Raven sat stoically at the desk in his rundown loft, staring at an object just outside of eyesight.

“It’s time for truth to reign over this broken world. Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen how fake this world has become. We have those spouting about their relationship with the creator, spewing their lies to those desperate enough to follow. I fell victim to one consumed by darkness, compelled to leave chaos in his wake. It’s amazing the level of deceit the gods have allowed.”

Raven’s eyes continued to focus on the object in front of his stare. Slowly, he lifted the object of his attention, revealing what appeared to be a diamond ring.

“I am guilty myself though. This was meant to be a symbol of my love. It was meant to show my dedication to a woman whose only ask of me was faithfulness and protection. I failed her, I was not able to be what she needed…what I claimed to be,” Raven softly spoke aloud, attempting to conceal his emotion. A few tears slowly dripped down his painted face as he replayed the memories of Sarah in his mind.

“Unfortunately, the lie started long before that night. I made up this entertaining story, claiming how I’d spent my life savings on this trinket I now hold in my hands. I was such a fool for allowing the charade, but I fell in love with the acknowledgment and celebration it brought.”

Raven pulled the ring’s box out of a drawer, opened its lid, revealing the words cubic zirconia.

“So many things in this life are like this ring. The claim to be something in the light of day, only to reveal their true identity in the cover of shadows. You are no different, Narcissa. I’ve watched you from above and I see through the image you’ve worked so hard to craft and share with the masses. A fashionista with a mean streak, right,” Raven stated, smirking subtly.

“I see the role you play, Narcissa, one that’s built upon sneaking around in the cover of night, plotting the uprising your heart so desperately desires. I’ve seen the meetings you’ve had with those unsavory characters who claim to have the best interests of this world in mind. You fancy yourself the leader of a rebellion, a powerbroker of sorts, yet you fail to see the plain truth of what’s before your very eyes. You are not the ‘diamond’ of the ball, you are merely the stooge outside the door.”

Raven tossed the ring into the nearby fireplace and with the stroke of a match, set it ablaze.

“The era of lies is over. No more will I stand idly by and let the darkness continue its consumption of humanity. Narcissa, this week, I begin the uprising against those who use deception as a tool for conquest. Those of you who stand in my way are already dead, you just don’t know it. You will feel the flames of justice surrounding you, choking you of oxygen. Vindication awaits…quote the Raven, nevermore.”

Raven turned away from the fireplace as the flame grew higher and higher.