Wings Of Fate

A Dangerous Protector

Eugene stumbled through the dense forest, his delicate wings trembling as tears blurred his vision. Moonlight filtered through the branches, casting silver flecks across his pale face. His heart pounded with fear, not just from the attack on his kingdom but from the unknown dangers lurking ahead. His father, the king, had whispered urgent commands to escape before the enemies breached the palace walls. And now, for the first time in his life, Eugene was utterly alone.

He clutched the edges of his ruffled overcoat, the soft white silk now streaked with mud from his desperate journey. His pants clung to him, damp from morning dew, and his shiny black shoes were scuffed. Each step forward felt heavier, weighed down by exhaustion and fear.

He looked up at the towering trees of the dark forest he had been sent to. His father told him that someone would meet him here—someone he could trust. But instead of comfort, the forest made his skin prickle with unease. The branches swayed, their shadows stretching like claws. He held his breath.

Suddenly, a cold wind swept through the clearing, and Eugene’s heart froze when a figure emerged from the shadows.

Riven.

He was taller than Eugene expected, with broad shoulders and wings darker than a stormy sky. His long, wild hair framed his sharp jawline, and his crimson eyes burned with a dangerous glint. He was dressed simply but elegantly, in dark leather and armor-like accents that clung to his powerful frame.

Riven's wings twitched as he studied Eugene, a predatory smirk curling his lips. “So, you’re the crown prince.” His voice was low, smooth, and carried the faintest trace of mockery.

Eugene backed away instinctively, his hands trembling. He knew who this was. Riven was a warrior from a distant faction—one with no love for Eugene's father. In fact, his father had once called Riven a reckless threat to the peace of the realms.

“I—uh, yes. I am Eugene,” he stammered, his bright eyes wide with fear. “My father… said someone would help me...”

“Oh, I’ll help you, alright,” Riven whispered, taking a step closer. His wings unfurled slightly, casting an intimidating shadow. “But you’re in my forest now, little prince.”

Eugene’s knees felt weak as the scent of rain and pine surrounded him. He took another cautious step back, but Riven was faster—closing the distance between them with a single stride.

“What’s wrong? Afraid?” Riven's smirk deepened as he tilted Eugene's chin up with two fingers. His touch was both gentle and commanding, and it sent a strange shiver down Eugene’s spine. “You should be.”

Eugene swallowed, his throat dry. “Why... why are you doing this?” he whispered, barely able to keep his voice steady.

“Because I don’t like your father. And I think I’ll enjoy having his precious little prince at my mercy.” Riven’s gaze flicked over Eugene’s elegant, ruffled coat and delicate features. “You’ll be fun to play with.”

Eugene’s wings twitched nervously as he tried to step away, but Riven’s hand remained under his chin, firm and unyielding. “N-No... I-I don’t want—”

Riven leaned in closer, his hot breath brushing against Eugene’s ear. “Doesn’t matter what you want, pretty boy.”

Tears welled up in Eugene’s eyes as fear knotted in his chest. He had never met anyone so fierce, so overwhelming. And yet, beneath the fear, a strange flutter stirred in his heart.

Riven released Eugene’s chin with a chuckle, watching as the younger fairy stumbled back, his wings folding tightly in distress. “Oh, don’t look so scared. I won’t break you... unless you beg me to.”

Eugene’s cheeks flushed, and he hugged himself tightly, unsure whether to cry or run. But where would he go? There was no kingdom waiting for him now.

Riven’s smile softened, just a fraction, as if he was amused by Eugene’s innocence. “Stick close, prince. If I wanted to hurt you, you’d already be crying by now.”

With a flick of his wing, Riven turned away, his presence still lingering like thunder in the air. “Come on. Let’s see if you can keep up.”

Eugene hesitated for a moment, his heart thudding painfully in his chest, before taking a shaky step forward. There was nowhere else to go.

And so, the fragile crown prince followed the fierce warrior, not knowing whether he was heading toward safety—or into a storm far more dangerous than the one he had fled.

The two of them took to the skies, Eugene struggling to keep pace as his delicate wings fluttered frantically. His pale wings shimmered like morning dew, while Riven’s dark ones sliced through the wind effortlessly. Eugene tried to stay focused, but Riven kept glancing back with that smug grin that made him uneasy.

“Careful, prince. You look like you’re about to fall.” Riven’s voice was thick with amusement as he flew a little closer, deliberately brushing past Eugene’s wings, making the younger fairy wobble mid-flight.

“I-I’m fine,” Eugene stammered, though he could feel his cheeks heating up. His wings quivered from the unexpected closeness, and he tried to focus on flying straight.

Riven swooped under him, flipping lazily through the air until they were face-to-face. “You know,” Riven said, flying backward with infuriating ease, “you’re kind of adorable when you’re scared.”

Eugene’s cheeks flushed deeper. “I’m not scared!” he shot back, though his wide, shiny eyes gave him away.

Riven chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. “Oh, of course not, Your Highness. You’re just trembling because you’re thrilled to be flying with me.”

Eugene’s wings faltered, and he nearly plummeted before catching himself. Riven’s laughter echoed through the sky, loud and teasing. Eugene glared at him, frustrated and embarrassed.

“You’re doing that on purpose!” Eugene puffed, trying to keep his flight steady.

Riven arched a brow, his grin widening. “What, flying? Or driving you crazy?”

Eugene pressed his lips into a thin line, desperately wishing his heart would stop racing. It wasn’t fair how effortlessly Riven seemed to get under his skin.

“You know,” Riven continued smoothly, circling Eugene in the air like a predator toying with prey, “you’re awfully pretty for someone running for his life. Ever wonder if that’s why your father’s so desperate to keep you hidden?”

Eugene’s breath hitched, and he slowed his flight. “Don’t… don’t talk about my father like that.”

Riven’s eyes glimmered with mischief as he leaned in close—so close that Eugene could feel the heat radiating off him. “Why not? You afraid I’ll tell you the truth, little prince?”

Eugene bit his lip, his wings drooping slightly. The fear, exhaustion, and confusion were almost too much to bear. But before he could say anything, Riven tilted his head, his voice dropping into something softer, more teasing.

“Relax. I’m just messing with you.” He smirked, then added, “Unless you like it when I tease you.”

Eugene’s face turned a deep shade of pink. “I don’t!” he blurted, which only made Riven’s grin grow wider.

“You’re terrible at lying,” Riven murmured with a sly chuckle.

The prince scowled, flapping his wings harder to gain some distance from the irritating fairy. But Riven followed, always staying just close enough to keep Eugene on edge.

“Careful, Eugene,” Riven whispered from behind, his voice a low purr that sent a shiver down the prince’s spine. “You might end up liking me if you’re not careful.”

Eugene shot him a withering look over his shoulder, though the flush in his cheeks betrayed him. “In your dreams.”

Riven grinned, thoroughly entertained. “Oh, believe me, little prince. You’re going to be all over my dreams.”

(To be continued)