The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual. The house was still blanketed in peaceful silence, but my mind was anything but quiet. I needed to clear my head. Yesterday's events, particularly anything involving Riven, kept playing on a loop, and I was done obsessing over it.
Throwing on some running gear, I grabbed my iPod, a rare treasure from the markets of Northern Lowmere. They were famous for selling unique items not native to Elarion, though finding real ones came at a steep price. Ezzy's mom, Camila, had gifted it to me on my sixteenth birthday.
"This is something worth holding on to," she had said with a knowing smile. Camila had once caught me humming a melody and scribbling lyrics into my journal during a sleepover. Instead of prying, she simply promised to keep my secret—her encouragement quiet but sincere, the kind that stayed with me.
I slipped the earbuds in and stepped outside. The morning air was cool and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of dew-covered leaves from the forest trail behind our house. Above the trees, Elarion's red sun began its slow ascent, shifting the sky from deep indigo to shades of fiery crimson and amber. The light bathed the world in an otherworldly glow, vibrant and enchanting. Moments like this reminded me of Elarion's beauty, when I wasn't suffocating under its politics and expectations.
I started my run, letting the music carry me. It was freeing, being alone with my thoughts. No stares, no questions, and no mysterious glances from a guy who had already taken up too much space in my mind.
By the time I returned, my muscles ached, but my mind was calmer. I wiped the sweat from my face and headed inside.
Lara was already awake, sitting cross-legged on the couch, her sparkly notebook resting on her lap. She was scribbling furiously, probably jotting down more birthday party ideas.
"Whoa, hold up," Lara said, glancing up from her notebook as I walked in. "You? Running? This early? What's going on?"
I shrugged, keeping my tone casual. "Just needed some air, that's all."
"Uh-huh, right," she said, smirking. "Since when do you do solo runs? I thought we saved those for our weekend bonding sessions."
I ignored the playful smirk on her face and headed upstairs for a shower.
As I ascended the stairs, Lara called after me, "I'm gonna pry the answer from you one of these days, Athena! You can't escape me!" She attempted a diabolical laugh, but failed miserably, ending in a fit of coughs.
I shook my head, laughing softly under my breath. "Smooth," I called back, still chuckling. Typical Lara.
As I stepped out of the shower, I couldn't help but think that the run this morning had been a great idea. My mind felt clearer, more focused. Today was a new day, and I was going to own it. No more clumsiness and I sure as well was not going to lose my cool again around anyone, especially not Riven.
I wrapped myself in a towel, and dried off quickly before rummaging through my wardrobe. I opted for something simple but comfortable: dark high-waisted jeans, a fitted olive-green tee, and my trusty black laced-up boots. Casual enough for school but with just enough effort to feel put together.
As I scrunched my wild curls into place, I gave myself a pep talk. "We're going to ignore him. We are not going to let Riven get in our head again. His secrets aren't my problem," I whispered to my reflection.
Satisfied with my affirmations, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. Lara was still fussing with her hair in the hallway mirror, while Myrren stood nearby, scrolling through her Spectris, a sleek, transparent tablet with endless streams of data. The faint glow of shifting symbols danced across the screen, symbols I couldn't begin to decipher. Probably more council business, judging by her serious expression.
"Promise I'll help with the birthday prep later," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder.
"You better!" she shot back, laughing as she fixed a loose strand of hair.
I mumbled a quick goodbye to Myrren, who gave a distracted nod without looking up from her Spectris, then turned back to Lara.
"Oh, and don't forget—dress shopping after school. We'll meet you at the Shopping District. Then straight to the ballroom," I reminded her as I stepped outside.
Lara groaned dramatically. "Like I could forget. I still have a million things to plan."
I grinned. "So… a completely stress-free day ahead?"
She pointed a finger at me. "Just make sure you actually pick a dress. No hiding in neutrals. I want you looking drop-dead gorgeous.*"
I rolled my eyes. "I make no promises."
"Don't make me pick one for you!" she called after me as I walked down the front steps.
The weather was perfect: clear skies, a soft breeze carrying the scent of fresh morning dew. I checked my comm crystal, seeing a message from Ezzy:
Ezzy:Running late. Not picking you up today—figured you'd enjoy your morning stroll.
Shrugging, I put my earbuds in, scrolling through the playlist that was already there when Camila gave it to me, until I landed on Torn by Natalie Imbruglia.
I thought I saw a man brought to life…
The haunting melody filled my ears, and I let myself get lost in the lyrics as I walked toward Brightforge High. The raw vulnerability in Natalie's voice tugged at something deep inside me. Heartache wasn't exactly unfamiliar in my world, but it was rare to hear it expressed so openly.
By the time I reached the school parking lot, Ezzy, Jade, and Jax were already waiting near Ezzy's car. Jax leaned against the hood, talking animatedly about something while Jade laughed.
"Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence," Jade teased as I walked up, arms crossed with mock exasperation.
I gasped, placing a hand over my heart. "Forgive me, your highness, for keeping you waiting. Shall I grovel at your feet, or is a simple 'good morning' acceptable?"
Jade snorted. "I swear, one day your sarcasm is going to get you hexed."
I smirked. "And yet, here I stand, unhexed and thriving."
Jax was just about to add his two cents when a low, unmistakable growl of a motorcycle engine echoed across the parking lot. My heart skipped a beat. I didn't even have to turn around to know it was him.
Riven.
The sleek black bike rolled into the lot with effortless grace, its engine humming like a low growl of a beast sensing its territory. He pulled up near Zion's car and cut the engine. In one smooth motion, he swung his leg over the bike, removed his helmet, and ran a hand through his dark curls, shaking them loose. The late morning light caught the sharp angles of his face, making it impossible not to notice him.
For a moment, his gaze swept across the lot, and I swore time slowed. My heart pounded as I waited... but he didn't look at me. His attention shifted to Zion instead.
"Yo, Riven!" Zion called, waving him over.
Riven nodded and approached the group with that quiet confidence that made my pulse race. "Morning," he said simply, clasping Jax's hand in the infamous bro hug. He gave the rest of us a brief nod, his gaze lingering on me just a fraction longer than necessary.
My heart was still racing, but I forced myself to remember my mantra: Ignore him. Focus. He's not your problem.
Riven's presence buzzed in the back of my mind, but I wasn't going to mess this up by acting like a clumsy idiot again. Before I could get sucked into overthinking, I looped my arms through Jade's and Ezzy's, steering us toward the school entrance.
"Alright, let's go. If we don't grab the good spots in Potionology, we're gonna end up squinting and straining in the back again like last year."
"Right, because we all know how you love to sit up front," Jade teased, giving me a playful nudge.
"Hey, I'm just looking out for us," I said with mock seriousness. "Unlike you, I actually plan on hearing the lecture this time."
Ezzy chuckled. "She's got a point. I don't want to risk another potion disaster like last year, just because we wrote down the wrong formula."
"Oh, you mean turning butterflies into flying cockroaches?" Jade burst out laughing. "That was iconic."
Ezzy groaned, covering her face. "Don't remind me."
I turned to Jax, who was still hanging back with Zion and Riven, talking about something like he had all the time in the world. "Jax! You coming, or what?"
Jax stretched dramatically, adding some vague, exaggerated hand movements for good measure. "Ah, Athens, always so demanding. You can't rush this perfection," he said, gesturing to himself with an exaggerated flourish.
"Oh, please, we all know how perfectly smooth you can be," I deadpanned. "Now move it, Drama King."
Jax gasped theatrically, clutching his chest like I had personally wounded him. "You see this? What a bossy little thing she is."
Riven's gaze flickered to me, slow and deliberate, his expression unreadable. Then, just as I started to wonder what he was thinking, a smirk ghosted across his lips, lazy, amused, like he knew something I didn't.
"I can see that," he murmured, his voice low, rich with something I couldn't quite place.
My stomach did an embarrassing little flip, but I forced myself to stay composed.
Ezzy tugged Jax's arm. "Come on, Your Majesty. Move it before we're all late now."
"Fine, fine. Lead the way, peasants," Jax grinned, throwing an arm around Ezzy's shoulders.
As we walked towards our class, I felt it: Riven's gaze. It was subtle, like a gentle tug in the air, but it was there. I resisted the overwhelming urge to turn around, keeping my head high. Not today, I told myself. You're not getting under my skin.
I focused on the path ahead, proud that I'd ignored the pull. I didn't trip over my feet. I didn't make a fool of myself. Victory.
"Don't look now," Jade whispered in my ear, her voice full of mischief, "but your boy is definitely watching."
I fought the heat creeping up my neck. "He's not my anything," I muttered under my breath.
"Sure," Jade teased, her grin widening. "Whatever you say, girl."
Ezzy caught on, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun," she murmured.
"Okay, no," I said firmly, trying to end the teasing. "We're not doing this. Let's just get through today, alright?"
"Fine," Jade huffed with mock exasperation. "But I've got my eye on you, Athens."
"Alright, people, step aside. The master is here," Jax announced as we walked into the classroom, striking a ridiculous pose.
"Master of what exactly?" Jade asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Of… creative improvisation," Jax replied with a cheeky grin. "You never know when a potion might need a personal touch."
"Like last time? When you turned Professor Elric's favorite teacup into a shrieking banshee?" Ezzy shot back, shaking her head.
"Honestly, his teacup had trauma to work through. I was just helping." Jax declared, puffing up like he was proud of the disaster.
I laughed as we found our seats. Jax might be a handful, but his antics had a way of keeping things light. It was exactly what I needed to stay grounded.
Class began, and the usual chatter and bursts of chaotic energy filled the room, Jax making himself the center of attention, as usual. I tried to focus, but somewhere between the bubbling cauldrons and potion fumes, my mind drifted again. I found myself sneaking a glance out the window, my thoughts wandering back to Riven.
Focus, Athena. Focus.
I sighed and pulled my notes closer, reminding myself for the nth time, I wasn't going to let anyone, especially him, get under my skin today.
After a chaotic but fun Potionology session, our gang filed into Mystic History & Ancestry class. As it was a mandatory class, the room was packed by the time we arrived. Zion and Riven were already seated in the back row. Jax, Ezzy, Jade, and I scanned the room for spots before Jade tugged me toward two empty desks in front of Zion and Riven.
I sat down and pulled out my notebook, eager for the lesson. Call me an old soul, but I had a deep love for ancient mystic history. There was something about unraveling the truths of the past that gave me a sense of purpose, like maybe, just maybe, I could find a missing piece of myself somewhere in those stories.
The classroom door swung open, and in strode Professor Rhydan Calix. Tall, with a lean frame and shoulder-length dark hair, he had a commanding yet strangely approachable presence. His sharp green eyes swept across the room as he adjusted the cuffs of his long black coat. If rumors were to be believed, he had once been a high-ranking advisor to the Council before dedicating himself to teaching. He never spoke about it though. His past, like much of Elarion's history, was shrouded in mystery.
"Good morning, class," he greeted, his voice smooth and resonant. "Today, we'll be exploring a pivotal moment in the Omnivale's history: The Celestial Rift Conflict."
The faint sound of chairs creaking and notebooks opening echoed through the room.
With a mere flick of his wrist, Professor Calix summoned a map into existence. Wisps of glowing energy spiraled outward, weaving together until a luminous tapestry of interwoven realms unfurled across the wall, a living, breathing depiction of the Omnivale.
"For those who need a refresher," he continued, "the Omnivale refers to the totality of all interconnected realms and dimensions. Each realm has its own rulers, its own ecosystems, but they are linked by portals and leylines, streams of raw magical energy that sustain the balance of power across the realms."
He traced a finger over a glowing, branching pattern on the map, illustrating the leylines. "The Leyline Territory was and still is a sacred region, guarded by the Celestial Guardians. This made it a prime target during the Celestial Rift Conflict."
"The Leylines have always been a source of both wonder and danger," he explained. "These currents of raw magic are vital to the stability of the Omnivale. To control the Leylines is to control that stability, and with it, immense power."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "The Celestial Guardians have long been the protectors of these Leylines. They were not merely political entities; they were, and still are, protectors of equilibrium across realms. However, there have always been those who seek to disrupt that balance. One such example was the Pyrix King, who attempted to seize control of the Leylines."
He continued, "The Pyrix King, in his ambition to control the Leylines, sought to harness the immense magical power that flows through them. He believed that if he could dominate the Leylines, his kingdom would achieve unparalleled supremacy. Of course, not all shared his vision of absolute control."
I was already enraptured by the lecture. I knew some of this, Lara's incessant ramblings about history had drilled basic facts into my brain, but the way Calix spoke made it feel like we were stepping into the conflict itself.
"Professor?" a student raised their hand, curiosity lighting their eyes. "Why did the Celestial Guardians care so much? Wouldn't controlling the Leylines benefit everyone if it stabilized the Omnivale?"
"An excellent question," Calix replied, a small smile gracing his lips. "But a dangerous one. Control is never neutral. The Celestial Guardians understood that whoever controlled the Leylines would dictate the flow of magic itself. Imagine what would happen if that power fell into the wrong hands."
He waved his hand, and an image of the Pyrix King appeared on the projection, eyes alight with hunger for power, flanked by soldiers clad in volcanic armor. "To complicate matters, the Pyrix King wasn't alone. He allied with the Nectari King, ruler of the Shadowlands, and together, they mounted a full-scale invasion of the Leyline Territory."
I was leaning forward in my seat now, completely immersed. Calix's eyes scanned the room, and I could feel a question brewing. Sure enough, he turned his gaze directly toward me.
"Athena," he said smoothly, "can you explain what the Celestial Guardians did to counter this threat?"
I hesitated for a moment, caught off guard. But the answer surfaced quickly enough. "They mobilized their forces and intercepted the invasion before it could breach the inner sanctums of the Leylines," I answered. "The battle was fierce, and although the Pyrix King's forces were powerful, the Celestial Guardians eventually pushed them back and maintained control of the territory."
Calix nodded approvingly. "Well done. Though there's more to the story than meets the eye."
Professor Calix waved his hand, shifting the map to display a serene yet foreboding forest bathed in faint blue light. "Now, there's a piece of this history that remains shrouded in mystery," he said, his tone dropping a notch. "The Nyxeri."
The word sent a ripple of curiosity through the room. I'd never heard it before, not even in Lara's endless history rants or in any textbook.
"The Nyxeri were believed to be an ancient society with unparalleled mastery over raw elemental forces," Calix continued, pacing slowly. "Some say they predated the structure of the Leylines themselves. But here's the catch, official records on them are scarce. Many scholars dismiss them as nothing more than legend, a myth to explain anomalies in ancient conflicts."
The room buzzed with low murmurs. Jade shot me a curious glance, and I shrugged. I had no idea where this was going, but I was hooked.
"Rumor or not, both the Celestial Guardians and the Pyrix King seemed to take their existence seriously," Calix added. "The Guardians fought alongside the Nyxeri, or what many believe to be remnants of their society, to protect the Leylines. Meanwhile, the Pyrix King viewed them as a threat to his ambitions and sought to eradicate them."
"While the Celestial Rift Conflict ended with the Pyrix and Nectari defeat, it was only the beginning," Professor Calix continued, his voice steady but charged with significance. "Years later, the Pyrix King, still nursing his ambitions for control, formed an alliance with the Elarion Council. Together, they launched what would become known as the Great Rift War. Their combined forces sought to track down the Nyxeri and eliminate any who were affiliated with them."
A hush fell over the room. The weight of his words lingered like a storm cloud. My grip on my pen tightened as I absorbed his words. The story of a powerful society being hunted down and wiped from existence sent a strange sense of dread through me. Why did this history feel so personal?
"Sadly," Calix went on, "the Nyxeri society, along with many of the covens allied with them, was found and eradicated in what can only be described as a coordinated massacre. Some legends whisper of survivors who vanished into obscurity, but no evidence has ever surfaced to confirm this. Many records were lost, or deliberately destroyed."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. Then, with a knowing look, he added, "What followed in the wake of their destruction, how history bent itself to fill the void they left, is a discussion for our next class. The Omnivale did not simply move on unchanged."
The room felt charged with quiet intrigue, the promise of hidden truths lingering in the air.
I swallowed hard, my hand gripping the edge of my desk. My pulse quickened, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something buried in these ancient stories was trying to claw its way to the surface of my mind.
"Now," Calix said, clapping his hands once to cut through the heavy atmosphere, stepping back from the map projection. "This brings us to your final year project. You'll be working in pairs to research and present on one of these major conflicts. You may choose from options such as the Celestial Rift Conflict, the Great Rift War, and others. Your assignment will require extensive research and collaboration. If you choose to focus your project on the Great Rift War, I suggest you dig deeper than what's written in the standard texts."
At the mention of a project, a collective groan rippled through the class. With a flick of his wrist, Calix summoned folded slips of paper to each desk. "Inside these slips, you'll find the name of your partner. I suggest you make good use of your time together. This project will determine a large portion of your final grade."
I exchanged a nervous glance with Jade. "Let's hope we're paired together," she whispered.
I slowly opened my paper and froze. Riven Caelum.
"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered, my stomach dropping. Jade peeked at my paper and snorted.
She leaned in with a wicked grin, whispering, "Oh, you are so screwed." Then, as if nothing had happened, she casually glanced at her own list. "Ooh, look who I got, Fineas." She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically.
I rolled my eyes. Fineas was a gifted archer, sweet, charming, and someone I'd gone on a few dates with. It hadn't worked out, and we'd mutually agreed we were better off as friends. Jade clearly enjoyed teasing me about it.
"Don't rub it in," I grumbled, stuffing the paper into my pocket.
Professor Calix instructed us to find our partners and sit together. One by one, students got up and moved around the classroom. I gathered my things and hesitantly turned toward Riven. He was already watching me, his expression unreadable. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the empty seat beside him.
"Well, looks like we're stuck with each other," I said, forcing a casual tone.
Riven gave a small nod. "Could be worse."
Could it, though? I wasn't sure. I slid into the seat, my senses immediately on high alert. His scent, a blend of cedar and something faintly electric, invaded my space, making it difficult to focus. Get it together, Athena.
"So, where do you want to start?" I asked, flipping open my notebook.
He tilted his head thoughtfully. "The Celestial Rift Conflict might be a good choice. It's got a lot of political layers and interesting dynamics."
I nodded. "Yeah, that's true. Plus, it ties into the Great Rift War, which could give us a broader perspective."
Riven's eyes flicked to mine, and for a moment, there was an intensity in his gaze that made my heart stumble. But he didn't comment on it, instead leaning back slightly and adding, "We'll probably find a lot of conflicting accounts. We'll need to dig deep."
We brainstormed a few more ideas, and to my surprise, he was engaging, offering insights I hadn't considered and listening carefully to mine. It was... easy. Comfortable, even. But I couldn't let my guard down, not with the way he unsettled me.
Class passed quicker than expected. When the bell rang, I gathered my things in record time, eager to escape his presence before my composure completely crumbled.
Riven glanced at me as I stood. "See you next class?"
"Yeah," I replied, my voice a little too breathless. I cleared my throat. "See you."
As I made my way toward the door, Jade appeared beside me, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Sooo," she drawled, falling into step with me, a knowing smirk plastered on her face. "How'd it go with your partner?"
I gave a small shrug, trying to keep my cool. "Fine. We stuck to the project. Nothing exciting."
"Yeah, right. I can practically hear your thoughts from here," she teased, raising an eyebrow.
I shot her a look. "If you're trying to be psychic now, you're failing miserably."
She chuckled softly. "Alright, fine. But one of these days, I'm going to drag those details out of you, missy"
I sighed dramatically. "Get in line. Lara said the same thing this morning."
Jade grinned. "That just means we're onto something."
"Good luck with that," I muttered as we turned the corner, making our way to the dance hall for our meeting with Ms. Evira.