The throne room remained frozen long after Riven's black aura vanished from its marble floors. Her footsteps had barely faded before whispers began to slither through the air.
Nobles stared at one another in horror and disbelief—some trembling, some pale, some grateful to still be alive.
They had never seen such overwhelming power.
Never imagined a single person could silence an entire army.
Princess Lyria remained rooted in place, her eyes fixed on the doors Riven had vanished through. Her mind spiraled.
Lyria (thoughts):
Was that really Riven?
That girl… that smile… that warmth—
Where did it go?
Who was that monster of rage and power?
No… no. She had every right to be angry.
They hurt her family.
Of course she lost control.
I… I have to reach her somehow. I have to help her.
She steadied her breathing, swallowing the fear and confusion twisting inside her chest.
Finally, she approached her father.
Lyria:
"Father… we need to help the children at the orphanage. They were harmed because of us.
I'm going there now."
But the King raised a hand, stopping her immediately.
King:
"You are right. But not now.
It is still dangerous outside.
We must ensure everything is under control first.
You will go in the morning—with Kaira."
Lyria wanted to argue—but she knew he was right.
The King then called for a soldier.
The armored man rushed in, knee hitting the floor.
King:
"Report. What is the state of our forces?"
Soldier:
"Your Majesty… we lost many.
A large number are severely wounded and require medical aid.
But the situation would have been far worse without Huntress Riven."
The murmurs in the room grew louder.
Soldier:
"We were on the brink of defeat when she appeared out of nowhere.
She killed every mercenary in her path—in an instant."
Silence.
Shock.
A ripple of awe.
Some nobles whispered:
"She's unbelievably strong."
"She saved us… again."
"She's terrifying, but… our kingdom owes her."
The King exhaled slowly—relief mixed with fear.
King:
"Very well.
Gather our strongest, unharmed soldiers.
Arrest Lady Varna, Lord Halden, and Lord Evrin.
Throw them into the dungeons until their judgment."
Soldier:
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The man bowed and hurried out.
⸻
On the Road Back to the Orphanage
As Riven walked through the quiet streets, her boots echoing softly, Morrivayne finally spoke inside her mind:
Morrivayne:
"You really lost control back there, darling.
You were terrifying.
What happened to you?"
Riven remained silent for a few seconds.
Riven:
"…Nothing."
Morrivayne (snorts):
"Don't lie.
I can feel everything you feel, remember?
I hear your thoughts.
I live inside you."
Riven clenched her jaw.
Morrivayne:
"That moment—the kids, the blood, the helplessness—
It reminded you of your past.
Of the Alex life you never talk about.
Back then, you were powerless.
You couldn't save anyone."
Riven didn't respond.
Her eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, but her heartbeat sounded sharper.
Morrivayne:
"So when something similar happened again, you snapped.
You almost killed everyone in that throne room."
Riven exhaled sharply.
Riven:
"If you already know, why ask?"
Morrivayne laughed softly—dark, musical.
Morrivayne:
"Because I love hearing you say it.
You hide everything inside that little frozen heart of yours."
Riven glared into the distance, annoyed.
Riven:
"I should've killed them all.
Everyone in that throne room causes nothing but trouble."
Morrivayne (delighted laugh):
"Oh, that would've been glorious.
Especially the look on the King's face…
and poor Princess Lyria—
she lo—"
Her words cut off with a cackle, clearly about to reveal something Riven didn't want to hear.
Riven:
"Stop laughing so loudly.
You're giving me a headache."
Morrivayne:
"Hmph.
I don't mind you killing them—but it would've drawn too much attention.
Too many eyes on you.
So it's probably good you didn't."
Riven sighed, the rage still simmering beneath her calm expression, and continued walking toward the orphanage.
The night around her felt colder.
But her eyes burned hotter than ever.