Riven crossed the quiet training yard behind the orphanage early that morning, boots brushing lightly against the damp dirt. The breeze tugged at the ends of her short black hair, still carrying the chill of dawn.
Ever since the royal ball, a subtle heaviness had lingered in her chest — a discomfort she couldn't quite name.
Morrivayne, however, seemed amused more than concerned.
"Let me guess… you're bothered because they all stare at you as if you were some omen of doom."
Her silken voice curled lazily around Riven's thoughts like rising smoke.
Riven exhaled slowly.
"I don't care about the staring. They just… don't know me. They don't know what I've done, or what I haven't done."
Morrivayne chuckled, a low, pleased sound.
"Which makes it even more entertaining. When humans fear something they don't understand… they become fragile. Predictable."
Riven shook her head firmly.
"I don't want them fragile. And I don't want to frighten anyone."
"You're not frightening them on purpose. Your power is simply… large."
Her voice sharpened playfully.
"And growing."
But misfortune thrives on misunderstanding.
That same morning, a messenger arrived at the orphanage with a letter sealed by the royal crest.
A direct summons.
To the throne room.
Riven stood before the king and queen, shoulders straight, expression calm but not submissive.
Behind them, Princess Lyria observed in silent tension, fingers curled tightly around her dress.
The air felt heavy — thick with unspoken fears.
The king finally rose, his deep voice steady yet cautious.
"Rumors have reached us… many of them. Claims that you are a dark sorceress, that your power threatens the safety of the kingdom."
Riven lifted her chin slightly, her eyes unwavering.
"I don't blame you for asking, Your Majesty. But allow me to ask one thing in return…"
She stepped forward just enough for her voice to carry fully.
"If I wished harm upon this kingdom, would I have saved your daughter?"
A long silence followed.
The queen's gaze softened — just barely.
The king exhaled.
"We trust you, Riven. But these rumors breed unrest. They place weight upon you… and upon us."
Riven bowed her head lightly.
"I will never turn against this kingdom. No matter where I travel or what I learn… this place remains my home. And the people here were the first to ever feel like family."
Something in her voice made even the guards shift.
The king nodded slowly. "Then we are satisfied."
But Lyria…
Lyria's eyes never left Riven — full of worry she didn't bother to hide.
Not even an hour after leaving the throne room, a young maid found Riven in the courtyard.
"Princess Lyria requests your presence… in her chambers."
Riven hesitated only briefly before following.
Inside, Lyria was pacing anxiously — so unlike her usual practiced composure.
The moment she saw Riven, she rushed forward.
"Are you alright? Did my father question you unfairly? Did they—"
Riven lifted a hand, stopping her gently.
"I'm fine. Truly. There's nothing to worry about."
Lyria blew out a shaky breath, relief softening her shoulders.
She stepped closer — closer than usual — her voice low.
"I just… I didn't want you to think I doubted you. Not even for a moment."
Riven blinked, puzzled by the intensity in her tone.
"You didn't."
Silence lingered between them, warm instead of awkward.
Then suddenly —
Lyria straightened.
"Riven … I want you to train me."
Riven raised an eyebrow.
"Train you? In fighting?"why out of blue ?
Lyria nodded firmly.
"I want to protect myself… and the people I care about."
She lied; she wanted to keep Riven close to her.
She remembered seeing Riven without a shirt , Her cheeks colored — but she quickly looked away to hide it.
Riven didn't understand the blush, but she smiled despite herself.
"Very well.
Lyria's eyes brightened like a sunbeam.
"Thank you."I don't want to take much of your time, two days a week, in the royal training ground .
As Riven turned to leave, whispers outside the door slid through the hall like snakes:
"That girl is dangerous…"
"Her eyes don't look human."
"She bewitched the princess, I'm certain of it."
Riven paused.
But she didn't turn back , She sighed and continued walking.
Only Morrivayne's voice echoed inside her mind:
"Let them whisper. The louder they fear you… the higher you will rise."
And so, despite the trust of the royal family the shadows of doubt only grew deeper .