Chapter 5: Nyx and the Conflict
Riven's footsteps echoed through the cobbled streets of the capital as he made his way back to the modest inn he now called home. The dim light of lanterns cast long shadows against the walls, mirroring the unease that gnawed at his chest. His latest foray into the underbelly of the city had revealed more than he anticipated—schemes, alliances, and betrayals woven so tightly they threatened to choke the life out of those like him. Yet, as pressing as the city's darkness was, an even heavier weight sat on his shoulders: Nyx.
Nyx, his ever-loyal bestial partner, was unusually quiet. The wolf-like creature with piercing golden eyes padded beside him, her steps unnervingly silent. Normally, her presence was a source of reassurance. Tonight, it felt distant.
As they reached the inn, Riven let out a weary sigh, collapsing onto a chair in their room. Nyx, instead of curling up by his side as she often did, chose the farthest corner of the room. Her golden eyes watched him with a peculiar intensity, not one of affection or camaraderie, but scrutiny.
"What's with you?" Riven muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. He tried to inject his voice with casualness, but it came out harsher than intended.
Nyx didn't respond—not that she could, at least not in words. Her silence spoke louder than any growl or snarl.
Riven frowned, memories of the day flashing before him. During a skirmish with a rogue domador in the alleyways, Nyx had hesitated—just for a second—but it was enough. The delay had allowed their opponent to summon a beast of devastating strength, one that nearly overwhelmed them.
He clenched his fists. "If you had just—" He stopped himself, realizing how futile it was to blame her. Nyx wasn't a tool or a weapon. She was a living, thinking being.
Still, the thought persisted: *Why had she hesitated?*
The following morning, the tension remained unspoken yet palpable. Riven and Nyx ventured to a nearby training ground. The capital offered several of these facilities for domadores to hone their skills, but this one was secluded, perfect for those seeking privacy.
Riven drew his blade, the edge gleaming under the early sun. "Let's work on coordination," he said, forcing a smile. "We need to make sure what happened yesterday doesn't happen again."
Nyx trotted to the center of the clearing, her tail swishing. Yet, her stance lacked its usual enthusiasm.
They began sparring, Riven calling out commands and Nyx responding with practiced precision. But something was off. Her movements, while technically correct, lacked their usual fluidity. She wasn't reading him the way she used to, anticipating his moves before he even made them.
Frustration bubbled to the surface. "Come on, Nyx! You're better than this!" he barked after a particularly clumsy dodge on her part.
Nyx growled softly, her ears flattening.
The growl wasn't one of submission—it was defiance.
Riven froze, his chest tightening. In all their time together, Nyx had never looked at him like that, as though questioning his leadership.
"Fine," he snapped, sheathing his blade. "Maybe we both need a break."
Nyx didn't follow him when he stormed off, her golden eyes watching his retreating figure with a mix of confusion and hurt.
Later that evening, Riven found himself at the marketplace, his mind still swirling with doubts. As he passed by a vendor selling trinkets, he heard a familiar voice.
"Riven! Didn't expect to see you here."
Turning, he spotted Saria, a fellow domadora he had met during his first days in the capital. Saria was one of the few who treated him with genuine kindness, her sharp wit often balanced by a surprising depth of wisdom.
"Hey," Riven mumbled.
Saria raised an eyebrow. "You look like someone kicked you in the gut. What's wrong?"
He hesitated but eventually relented, recounting the day's events and the growing rift between him and Nyx.
Saria listened intently, her green eyes thoughtful. When he finished, she crossed her arms. "You're an idiot."
"Excuse me?"
"You're so focused on what *you* think Nyx should be doing that you're not paying attention to what *she* might be feeling," Saria said bluntly. "She's not a puppet, Riven. She's your partner. Something's bothering her, and instead of addressing it, you're barking orders."
Riven opened his mouth to argue but stopped. Deep down, he knew she was right.
"How do I fix it?" he asked quietly.
Saria's expression softened. "Start by listening. Truly listening."
That night, Riven returned to the inn, determination etched into his features. Nyx was where he had left her, lying in the corner, her head resting on her paws.
He approached slowly, kneeling to meet her gaze. "Nyx," he began, his voice softer than before. "I've been a terrible partner, haven't I?"
Her ears perked up slightly, but she didn't move.
"I've been so caught up in trying to prove myself here that I forgot… you're not just some beast I command. You're… you're my friend." The word felt inadequate, but it was the best he could manage.
Nyx's golden eyes softened, and for the first time in days, she moved closer, pressing her head against his chest.
The tension that had coiled in Riven's heart began to unravel.
"I don't know what's been bothering you," he admitted, stroking her fur, "but I want to understand. We'll figure this out together."
Nyx let out a low, contented rumble, and for the first time since their bond had faltered, Riven felt a glimmer of hope.
The following week was dedicated to rebuilding their connection. Riven focused on understanding Nyx's cues, paying attention to the subtleties of her behavior.
He also sought advice from other domadores, learning about the importance of mutual trust in forming a strong bond. One elder domador shared a story of his own struggles, emphasizing that a partnership was a two-way street.
Through patience and effort, Riven and Nyx began to find their rhythm again. Their sparring sessions improved, and Nyx's movements regained their fluid grace.
One evening, as they sat by a quiet stream outside the city, Riven smiled. "You know, I think we're stronger now than we've ever been."
Nyx let out a soft bark of agreement, her tail wagging slightly.
Riven chuckled. "Guess Saria was right. I *am* an idiot."
As they returned to the capital, Riven felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead would undoubtedly test them further, but he was confident they could face them together.
Nyx trotted beside him, her head held high, and for the first time in weeks, Riven felt whole again.
The shadows of the capital might loom large, but with Nyx by his side, he was ready to face whatever came next.