they do make everything seem a little brighter". Aponi looked through the pages tracing them gently with her fingers, she looked entranced by them. "Tell me Raven, if you had the choice to escape reality would you take it?"

Raven was perplexed by such an unusual question. She could not think of an answer right away as she stared into Aponi's dark brown eyes. "Well…I'd be lying if I said reality wasn't hard at times, however I don't think it's right to fully escape it. It's part of life, and the more you distance yourself from it the more isolated and lonelier you'll feel in the long run".

"That is a good answer, honestly I wasn't expecting that from someone your age. I only wish I had thought like that when I was young".

Raven noticed Aponi looked troubled by something. "Well…everyone makes mistakes, right? It's part of growing up".

"You're right, I feel I have been too harsh on my son in law. He might not be who I wanted my daughter to end up with, but he does make her happy. All I can do now is to be there for them during this hard time".

Aponi gently held Raven's hand. "Thank you, Raven, you're a good soul I can tell. Stay on the path your heart is set on, do not let anyone else tell you which direction you should be taking".

As soon as Aponi touched her hand Raven felt her vision go blurry. Her head felt heavy as everything went white as she felt a tingling sensation run through her body. Voices of all tones surrounded her in whirlwind swarming around like a storm around her. The blanket of white faded as she found herself in what looked to be an enchanted forest.

"What's going on? Where am I!?"

The young woman took in her surroundings. The forest looked like one out of a fairy-tale, the giant toad stools, bright coloured flowers surrounding her, along with the strange, shaped trees and glowing grass made her feel as though she was Alice in wonderland. Raven secretly hoped that the red queen and her soldiers would not suddenly jump out on her with their spears.

Suddenly, the sunlight was covered by a wave of darkness. Everything around her was turning dark and losing the glow the forest once held. A Raven had appeared before her on a tree branch, staring down at her curiously.

"I have no idea what is going on…"

"Fate has foretold that I shall come to thee".

Raven stumbled looking up at the bird. Her green eyes wide and mouth agape.

"Did you just talk?!"

"Thou shall face a trial of will. Keep thy light burning strong, only then will the prophecy be fulfilled".

"What are you talking about? Why are you talking in rhyme? Second that why the hell are you talking at all?!"

The raven ignored her words. Raven felt lightheaded as she stared into the bird's grey eyes. They glowed white as he stared straight through her.

"Go forth thy other self, with this parting gift of hope. Restore what once was forever untold".

Everything had gone dark. When Raven came to, she found herself on the bus still. She groggily opened her eyes and saw that Aponi was no longer next to her, looking around frantically she saw that the bus had come to a stop. The driver was now standing over her looking mildly annoyed.

"Hey girl! Wake up this your stop!"

"Oh! I'm sorry!" Raven gathered her luggage and got off the bus. Her head still felt weird, what a weird dream that was. It was not like her to fall asleep like that while travelling.

Looking around she saw Aponi was being picked up by her son in law and daughter. The daughter looked overjoyed to see her mother, but the son in law looked more flustered and irritated. Before she could wave to the elderly woman, she was stopped by a pair of strong arms embracing her.

"Il mio piccolo corvo!"

"Uncle Lorenzo! It's so good to see you!"

The tall dark-haired man smiled down at his niece. "It's been too long Corvo! How was your journey?"

"Honestly not bad, I should travel by myself more often!"

"You look a little pale? Are you well?"

"I'm only tired, been a long day! You're looking well uncle".

"Are you hungry? We can stop by the café before going to my place. You know Lupo will be happy to see you as well!"

"Sounds good! How is the old boy?"

"He's ok, stubborn and cantankerous like my late mother".

"I'm not sure she would be happy being compared to a dog".

Lorenzo laughed as he held Raven with her suitcase. After loading in the boot of his car the two got inside.

"Uncle, I'm sorry we haven't visited you more. Now with grandma passing…"

"Raven, don't try to take everyone's problems on by yourself, ok? It is not your job to solve family matters. Focus on yourself Corvo, find what makes you happy".

"What about you? Don't you want to live with us in England? Aren't you lonely?"

"Ha! I am too busy to be feeling lonely. I'm happy here Corvo, you don't need to worry about your old Uncle, but I appreciate it".

Raven hooked up her iPod touch to the car stereo as they drove off.

The two men from earlier watched from a distance as the red ford fiesta drove off down the road.

Hawk held up a photograph in his gloved hand, scanning it intently.

"That was definitely the girl…though I must say she's much prettier in person. Don't you agree Falcon?"

"I don't care what she looks like Hawk. Focus on the assignment, will you?"

"You're no fun man. Cockerell understands my sense of humour".

"More fool him".

"So, the ice queen is the niece of that pesky detective Lorenzo someone who's been on our back since that arson incident on that tacky bookshop…".

"Yes" Falcon replied. "Although he doesn't know directly who is behind it. Still, he was the one to find the tire tracks you left behind, I told you not to leave any evidence behind and cover your tracks".

"That's why we took a little bus trip this time right? Capricorn does not have anything to worry about. That nosey detective is the one who needs to watch his back from now on! Starting with using the leverage against him".

"Let us keep our distance for the time being. Let us report back to Capricorn".

"Sounds good to me partner!"

"Don't call me that".

"Whatever Partner!"

…..

Raven sipped at her cup of tea while they waited for their order to arrive. "I remember coming here lots when I was a child, it's nice to see the place hasn't changed much".

Lorenzo drank down his coffee as he sat across from her. "Are you going to order a salted caramel gelato after dinner?"

"I can't say I'm not tempted".

"Why break tradition? You used to order one after each meal…you even had some of mine".

"Aw! Are you still sore about that?"

Lorenzo laughed. "Not at all, you know I prefer a more refined form of dessert".

"Wine doesn't count".

"Who says?"

Their food was bought over to them by a young man who gave them a warm smile. "Your orders Signor, and Signorina!" Raven had chosen spaghetti and meatballs, while Lorenzo had gone for the spicy turkey sausage and kale chili.

"Thank you" Raven smiled.

"Grazie" Lorenzo replied.

"I heard on the bus trip that there had been an arson attack in the village recently. At a bookstore?"

Lorenzo looked surprised by Raven's statement. "Yes, two weeks ago. The local store owner Gavino's business reported a fire that took place. It's known by everyone in the village that Gavino has been having money problems as of late, many suspected that he had started the fire for the insurance".

"That's horrible, people can't just assume that!"

"I can't talk about the case with you or go into too much detail Corvo but as you already know my department suspects an arson attack. We found tire tracks and traces of gasoline not far from where the incident took place".

"Any sign of the culprits?"

"Not yet…you don't need to worry Corvo. It's all under control".

Raven remembered what Aponi had told her about the fire. When she had mentioned people might know more than what they were saying. It was strange, why would they target a small business like a bookstore out of nowhere? it did not make any sense. Loenzo had said himself the owner Gavino was having financial problems as of late.

"I met his mother-in-law Mrs Aponi, she told me about it".

"Oh! I remember Gavino mentioning his mother-in-law, although he was not so enthusiastic about her coming here".

"The feeling was mutual".

Raven and her uncle laughed and talked as they ate their meal, Raven finished up with salted caramel gelato while Lorenzo stuck to his red wine.

"Don't look at me like that Corvo, I'm off duty".

"I'm not judging!"

"Better get back home, Lupo will want his dinner".

"Chicken?"

"You know it!"

"You cook for him but not for yourself Uncle?"

"Of course! He's retired, he deserves the best".

Raven laughed as she followed her uncle out of the café towards his home.

….

"Master Capricorn" both Hawk and Falcon bowed before their master who was sitting on his red throne. He stared at them bored with his cold milky eyes scanning their dark forms, the maid next to him sheepishly walked over holding out a tray with a single golden goblet of wine which he took not even acknowledging her presence.

"What do you want?"

Falcon stood up respectfully. "We are here to report that detective Lorenzo Dante's niece has arrived in the village sir. Hawk and I followed her on the bus journey from the station part way to confirm her arrival".

"Raven Wynter?"

"Yes sir" Hawk replied. "Little red didn't seem too keen on us big bad wolves!"

"Did she suspect anything?" Capricorn frowned.

Falcon glared over at Hawk. "No sir, we kept ourselves at a distance from the woman and the detective. They do not suspect anything from us".

"Good" Capricorn replied. "Make sure Detective Lorenzo doesn't step out of line, otherwise it will be his niece that pays the price".

"Yes sir, thank you".

Both men bowed before their leader before walking out of the castle building.

"You really need to watch your mouth Hawk. Think before you act!"

"You worry too much Falcon! Maybe you've been hanging out with Basta too often?"

"I'm not superstitious. I just use my head; you should try it sometime".

A man with red hair spiked up in an odd fashion limped towards them. "Oi! What took you two so long? Did you get into another marital spat?"

Hawk laughed as Falcon rolled his eyes at the red headed man. "Leave us Cockerell".

"Last I checked boy, I don't take orders from you" Cockerell sneered.

"Falcon's just grumpy because he got rejected by a girl, don't take it personal partner you can't win them all!"

Falcon's deadpan expression met with Hawk's bright one. "That was you, not me. I don't have time to play around with women".

"Are you talking about that detective's niece? So, what's she like then?" Cockerell asked.

"See for yourself!" Hawk threw Cockerell the photograph of Raven which he caught swiftly. She was tall with long black hair, white skin, and piercing green eyes with natural long lashes. "She's a pretty one…maybe I'll ask Capricorn if I can help out on this job" he laughed.

"You and Flatnose don't need to concern yourselves, this was for us lower subordinates" Hawk replied.

"In which you already made a mistake did you not?" Cockerell teased. "You need the higher ups to show you how it's done!"

"Well, if you insist sir!" Hawk grinned. "We will follow your lead!"

"What is the woman's name?"

"Raven, Raven Wynter" Falcon said.

"Raven huh? Suits her, I think she will fit in fine around here!" Cockerell laughed. "I'll keep hold of this", he put the photograph away in his pocket as he headed towards the castle to Capricorns quarters.

Hawk looked over at Falcon. "It looks like the deadly trio will be joining us then".

"I told you to keep your mouth shut" Falcon sighed.

Nothing good would come of Basta, Cockerell, and Flatnose entering the picture.

Raven's head hit the pillow as soon as she entered the guest room in her uncle's house. He had set it up nicely for her, buying new bedsheets and curtains just for the duration of her stay. Lupo had greeted her as soon as she walked through the door, now that he was retired from the police force, she was free to give him the attention she had wanted to as a child.

As she laid on the bed Raven was reminded of that strange dream she had earlier on the bus.

"It felt so real, as though that bird was staring me face to face". Her dreams had been descriptive, but they had never felt that vivid before. It felt like a message, or a warning of some kind. The woman shook her head, "I'm overthinking things, probably just need to sleep!"

Raven closed her eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep.

End of Chapter one.

Authors Notes: I have not written a fanfiction in years, but Inkheart has always been a favourite series of mine. To the point where I have wanted to make a fanfiction for it for some time. I have a lot planned for this story and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.

il Mio piccolo Corvo translates as 'My little Raven' in Italian. Uncle Lorenzo likes to call Raven Corvo as a nickname. It can also be translated as 'Crow'.

The song Lyrics are RWBY Let's Just Live by Jeff Williams.