I made my way down the hall, my pulse still annoyingly uneven. No matter how much I tried to brush it off, I could still feel the weight of Riven's gaze lingering on my skin, steady, unreadable, like an unspoken challenge.
I exhaled sharply, rolling my shoulders. Focus. Festival prep. That's what mattered.
As I turned the corner, the rhythmic clatter of boots signaled Ezzy and Jade practically skipping to match my pace.
"So," Ezzy started, eyes sparkling with mischief. "That was a moment back there."
I groaned. "Please, spare me."
Jade waggled her eyebrows. "I mean, we did just witness you willingly ask Riven to be your date."
"I had to, thanks to you two," I shot back, narrowing my eyes.
Ezzy smirked. "And yet, he said yes. You're welcome."
Jade clutched her chest dramatically. "And with such a broody, heart-stopping smirk. Goodness, Athens, I felt that one, and I wasn't even the target."
I sighed, quickening my pace as we approached the meeting room. "I swear, if you two don't drop this..."
"No promises," they chimed in unison.
Before I could retaliate, we entered the meeting room where Professor Graymark was already waiting.
Professor Arkin Graymark, Brightforge's Festival Coordinator, was already seated at the front, his usual no-nonsense demeanor making it clear he wasn't about to entertain distractions. His silver hair was neatly pulled back, his sharp features set with quiet authority.
"Ladies, you're late," he said without looking up from the papers in front of him.
"We're barely late," Jade muttered under her breath.
Graymark's gaze flicked up, unimpressed. "Then I suppose you'll be eager to volunteer for the logistical arrangements."
Ezzy and I both shot Jade an accusing look, who only shrugged. "Worth it."
The meeting itself was straightforward, finalizing schedules, rehearsals, and last-minute performance tweaks for the Cultural Festival. Ezzy confirmed her solo piece, and I made a mental note to go over the song with her later.
When it was over, Graymark gave us all his usual "If you mess this up, don't say I didn't warn you" speech, and we were free to go.
We went through our last classes for the day, our minds only half involved in the lessons. Lara's birthday party occupied a greater portion of our thoughts, anticipation buzzing beneath the surface like static in the air.
By the time the last bell rang, we were practically vibrating with excitement.
Jade twirled her pen between her fingers, a dreamy sigh escaping her. "Tonight is going to be legendary."
Ezzy grinned. "We are going to turn heads. That ballroom won't know what hit it."
I smirked, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Let's just hope Lara doesn't kill us if we accidentally outshine her."
Before heading home to get ready, I had one last thing to do.
I made my way toward the parking lot, where I spotted Riven leaning against a tree, engaged in conversation with Zion.
His arms were crossed over his chest, his usual effortless calm in place, but there was something about the way the afternoon light hit him, like he belonged there, standing against the backdrop of golden hues and drifting leaves.
I forced myself not to focus on that.
Zion noticed me first and smirked. "Ah, perfect timing. We were just talking about you."
I raised a brow. "Should I be concerned?"
Riven glanced at me, his expression unreadable but amused. "Depends on how much you hate being the topic of conversation."
I crossed my arms. "More than you'd think."
Zion chuckled, clapping Riven on the shoulder. "I'll leave you both to it." He gave me a pointed look before strolling off.
I turned to Riven, shifting my weight slightly. "So… I'll meet you tonight?"
His storm-gray eyes studied me for a beat longer than necessary.
"I'll be there."
I nodded. "Okay. Cool. Great."
Why was I suddenly bad at words?
He smirked slightly. "Something wrong?"
I narrowed my eyes. "Nope. Nothing's wrong."
With that, I spun on my heel and walked away.
Not too fast. Not too slow.
I didn't have to turn around to know, he was still watching.
I met up with Ezzy and Jade near the front gates, where Ezzy's car was already waiting.
Jade, already in the passenger seat, grinned. "Took you long enough."
I slid into the back seat, ignoring the heat still lingering in my chest.
"Just drive, Ez."
Ezzy, sensing the shift in mood, only smirked. "Oh, you had a moment with Riven, didn't you?"
I groaned.
And just like that, the teasing began.
As the car pulled onto the main road, the three of us laughed and gossiped all the way back to my place, where the real fun was about to begin.
My place was already buzzing with activity as Ezzy, Jade, and I stepped inside. The scent of enchanted florals and warm vanilla filled the air, blending with the faint hum of magic. Stylists, makeup artists, and hairdressers moved about like a well-oiled machine, their stations lined with shimmering beauty elixirs and enchanted tools.
At the center of it all, Lara came bouncing down the stairs in a silk robe, her golden hair pinned in delicate rollers. Her makeup was already flawless, soft, glowing skin, a subtle shimmer dusted over her cheekbones, and lips painted a deep, velvety red. She radiated the kind of effortless elegance only Lara could pull off.
Ezzy and Jade grinned and rushed forward, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, gorgeous!" Ezzy beamed.
Lara laughed, squeezing them back. "Thanks, loves. Now go get pampered and dressed before we're late!"
Before I could so much as blink, the three of us were ushered away, each directed to a different bathroom to shower. The water was infused with crushed moonblossoms and embermint, the steam leaving my skin feeling impossibly smooth.
Once we were dried and wrapped in plush robes, we were guided to our beauty stations, where the real magic began.
Nails shimmered as enchanted lacquers shifted to match our auras. My usual dark, simple tones were replaced with an iridescent deep sapphire, flashing hints of silver when the light hit just right. Ezzy's nails took on a luminous golden sheen, flecked with starbursts that subtly pulsed with her energy. Jade, naturally, went for a rich emerald green, her nails adorned with delicate, glowing script, words that would shift and change throughout the night.
Our hair was styled with a touch of supernatural finesse. A single enchanted comb was run through my curls, taming them into soft waves that cascaded down my back, the ends dusted with the faintest hint of stardust shimmer. Jade's usually sleek locks were twisted into intricate braids, tiny silver beads woven through them like constellations. Ezzy's hair was pinned up in elegant, cascading curls, the style enchanted to stay flawless no matter how much she danced.
Makeup came next, soft, ethereal, but with a bold edge. My eyes were lined with deep ink-black kohl that flickered like liquid silver under the light. A soft glow dusted over my cheekbones, making my features stand out in a way that felt almost unreal. Lips painted a rich, wine-stained hue completed the look.
And then, finally, we were helped into our gowns.
The fabric of my dress molded to my frame like it had been woven for me, the deep amethyst material catching the light with a mesmerizing shimmer. The high slit revealed just enough without being too daring, while the fitted bodice hugged my waist before flowing into a cascade of sheer, midnight-hued layers. It was sleek, powerful, and unlike anything I'd ever worn before.
By the time we were fully dressed, I barely recognized myself in the mirror.
Ezzy, Jade, and I exchanged grins as we made our way downstairs, where Myrren was already waiting. She looked up as we approached, giving us a once-over with her usual unreadable expression.
"You three clean up well," she said, which, coming from Myrren, was the equivalent of high praise.
We barely had time to smirk before movement on the stairs caught our attention.
Lara.
She stood at the top, framed by the golden glow of the chandeliers. Her violet gown hugged her frame like liquid silk, the deep slit revealing toned legs that shimmered with enchanted dust. The bodice was intricately embroidered with silver threads, shifting like woven starlight as she moved. Her hair, now cascading in soft waves, was crowned with delicate silver pins shaped like moonlit petals.
For a second, no one spoke.
I swear I heard Myrren gasp.
Lara, the ever-dramatic queen, took her time descending the stairs, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Alright," she said, hands on her hips. "Who's ready to make history tonight?"
We all filed into the limo Myrren hired for the occasion, the anticipation thrumming between us as the city lights blurred past the tinted windows. Excitement buzzed in the air, an undercurrent of nerves and exhilaration intertwining. Tonight wasn't just any night. It was Lara's night.
And she was about to own it.
The moment we stepped into the ballroom, a hush fell over the crowd. Conversations faltered, glasses stilled mid-air, and every pair of eyes turned toward the entrance. The grand hall, illuminated by cascading chandeliers and enchanted lights that flickered like fireflies, shimmered in gold and violet hues. The ceiling above had been bewitched to mimic the night sky, with swirling constellations shifting subtly in the vast expanse. Music, rich and elegant, played softly in the background, the sound of string instruments intertwining seamlessly with the low hum of murmured admiration.
But it wasn't the decor that held their attention.
It was Lara.
She descended the steps with practiced ease, a vision of absolute regality. Her violet gown seemed to shimmer with every graceful step, the silver embroidery catching the light like scattered stars. Confidence radiated off her in waves, the kind only someone born to rule possessed. This was her moment, and the entire ballroom knew it.
Myrren, poised as ever, followed beside her, a picture of quiet authority. Together, they moved to greet the esteemed guests, council members, noble families, and high-ranking figures who had all come to celebrate Lara's coming of age.
Meanwhile, the rest of us peeled off toward the refreshment tables, where Jaz, Zayn, and Fallon were already gathered.
Jazmin's eyes immediately lit up as she saw us. "Well, damn. If we're not the best-dressed group in this room, I don't know who is."
Zayn whistled low. "I'm gonna have to fight off half the guys in here from looking at you three."
Ezzy smirked. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Fallon, standing beside them in a sleek silver gown, gave us a once-over before nodding approvingly. "I hate to admit it, but you all actually look… good."
Jade gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. "Fallon? Saying something nice? Someone alert the council."
Fallon rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips.
As we surveyed the bustling crowd, my gaze landed on Calder. He stood beside a tall, middle-aged man with a commanding presence: his father, Varek. A poised blonde clung to Calder's arm, her smile polished and effortless. They moved smoothly through the ballroom, exchanging pleasantries with the elite, perfectly curated in their roles.
For a brief second, Calder's eyes flickered toward us.
Recognition sparked, but just as quickly, he looked away, his expression shifting to something unreadable. Like we weren't even there. Like we were beneath acknowledgment.
My jaw tightened.
Well, wasn't that interesting?
But any thoughts of Calder evaporated the second my gaze drifted toward the ballroom doors.
And goddamn.
Zion, Jax, and Riven walked in looking like gods.
Dressed in tailored suits that fit them too well, they drew attention the moment they entered. Zion, always effortlessly composed, exuded quiet strength in a dark green ensemble that contrasted sharply against his bronze skin. Jax, grinning like he owned the place, wore navy with silver accents, his usual charm only amplified by the crisp sophistication of his look.
And then… there was Riven.
Panty-melting, heart-stopping, damn-he-looks-illegal Riven.
Dressed in all black, his suit was sharp, effortlessly elegant and dangerous. The fabric hugged his frame in a way that was almost unfair, the crisp lines accentuating the lean, powerful build beneath. His stormy eyes scanned the room, unreadable as ever, but even from a distance, I could see the subtle way his fingers flexed at his sides. The way his presence commanded attention without him even trying.
And the ladies in the ballroom?
They noticed.
Whispers sparked like wildfire. Eyes lingered. More than a few noble daughters suddenly found themselves adjusting their gowns, subtly shifting into his line of sight, hoping to catch his attention.
But the moment his gaze found me, everything else faded.
Riven's gaze swept over me, slow and deliberate, like he was committing every detail to memory. His expression stayed unreadable, but something flickered in his stormy eyes: curiosity, amusement… something darker.
The corner of his mouth lifted, just barely. A silent confirmation.
Oh, he definitely liked what he saw.
Heat prickled at the back of my neck, and I forced myself to keep my expression neutral, lifting my chin slightly.
I would not be the first to break eye contact.
But Riven?
He smirked. Just a little. Just enough to make my pulse stutter.
Oh, hell.
I was so not surviving tonight.
Riven's gaze held mine, unwavering, his quiet intensity making my pulse stutter. I didn't know when it happened, but suddenly, we were standing face to face, the sounds of the ballroom fading into the background.
I inhaled slowly, catching the subtle notes of cedar and something crisp, like the lingering bite of a storm. My shoulders relaxed without thinking.
He leaned in, just enough for his breath to ghost over my skin.
"You're playing a dangerous game looking like that, Athena," he murmured, voice low and smooth.
My stomach flipped at the way he said my name, like he was trying it out, rolling it over his tongue, savoring it.
Before I could respond, Jax cut in.
"Alright, lovebirds, let's not make a scene," he teased, sliding in beside me. Zion followed, along with Ezzy and Jade, all of them grinning like they knew exactly what had just happened.
Ezzy's eyes danced between Riven and me before she smirked. "Athens, I don't think I've ever seen you look this… composed in someone's presence."
I scoffed. "You're reaching."
Zion adjusted his cuff, glancing between us with amusement. "Alright, are you actually going to compliment us, or should we just accept our roles as background decor?"
I made a show of dramatically analyzing Zion and Jax, like I hadn't already taken them in since they stepped into the ballroom. I tapped my chin, squinting slightly for effect before exhaling and shaking my head with a slow grin.
"Fine. You all look obnoxiously good."
Jax gasped, clutching his chest like I'd just delivered the highest of honors. "Finally! Some recognition! I was beginning to think you had no taste."
Ezzy rolled her eyes. "Please, your ego is already bursting at the seams."
I chuckled before my gaze drifted right into Riven's. He had been watching me the entire time, expression unreadable, head tilted just slightly like he was considering something.
"And me?" His voice was lower than before, velvety smooth, laced with something dangerous.
My breath caught.
For a second, I forgot how words worked.
I swallowed, forcing myself to sound unaffected. "You already know you look good."
The slow smirk that spread across his lips sent a warm shiver down my spine. "I wanted to hear you say it."
Oh, I was absolutely going to kill Jade and Ezzy for putting me in this position.
As the conversation finally shifted to the party, Lara appeared beside us, exhaling like she needed a break. "Gods, I love attention, but I need air between rounds of small talk."
Jax and Zion immediately greeted her, giving the usual birthday wishes. She beamed at them, then turned her gaze to Riven, curiosity flickering across her face.
"And this is?" she asked, lifting a perfectly arched brow.
I hesitated for half a second before saying, "My date."
Lara shrieked. Actually shrieked. "OH MY GODS. Athens, you actually brought a date?!"
Jax winced. "Please, Lara. My ears."
"This day just got better," she declared, practically vibrating with excitement. "Okay, you two continue being disgustingly attractive together, but Athena, I need you for a minute."
I barely had time to react before Lara looped her arm through mine and dragged me away. I shot a helpless look back at my friends, but they only laughed.
"You owe me for this," I muttered under my breath.
"Oh, hush, this is important," Lara said breezily. "I have people you need to meet."
I resisted the urge to groan. I already knew what was coming.
The introductions started smoothly enough: figures of influence, business moguls, a few powerful warriors. I nodded politely, smiling when necessary, keeping my responses measured.
And then, we reached the council members.
"These are some of my mother's colleagues," Lara murmured under her breath as we approached the group of sharply dressed figures. "Be polite."
Polite. Right.
I straightened my posture, smoothing out my expression as Lara introduced me to the Council members.
"This is my cousin, Athena. She's from Lowmere, but she's been living with me in Lysoria for some time now," Lara said effortlessly. "Athena, meet Councilwoman Elira, Master Balthier, and Councilman Varek."
Varek. As in Calder's father.
My gaze flickered to the tall, broad-shouldered man standing beside Councilwoman Elira. Varek Ashenford was exactly what I imagined the head of Elarion's Council to look like: refined, calculating, and exuding a quiet authority that made it clear he was a man used to being obeyed. His dark blue robes were subtly embroidered with protective runes, and the sharp, assessing way his gaze settled on me made my skin prickle.
It wasn't curiosity. It was scrutiny.
I offered a respectful nod, keeping my expression neutral.
Varek returned the gesture, though something in his gaze lingered, like he was trying to place me.
"You are from Lowmere, you say?" His voice was smooth but edged with something unreadable.
"Yes," I answered evenly. "But Lara and I have always been close."
Varek hummed thoughtfully, still watching me.
Lara, sensing the shift in tone, let out a light, effortless laugh. "Athena's a bit of a mystery, but she's good at keeping me in check."
Councilwoman Elira smiled at that, and the conversation momentarily shifted. But Varek didn't look away.
He was still watching me.
Still assessing.
Like he was searching for something only he could see.
Before I could react, a familiar voice cut in smoothly.
"Athena, dear."
I turned, and there was Myrren.
She stepped into the conversation with effortless grace, her presence commanding without ever raising her voice.
"I believe I need you for a moment," she said, her expression unreadable but her tone firm.
I barely resisted the urge to exhale in relief.
Varek studied Myrren for a brief moment before offering a measured nod. "Lady Myrren."
"Councilman," she returned smoothly, not missing a beat.
Without another word, she placed a hand lightly on my arm and steered me away.
I didn't dare look back.
But I could feel Varek Ashenford's piercing gaze on me the entire time.