In the days that followed, Riven struggled to adjust to his new life, trying to find a balance between his old habits and the demands of his new reality. Training with Vaelorian had become a daily routine he didn't mind much anymore, but Riven was still getting his butt kicked –literally. Despite the humiliation, Riven refused to give up. He'd made up his mind: he was going to ride this hellish ride all the way to the fucking end.
A few days ago, Riven had attempted to sneak out not really knowing where he was headed but desperate for a break from the boring camp life. However, Vaelorian had caught up to him in seconds, dragging him back to their room with an ease that left Riven's pride bruised. Riven's protests were muffled by Vaelorian's firm grip, but he'd noticed it, behind Vaelorian's serious façade—there was a flicker of something else. Relief? Maybe. Not quite amusement, but close enough.
Thankfully, Vaelorian hadn't tattled on him, but the disappointment in his eyes had left Riven feeling a bit guilty. Why did Vaelorian look so let down when he caught Riven trying to sneak out?
The camp's schedule was suffocating, and Riven was itching for some release. There's no punishment more serious than restricting his movements.
After practice, both boys made their way out of the old training room, Vaelorian's voice softened just slightly.
"You did good today, but I need you to take this training more seriously, Riven."
Riven groaned, annoyed with this scrawny body that felt like it was made of paper mache.
"I am taking it seriously, but why are you helping me with this when it's not even your cup of tea?"
Vaelorian's eyes flicked with a quiet warmth—one Riven was starting to notice more and more—before he replied.
"I don't need some grand reason for helping you. I just know you'll need a stronger body to be able to use your mind control gift and I can help with that."
That actually made sense. Riven nodded, trying to ignore the familiar ache in his muscles after yet another round of brutal training. His body was getting stronger, all right, even if his pride was occasionally bruised. He was starting to get used to the constant ass whopping, and yet, deep down, he wondered—why would anyone genuinely help another out of pure kindness? Was there no limit to Vaelorian's goodie-two-shoes act? Or was there something more hidden beneath that kind face of his?
Riven tilted his head curiously. "Say… what's the easiest way to activate someone's gift?"
Vaelorian paused, considering. "It's different for everyone. If you're asking about yours, I don't know what it'll be."
Riven's brow furrowed. "So, we're just going to keep trying?"
"Yes, that's usually the solution," Vaelorian replied softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Riven chuckled, sarcasm slipping into his voice. "That's your solution? Continue kicking my ass or pissing me off till my gift activates?"
Vaelorian rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched with a hint of amusement.
"The first option sounds tempting. As for the second… I doubt I'd be much help with that. You tend to get angry and overreact all on your own."
"Haha, very funny," Riven shot back, playfully narrowing his eyes. Despite the teasing, he appreciated the banter, even if it was a thin disguise for the growing respect he held for Vaelorian.
Then, suddenly, Riven's eyes lit up with mischief, and he skipped in front of Vaelorian, turning his back in the opposite direction with a grin.
"When can I use your glowing swords?"
"Do watch where you're going, please!" Vaelorian said calmly, pointing down the hallway.
"Ugh! You're so proper and polite! It's so annoying! Has anyone ever told you that?" Riven exclaimed, crossing his arms with a mock pout.
Vaelorian's tone was that of pure amusement as he spoke. "I'm sure they think about it, but no one has ever dared say it to my face." he replied before pulling Riven out of the way just in time before he could collide with another camper and Vaelorian gave him the, 'I told you so!' look making Riven roll his eyes.
"Right! You didn't answer my question and I'm starving because of all that ass-whopping you gave me, so… I'm gonna skedaddle! See you later, your highness!" Riven suddenly said before dashing down the opposite side of the building.
"But I..." Vaelorian opened his mouth to speak, but Riven had already disappeared into the crowd, his laughter echoing behind him. Vaelorian sighed, running a hand through his hair, a small, almost unnoticed smile tugging at his lips. "I wanted to have dinner with you," he murmured softly before walking the other way.
"You can come out now." Vaelorian said and a figure appeared before him immediately, bowing respectfully.
"Good evening, your Highness."
"Good evening, Eryndor. What did you find?" Vaelorian asked, voice steady but edged with the weight of anticipation.
This man is Sir Eryndor Valecrest, a formidable warrior and Vaelorian's right hand and confidant. He the handed Vaelorian an envelope.
"Everything from birth till last night, your Highness…"
Vaelorian's brow furrowed as he took the envelope. "Say it!" he commanded, sensing hesitation in Eryndor's stance.
Eryndor hesitated for a heartbeat before speaking. "Your highness, he…he tried to take his own life a day before arriving in camp."
The words hit like a blow. Vaelorian's breath caught in his throat, eyes narrowing as he processed the shock. Eryndor bowed deeper and disappeared into the shadows.
Vaelorian's mind spun as he absorbed the revelation. Why? Why would someone so young and full of life take such drastic measures? His jaw clenched, teeth grinding in silent frustration. The duke had sent his suicidal son to camp just a day after the boy attempted to take his own life?
"How utterly heartless and distasteful" Vaelorian thought, his fists tightening.
For the first time in days, Vaelorian finally realized how close he'd gotten to actually losing the younger boy. He wondered what the boy's story is, about the pain hidden behind those guarded eyes. Beneath all the sass and bravado, the younger boy was more than just a troublemaker, wasn't he? He's hurting. He was a puzzle, and Vaelorian was quietly, secretly, determined to solve it—one delicate piece at a time.