The next couple of days were filled with stubborn silence, icy glares, and a simmering feud between the boys that refused to die down. Okay, it's mostly on Riven's end. It's like a stubborn weed that's taken root deep in the cracks of Riven's mind.
The thing about Riven is, he's not exactly one to back down from a fight, especially not when it comes to annoying the hell out of someone. So when Vaelorian did it to him first, it's only natural he's going to try everything, and everything, to ruffle Vaelorian's feathers in return, right?
He has to find a way to finally crack the fortress of cool that the older boy has built around himself.
So far, nothing seems to be working, and it's not for the lack of trying on Riven's part. He has tried basically everything to piss Vaelorian off.
He flirted during training—oh, yes, with that mischievous grin, batting his lashes and biting his lips seductively at Vaelorian but the older boy just looked at him with a bored expression.
It's not just flirting; he has poked, prodded, and tested the limits of that icy exterior Vaelorian wears like armor, yet nothing.
Then, he tried sleeping on Vaelorian's bed—a bold move, the younger boy knows.
Claiming Vaelorian's bed as his own was supposed to make him mad or even tell him off, but instead, Vaelorian looked at him with an amused expression and got under the covers with him shirtless. It was Riven who was left blushing and sprinting out of there like his pant was on fire.
One time Riven snuck into the shower and messed with the water temperature and shampoo, thinking that ought to do it, but Vaelorian came out after washing up and just looked at him with an expression that said...
"Really, Riven? That's the best you can do?"
Honestly, it's borderline madness the things he has done. And yet, no matter what Riven throws at the older boy—flirtations, pranks, or outright chaos—Vaelorian just seems to be enjoying it.
At a point, Riven found himself thinking out loud with pure frustration after yet another failed attempt.
"Seriously, what's Vaelorian's deal? Is he some kind of masochist? Or just bat-shit crazy?" he muttered under his breath, pacing back and forth in their shared room, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. "Vaelorian had to be crazy right? How can someone be so...unflappable? Or maybe he's just a sadist. Yeah, that must be it." Riven thought, running his hand through his already messy hair.
Riven's antics to get under Vaelorian's skin might not be working, but the older boy's rare moments of striking back never fail to rub Riven in all the wrong places—especially his words. Because when Vaelorian chooses words, he wields them like weapons and Riven has learned that some wounds cut deeper than any punch or shove.
Take yesterday, for example. Riven had been in a surprisingly good mood—something rare for him lately—until he spotted Vaelorian from across the courtyard. The moment their eyes met, Riven felt that familiar flicker of unease. He'd been about to shrug it off and go about his day when Vaelorian's voice sounded in his head.
"Time for training, Riven."
Without hesitation, Riven began following Vaelorian to the old training room. As he entered, he noticed Vaelorian's smirk had turned into a grin which made his stomach tightened.
He knew the older boy was up to something.
"What are you grinning about?" Riven demanded, crossing his arms.
Vaelorian turned to look him in the eye, unblinking.
"That brunette is your new girlfriend? I thought you had a type?" he replied still grinning.
Riven's fists clenched as his mind raced. Vaelorian was planning something. He did warn him that he wasn't going to play nice or fair.
"She has nothing to do with me, so don't bother her," Riven shot back, voice sharp with a defensive edge.
A slow, teasing smile crept onto Vaelorian's face. "Aww, are you worried about your little girlfriend?" he taunted, voice dripping with mock innocence. Riven's fists clenched at his sides, every muscle tense.
"Dude, I'm serious. Leave her alone!" Riven snapped, voice firm.
Vaelorian leaned closer, eyes gleaming. "Now, you're really making me want to mess with her. What's your little girlfriend's name?"
Riven's patience was wearing thin and he snapped. "I said she's not my girlfriend!" he yelled, voice echoing off the stone walls. His cheeks burned with frustration, but Vaelorian's slow, smug smile only grew wider.
"Let's hope you're telling the truth, Riven," Vaelorian murmured, voice low and threatening. A chill crept down Riven's spine. He froze, suddenly realizing how dangerous this game was—and how little he truly understood Vaelorian's words about not playing nice or fair.
What exactly is his problem?
Vaelorian's voice broke the silence, smooth and sinister. "Wanna know what I think?" he asked casually. "I think you should stay away from that girl. Better yet, don't date at all. Focus on your classes, your training—stay out of trouble. What do you think about that?"
Riven rolled his eyes, trying to dismiss the words with a scoff. "It's not like my dating life is any of your business, or that you're in charge of what I do with my life," he shot back angrily.
But Vaelorian just chuckled. "Actually, I think it is my business. And, for now, you're going to do exactly as I say."
Riven's laugh was dry. "Or what?"
Vaelorian's expression sharpened, a flicker of menace in his eyes. "I had a feeling you might ask that. I bet you know this already, one word from me can get you kicked out of camp. Thanks to everything you've done so far, I've got plenty of negative things to say about you." His tone was light, but the weight of his words pressed down on Riven like a stone.
Riven's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you blackmailing me?"
Vaelorian raised his brows, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'm simply looking out for you, Riven. Be a good boy, and maybe I'll let you off the hook. But for now, I own you." The older boy had replied with a nonchalant shrug.
Somehow, Vaelorian knows how important staying in this camp till the end of the year means to Riven and he's using it against him.
Riven was reckless in his quest to get back at Vaelorian and he forgot that the older boy was the Prince, he literally holds more power than anyone here.
Also, Riven doesn't know how far Vaelorian was willing to take this feud between them. Would he mess with Mira Lune like he did with Anya? That letter stunt he pulled is probably why Anya has been acting weird around him.