Riven Vade's steps echoed through the stone corridors of the academy as he walked with a steady, determined pace. The flickering light of the wall sconces cast long shadows across the walls, the quiet hum of the night amplifying the sound of his boots striking the cold stone. He had spent years here—years hiding, learning, and planning. The academy, with all its endless lessons and expectations, had always felt like a gilded cage. But it was a cage with many opportunities, a place to hone his skills, to build power from the shadows.
And tonight, he was about to make his first real move beyond the confines of the academy's walls. The contract he had been handed was more than just a mission. It was his first true step into the game—the world of influence, betrayal, and power that he had been preparing for his entire life.
The Contract
It had come to him in the most unexpected of ways. One moment he had been buried in his studies, the next a note had found its way into his hand. It was brief, but the message was clear: Elira Lydell had a proposal, and it required Riven's expertise. Elira's name alone made the proposition intriguing.
Elira Lydell, heir to the Lydell family, was one of the academy's most well-known figures. Beautiful, intelligent, and with a reputation for playing the political game as expertly as any noble in the kingdom, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her family was one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Valcrest, and her ability to manipulate the academy's elite made her a formidable player.
The letter was simple. She wanted Riven's help to take down Lady Isolde Vallor—a woman of similar power and influence, but one with far more enemies than Elira. And in exchange, Riven would have the support of House Lydell, a backing that could prove invaluable as he moved further into his quest for vengeance.
It was a contract, yes. But it wasn't a simple one.
The Academy Classroom
Riven's mind, however, wasn't entirely focused on the contract yet. He had classes to attend, a life to maintain within the academy's walls. He entered the classroom, sliding into his seat in the back of the room, his eyes sweeping over the other students. Most were talking amongst themselves, engaged in idle chatter about the upcoming council meeting or their latest social drama. Their discussions were distractions—trivialities. Riven had no time for such things.
The professor, an aging man with a graying beard and a stoic demeanor, began his lecture on military strategy, detailing historical battles that had shaped the kingdom's history. Riven tuned out the professor's voice, his thoughts far from the lecture. His mind was already on Elira, on the Lydell family, on Lady Vallor and how her downfall would serve as a stepping stone for him.
He wasn't just here to study tactics or diplomacy. Riven had a much larger goal in mind—he was playing a far deeper game. Everything he learned, every class he attended, every interaction he had with his peers, was simply preparation for the real world outside these walls. The academy's lessons were his foundation, but the true challenges awaited him in the streets, the council chambers, and the dark corners of the kingdom where power was truly wielded.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the class, and Riven stood, adjusting his crimson cloak. He cast one final glance at his classmates before exiting the room. His interactions with them were calculated, each word spoken with purpose, each glance measured. It was all part of the plan. In this place, where everyone was vying for their own piece of power, Riven would need to stay one step ahead.
Elira's Proposal
That evening, Riven made his way through the winding streets of Valcrest, the academy's towering spires fading into the background as he entered the city's more secluded district. Elira's mansion loomed in the distance, a place as grand as it was imposing. Despite its beauty, Riven could feel the weight of power that radiated from the estate, a reminder that House Lydell was not to be underestimated.
As he approached the gates, the guards at the entrance gave him a curt nod, and he was ushered inside without question. The interior of the mansion was just as magnificent as the exterior, with high vaulted ceilings and intricate tapestries adorning the walls. But it was the figure waiting for him in the grand foyer that truly caught his attention.
Elira Lydell stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the chandelier above, her sharp gaze locked onto Riven's. She was dressed in a dark gown, the fabric shimmering subtly as she moved. Her presence alone commanded attention, and Riven couldn't help but admire how effortlessly she held the room's focus.
"Riven," she greeted, her voice smooth, but with an edge of calculation beneath it. "I trust the journey wasn't too taxing?"
He nodded, not wasting time with pleasantries. "You're direct. I like that."
Elira smiled, a slight curve of her lips. "I didn't think you'd appreciate small talk. But then, you've never been one for idle chatter, have you?"
"No," Riven replied, his voice low. "Let's get to the point. What do you want?"
Her eyes sparkled with the glint of a well-laid plan. "I want Lady Vallor. She's a liability to my family, and in exchange for your help, you'll gain access to House Lydell's influence. Consider it a partnership. The kind that benefits us both."
Riven studied her for a moment. There was a calculating quality to her every movement, an underlying sense of power that matched his own ambitions. Still, he couldn't afford to trust her fully—not yet. "And why should I help you? What's in it for me?"
She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Because, Riven, we both know that you're after something far greater than the academy can offer. I have resources—information, allies, and leverage that you need. Lady Vallor won't go down easily. But together, we can break her. After that, we both walk away with what we want."
Riven considered her words carefully. "And if I refuse?"
"Then you continue to play your little games at the academy, and nothing changes. But we both know you want more than that."
She wasn't wrong. Riven's eyes narrowed. "Alright. But remember this—once Vallor is dealt with, I'm done with you. There will be no more alliances, no more deals."
Elira's smile didn't falter. "Agreed. For now."
The Final Move
Later that night, under the cover of darkness, Riven and Elira set their plan into motion. The council meeting was scheduled to begin soon, and Lady Vallor would be there. Her influence over the kingdom's political landscape had made her untouchable—until now.
They arrived at Vallor's estate, the towering spires casting long shadows against the dimly lit streets. The mansion was guarded, but with Elira's help, Riven bypassed the security with ease. She knew the layout of the estate like the back of her hand, and Riven moved silently behind her, every step calculated, every movement deliberate.
As they neared Lady Vallor's chambers, Riven's pulse quickened. This was the moment he had been waiting for. The woman who had played the game of power for so long was about to face the consequences of her actions.
Inside the room, Lady Vallor sat at her desk, reviewing documents as if she had all the time in the world. When she looked up and saw them standing there, her face remained calm, but Riven could see the flicker of recognition in her eyes. She knew who he was, and she knew what he was capable of.
"You," Vallor said, her voice steady, though Riven could hear the slightest hint of wariness. "I knew it was only a matter of time before you came for me."
Riven stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his dagger. "You're not untouchable, Vallor. No one is."
With a swift motion, he lunged, but before he could strike, Elira's voice stopped him.
"Let me," she said, her voice cold, controlled. "This one's mine."
Riven stepped aside, watching as Elira moved with precision. With a swift, graceful motion, she stepped behind Lady Vallor and whispered something in her ear. The next moment, Vallor's expression changed, her eyes widening as Elira's dagger found its mark.
Lady Vallor crumpled to the floor, her life slipping away in an instant.
Riven stood still, watching, his expression unreadable. The deed was done. Lady Vallor was no more.
But this was only the beginning.
The next morning, the city of Valcrest woke to the news of Lady Vallor's sudden death. Her passing was attributed to an accident, a tragic fall in her own home. The nobles would mourn, the kingdom would move on, and the game would continue.
But Riven knew the truth. He knew that this was only the beginning. Elira was a valuable ally, but once the dust settled, he would be ready to move on. He had his sights set on the next target, and he knew that power, like a river, flowed in one direction only: upward.
The game had just begun. And Riven Vade would be the one to win it all.