🎶: Heartbeat - MARKS

The cozy ambiance of the restaurant was a sharp contrast to the tension threading through Caitlyn's thoughts. She sat across from Riven at a small table tucked into a quiet corner, her posture prim and her hands carefully folded over the napkin in her lap. Across from her, Riven leaned back in her chair, one arm slung over the backrest, the picture of unbothered confidence.

Their conversation paused as the waiter approached. He set a beautifully plated seafood dish in front of Caitlyn—grilled prawns and scallops resting on a bed of fragrant risotto—and a sizzling steak in front of Riven, the aroma of charred meat and melted butter wafting into the air. With a courteous nod, the waiter reached for the elegant bottle of wine resting in a nearby ice bucket. "The finest from our cellar," he announced, pouring a deep ruby red into Riven's glass and a pale golden white into Caitlyn's. The liquid caught the soft light of the restaurant, glinting as it swirled in their glasses.

"Enjoy your meals," the waiter said with a polite smile, retreating gracefully after ensuring everything was to their satisfaction.

"So," Riven said, her tone as casual as if they were discussing the weather, "you and Vi."

Caitlyn stilled, her fingers tightening slightly on the edge of the napkin. She didn't meet Riven's gaze immediately, instead taking a deliberate sip of her water. "What about me and Vi?" she asked, her voice steady but with a slight edge of defensiveness.

Riven smirked, the kind that hinted she already knew the answer but wanted to hear Caitlyn admit it. "Oh, I don't know," she drawled. "Maybe the fact that you're glowing like someone who just found the last bottle of wine at a fancy dinner party."

Caitlyn's lips twitched, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. "Subtle as ever, Riven."

"Not my style," Riven replied, her tone casual as she picked up her knife and began cutting her steak, her movements were slow, almost methodical, but there was an edge of expectancy in the way her pale green eyes flicked up to Caitlyn, waiting for her response.

The silence stretched for a moment, the soft clink of Riven's knife against her plate punctuating the tension. Caitlyn felt the weight of Riven's gaze, sharp and probing, and knew she wouldn't get away with a half-hearted answer.

Caitlyn sighed, leaning back slightly in her chair as she set her fork down. "Fine," she said, exhaling as if bracing herself. "We're... dating. In secret."

Riven didn't flinch, her focus returning to her plate as she sliced off another piece of steak. "Figured," she said evenly, spearing the piece with her fork. "Took Vi long enough to grow some balls."

She paused, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as if savoring an inside joke. "Well, I guess she literally did after the Konte ball." Riven chuckled softly, her gaze flicking upward to catch the reaction, amusement gleaming in her eyes.

Caitlyn shot her a look, one part exasperation and one part amusement. "You're not surprised?"

Riven set her fork down and leaned forward slightly, fixing Caitlyn with a pointed stare, her pale green eyes glinting with mischief. "I'd be more surprised if Vi showed up in a dress and started dating Loris," she said dryly, her lips curving into a sly smirk. "You two? It was only a matter of time. Honestly, Caitlyn, I'm shocked it took this long. The rest of us were just placing bets."

Caitlyn let out a laugh, tilting her head as she raised an eyebrow. "Placing bets? Really?"

Riven laughed along, leaning back in her seat with an exaggerated shrug. "Oh, absolutely. I almost became friends with everyone just so I could win it all if I really wanted to." She flashed Caitlyn a wicked grin. "But then, where's the fun in that?"

Caitlyn laughed to herself, shaking her head at Riven's antics, but the smile slowly faded. She glanced down, running a finger along the edge of her glass, her thoughts suddenly heavy.

Riven caught the shift and tilted her head, her green eyes narrowing. "You're overthinking again."

Caitlyn sighed, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "It's just… my mother," she quietly admitted. "She's always been so focused on status, appearances, and the family legacy. I don't know how she'd react to Vi. We come from completely different worlds. I don't even know how to explain it to her."

Riven set her fork down deliberately, her pale green eyes meeting Caitlyn's with calm intensity. "Caitlyn," she began, her voice steady and composed, "I understand the weight of expectations, especially when it comes to family. It's not easy to step outside the lines they've drawn for you."

She paused, folding her hands in front of her. "But Vi is not the problem here, nor are you. If your mother struggles to see the value in someone who means so much to you, that is something for her to work through—not for you to carry alone."

Riven's tone softened slightly, though the sincerity in her words only deepened. "You are one of the most capable people I know, and I have no doubt you'll navigate this with the grace you always do. But if there comes a moment when you feel you cannot, I am here. As an ally. As a friend. Whatever you need." Riven allowed herself a faint smile. "And if that means enduring a sharp word or two from Lady Kiramman, so be it. I suspect it would hardly be the worst I've faced."

Caitlyn's expression softened, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction as she let out a quiet breath. "If only it were that easy," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "My mother's expectations… they're like the foundation of everything she believes in. To challenge that feels like stepping into a storm I'm not sure I'm prepared for."

Riven leaned back slightly, studying her for a moment before responding. "Easy? No," she agreed, her pale green eyes steady on Caitlyn. "But the right thing rarely is. You've already taken steps most people wouldn't dare, Caitlyn. That says more about your strength than any argument you'll have to face."She paused, her faint smile returning. "And for what it's worth, storms have a way of passing. They might leave a mess in their wake, but nothing you can't handle."

Caitlyn let out a small laugh, though it sounded a little wistful. "You make it sound so straightforward."

Riven's smirk turned knowing, her tone softening further. "It's not. But that's why you have people in your corner. When it's too much, lean on those who care about you. On Vi. And," she added with a rare hint of warmth in her voice, "on me."

Caitlyn's gaze lingered on Riven for a moment, a quiet gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Riven. Truly."

Riven gave a small nod, her smirk returning as she picked up her glass. "Don't thank me yet. Wait until after I've charmed your mother at dinner. That'll be the real miracle."

That earned a genuine laugh from Caitlyn, the tension in the room easing just a little more. "Why isn't it like that for you?" Caitlyn asked, her voice gentle but curious. "Why haven't you found someone yet?"

Riven froze, her smirk fading as if Caitlyn's words had struck a nerve she wasn't entirely prepared for. She set her glass down, her gaze dropping to the table for a moment. When she looked up again, her usual sharp confidence was replaced with something quieter, almost contemplative.

"I don't know," Riven admitted, her tone softer than Caitlyn had ever heard it. "Maybe I've been too focused on everything else, on being… useful." She paused, her green eyes flickering with something unreadable. "Or maybe I'm just not the type of person people look for."

Caitlyn blinked, startled by the raw honesty in Riven's voice. "Riven, that's not—"

"Don't," Riven interrupted gently, a faint, rueful smile tugging at her lips. "I'm not fishing for reassurance. It's just the way things are. And honestly?" She shrugged, leaning back in her chair. "I'm okay with it. Better to stand by people like you and Vi than waste time chasing something that might not be for me."

Caitlyn softened, her heart aching a little at the vulnerability in Riven's words. "You're not giving yourself enough credit."

"Maybe," Riven said, her smirk returning faintly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Or maybe I've just figured out where I'm most needed."

A burst of laughter rang out from a nearby table, light and melodic, catching Riven's attention mid-bite. She froze, her fork hovering in midair as the sound struck a chord somewhere deep within her. It reminded her of someone—someone she'd met just a few days ago while jogging at the fields. A certain painter with raven-black hair and soft bangs that framed her face like a masterpiece.

Riven's heartbeat quickened, an unfamiliar warmth creeping up her neck and settling in her cheeks. She swallowed hard, setting her fork down with deliberate calmness, though her eyes betrayed her, darting subtly around the room in search of the source. She tried to be casual, as if she were simply taking in the ambiance, but the faint blush blooming across her sharp features told a different story. Damn it, Riven. Two days. You've known her for two days, and you're already acting like some lovesick idiot.

Caitlyn, ever the keen observer, immediately noticed the shift. Her dining companion, usually the picture of composed confidence, now seemed… distracted. Even a little flustered. It was a rare sight, and Caitlyn couldn't help the amused smile that tugged at her lips. Well, this is interesting. Who—or what—could possibly have Riven acting like this?

"Something catch your eye?" Caitlyn asked, her tone light but unmistakably teasing.

Riven's head snapped back to Caitlyn, her composure cracking for a split second before she recovered with a smirk that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just appreciating the view," she replied, her voice a touch too casual, though her mind whispered, Like I'd ever forget the sound of her laugh.

Caitlyn arched an elegant brow, setting her fork down as she leaned forward slightly. "The view?" she repeated, her voice dripping with playful skepticism. "Funny, I didn't take you for the type to find interior design so captivating." So, it's a who then.

Riven huffed softly, her gaze flicking briefly toward the laughter again before returning to Caitlyn. "Maybe I've developed a new hobby," she quipped, though the faint blush betrayed her yet again. Fantastic. Nothing says refined elegance quite like blushing over a laugh and glancing around like you've misplaced your common sense. Get it together.

Caitlyn's smile widened, her tone growing more conspiratorial. "Or maybe," she said, tilting her head slightly, "you're looking for someone."

Riven didn't respond right away, her smirk fading into something more thoughtful. For once, she didn't have a quick comeback. Instead, she picked up her glass, taking a slow sip as if the wine might drown out the blush still warming her cheeks.

Caitlyn's eyes widened slightly, her sharp gaze catching every subtle shift in Riven's demeanor. Leaning in, she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "You have a crush on someone?"

Riven nearly choked on her wine, setting the glass down with a muffled cough. "What? No," she said quickly, her tone sharper than intended. "That's… ridiculous. Why would you even say that? I don't get crushes. I just—" She paused, her mind scrambling for an exit. "I just… noticed someone. That's all. People notice people. It's not a big deal."

Caitlyn leaned in slightly, her voice low and teasing. "Riven," she said with a slow, knowing drawl. "You're terrible at being subtle."

Riven just stared blankly at Caitlyn for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, as if flipping a switch, she straightened in her chair, her composure sliding effortlessly back into place. Her lips curved into a faint smirk, this one softer, almost kind. "Not. My. Style," she repeated, her voice calm and deliberate, the earlier fluster melting away as if it had never existed.

-ŕ­¨ ŕ­§-

🎶: Like A River - Briggs

The Kiramman drawing room glowed warmly under the soft afternoon light. Cassandra Kiramman, poised as ever, poured tea into her very expensive Ionian porcelain cups. She found afternoons like these endlessly tiresome. The rehearsed pleasantries, the veiled barbs—small talk had always felt like a performance to her, one she endured out of necessity rather than desire. If it were up to her, such conversations would be far fewer and infinitely more direct. It seemed Caitlyn had inherited that particular impatience. Across from her, Shava Konte sat rigidly upright, the sharp lines of her tailored attire mirroring the air of authority she carried.

"Cassandra," Shava began, her tone dripping with polite condescension, "I must say, your daughter has quite the knack for making… unconventional friendships."

Cassandra arched a brow slightly, setting the teapot down with practiced grace. "Unconventional?" she echoed, her voice light full with curiosity. "Do elaborate."

Shava placed her teacup on its saucer, her lips pressing into a faintly disapproving line. "Zaunites," she said, as if the word itself carried a stench. "Seraphine. Vi Kane. They're hardly the sort of companions one would expect for someone of Caitlyn's standing. Yet, it seems she has taken a particular interest in surrounding herself with such… influences."

Cassandra's expression remained neutral, though a flicker of something unspoken passed through her eyes. "Caitlyn has always been drawn to those who challenge convention," she replied, her tone measured. "It's part of what makes her an effective leader."

Shava huffed softly, shaking her head. "Effective leadership, Cassandra, is built on discernment and careful association. Riven, for instance, has always understood the importance of aligning herself with the right people—those who reflect the values and standards we've instilled in her."

Cassandra's lips curled into the faintest of smiles, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Ah, yes. Riven. Your adopted daughter."

"Precisely," Shava said, straightening further in her chair. "And it is my duty to ensure she remains focused on her path. She's worked too hard, overcome too much, to risk being pulled into distractions or… entanglements with individuals who might compromise her future."

"And you believe Caitlyn is one such individual?" Cassandra asked lightly, though her tone carried an edge of amusement.

"I do," Shava replied bluntly. "Not intentionally, of course. Caitlyn is charming, I'll grant her that. But charm is hardly a substitute for discipline. Her association with individuals like Violet Kane only raises questions about her judgment. And I cannot allow Riven to be dragged into such frivolities."

Cassandra took a slow sip of her tea, her gaze fixed on Shava with a calm intensity. "How noble of you," she said smoothly, setting her cup down. "Though I must say, you seem remarkably preoccupied with Caitlyn's choices, given that they appear to be none of your concern."

Shava stiffened, her smile faltering for the briefest of moments. "It is my concern when it impacts Riven," she said, her tone sharpening. "I have devoted my life to ensuring her success. Her proximity to Caitlyn, and by extension Caitlyn's… entourage, puts that at risk."

Cassandra tilted her head slightly, a flicker of disdain creeping into her otherwise composed demeanor. "Perhaps you underestimate Riven's ability to make her own decisions. Or Caitlyn's ability to inspire something greater in those around her."

Shava's jaw tightened, though she quickly masked her irritation with a polite smile. "I only wish to protect Riven from unnecessary distractions. Surely, as a mother, you understand the need to safeguard one's child."

"Of course," Cassandra replied, her tone cool and clipped. "Though I've found that trust often proves a more effective safeguard than control."

Shava shifted slightly, her smile cooling into something sharper. "I see," she began, her tone laced with mock concern, "However, one does wonder where these associations might lead. With Caitlyn spending so much time around these Zaunite students… well, one can imagine the rumors that might arise."

She paused, watching Cassandra closely for a reaction, before pressing further. "Perhaps even… a relationship? Surely, as a mother, you must find the idea troubling. Someone of Caitlyn's status entangled with—how shall I put it?—someone so beneath her station?"

Cassandra's hand, poised elegantly on her teacup, stilled for the briefest of moments. Then she looked up, meeting Shava's gaze with an expression of such composed authority that the air in the room seemed to shift. "Troubling?" Cassandra repeated, her tone smooth and cool, though an unmistakable edge of steel underpinned her words. "No, Shava. What I find troubling is the notion that one's worth could be so narrowly defined by 'station,' as you put it."

Shava blinked, momentarily caught off guard, but Cassandra continued without giving her a chance to interject. "You see, Caitlyn's choices are hers to make. I've raised her to value integrity, strength, and character above all else. If she sees those qualities in someone, then who am I to question it? Certainly not a mother whose confidence in her child's judgment is unwavering."

Cassandra leaned back slightly, her gaze sharp and unyielding, though her voice remained cool. "Let me be clear, Shava. My daughter requires no protection from the company she keeps. What she does require—what she deserves—is the freedom to make her own choices without interference or judgment. Perhaps," she added, her tone sharpening just enough to make her point unmistakable, "you should consider granting your own daughter the same courtesy."

Shava's carefully constructed façade cracked for the briefest of moments, her lips pressing into a thin line as her eyes flickered with something dangerously close to indignation. She recovered quickly, though her polite smile returned with an edge that didn't quite mask the sting of Cassandra's words. "Of course," Shava said lightly, though her voice carried an undercurrent of tension. "It's always inspiring to see a mother's faith in her child."

Cassandra's smile was faint, a mere curve of her lips, but there was nothing soft about it. "Indeed," she replied. "It's a faith built on understanding the remarkable person Caitlyn has become. Something I trust you've come to recognize in Riven as well."

Shava's polite smile tightened, her attempts to prod Cassandra clearly deflected. "So," Shava said, her tone saccharine but loaded with implication, "you are truly all right with the idea of Violet Kane being in a relationship with your daughter?"

Cassandra didn't flinch. "An interesting question, Shava," she said lightly, her tone carrying the faintest edge of amusement. "Would you be all right with Caitlyn as Riven's partner?"

The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment, the soft rustle of the garden leaves outside the only sound breaking the silence. Shava blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected counter. Her carefully constructed demeanor wavered for a fraction of a second before she forced another smile.

"Well," Shava began, her voice faltering slightly before she recovered, "Riven has always been independent. Her choices are her own, of course. But… one hopes for a partner who would complement her strengths, not distract from them."

Cassandra's faint smile deepened, though her eyes remained cold and calculating. "Ah, of course," she said smoothly, her voice dripping with politeness. "A partner who challenges her, sharpens her focus, and encourages her to grow. Qualities Caitlyn embodies, wouldn't you agree?"

Shava opened her mouth to respond but seemed to think better of it, settling for a curt nod and a murmured, "Perhaps."

Cassandra leaned back slightly, her expression serene but victorious. "Then it seems we both want the same for our daughters, after all," she said, lifting her cup with effortless elegance. "How fortunate."

ŕ­¨ END OF MINI CHAPTER ŕ­§