The week only grew more chaotic as the big day drew closer. Rehearsals blurred into late-night prep sessions, costume fittings ran long, and the whole school buzzed with the frantic energy of final touches and last-minute adjustments.
But in the middle of all that chaos, Riven and I kept finding each other, slipping into empty classrooms, ducking into forgotten storage closets, pulling each other into dark corners whenever we got the chance. His hands were always on me, his mouth quick to find mine, his touch setting my pulse racing, my skin tingling with the thrill of being caught.
*Warning: Brief Steamy Scene Ahead. If uncomfortable, please skip to the next part*
For the first time, I took control, my fingers slipping beneath his shirt, exploring the hard lines of his body, feeling the way his breath hitched as my hands wandered lower, tracing the sharp cut of his hips, slipping into his jeans, feeling the way he shuddered beneath my touch.
He was big, barely fitting into my mouth, his breaths coming in sharp, broken gasps as my tongue traced the length of him, tasting the heat of his skin. His fingers tightened in my hair, his head tipping back, his jaw clenching as I took him deeper, my lips tightening around him, my tongue swirling around the sensitive tip before I hollowed my cheeks, letting him fill my mouth.
"Fuck, Athens," he gasped, his voice rough, his muscles straining as he fought to keep control, his hips jerking forward, his whole body trembling as I set a steady rhythm, my mouth working him over, my tongue dragging against the sensitive underside, drawing out low, desperate sounds that sent a fresh wave of heat through me.
I felt him pulse against my tongue, his hips stuttering as he reached the edge, his hand clenching in my hair, a sharp, broken sound escaping his throat as his body tensed, his release hitting him hard. I swallowed everything he gave, my tongue still working him over, drawing out every last shudder until his body finally relaxed, his breaths coming out in rough, uneven pants as he slowly came back down.
I pulled back slowly, my lips releasing him with a soft, wet sound, my mouth still tingling from the heat of him. I looked up, meeting his dark, half-lidded gaze, his chest still heaving, his jaw tight, a faint sheen of sweat on his skin.
His hand loosened in my hair, his fingers sliding down to cup my face, his thumb brushing over my swollen lips, his gaze intense, possessive, his breath still coming out in rough, uneven pants.
"Come here," he whispered, his voice still rough, pulling me up to meet his mouth in a deep, unrestrained kiss, his tongue slipping past my lips, tasting himself on me, his other hand gripping my waist, holding me tight against him.
I clung to his shoulders, my knees still a little weak, my pulse still racing, his mouth unrelenting, his grip on me tight, his kiss hungry, almost desperate, like he couldn't get enough, like he needed to feel me, taste me, claim me.
When he finally broke the kiss, his forehead rested against mine, his breath hot against my lips, his hands still wrapped around me, holding me close, his thumb tracing slow, lazy circles against my waist.
"Damn, Athena," he whispered, his voice low, almost reverent. "You're going to be the death of me."
I felt a satisfied, slightly wicked smile spread across my lips, my heart still hammering in my chest, every nerve ending still tingling from the way I'd just reduced him to a shaking, breathless mess.
*End of Steamy Scene*
Whatever this thing between us was, it felt more real now, more consuming, something I couldn't brush off even if I wanted to. And judging by the way he held me, his fingers still tight on my waist, his breath still unsteady against my lips, I knew he felt it too.
And of course, our friends had noticed. Whenever we crossed paths with them, they would throw us knowing looks or teasing smirks, like they didn't have their own secret adventures within the school. Jax, especially, seemed to take a particular delight in catching Riven's eye across a crowded hallway, waggling his eyebrows or making exaggerated kissing faces, his grin wide and unrepentant.
Ezzy and Jade were no better, shooting me sly grins whenever I walked into a room looking a little too flushed or with my hair slightly out of place. And Riven, the smug bastard, would just smirk, his fingers finding mine in those quiet moments, his touch firm, possessive, as if daring them to say something.
Rey and I were knee-deep in the final fittings for the school choir, pins and fabric scraps scattered around our feet, the air thick with the sharp scent of freshly cut cloth and half-whispered enchantments, when Principal Jadean Starhaven's voice echoed through the school, his words vibrating through the air, clear and commanding.
"Attention, all students. Please make your way to the auditorium immediately. I repeat, all students to the auditorium."
Rey straightened, a pin clenched between her teeth, her eyes flicking to mine, a hint of concern tightening her expression.
"That doesn't sound good," she muttered, dropping the fabric she'd been holding and brushing her hands against her skirt.
I felt a small, anxious twist in my stomach, the hum of magic in the air suddenly feeling sharper, the nervous energy of the festival preparations shifting into something more charged.
I pulled the last pin from the choir robe in my hands, tossing it onto the nearest worktable before grabbing Rey's wrist and pulling her toward the door.
"Come on," I said, my pulse already quickening. "Let's see what this is about."
The auditorium was already filled with students by the time we arrived, the noise a chaotic blend of nervous whispers and hurried conversations. The air felt charged, the usual festival excitement tinged with something sharper, more uncertain.
Rey and I barely managed to find seats near the back, squeezing into the last two empty spots just as the heavy wooden doors swung shut behind us, the sound echoing through the massive hall.
I scanned the sea of heads, catching a glimpse of Riven near the front, his dark hair standing out even in the crowded room. He turned slightly, as if sensing my gaze, his eyes finding mine for a brief second before he shifted back, his posture tense, his jaw tight.
Headmaster Jadean stepped onto the stage, his fitted suit sharp and immaculate, every line crisp and precise, his presence commanding immediate attention. He paused at the center, his sharp eyes sweeping over the sea of students, the usual stern set of his jaw even more pronounced.
"Students," he began, his deep voice carrying easily through the massive hall, commanding immediate silence. "We are only two days away from the Cultural Festival, and I have just received word from the Council."
A ripple of murmurs swept through the room, students exchanging nervous glances, the energy in the auditorium shifting from chaotic excitement to sharp, focused anticipation.
"This year, the Council has informed us that they will be attending the Cultural Festival."
The whispers grew louder, a few shocked gasps breaking through the otherwise stunned silence.
"And," he continued, his voice never wavering, "the Elites of Lysoria have also been invited to join."
My heart skipped a beat, my mind struggling to process the weight of that statement. The Elites? At the Cultural Festival? That had never happened before.
"This is why there will be a change in venue," he went on, his eyes still scanning the crowd. "The Cultural Festival will now take place at the open-air arena at the border separating Lysoria and Lowmere. A first in history."
The room erupted into a fresh wave of whispers, the energy buzzing with equal parts excitement and fear.
"With the Council and the Elites now involved, the event will demand more preparation, higher standards, and stricter protocols. Never before have the Elites or the Council taken an interest in the Cultural Festival. But, for the first time ever, this is being marked as an official Elarion main event." I felt Rey's fingers tighten around my arm, her nails digging into my skin, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and anxiety.
An Elarion main event. This changed everything. Headmaster Jadean let the murmurs ripple through the crowd for a moment before raising a hand, silencing the room once more. His gaze swept over the sea of faces, his expression unreadable, his tone unyielding.
"This means," he continued, "that the pressure on each of you has just increased tenfold. You will be representing Lowmere, your schools, and your communities. I expect every single one of you to rise to this occasion. Excellence will be the standard, and nothing less will be tolerated."
My pulse quickened, the reality of the situation settling in. This wasn't just about the Cultural Festival anymore. This was a stage for all of Elarion to watch, to judge, to remember.
"Rehearsals will be intensified," he added, his sharp gaze cutting through the crowd. "All performances will be re-evaluated. I expect nothing less than perfection."
I felt a cold prickle run down my spine, my heart hammering in my chest as the weight of his words sank in. I caught Riven's gaze from across the room, his expression unreadable, his jaw tight, his eyes narrowed in that way that told me he was already thinking five steps ahead, calculating the risks, the implications.
Headmaster Jadean's voice echoed through the auditorium once more, his final words settling like a heavy stone in my stomach.
"Make me proud," he said, his eyes sharp, his tone final. "Dismissed."
The room erupted into chaos as students leapt to their feet, their voices overlapping in a chaotic blend of excitement, fear, and nervous energy.
Rey turned to me, her eyes still wide, her grip on my arm tightening. "Did you hear that?" she whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief. "The Council and the Elites. This is... this is huge."
I nodded, my mind still reeling, my pulse still racing. "I know. This changes everything."
We pushed our way through the crowd, fighting against the tide of bodies surging toward the exits, the air thick with frantic whispers and hurried footsteps. I caught a glimpse of Jade and Ezzy near the front, their eyes wide, their expressions a mix of shock and nervous excitement.
Riven found me in the chaos, his tall frame cutting through the crowd, his dark eyes sharp as he closed the distance between us. He reached for my hand without hesitation, his grip firm, his touch grounding, the tension in his jaw a clear sign that his mind was already racing ahead, calculating the implications of the Council's involvement.
"We need to talk," he said, his voice low, his eyes locked on mine.
I nodded, my heart still pounding, my mind still struggling to process what this meant for all of us.
"Yeah," I whispered, my fingers tightening around his. "We do."
Riven didn't let go of my hand as he led me down a side hallway, away from the main flow of students, his pace quick, his jaw set, his eyes dark with that sharp, calculating focus I'd come to recognize. He pulled me into an empty classroom, shutting the door behind us with a soft click, the noise from the hallway muffled to a dull roar. He let go of my hand, turning to face me, his eyes locking onto mine, his expression serious.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low, his eyes searching my face, his hand resting on my waist, his thumb brushing small, grounding circles against my hip. I took a deep breath, leaning back against the edge of a desk, my pulse still racing, my mind still spinning. "I don't know," I admitted, running a shaky hand through my hair. "This... this changes everything."
Riven's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing, his grip on my waist tightening slightly. "They're trying to draw him out." I frowned, my mind struggling to catch up. "What do you mean?"
"The Council," he said, his voice sharp, his eyes locked onto mine. "This whole thing. The venue change, inviting the Elites, making it an Elarion main event; it's a trap. They're trying to lure that motherfucker out of hiding. They want him to show up, to expose himself."
My heart skipped a beat, my blood turning to ice.
"They're using us as bait," I whispered, the full weight of the situation settling in my chest, the fear coiling tight in my stomach. Riven's jaw clenched, his eyes dark, his hand still gripping my waist, his thumb no longer moving, his entire body tense. "And you're going to be right in the middle of it. Exposed. Vulnerable."
I felt the blood drain from my face, my pulse spiking, my breath coming out in short, sharp bursts. "You're going to be exposed, Athena."
I shook my head, trying to make sense of everything, the pieces of the puzzle clicking together in a way that left my stomach twisted in knots.
"But I'm not the one he's interested in," I said, my voice coming out sharper than I intended, my breath catching as the full weight of Riven's words settled over me. "I don't have what he's been seeking. Lara is the one he wants."
Riven's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he looked at me, his expression torn, like he was debating whether or not to say what was really on his mind.
"You're a means to an end," he said finally, his voice low, his gaze dark and unflinching.
I froze, my heart skipping a beat, the words echoing in my head, cold and final.
"What do you mean?" I whispered, my pulse spiking, my breath catching as I searched his face for answers.
Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, his hands coming up to cup my face, his touch rough but careful, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks, his eyes locking onto mine with an urgency that made my heart skip a beat.
"Please, babe," he whispered, his voice raw, his breath coming out in sharp, uneven pants. "I beg you. Don't fight me on this. Just... let me take care of you. Let me keep you safe."
His eyes searched mine, desperate, intense, his fingers tightening on my face as if he was terrified I might slip away, his entire body radiating that same, fierce protectiveness I'd felt from him before, but never quite like this.
I swallowed, my pulse still racing, my heart still hammering in my chest, the weight of his words settling heavily in my mind. "Okay," I whispered, my hands coming up to cover his, my fingers curling around his wrists, grounding us both. "But I want some explanations after all this, Riven."
His jaw tightened, his thumbs still brushing slow, desperate circles against my cheeks, his gaze never leaving mine. "You'll have them," he said, his voice low, his eyes dark, his grip on me unrelenting. "I promise."
I felt Riven's grip on my face slowly loosen, his eyes still locked on mine, the tension in his jaw easing just enough for me to see the worry etched into his expression. I took a deep breath, my heart still racing, my mind still struggling to process everything he'd just said.
But there was no more time to dwell on it. As Headmaster Jadean had said, preparations for the festival increased tenfold, pushing us to our limits, demanding every ounce of focus and energy we had left. Rehearsals ran late, costumes were checked and rechecked, and every performance was scrutinized to the smallest detail, the pressure to be perfect weighing down on all of us.
By the time I finally made it home, I was absolutely drained, my body aching, my mind buzzing with exhaustion, my feet sore from hours of dance practice, my voice hoarse from endless run-throughs and shouted directions.
I stepped through the front door, kicking off my shoes and shrugging out of my jacket, my shoulders sagging with the weight of the long day. I heard the low murmur of voices coming from the living room and paused, leaning against the wall for a moment to catch my breath.
I found Myrren and Lara in the living room, curled up on the oversized armchairs, a pot of moonlight elixir tea steaming between them, its faint, silvery glow casting soft shadows over their faces.
Lara's head tipped back as she laughed at something Myrren said, her usually tense expression relaxed, her eyes bright, the steam from the tea curling around her like mist. Myrren's eyes flicked to me as I stepped into the room, her smile widening as she raised her cup in a silent greeting. "You're back," she said, her tone warm, a hint of relief in her eyes. "Long day?"
"Yes," I said, dropping onto the edge of the couch with a heavy sigh. "I heard the Council decided to make the Cultural Festival an Elarion main event just two days away from the actual event."
I leaned back, folding my arms over my chest, my eyes narrowing slightly as I looked at her, a small, accusatory edge creeping into my tone. "Any idea why the sudden change of heart toward the festival?" For a brief second, Myrren's eyes hardened, a tiny crack forming in her usually unshakable, put-together mask. She set her cup down slowly, her fingers lingering on the delicate porcelain as if using it to anchor herself.
"Maybe it was time we acknowledged the talent and potential of Lowmere's students," she said, her tone carefully neutral, her smile slipping back into place, her eyes a little too bright, a little too controlled. Lara shifted slightly, her fingers tightening around her own cup, her gaze dropping to the swirling, silvery liquid inside.
I leaned back, crossing my legs, a small, sarcastic smirk pulling at my lips. "Right. Because the Council has always been so supportive of Lowmere's potential." Myrren flinched, the movement so small I might have missed it if I hadn't been watching her so closely.
"Anyway," I added, my tone deliberately casual, leaning forward to rest my elbows on my knees. "You guys are coming, right?"
Lara's eyes snapped up, her fingers tightening around her cup, a flicker of something I couldn't quite place flashing across her face before she forced a too-bright smile. "Of course," she said, her tone a little too chipper, a little too quick. "Wouldn't miss it."
Myrren's smile returned, a little too polished, her eyes sharper than before. She lifted her cup again, taking a slow, deliberate sip before meeting my gaze over the rim. "Of course, darling," she said smoothly, her voice perfectly even, her mask firmly back in place. "We wouldn't miss it for the world."
They looked like such a bunch of fake-ass people, their smiles a little too tight, their eyes a little too bright, the tension in the room crackling beneath the forced small talk.
"Alright then," I said, stretching my arms over my head, feeling the weight of the day settle into my bones. "I'm dead on my feet. I'll see you guys in the morning."
Myrren's smile didn't falter, her eyes never leaving mine, her fingers still wrapped tightly around her cup, her mask perfectly in place.
"Goodnight my dear," she said, her tone smooth and practiced.
I didn't bother responding, just turned and headed for the stairs, my mind already drifting to my bed and the few precious hours of sleep I had left before the chaos picked up again.
The day of stage rehearsals finally came, and the open-air arena was a hive of activity, the scale of the setup a stark reminder of just how monumental this event had become. Massive, curved screens flanked the stage, their frames wrapped in shimmering, enchanted metal that pulsed faintly with protective wards. Rows of intricate, rune-etched lights hovered above, held in place by invisible threads of magic, casting a soft, shifting glow over the arena floor.
Crew members in sleek, black uniforms moved with purpose, their movements precise, each one an expert in their craft, weaving between stacks of equipment, adjusting massive, floating speakers, and checking the delicate balance of levitating platforms that would be used for the more ambitious performances.
The stage itself was a masterpiece, a massive, elevated structure with sweeping, arching designs inspired by the ancient architecture of Elarion, every corner etched with protective runes that pulsed gently in the early morning light.
Zion and Jade were near the front, bent over a digital blueprint projected in midair, their hands moving in quick, decisive gestures as they argued over the final lighting setup, the holographic design flickering with each adjustment, casting sharp shadows over their faces.
Ezzy, always in the thick of things, stood on one of the towering metal scaffolds, her hands wrapped tightly around the railing as she called down instructions to the crew below, her tone sharp, her voice cutting clearly through the noise.
I took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill my lungs, the tension from the day before, slowly slipping away as I took in the chaotic, mesmerizing beauty of the arena, the buzz of anticipation settling into my bones.
Last night, I had jumped on a video call with Zarich, who was with Safyrr, the two of them seated in Safyrr's dimly lit living room, the soft glow of enchanted candles casting their faces in warm, flickering light.
We had discussed the implications of this new development, and Zarich had confirmed what Riven had said. The Council's true intent was to lure Cole out of hiding, to force him into the open, where they could finally corner him.
They had both assured me not to worry, promising to keep a close watch, to take care of things and ensure my safety. Safyrr, with her usual sharp smile and calm, steady presence, had leaned in closer to the screen, her silver tattoos catching the light as she added, "And if he does show up, he'll find that he's not the only one who can play with shadows."
Zarich had added a reassuring smile, his usually stoic expression softening as he said, "We've got you, Athena. Don't let this throw you off your game. You've worked too hard for this."
Their confidence had cheered me up, their unwavering support a steady anchor in the chaotic storm that was rapidly building around me.
I was pulled from my thoughts as a familiar arm wrapped around my waist, the warmth of his touch instantly grounding me. I looked up, my pulse quickening, and found Riven beside me, his dark eyes sharp, his jaw set, looking as handsome as ever, even in the chaos of the arena.
I looked up, my pulse quickening, and found Riven beside me, looking as handsome as ever, his fitted black t-shirt molding to his body, emphasizing every hard line of muscle, the fabric clinging to his chest and arms, the silver cuff on his wrist catching the early morning light.
His hair was slightly tousled, a few loose strands falling over his eyes, the dark, intense gaze that always seemed to see right through me locked firmly on my face. I smiled up at him, leaning into him. "Hey, you." His smirk widened, his grip on my waist tightening slightly. "Hey, yourself," he murmured, his voice low, his eyes flicking over my face, his expression softening for a brief moment before the sharp edge returned to his jaw, his eyes cutting to the chaos unfolding around us.
"Ready for this?" he asked, his gaze flicking back to mine, the unspoken weight of everything we'd discussed hanging in the air between us.
I took a deep breath, letting the steady warmth of his body ground me. "As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, my lips pulling into a small, determined smile. Before he could respond, a familiar voice cut through the noise, loud and teasing.
"Oi! Get your asses in action, lovebirds!" Jax called as he passed by, a wicked grin plastered on his face. "Enough of the smooch smooch. Some of us are actually working." I rolled my eyes, my cheeks flushing slightly as Jax shot us a final, exaggerated wink before disappearing into the crowd, his laughter echoing behind him.
I turned back to Riven. "I better get going," I said, brushing my fingers lightly over his chest, feeling the steady, reassuring thud of his heartbeat beneath my palm. "See you later?" He leaned in, his head dipping, his breath warm against my lips, his grip tightening on my waist. "Count on it," he murmured, his eyes flicking to my mouth, his fingers flexing against my hip.
I pecked him on the lips, the brief, teasing kiss making my pulse spike, his hand tightening on my waist for a split second before I pulled back, slipping out of his hold and turning toward the stage, a small, satisfied smile pulling at my lips as I felt his gaze follow me.