As promised, Vaelorian had taken Riven to the dimly lit, iron-barred cell where their enemies were being held yesterday—Yet, despite the careful planning and the weight of expectation, something had gone awry. Riven's second gift, his ability to control the mind of others—had stubbornly refused to work. It was as if some invisible barrier had been erected around his mind, blocking him from doing what he desperately wanted to do.
It's now the second day and the sun had barely begun to crest the horizon when Vaelorian led Riven through the dim corridors again. Vaelorian's expression was serious, his brow furrowed as he navigated toward the cell where the villains were confined. Riven, still feeling the weight of yesterday's failed attempt, followed quietly, his mind swirling with frustration and confusion.
As they reached the heavy iron door, Vaelorian paused, his hand resting on the cool surface. "Here we are," he said softly, voice tinged with resolve. "Let's see if it'll work this time."
Riven stepped closer, the faint glow of his mind control gift flickered uneasily within him. He closed his eyes, concentrating, willing his mind to take hold. But nothing happened. The silence stretched between them, tense and deafening. Riven's eyes snapped open, frustration boiling over.
"No," he muttered bitterly, voice trembling with annoyance. "Why... why isn't it working? I should be able to do this."
How could this be? No whispering voices, no shifting thoughts—just silence. It was as if an invisible barrier had snapped shut around his mind, leaving him utterly helpless.
Would the real Riven have been able to use his gift at will?
Vaelorian, watching him with a mixture of sympathy and understanding, stepped closer. His eyes softened as he reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Riven's shoulder.
"So far, your second gift has only activated when you saved me," he said gently, trying to reason with the younger boy. "Maybe it's not working because you're not in any immediate danger. Perhaps your gift responds only when your instincts tells you to protect someone… or when the stakes are high enough."
Riven looked away, battling a swirl of emotions—embarrassment, frustration, and a faint flicker of hope. He nodded slowly, digesting Vaelorian's words.
"Maybe," he murmured, voice uncertain.
They turned away from the cell and made their way back through the winding corridors, arriving at Vaelorian's private study—a sanctuary filled with ancient books, flickering candles, and the soft scent of vanilla lingering in the air. Riven took a moment to stand still, eyes closed, contemplating everything that had just happened. The weight of his failure pressed down on him, yet a small seed of resolve was blooming.
"I guess I should go to class," Riven finally said, voice reluctant but decisive. "there's no point waiting around here...if I can't do anything" His tone was hesitant, but there was a flicker of resolve behind his eyes. Despite the rebellious streak that often got him into trouble—cutting classes, sneaking out, defying authority—today he felt a quiet desire to reconnect with the normalcy.
Vaelorian's face softened into a gentle smile. "Come to me," he requested softly, his tone coaxing. Riven hesitated, then cautiously stepped forward. As he approached, Vaelorian wrapped his arms around the younger boy in a warm, protective embrace. Riven felt the steady beat of Vaelorian's heart against his chest, the tenderness of the gesture calming his restless spirit.
He looked up into Vaelorian's eyes, searching for reassurance. The older boy leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss atop Riven's head, a silent promise of support. Then, slowly, Vaelorian pulled back, his gaze locking onto Riven's with a mixture of affection and understanding.
"I know you want to help," Vaelorian whispered, voice thick with sincerity. "And I truly appreciate it. But please… don't be disappointed if things don't go as planned. Sometimes, even our best efforts aren't enough to change the course of events. Just remember, I believe in you—more than you realize."
Riven's heart fluttered at those words. A small smile tugged at his lips, and he nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him—a reassurance that, no matter what, he wasn't alone.
"That's my good boy," Vaelorian said softly, his voice full of genuine affection. Riven felt a flutter of relief wash over him. Despite the setbacks, he was glad that Vaelorian wasn't upset; he hadn't failed in the eyes of the older boy.
But then, hesitantly, Riven spoke again. "I have to go," he said quietly, voice tinged with regret. The weight of missed classes and lost time pressed on him.
Vaelorian groaned softly, a hint of protest in his voice. "Stay with me," he pleaded, reaching out to tug gently at Riven's sleeve. "You don't have to rush to class. We can spend more time—"
Riven shook his head, a gentle but firm resolve in his eyes. "No, I've already missed too much. I need to see my friends."
Vaelorian's eyes flickered with a touch of hurt. "Yes, you've missed classes but I've been teaching you myself, remember? Don't you enjoy our lessons? Don't you like learning from me?"
Riven's cheeks warmed, and he felt a sudden rush of embarrassment. The memories of their private tutoring sessions—intimate, intense, and somehow thrilling—flooded his mind. He liked those moments more than he should, and he couldn't deny the flutter in his stomach whenever Vaelorian got close.
"I miss my friends," Riven repeated softly, trying to change the subject. "I'm sure they missed me too."
Vaelorian's expression softened into a mischievous, almost puppy-like plea. "You miss them more than me?" His voice was hopeful, he wants the younger boy to stay with him.
Riven blinked in surprise, then laughed softly. "We've spent the last few days together, Your Highness," he said, a teasing smile forming. "And it's still not enough?"
Vaelorian's face fell into a mock pout, "No, it's still not enough, I want you with me always." he echoed softly, making Riven roll his eyes in exasperation, but then he chuckled softly.
"You're like the most unreasonable man I know," Riven muttered, shaking his head with a mixture of disbelief and affection.
"You know other men?" Vaelorian asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes, his puppy-dog expression.
Riven let out an exasperated sigh, crossing his arms. "You're unbelievable!" he muttered, knowing there was no reasoning with him when he was like this. Still, a part of him couldn't help but smile at Vaelorian's persistence. "Fine," he said softly, "I'll check on my friends and come back, okay?"
He leaned in, cupping Vaelorian's face gently. Without hesitation, Riven pressed his lips to the older boy's in a deep, lingering kiss. Vaelorian's eyes widened in surprise, still dazed from the unexpected affection. Seizing the moment, Riven slipped down from Vaelorian's lap, his heart pounding in his chest. He hurried toward the door, throwing a quick glance back.
"I'll be back before you know it," he promised softly, then swung the door open with a decisive bang.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Vaelorian sat in silence, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. He realized he'd been tricked—by a kiss, no less. It was clever, daring, and utterly Riven. The boy was more than just brave; he was resourceful, and Vaelorian couldn't help but admire that.
As Vaelorian leaned back in his chair, he couldn't help but feel a strange, almost frightening need—an unstoppable desire—to possess Riven completely. To own him, to keep him close forever. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. Would Riven run if he knew just how much Vaelorian wanted him? Would he be frightened away by the intensity of his feelings?
Shaking his head, Vaelorian pushed the troubling thoughts aside. He would take things one day at a time with Riven. For now, there were more pressing matters—like Sir Eryndor's absence. It had been days since the knight was sent to the emperor, and Vaelorian was growing more anxious with each passing moment. He'd uncovered clues about the disappearances, fragments of a puzzle that only Sir Eryndor's insight could piece together.
For now, he would wait. Patience, he told himself. One step at a time. Vaelorian knows a day would come when all the pieces fit, and the truth would finally emerge from the shadows. Until then, he'd keep watch, and hold onto the hope that his trust in Eryndor would be rewarded—and that, perhaps someday, he'd have Riven truly be his, not just as someone he sleeps with but as something far more precious.