The throne room of Aurelia Palace was colder this time—colder not by temperature, but by intention. The guards stood tense, hands hovering near their weapons. The air felt weighted, as though even the walls leaned in to listen.
At the center of the room stood Elyra Voss, former huntress of legendary reputation. Her cloak was worn from travel, her red hair showing strands of grey that hadn't been there a decade ago. Still, her spine was straight, her eyes sharp. Age had not softened her—if anything, it had made her more formidable.
King Aldric observed her from his throne, fingers interlaced beneath his chin.
" Elyra Voss," he began, his voice echoing through the hall, "you have been summoned for one matter only: the girl known as Riven Nightthorn."
Elyra bowed with minimal formality.
"I expected as much, Your Majesty."
Queen Seraphina leaned forward, silver eyes studying her intently.
"You trained her. You knew her better than anyone. Tell us—who is she truly?"
Elyra met the queen's gaze without fear.
"She is exactly who she appears to be. A girl who grew up in an orphanage. A girl who works harder than any child I have seen. A girl who protects the weak because she knows what it is to be alone."
Princess Lyria folded her arms.
"But no one knows her magical attribute. Not even the guild. Not even the people she trained with." Everything around her is mysterious.
Elyra's expression didn't shift.
"Because I did not reveal it."
King Aldric's eyes narrowed.
"Why hide such vital information from the kingdom?"
"Because," Elyra answered calmly, "it was not necessary. Riven is not a danger to Aurelia."
Princess Elyra blinked.
" You sound very certain."
"I am," Elyra replied. "That girl would burn herself alive before she allowed harm to come to anyone in that orphanage. They are her family. Her home. And she would defend this kingdom the same way if needed."
A heavy silence followed.
Finally, King Aldric asked the question everyone in the hall had been waiting for.
" Then tell me, Elyra Voss… what is her magic?"
Elyra hesitated for the first time.
Her eyes flickered—not with fear, but with a resolve carved by years of knowing truths too heavy to speak.
" That," she said softly, "is something she must tell you herself. If you summon her, she will answer your questions. But I will not betray her trust."
The king studied her for a long, cold moment.
"…Very well," he said at last. "You are dismissed."
Elyra bowed once again—no lower than before—and turned on her heel.
As the massive doors opened and closed behind her, the royal family exchanged uneasy glances.
Elyra did not slow down until she reached the familiar dirt road leading to the orphanage. The scent of chimney smoke and bread drifted through the air—memories layered atop memories.
She found Riven in the back courtyard, practicing sword arcs with a blade made entirely of glowing black energy. The air rippled with each swing.
Riven sensed her presence instantly and lowered the blade.
"Elyra? You look serious."
"I need to speak with you," Elyra said, pulling her aside. "Now."
Riven nodded, expression sharpening.
Elyra exhaled.
" The royal family is asking questions about you. They summoned me to the palace today."
Riven 's brows lifted slightly.
" Oh? That was fast."
" They want to know who you are," Elyra continued. "Your past, your abilities, your magic. They're… concerned. Some of them fear you might be a threat."
Riven crossed her arms and leaned her back against the wall casually.
" If they summon me, I'll go," she said simply. "And I'll answer their questions."
Elyra's voice tightened.
" And if they decide you are a threat? What then?"
A small smile curved Riven's lips—calm, unbothered, almost amused.
" Then I'll prove I'm not."
Elyra stared at her, frustration and worry in her eyes.
" You're too calm about this."
" Worrying won't change anything," Riven said. "And I don't plan on making enemies out of the ruling family. Not because they're strong… but because I like this life. This world. I don't want it destroyed."
Her eyes softened, just barely.
" And I don't want to die in this lifetime."
Elyra fell silent at that. and looked at her with confusing expression
After a long moment, she nodded.
" Just… be careful, Riven ."
"I always am," Riven replied with a grin.
⸻
A Voice in the Dark
After Elyra left, the quiet in Riven's mind shifted—like ripples spreading through still water.
Then Morrivayne's voice curled through her thoughts, silky and ancient.
"So. The little monarchy has noticed you."
Riven smirked.
" They were bound to, eventually."
"What will you do?" Morrivayne purred.
"Burn their palace? Tear open their throats? I can help, you know."
"No," Riven said mildly. "I'm not planning on fighting them. They're not my enemies. Not unless they force themselves into that position."
A pause.
Then a soft, amused hum.
" How very mature of you, little vessel."
Riven rolled her eyes.
" I like this incarnation, Morrivayne. It's peaceful enough to let me grow stronger. And I want to grow stronger. My magic, my body, everything. This is the first life where I'm not dying every few years."
Morrivayne's presence flickered with interest.
" And your body… the thing you discovered."
Riven smiled faintly, gaze drifting toward the setting sun.
" Yes. With my temporal magic, I can slow the aging of my body—freeze it at the perfect condition. Give myself decades… centuries, maybe… to train."
Her eyes sharpened with fire.
"I'll take my time. I'll grow powerful enough to crush that arrogant goddess when the day comes."
Morrivayne's laughter echoed like velvet in her mind.
" Ahh… and here I thought you couldn't amuse me further. Very well, Riven . I'll watch. And perhaps… enjoy the show."
Riven pushed off the wall, the last light of day glinting in her yellow eyes.
"Good. Because it's only just beginning."
⸻