The first thing Riven noticed was the silence.
Not the comforting kind, but the suffocating, golden kind — the silence of people who watch you too closely because you're too beautiful, too powerful, or too dangerous to ignore.
He sat at the long marble table in the royal dining hall. Silver goblets, white roses, and a roasted phoenix beast steaming in the center. But no one was eating.
They were all staring at him.
"Prince Lucien."
A soft voice. Sweet. Nervous.
He turned.
Elias.
The High Priest's son.
He looked like a painting — soft silver hair, delicate robes that shimmered like moonlight, lips slightly parted in surprise. His eyes — glowing with holy magic — scanned Riven's face like he was checking for cracks.
"You're really awake…"
Riven gave him a slow smile. "Disappointed?"
Elias blushed instantly, then looked down. "No. Just… surprised. After what happened during the Ascension Ritual—"
Before he could finish, a new voice cut in like ice on fire.
"Leave him. He's still recovering."
Kael.
The Crown Prince entered in black armor, dripping authority and annoyance. His crimson cape flowed behind him, his sword still strapped to his back — ceremonial, but he wore it like he'd use it. Riven felt the weight of Kael's stare and smiled wider.
"Big brother," Riven purred, lounging back in his chair. "You're still bossy, I see."
Kael stopped behind him and leaned in close enough for only Riven to hear. His voice dropped low.
"Don't test me. You may wear his face now, but I'll gut you the moment you slip."
Riven's smile never faltered.
So Kael knew. Or suspected. That he wasn't the same Lucien as before.
Perfect.
"Gut me gently then," Riven whispered, eyes sparkling. "At least buy me dinner first."
Kael froze for a second.
Elias gasped softly.
And a servant dropped a goblet.
Riven laughed under his breath. He had lived one life on the streets and died because he trusted too easily. This time, he would be dangerous, desired, and untouchable.
But then— pain.
His collar burned.
He reached up and felt it: a thin, enchanted black choker wrapped around his neck. Invisible until activated. A seal. A leash.
Kael stepped back, his expression blank. "You're under surveillance. The Royal Circle activated a soul-binding charm. Try anything… unnatural, and it will squeeze the magic out of you."
Riven hissed. "Charming."
"You used to like being choked," Kael said coldly. "What changed?"
Riven smiled with slow menace. "Everything."
That night, he sat alone on the balcony of the prince's chambers, staring out at the glowing city of Ellyria.
Behind him: a cursed collar.