🎶: Follow - Martin Garrix - Zedd
Caitlyn's parents were away for the evening, attending some formal gathering at another councilman's estate—a detail Caitlyn had mentioned earlier with a faint note of relief. The idea of an empty house felt like a rare reprieve, even more so now as she walked up the steps with Riven by her side.
She unlocked the front door and stepped inside, flipping on the lights as she turned to look at her companion. "Come in," Caitlyn said simply, her voice calm but inviting as she gestured for Riven to follow.
Riven hesitated for a moment, standing on the threshold as her pale green eyes took in the grandeur of the Kiramman home. The polished marble floors, the intricate woodwork lining the walls, and the grand staircase sweeping upward—it was all so... refined. Riven stepped inside, her movements careful, feeling as if she didn't quite belong in this society.
"Nice place," Riven said lightly, her voice carrying a faint edge of amusement as her gaze swept over the entryway. "I'm guessing this isn't your 'sanctuary,' though."
Caitlyn allowed herself a small smile as she set her keys on a nearby table. "Not quite," she replied, her tone softening. "But it's home." She gestured toward the expansive living room ahead, where plush furniture and a grand fireplace created a space that was somehow both imposing and cozy. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll be just a minute."
As Caitlyn disappeared up the staircase, Riven lingered in the entryway for a moment longer, her sharp green eyes flicking over the décor. The house was everything she'd expect from a council family—elegant, opulent, and utterly foreign to someone like her. She stepped into the living room, her footsteps muffled by the thick rug beneath her shoes, and let out a soft breath as she took in the quiet stillness of the space. Her gaze landed on the fireplace, where a series of family portraits lined the mantle. There was Caitlyn, younger but still poised, standing between her parents with that same sharp gaze she carried now. Riven's eyes lingered on the photo for a moment before flicking away, her expression unreadable.
Not too long of a wait, Caitlyn descended the staircase, ready to impress. She wore a sleek black skirt with a structured, tailored fit that ended just above mid-thigh, perfectly complementing her long legs. Paired with the skirt was a crisp white blouse, its clean lines and minimal detailing creating a polished, professional aesthetic. The sleeves were neatly rolled to her elbows, adding a hint of casual ease to the ensemble. Her black chelsea boots, sleek with a slight heel, grounded the outfit with an edgy yet chic flair. She carried a slim clutch bag, the smooth leather catching the faint glow of the room's soft lighting. Subtle accessories completed the look: small silver hoop earrings glinting under the light, and a delicate bracelet adorning one wrist, catching just enough attention without overpowering the outfit. Her hair, styled to perfection, fell in loose waves that curled elegantly at the ends, giving it a natural bounce with every step she took.
Caitlyn had applied minimal makeup, with soft touch of eyeliner accentuated her piercing blue eyes, while her lipstick—a rich, bold shade of red—served as the centerpiece of her look, tying everything together with effortless elegance. She hadn't overdone it, but it was clear she aimed to be noticed, her confidence radiating in every detail of her appearance.
Riven, waiting in the living room, looked up as Caitlyn stepped into view. For a brief moment, her pale green eyes lingered, taking in the sight before her. Then she realized her jaw had fallen slightly agape, and she quickly closed it, a quiet gulp following as she tried to regain her composure. "You clean up well," Riven said, her voice light but carrying a subtle undertone of sincerity, her gaze flicking briefly to Caitlyn's lips before returning to her sharp blue eyes.
Caitlyn's lips curved into a faint smile as she adjusted the strap of her clutch, letting the moment hang in the air for a beat before nodding toward the door. "Shall we?"
-ਠŕ§-
The two of them walking together was magnetic—a striking contrast that shouldn't have worked but did, flawlessly. Caitlyn's measured poise and Riven's quiet intensity didn't just balance; they amplified each other, creating a presence so commanding it seemed to ripple through the air.
They moved in sync without trying, as though God had perfectly aligned them together. As they reached the car, Riven moved ahead slightly, her hand resting on the door handle. She glanced over her shoulder, her pale green eyes catching Caitlyn's in the dim light. "Ready?" she asked, her voice low, carrying a hint of the quiet confidence that matched her stride.
Caitlyn met her gaze, a flicker of amusement in her sharp blue eyes. "Always," she replied, her tone smooth, stepping forward as Riven opened the door for her. For just a moment, as their gazes lingered, it was impossible to tell which of them had truly taken the lead.
-ਠŕ§-
🎶: God's Game - Dove Cameron
The gentle vibration of the car engine filled the space as they cruised through Piltover's dimly lit streets, the occasional glow of streetlights casting fleeting shadows across their faces. Caitlyn shifted slightly in her seat, her sharp blue eyes glancing toward Riven.
"If you've never had anyone to go with," Caitlyn began, her tone light but curious, "how do you even know about Vander's?"
Riven's hands rested easily on the wheel, her pale green eyes focused on the road ahead. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she replied, her voice calm and unhurried. "You don't have to go to a place to hear about it. Vander's reputation kind of speaks for itself."
Caitlyn tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Reputation, you say? Let me guess—'rough around the edges, but loyal to its own'? Or is there something more specific?"
Riven chuckled softly, a low, almost private sound. "Something like that," she replied, glancing sideways at Caitlyn for just a moment before turning her attention back to the road. "It's the kind of place where people like me feel... less out of place."
"People like you," Caitlyn echoed, her tone light but probing. "And what does that mean, exactly?"
Riven hesitated for a beat, her fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel. "People who've seen more of the dirt than the marble floors," she said finally, her voice steady but tinged with something deeper—an edge of honesty that Caitlyn hadn't quite expected. "Not everyone gets to grow up in a house like yours."
Caitlyn tilted her head, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "But you're a Konte," she said, her voice calm but laced with curiosity. The name alone carried weight in Piltover, a connection to wealth, influence, and prestige.
Riven's grip on the wheel tightened, her jaw flexing for just a moment. She let the silence stretch between them, only the hum of the car filling the space. "I'm not," she said finally, her voice quieter now. "Not really."
Caitlyn frowned slightly, her curiosity deepening. "What do you mean? Everyone knows the Kontes—you are one of the most prominent Ionian families. That's your name, isn't it?"
Riven let out a soft, bitter laugh. "It's my name now," she admitted. "But I wasn't born into it. I'm not of any special bloodline, no matter what people assume. I was adopted."
"Adopted?" Caitlyn repeated, her voice gentler now, more careful.
Riven nodded, her green eyes fixed on the road. "I was born in Noxus, in a farm village so small it didn't even have a name that mattered. My parents worked the land like everyone else, but... life wasn't kind to them. My father died at war, and my mother died giving birth to me."
Caitlyn felt her breath catch slightly at the weight of Riven's words. "I'm so sorry," she said softly.
Riven shrugged, her expression unreadable. "After that, I ended up in the hands of Noxian recruiters. A war orphan, they called me. They took kids like me and trained us—taught us how to fight, how to survive. By the time I was twelve, I knew how to wield a blade better than I knew how to smile."
Caitlyn's sharp blue eyes softened. "That sounds... unimaginable," she said quietly.
"It was life," Riven replied simply. "It wasn't good, but it wasn't all bad. I learned strength, discipline, how to keep going when everything else wanted you to stop." She paused, her smirk faint but bitter. "And then the Kontes came."
"How does a Noxian recruit end up adopted by an Ionian family?" Caitlyn asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
Riven let out a quiet, humorless laugh. "They were in Noxus for some diplomatic venture—who knows why. They found me during one of their charity tours, saw something in me, I guess. A spark, or whatever noble nonsense they wanted to tell themselves. They pulled strings, paid off the right people, and brought me back to Ionia with them."
Caitlyn leaned back in her seat, absorbing the story. "And they gave you their name."
"They gave me their name," Riven echoed, her voice quieter now. "Their tutors, their rules, their expectations. But no matter how much they dressed me up or polished my edges, I was still the orphan from a Noxian farm. An outsider pretending to belong."
Caitlyn's sharp blue eyes softened as she listened to Riven's words, the quiet vulnerability threading through them. For a moment, she didn't speak, letting the weight of Riven's story settle between them. Then, with a faint smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, she shifted slightly in her seat. "I know what it's like," Caitlyn began, her voice softer now, thoughtful. "To feel like you don't belong, even when everything around you says you should."
Riven glanced at her, her pale green eyes flicking over Caitlyn thoughtfully. "You? The councilwoman's daughter who always looks like she's got everything figured out?" Her tone was calm, almost detached, but there was a faint edge of curiosity beneath the words.
Caitlyn let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "That's the image, isn't it? The pristine daughter of Piltover's elite, poised to follow in the family's footsteps." She paused, her gaze distant. "But that's just the surface. The truth is... I've never quite fit the mold, either."
Riven glanced at her, her pale green eyes flicking over Caitlyn thoughtfully. "Then I guess we'll be seeing the field more often," she said, her tone calm and matter-of-fact, though there was the faintest flicker of something in her gaze—understanding, perhaps, or quiet acknowledgment.
Caitlyn's lips curved into a soft smile, the kind that reached her sharp blue eyes and lingered there. She turned slightly toward Riven, her voice quiet but steady. "You know," she began, "I think I'm glad we've met. Two misfits, understanding each other. At least it's not so lonely anymore."
Riven's hands remained steady on the wheel, but her gaze flicked to Caitlyn briefly, her expression softening just a fraction. "Yeah," she said simply, her voice low but carrying a quiet sincerity. "It's not."
-ਠŕ§-
🎶: Not Afraid Anymore - Halsey
As they turned the corner, the faint hum of bass notes became a low rumble, vibrating through the air as they neared the bar. What had once been Vander's rustic, dimly lit tavern during the day was now alive with a different energy. After dark, the bar transformed into something closer to a club, the warm amber lighting replaced with streaks of neon that spilled through the windows and onto the cobblestone street outside.
Caitlyn glanced at the pulsing lights and the growing line of people waiting to enter. The faintest smile tugged at her lips. "So this is Vander's after hours," she mused, her voice light as she looked over at Riven.
Riven parked the car smoothly, killing the engine before leaning back in her seat. "Not what you were expecting?" she asked, her tone neutral but with the faintest trace of amusement.
"I'm not sure what I was expecting," Caitlyn admitted, her sharp blue eyes flicking back toward the crowd. "But it wasn't... this." The air outside buzzed with overlapping conversations, laughter, and the occasional thump of a bassline slipping through the doors.
Caitlyn reached into her clutch, pulling out her phone to text Samantha. Her fingers moved swiftly as she typed: Just got here. Where are you? She glanced toward Vander's entrance, her sharp blue eyes scanning the growing line of people while she waited for a reply.
Riven leaned back in her seat, her pale green eyes fixed on Caitlyn with a quiet intensity. "The girl with the blonde," Her tone was casual, but there was an edge of genuine curiosity beneath it. "Who is she?"
Caitlyn blinked, her attention snapping away from her phone. "The blonde?" she echoed, her brows knitting slightly.
Riven nodded. "Yeah. Dark red hair. The one the blonde was close to. She stood out." Her question was matter-of-fact, as if she were stating an observation.
There was a pause, the question hanging between them as Caitlyn's gaze shifted, her expression carefully neutral. Then, a faint smile tugged at her lips, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Vi," she said quietly, the name slipping out with a mix of fondness and something heavier.
Riven's gaze lingered on Caitlyn, sharp and unwavering. Her pale green eyes flicked over Caitlyn's expression, searching for something unspoken. "An ex-girlfriend?" she asked, her tone flat but not unkind, as if piecing together a puzzle.
Caitlyn's composure faltered for the briefest moment, her sharp blue eyes widening slightly before she quickly looked away. "I—" she began, her voice catching. She fiddled with her phone, her fingers brushing over the screen, though it was clear she wasn't typing anything. "It's not—" Caitlyn hesitated, her cheeks flushing faintly. She let out a soft sigh, finally meeting Riven's gaze with an expression that hovered somewhere between exasperation and vulnerability. "No, we were never together in the first place, it's… complicated, as all relationships are," she said, her voice quieter now, a touch defensive.
Riven's gaze didn't waver, her pale green eyes steady and unreadable. "So," she said, her tone calm, almost detached, but with a subtle edge of curiosity that couldn't be ignored. "If she's here tonight… what would you do?"
Caitlyn froze, her fingers stilling against her phone. Her sharp blue eyes flicked up to meet Riven's, and for a moment, she looked almost caught off guard. "I don't—" she started, then stopped, her lips pressing together as she searched for the right words. "I don't know," Caitlyn admitted finally, her voice quieter now. There was no practiced confidence in her tone, no carefully measured response. Just honesty.
"Here's the thing," she said, her tone calm but firm, laced with the kind of bluntness that only someone like Riven could deliver. "If she's here, and you don't do anything, you'll spend the whole night wondering what could've happened. Regret's a pain in the ass like that."
Caitlyn blinked, her sharp blue eyes widening slightly at the straightforwardness of Riven's words.
"But," Riven continued, her voice steady, "if you face her, even if it's messy, even if it sucks, at least you'll know where you stand. Better than sitting here playing guessing games and tying yourself up in knots."
Riven's gaze didn't waver, her pale green eyes holding Caitlyn's with quiet intensity. She let a faint, almost bittersweet smirk tug at the corner of her lips before she spoke again. "From one misfit to another," she said slowly, carrying the weight of shared understanding. "If there's a chance to say something, to figure it out, even if it's not what you want to hear… you should take it. Otherwise, it'll just sit there, making you wonder."
Caitlyn's lips curved into a faint smile, tinged with something bittersweet. "You make it sound so easy."
"It's not," Riven replied, her voice firm but not harsh. "But that's the point. Things that matter never are." She opened her door then, stepping out into the cool night air as though the conversation was already neatly wrapped up.
Caitlyn sat there for a moment longer, her thoughts churning. Her phone buzzed softly in her hand. She glanced down at the screen, seeing Samantha's message: We're at the bar.
Do I really want to…? Caitlyn bit her lower lip. She took a glance at Riven who was just leaning onto the front of the car, people watching. I want… She exhaled softly, gripping her phone a little tighter, and suddenly found her courage. Without overthinking it, she pushed the door open and stepped out into the cool night air.
-ਠŕ§-
🎶: MAKE YOU MINE - Madison Beer
The group was gathered around their table, the vibrant energy of Vander's after dark pulsing around them. Garen stood at the edge of the table, his broad frame angled toward a striking redhead who laughed at something he'd said. Her bright, playful smile lingered as her hand brushed his arm, and Garen, ever the charmer, grinned back, clearly enjoying the attention as he sipped his drink with easy confidence.
Vi leaned back in her chair, her sharp blue eyes sweeping the room, her fingers tapping idly against the rim of her glass. The biggest table in the house—it wasn't subtle. Vander had cleared it for them, a gesture that wasn't lost on her. Anything for my girl, he'd said earlier, grinning like it was the most natural thing in the world. The words still lingered, leaving a mix of warmth and pride she wasn't about to let show. Vander didn't do things halfway, especially for the people he cared about, and tonight was no exception.
Her gaze drifted across the group—Garen basking in the redhead's attention, Loris leaning forward with his ever-present mischievous glint, Samantha scrolling through her phone like she wasn't the one quietly holding everything together. Then there was Lux, sitting just a little too close, her radiant smile unwavering as she clung to every word—or lack thereof—that came from Vi. Every so often, her hand brushed lightly against Vi's arm, a gesture that seemed casual but happened far too often to be innocent.
Vi wasn't in the mood to indulge anyone's attention, least of all Lux's. Her focus kept shifting toward the door, her sharp blue eyes flicking there every few moments as though willing someone to walk through. The night wasn't late—not technically—but it felt late enough to justify her growing irritation. Or so she told herself. The truth gnawed at her: it wasn't the time that annoyed her. It was that she wasn't here yet.
She shifted in her chair, her smirk tightening as Lux's hand brushed against her arm again. Gods, Lux. Take the hint, she thought, suppressing a sigh. Instead, she raised her glass, taking a slow, deliberate sip to avoid responding. The cool drink did little to temper her frustration.
Her fingers tightened briefly around the glass as her thoughts churned. Why does it matter so much? Samantha said she's coming. Yet the anticipation clawed at her anyway, nagging and restless. Vi glanced at the door again, the steady flow of people offering no sign of the one she wanted to see.
She leaned back further, forcing herself to relax. Still, her mind betrayed her, imagining how Caitlyn might stride through the doors, her sharp, confident presence cutting through the crowd like it was nothing. That was what Vi was waiting for, wasn't it? The certainty Caitlyn carried, the pull she hated admitting she felt. Even Seraphine's performance—something Vi had pulled strings with Vander to make happen—faded into background noise. It all felt peripheral without Caitlyn. Vi smirked faintly, her expression calm as ever, though beneath it, her thoughts raced. Anytime now, Cupcake. Anytime.
Garen's deep voice broke through her thoughts, his grin widening as he nodded toward the entrance. "Well, look who finally decided to show up," he said, his tone laced with amusement.
Vi's gaze snapped to the door—and froze. There they were, Caitlyn and someone else. Together. Caitlyn walked in with her usual elegance, her sharp blue eyes scanning the room as though it belonged to her. Her outfit was flawless, as always. But it wasn't just Caitlyn. It was who she was with.
Riven.
Equally striking, but in a completely different way. Her tailored, obviously expensive ensemble, the structured lines emphasizing her sharp, composed presence. She walked with quiet confidence, her pale green eyes surveying the room with calm control, as if the chaos of the crowded room couldn't touch her. Even the way she carried herself—easy, self-assured—was irritating. Together, they were magnetic, their contrasting styles—refinement and rawness—melding so effortlessly it made Vi's stomach twist uncomfortably.
And then it hit her. They match. The thought crept in unbidden, making her grip on her glass tighten. The green of Riven's blazer harmonized with Caitlyn's crisp black and white ensemble. Their contrasting energy complemented rather than clashed—it was deliberate. It had to be. What the hell is this?
"Is that…" Loris's voice trailed off, his usual grin fading into a wary frown. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze narrowing on Riven. Though he didn't say more, his eyes darted toward Caitlyn, as if trying to piece something together.
"Finally!" Samantha waved excitedly at Caitlyn, her surprise dissolving into her usual warmth. "Took you long enough!"
Vi's jaw clenched as she forced herself to look away, trying to shove the growing discomfort down. What the fuck is she doing here? The question burned in her mind. Why is Caitlyn with her? And why do they look like… that? She hated the way the thought gnawed at her, a twisting mix of confusion and something else she refused to name.
Lux shifted closer, her blonde hair brushing against Vi's shoulder. "Looks like Caitlyn brought… company," she said with a sly, sing-song tone, her smile widening as her gaze flicked between Caitlyn and Riven. "Good for her. It's about time she stopped arriving alone."
Vi didn't respond. She couldn't. Her sharp blue eyes flicked back to Caitlyn and the fucking white-haired woman. There was an ease between them that made Vi's chest tighten. Caitlyn tilted her head slightly toward Riven, as if sharing something unspoken. Riven, calm and unbothered, scanned the room like she belonged. Her composure only made Vi's storming thoughts more unbearable. Vi's sharp gaze stayed locked on the pair as they moved further into the room. Heads turned. Conversations paused. Together, they were impossible to ignore.
And then Vi saw it.
Riven leaned in, close enough for Caitlyn to tilt her head toward her. The white-haired woman whispered something—something meant only for Caitlyn. Whatever it was, it made Caitlyn smile. Not her usual polite, reserved smile, but something softer, more real. It lingered, warming her sharp features, and Vi's chest tightened painfully. What the fuck could she possibly have said to make her smile like that?
Vi's grip on her glass tightened, her knuckles whitening as she forced herself to stay seated. Calm down. Who cares what the fuck she said? But she cared. Far more than she wanted to admit.
Caitlyn's gaze flicked up as she spotted Samantha waving. That smile—the one that had lingered after whatever Riven said—only grew brighter. Caitlyn moved toward Samantha, her steps quick and purposeful, her long waves bouncing lightly with each movement. The crowd seemed to part for her, making space for her light to shine brighter.
Vi's breath hitched. She looked down at her drink, her fingers tapping against the glass as if to shake the feeling loose. Goddamn it, Cait. Why do you have to look like that? She glanced up again, catching Caitlyn's radiant smile as she leaned in to greet Samantha with a warm hug. That same smile, so easy and genuine, hit like a punch to the gut.
It wasn't just the smile. It was everything about her—the way she shifted the room, the way her voice carried over the noise, the way she stood with such confidence and poise. It was unbearable. Not because Vi didn't want to look. It was because she did. She hated how her chest twisted, hated how her heart seemed to pound just a little harder when Caitlyn turned her head. Hated that she noticed every detail—the soft curls of her hair, the faint glint of her earrings, the perfect curve of her lips. And hated even more that Riven had been the one to make her smile like that, even if just for a moment.
Lux's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts, sharp and honeyed. "Looks like Caitlyn's having a good time already," she said, leaning in closer. "Doesn't she look happy?"
Vi didn't answer, her jaw clenching as she stared down at her drink. Happy. The word twisted painfully in her chest. Yeah. She looks happy. What the fuck am I supposed to do with that?
Caitlyn's laughter drifted from across the room, light and effortless. Riven remained close, standing just a little nearer than Vi could stomach. It felt like Caitlyn had brought her entire world into the room, and Vi was stuck on the outside, watching it unfold. Her fingers tightened around the glass again, her smirk fading as she fought to keep her face neutral. You've got no right to feel this way. She can bring whoever the hell she wants. And smile. And laugh. None of it's for you anyway.
But the ache in her chest refused to listen. And that scared her more than anything.
-ਠŕ§-
The warmth of the room wrapped around Caitlyn as she stepped into Vander's. Her sharp blue eyes scanned the space, taking in the vibrant crowd and familiar faces. For a moment, it was as if the noise dulled, her senses honing in on the cluster of people gathered around the largest table—her friends, her people. But one face in particular caught her attention.
Vi.
Even amidst the group, Vi stood out, leaning back in her chair with that air of effortless cool that Caitlyn had come to expect. The way her sharp blue eyes swept the room, the way she held her drink with casual ease—it was all so unmistakably her. But seeing Vi like this, surrounded by their friends, a faint smirk playing at her lips, Caitlyn felt something stir in her chest. A warmth. A pull. Something she didn't dare name.
Beside her, Riven's voice cut through Caitlyn's swirling thoughts, low and smooth, with just the right amount of dry humor. "Relax, Cait," Riven said, leaning in slightly as they crossed the room. "It's not like they're going to throw a parade. Although… if they do, I'd appreciate a heads-up."
Caitlyn's lips curved into a soft smile despite herself, the tension in her shoulders easing just a fraction. It was the kind of dry, unexpected humor Riven had mastered in the short time Caitlyn had known her—enough to make Caitlyn laugh, light and genuine. "I'll make sure to let them know next time," Caitlyn replied, the smile lingering as she scanned the table again.
And there Vi was, sitting just as Caitlyn had imagined—sharp, calm, and utterly magnetic. But there was something else in her gaze, something Caitlyn hadn't seen in a while. A flicker of something raw and real, hidden beneath the smirk and the calm exterior. It unsettled her, in a way she wasn't ready to unpack.
Samantha's wave broke Caitlyn from her thoughts, and she felt her smile widen instinctively. "There's Sam," she murmured to Riven, who gave a slight nod before following her toward the group.
As Caitlyn walked closer, she could feel the weight of Vi's gaze on her. It wasn't sharp or cutting, but it was there, lingering just long enough to make Caitlyn's chest tighten. She greeted Samantha with an easy hug, her laughter light as they exchanged pleasantries. The sound carried across the table, effortless and warm, but Caitlyn's attention remained divided.
Vi hadn't moved, still leaning back in her chair, her eyes fixed on something—or someone. Caitlyn could feel the unspoken tension between them, a thread that tugged and pulled, even as they pretended not to notice it.
-ਠŕ§-
The white-haired woman's pale green eyes met Vi's sharp blue ones with a steady, unbothered calm. For a moment, the air between them seemed to still, the noise of the room fading into the background. Then, as though acknowledging an unspoken challenge, Riven gave a slight smile, the faintest curve of her lips, followed by a casual nod in Vi's direction. It wasn't dismissive, but neither was it friendly.
Vi's jaw tensed imperceptibly, her fingers tapping against her glass as she forced herself to look away. Great. She's clocked me already. Perfect. The casual ease in Riven's gaze grated at her nerves, the subtle confidence like a spark to an already simmering fire.
Caitlyn, oblivious to the silent exchange, had turned her attention to Samantha, her radiant smile making her presence seem lighter, brighter. But Vi wasn't looking at Caitlyn now. Not directly. Her thoughts were too busy circling the sharp nod and cool smirk of the woman Caitlyn had walked in with.
And just like that, Vi's mood darkened further.
Hi, Riven," Samantha said, her tone polite but slightly cool, the corners of her smile a little too tight.
Riven noticed the shift immediately. Her pale green eyes flicked to Samantha, sharp but composed, as though reading everything in the briefest of glances. "Samantha," Riven replied evenly, offering a nod that was courteous without being overly friendly. Her calm demeanor didn't falter, the subtle tension rolling off her like water off a stone.
Samantha glanced back at Caitlyn with a small, almost imperceptible shrug before shifting her attention elsewhere, clearly not interested in engaging further. Caitlyn gave her a quick look, her brow furrowing slightly as if to say, Really?
If Riven cared about the interaction, she didn't show it. Instead, she stepped back slightly, giving Caitlyn the space to greet the others, her hands slipping casually into her pockets as her pale green eyes swept over the group again. She was calm, composed, and entirely unbothered—whatever tension Samantha had tried to spark, Riven refused to fan the flames.
As Caitlyn exchanged a few more words with Samantha, Loris stood from his seat, his usual grin tempered into something more measured. He walked slowly and deliberately toward Riven, the kind of calm that felt intentional. His sharp gaze flicked over her as if appraising every detail before he stopped in front of her and extended his hand.
"Riven, right?" Loris said, his tone casual but carrying an undercurrent that was hard to miss. His hand hung there, steady, expectant. "I'm Loris."
Riven's pale green eyes locked on his, her expression as composed as ever. She reached out, taking his hand in a firm shake, her grip steady. For a moment, there was silence between them, the energy subtly shifting as Loris applied just a bit more pressure than necessary.
Riven didn't flinch. If anything, her grip tightened slightly in response, her eyes narrowing just enough to acknowledge the challenge without breaking her calm exterior. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "Loris," she said, her tone as easy as if they'd been old acquaintances. "Pleasure."
"Likewise," Loris replied smoothly, but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. His hand lingered for just a second longer before he released her, stepping back with a nonchalant shrug. "Cait's got interesting taste in friends," he added lightly, though the edge in his voice wasn't lost on Riven.
Riven tilted her head slightly, her smirk widening just a fraction as her hand slipped back into her pocket. "She does," she replied evenly, her tone carrying a subtle sharpness that mirrored his.
The silent exchange lingered for a beat longer before Loris returned to his seat, his eyes flicking to Vi briefly as if to gauge her reaction. Riven, unfazed, shifted her attention back to Caitlyn, who seemed oblivious to the silent tension that had just passed between them.
Vi, however, wasn't. Her sharp blue eyes narrowed as she took in the interaction, her fingers tightening around her glass. What the fuck was that? she thought, irritation bubbling anew. Whatever game Riven was playing, it was clear she wasn't backing down.
From her seat beside Vi, Lux caught the entire exchange, her sharp blue eyes darting between Riven, Loris, and Vi. She hid her smile behind her glass, but the glint of amusement in her eyes was impossible to miss. Her gaze lingered on Riven, calm and composed even under Loris's scrutiny. And who are you, really Riven… she thought, taking a slow sip of her drink.
Lux's attention flicked briefly to Vi, who was gripping her glass tightly, her sharp blue eyes darting between Caitlyn and Riven like she was trying to piece together a puzzle she didn't want to solve. Lux's lips curved slightly. And you, Vi. You're making this almost too easy. The brooding, the glaring—it's written all over your face. Whatever Caitlyn's doing with her new friend, it's eating you up inside. Isn't it?
She leaned back slightly, letting her fingers trail idly along the rim of her glass as her mind began to turn. This… this is an opportunity. If Caitlyn's attention is already divided, why not give it just a little push? Riven might be new to all this, but she's already close enough to Caitlyn to walk in with her. That's a bond I can work with.
Lux's gaze returned to Riven, her smile widening as she considered the possibilities.
Her eyes drifted to Caitlyn, who was laughing softly at something Samantha had said, her elegant presence lighting up the room as it always did. Lux's smile faltered briefly, just for a moment. She's always like this. Always pulling everyone toward her without even trying. But with Riven here? Maybe, just maybe, there's a way to pull her in another direction. Away from Vi.
Leaning closer to Vi, Lux let her tone turn light, almost sweet, though her words were anything but innocent. "Caitlyn's new friend seems… interesting," she murmured, her voice low enough to be intimate but clear enough to cut. "I wonder how they met. They look pretty comfortable together, don't you think?"
Vi's sharp blue eyes flicked toward her, narrowing slightly as if trying to gauge Lux's intent. Lux only smiled wider, feigning innocence as she added, "It's good to see Caitlyn branching out. She deserves someone who gets her, you know? Someone who's not afraid to stand by her side."
The slight twitch in Vi's jaw was all the confirmation Lux needed. Perfect. She turned her attention back to her drink, taking another slow sip as her mind churned. Let's see how long this little balance lasts. If Caitlyn's already slipping away, maybe I can give her the extra nudge she needs. After all, it's not like Vi was ever meant to keep her, was she?
Lux's smile deepened, her fingers tapping lightly against the table as the beginnings of a plan settled in her mind. This is going to be fun.
END OF CHAPTER SIX