By Monday morning, Brightforge buzzed with the kind of energy only a looming festival could bring. The hallways felt tighter, voices overlapping as students rushed between classes, trading whispered plans and frantic ideas. Flyers littered every wall, paper talismans and colorful charms dangled from door frames, their faint spells flickering in the morning light. It smelled like ink and burned wax, like excitement and nerves.
I felt the shift immediately, the slow return to routine, the way life kept moving even when you felt like it shouldn't. Like the world had given us a single breath to catch up before shoving us back into the chaos.
It made yesterday feel like a fever dream.
Riven and I spent the rest of Sunday wandering Northern Lowmere. We moved with the crowds, slipping through packed alleyways and noisy taverns, picking up things we didn't need and laughing at things we probably shouldn't have. At one point, he bought me a charmed stone that pulsed faintly with my heartbeat. I dropped it into a glass of ice water just to see what would happen. It cracked, hissed, and then exploded, spraying both of us with freezing shards. And, of course, he didn't let me hear the end of it.
For a few hours, it felt like we had slipped through the cracks of our own lives. Like nothing else existed but the noise, the crowds, the flicker of firelight in his eyes. It didn't erase anything. But for a while, it dulled the sharp edges of the past few weeks.
I could still feel his warmth, the ghost of his hand on my waist, the faint weight of his brother's bracelet on my wrist. But here, back in the thick of Brightforge, reality felt a little sharper. The noise, the routine, the unspoken tensions, all of it settling back into place like a pulse finding its rhythm.
Ezzy, Jade, and I were currently getting fitted for our performance outfits in one of the side rooms off the main hall. The air buzzed with the sharp, metallic scent of freshly cut leather and enchantment-infused threads.
I stood on a small platform as a seamstress fussed over the fit of my first outfit, a black leather corset jumpsuit with a shimmering side train that swept against my legs with every slight movement. The leather was surprisingly flexible, the corset tight but supportive, the kind of outfit that made you stand a little taller, breathe a little sharper.
Jade twirled in front of the cracked wall mirror, her outfit catching the low light as she checked her reflection. Ezzy stretched her arms overhead, testing the range of her sleeves as another seamstress adjusted the length, muttering something about "balance" and "stage presence."
I glanced down as the seamstress whispered a final charm over the train, the faint shimmer of runes pulsing along the fabric before settling into a dark, almost liquid sheen.
I was just getting used to the weight of the leather when the door burst open, slamming against the wall with a dull thud.
"Ladies!" Quinn's voice cut through the clatter of sewing needles and whispered spells, her presence sweeping into the room like a storm. Ms. Evira followed close behind, arms laden with zipped garment bags, her usually sharp gaze softened by an uncharacteristic smile.
"That's for you, my shining star," Quinn said, tossing one of the bags in my direction. "Go on, try it on. Eddie will do any adjustments."
I caught it before it hit the floor, my fingers tingling with anticipation. I unzipped the bag, revealing a shimmering violet bodysuit encrusted with crystals. The fabric caught the light, throwing tiny flecks of color across the walls. It had a plunging neckline, the kind that demanded confidence, and a separate, flowy skirt designed to tie around the waist, the fabric so light it felt like holding a breath.
Ezzy let out a low whistle. "Well, damn."
Jade leaned over, eyes wide. "Now that's a showstopper."
I met Quinn's expectant gaze, a small, wicked smile creeping onto my lips.
"Well?" she said, arms crossed, eyes gleaming. "What are you waiting for? Let's see if it's worthy of our main act."
I slipped out of the leather jumpsuit, the cool air prickling my skin as I stepped behind the folding screen. The violet bodysuit felt like liquid as I pulled it on, the fabric cool and smooth against my skin. It clung in all the right places, the plunging neckline demanding a kind of confidence I hadn't felt in a while.
I tied the flowy skirt around my waist, the sheer fabric settling lightly against my hips, whispering against my legs as I moved. It felt powerful and strangely freeing, the kind of outfit that made you stand a little taller without even realizing it. I took a steadying breath, letting the weight of the outfit settle, then stepped out from behind the screen.
Ezzy's eyes went wide, her grin spreading slowly. Jade let out a small, appreciative hum, tilting her head as she took in the full effect. Quinn's expression sharpened, a slow, approving smile curving her lips as she took a step back to get a better look.
"Well?" I said, arching a brow as I spun slowly, the skirt flaring out before settling back against my legs like a whisper. "Worthy of our main act?" Quinn crossed her arms, eyes gleaming. "More than worthy," she said, her voice low and fierce. "They won't know what hit them." I caught my reflection in the cracked wall mirror, the violet fabric shimmering in the low light, and felt a flicker of something I hadn't felt in a long time. Anticipation.
This week, no classes were being held, with everyone fully absorbed in Festival preparations. That was how huge the Cultural Festival was. It wasn't just a school event, it was a citywide celebration, a chance for Lowmere to showcase its talent, grit, and flair.
Our final stage rehearsals were set for Saturday, the day before the big event. All of Lowmere would be there, spilling into the open-air amphitheater, their voices blending into one chaotic, expectant roar. Even a few of the Elites from Lysoria were rumored to be making an appearance, though they rarely bothered with events outside their own circles.
All ten of Lowmere's high schools were presenting this year, each one hoping to outshine the rest. But for the first time in decades, we'd been chosen for the main act of the night, a slot usually reserved for more established schools or the occasional Lysorian performer with something to prove.
This was why Quinn and Ms. Evira were going all out with our outfits, pushing us through endless rehearsals, late-night run-throughs, and intense costume fittings. They wanted us to shine, to make the kind of impression that left people talking long after the festival lights had gone out. And if our outfits were any indication, they intended to make sure no one forgot us.
The entire school felt like it had been swallowed by the festival. Classrooms had been repurposed into makeshift workshops. Hallways buzzed with the sharp clatter of metal, the hiss of steam, and the occasional burst of enchanted fire from a poorly controlled spell. Flyers and fabric scraps littered the floors, and every third door had been thrown open to reveal students hunched over worktables, scribbling runes or sewing last-minute adjustments into their costumes.
Every student had been assigned to a department, scattered across the school like pieces of a complex, living puzzle. Ezzy, Jade, and I had been split up, each pulled in a different direction as the final preparations took over our lives.
I'd been assigned to the performance and costume department, which meant long hours in fitting rooms and rehearsal halls, but at least I had Rey in my group. She made the chaos a little more bearable, always ready with a sharp comment or a sly grin when things got overwhelming. Right now, she was arguing with a seamstress about whether or not my skirt needed another layer of enchantment to get the right "stage impact." I wasn't sure if the seamstress was rolling her eyes or whispering a silent spell to hex her.
I passed by the props and effects workshop on my way to the main stage, catching a glimpse of Riven and Jax bent over a massive set piece. Riven's hands moved in smooth, practiced strokes as he carved intricate patterns into the wood, his jaw tight with focus. Jax hovered beside him, gesturing wildly as he tried to explain his latest design tweak, his voice rising above the clatter of metal and the faint hum of enchanted tools. I didn't linger as Riven had that intense, don't-interrupt-me look on his face, the one that usually meant he was lost in his own world.
I found Zion and Jade over by the main stage, heads bent together as they argued over a massive blueprint spread across a makeshift worktable. They'd been roped into the stage design crew, which made sense. Jade had an eye for detail, and Zion had a knack for making complicated things work. They were deep in discussion with a few students from Lowmere's other schools, their voices rising and falling as they debated the best way to light the final act.
Everyone had been swept up in the chaos, each of us pulled into the storm of preparations. It felt like the entire world had narrowed down to this one moment, this one night.
And I, for once, didn't mind being caught up in it.
Backstage, the dressing room was a mess of sequins, feathers, and half-pinned fabrics. The air was thick with the sharp scent of freshly cut cloth and enchantment-infused threads. I moved between the racks, ticking off items on my checklist, making sure everything that had been finalized was accounted for. Costumes hung in neat, color-coded rows, some shimmering faintly as the last of their enchantments settled into place.
I paused, running my fingers over the deep violet bodysuit from earlier, feeling the faint pulse of the runes stitched into the fabric. The room was quiet, the distant hum of the main stage a dull, comforting backdrop. I took a moment to bask in the silence, with no one around to disrupt the momentary peace.
I was still marveling at my costume, when I felt a sudden shift in the air, a familiar prickle of energy swept over my skin, raising the fine hairs on my arms. I looked up, and there he was, Riven, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his gaze locked on me.
I shamelessly raked my eyes over him, letting my gaze linger on the sharp line of his jaw, the way his dark shirt clung to his shoulders, the casual confidence in his stance. Damn. He was sinfully hot. And all mine.
I let a slow, teasing smirk spread across my lips. "Weren't you supposed to be with Jax in the props workshop?" I said, raising a brow.
"I was," he said finally, his voice low, like he didn't want to break the quiet between us. "Needed a break."
I crossed my arms, leaning back against the rack behind me, the metal cool against my spine. "And you decided to take it here?"
A hint of a smirk touched his lips. "I have my reasons." I rolled my eyes, but felt the corners of my mouth tug upward. "Of course you do." He took a slow step into the room, letting the door swing shut behind him. The soft click echoed in the small space, cutting off the distant hum of the main stage. He didn't stop moving, his footsteps slow and deliberate as he closed the distance between us, his eyes never leaving mine.
"I figured you could use the company," he said, his voice low, almost a purr.
I arched a brow, tilting my head as he came closer. "Use the company to do what, exactly?"
In a single, fluid motion, his arm snaked around my waist as he pulled me against him. His lips hovered just a breath away from mine, his eyes dark with a mix of mischief and desire. "Wouldn't you want to know?" he murmured, his mouth brushing against mine, the words barely more than a whisper. A shiver ran down my spine, my fingers curling into the front of his shirt.
*Warning: Steamy Scene Ahead. Skip this part if you're not comfortable reading this.*
I didn't bother with a clever reply. My lips captured his in a kiss that started slow, testing, before deepening, his hand tightening on my waist. He responded instantly, his other hand coming up to cradle the back of my neck, his thumb brushing the sensitive spot just below my ear.
A low, shivering breath escaped me as he backed me into the wall, his body pressing into mine, heat radiating off him in waves. My pulse spiked, the checklist forgotten, the chaos outside the dressing room fading into a distant, meaningless hum.
His mouth left mine, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down my jaw, his breath a warm, teasing whisper against my skin. I tilted my head back, eyes fluttering shut as his lips found the curve of my throat, his teeth grazing just enough to send a sharp, thrilling jolt through me.
My fingers fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer, my breath coming in short, unsteady bursts.
"Riven," I managed, my voice barely more than a whisper, my chest heaving against his.
He paused, his teeth scraping gently against my pulse point. "I like the way you say my name," he murmured, his voice rough, vibrating against my skin.
He bit down gently, then soothed the spot with his tongue, his hands tightening on my waist, pulling me even closer, like he couldn't get enough, like the space between us felt like too much. I gasped as his fingers moved, sliding down my sides, tracing the curve of my hips. His mouth found mine again, his kiss deeper this time, more demanding, his teeth catching my lower lip before he pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, his breath coming fast, his pupils blown.
Without breaking eye contact, he unbuttoned my jeans with a flick of his fingers, the cool metal popping free, and slid the zipper down, the sound sharp in the small, breathless space between us. His hand slipped beneath the waistband, fingers brushing over bare skin, sending a shiver down my spine. He pushed my jeans a bit lower, his touch hot and unrelenting as his hand found its way into my panties, his thumb brushing over my clit making my breath catch.
"Look at you," he whispered, his lips brushing my ear, his voice a low, satisfied rumble. "Already dripping for me." His words sent a fresh wave of heat through me, my body arching into his touch. He slipped two fingers inside me, moving slowly at first, testing, before settling into a steady rhythm, his palm pressing against me with just the right amount of pressure. His mouth moved against my neck, teeth grazing, tongue soothing, his breath hot and uneven against my skin.
My hips moved instinctively, matching his rhythm, my breaths coming out in sharp, broken gasps as he curled his fingers, hitting that spot that made my knees go weak. I clutched at his shoulders, my head falling back against the wall as his thumb found my cl*t, rubbing slow, teasing circles that had me biting back a moan.
"Riven," I gasped, my nails digging into his shoulders as the pressure built, every nerve ending sparking under his touch. "I'm so close."
He pressed his fingers deeper, his thumb moving faster, the tension coiling tight in my core, my thighs trembling as he pushed me closer to the edge. "Come for me, baby," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear, his voice low and rough. I felt the pressure snap, my body arching into his as a sharp, desperate sound escaped my throat. My walls clenched around his fingers, pulsing, squeezing him as wave after wave of pleasure crashed through me.
His mouth was instantly on mine, swallowing my loud moans, his tongue pushing past my parted lips in a kiss that was all teeth and hunger, his free hand tangling in my hair, holding me to him as my body shuddered against his.
I clung to him, my knees shaking, my pulse racing, every nerve ending sparking under his touch as he held me through every last wave of pleasure, his fingers never slowing, his mouth never leaving mine, his breath hot and uneven against my lips.
When the last tremor finally faded, he broke the kiss, his forehead resting against mine, his breath coming out in rough, uneven pants, his fingers still buried deep inside me, his thumb making slow, lazy circles that sent small aftershocks rippling through my limbs.
"Good girl," he whispered, his voice a low, gravelly rumble against my lips. "You're so damn beautiful when you come."
I was still trying to catch my breath, my body trembling against his, when I heard Rey's voice. "Athena?" My heart skipped a beat.
Footsteps echoed just outside the door, followed by the unmistakable creak of the handle turning. "Are you in here?"
Before I could fully process the panic, Riven's hand slipped from between my thighs, his arm tightening around my waist as he pulled me with him, moving us both swiftly into the shadows behind a row of glittering costumes. The racks swayed slightly as we pressed ourselves into the cramped, dim corner, the air thick with the mingled scents of fabric and our still-sharp desire.
I felt his breath against my ear, his chest heaving against my back, his fingers still tangled in the waistband of my jeans, not fully pulled up, his body still pressed firmly against mine.
The door creaked open, the bright hallway light spilling into the room, casting long shadows over the racks in front of us.
I held my breath, my pulse racing, the heat of his body still burning into mine, every nerve ending on fire.
I heard Rey riffling through some stuff, her footsteps soft but unhurried as she moved deeper into the room. My heart pounded in my chest, the adrenaline of being caught still buzzing through my veins. Riven's hand slipped back into my panties, his fingers finding my still-sensitive core. My body jolted against him, my head falling back against his chest as his free hand covered my mouth, muffling the sharp gasp that escaped me.
His lips brushed my ear, his breath hot, his voice a low, wicked whisper. "Shh... don't make a sound."
I clutched at his wrist, my pulse spiking as his fingers moved with slow, deliberate strokes, his other hand still clamped over my mouth, holding me against him, his chest rising and falling in rough, uneven pants behind me.
Rey's footsteps came closer, her shadow passing just on the other side of the rack, fabric rustling as she searched for something, completely unaware of the way Riven's fingers curled inside me, pushing me back toward the edge, my thighs trembling, my body clenching around him, the heat building again, faster, sharper, my entire body aching for release.
I could feel Riven's hard length pressed against my ass, the heat of him searing through the fabric of his jeans. My breath hitched, my pulse spiking, and I couldn't resist. I rocked my hips back, grinding against him as I rode his fingers, the friction sending a fresh wave of heat rushing through me. His fingers pressed deeper, curling just right, and I couldn't help the way my body responded, pushing back against him, my ass rubbing against his hard-on.
His lips brushed my ear, his voice a dark, breathless whisper. "You're going to make me lose control," he rasped, his hips pressing forward, grinding into me in rhythm with his fingers.
I whimpered against his hand, my body clenching around his fingers, desperate for more, for the way his movements made my thighs tremble, the knot in my stomach coiling tighter, on the verge of snapping.
Rey's footsteps stopped, and I froze, my body tense against Riven's, my pulse pounding so loud I was sure she'd hear it.
"Athena?" Rey called, her voice uncertain, as if she was debating whether to keep looking or leave.
Riven's fingers didn't stop, his hand still covering my mouth, his other hand keeping me pressed firmly against him. I bit down on his palm to stifle a moan as his thumb brushed over my clit, the teasing pressure pushing me even closer to the edge.
Rey hesitated, then I heard her mumble something about "probably in rehearsal" before the door creaked shut behind her, the room falling into a tense, breathless silence.
Riven finally moved his hand from my mouth, brushing his lips over the spot just below my ear. "You're trouble," he whispered, his fingers still moving inside me, his hips pressing forward again, the friction sending another jolt of heat through me.
I barely managed a smirk, my voice breathless. "You love it."
His teeth grazed my neck, his hand still firmly in place between my legs. "I really do," he murmured, his voice low and hungry, his movements unrelenting as I rode his fingers, pushing myself back against him, feeling that familiar tension build again, stronger, sharper, ready to snap.
*End of Steamy Scene*
After the hot, unplanned moment with Riven, I went straight to the bathroom to clean up and get myself together. My legs still felt a little unsteady, my pulse not quite back to normal, the ghost of his touch still tingling on my skin.
I splashed cold water on my face, letting the sharp chill ground me, my fingers gripping the edge of the sink as I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the racing of my heart. My reflection stared back at me, lips slightly swollen, eyes still dark with the lingering heat of what we'd just done.
I ran my fingers through my hair, straightened my shirt, and forced myself to focus. There was still so much to do, and I couldn't let anyone catch on to just how thoroughly Riven had unraveled me.
When I finally stepped out of the bathroom, the hallway was buzzing with the usual festival chaos, students rushing past with fabric swatches, clipboards, and hastily scribbled spell notes. I wove through the crowd, making my way to the main cafeteria where Ezzy and Jade had promised to meet for lunch.
I found them at our usual table, Jade gesturing wildly as she recounted some drama from the stage design team, Ezzy laughing so hard she nearly spilled her drink. I slid into the seat across from them, grabbing a bottle of water from the middle of the table, twisting the cap off and taking a long, much-needed drink. Ezzy's laughter faded, her eyes narrowing as she leaned in, giving me a slow, knowing once-over. "Well, don't you look... thoroughly wrecked."
Jade's head snapped in my direction, her eyes widening as she took in my flushed cheeks, my slightly mussed hair, the faint, lingering flush in my cheeks. "Oh, my gods," Jade whispered, her eyes lighting up with immediate, wicked curiosity. "You look like you just..."
She trailed off, a slow grin spreading across her face as she leaned in closer. "Athena. Did you just get fucked?"
I felt my cheeks heat again, and I took another long sip of water, willing my pulse to settle. "No idea what you're talking about," I said, my voice a little too breathless to be convincing.
Ezzy choked on her drink, her eyes going wide as she looked between us, then burst out laughing, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables.
Jade leaned even closer, eyes gleaming with wicked delight. "Oh, please. You look thoroughly fucked. Your hair is a mess, your lips are swollen, and you have that glow."
Ezzy leaned in, grinning like a cat that had just caught a particularly juicy bird. "Did Riven finally break you in, Athens?"
I choked on my water, sputtering as I tried to glare at them both, my cheeks burning. "Can we not do this here?" Ezzy smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Oh, no. We are absolutely doing this here." Jade's eyes sparkled as she leaned even closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Come on, spill. Was he good?"
I was saved by the guys joining our table, their voices loud and carefree as they slid into the empty seats around us. As usual, Riven took the seat directly across from me, his eyes finding mine as he sat down, a small, knowing smirk pulling at his lips.
Before I could fully catch my breath, he reached across the table, his fingers brushing the back of my hand, the touch brief but deliberate. His thumb lingered, tracing a slow, possessive circle against my skin, his gaze never leaving mine.
The table fell into stunned silence, everyone staring at us, mouths slightly agape.
Jax was the first to recover, his brows shooting up as he leaned forward, his gaze flicking between me and Riven. "Are... you guys together?" he blurted, his tone a mix of disbelief and excitement. "Tell me you guys are finally together."
Riven lifted his eyebrows in challenge, his hand still wrapped around mine, his thumb brushing slow, teasing circles against my skin, daring me to say it out loud.
I felt my pulse spike, my heart racing as I squeezed his hand, meeting his dark, unflinching gaze for a brief second before turning to my friends.
"Yes, we are together," I said, my voice steady, my cheeks still warm.
There was a brief, stunned silence around the table, and then Ezzy let out a high-pitched squeal, practically bouncing in her seat as she reached across the table to grab my free hand.
"Oh my gods, I knew it!" she half-whispered, half-shouted, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I knew there was something different about you today!"
Jade clapped her hands together, leaning in with wide, gleeful eyes. "Finally!" she said, her gaze flicking between me and Riven. "It's about damn time."
Jax's face broke into a wide, triumphant grin, his eyes lighting up like he'd just won a long-running bet. "I knew it! I freaking called it! You guys owe me big time," he said, jabbing a finger at Zion, who just rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair, clapping Riven on the shoulder.
"Happy for you, my brother," Zion said, his smile small but genuine.
Riven just smirked, his grip on my hand tightening, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt my pulse skip, my heart still racing, my cheeks still flushed, but I couldn't help the small, wicked smile that crept onto my lips.