Wings Of Fate

A Threat

Riven’s hand slid from the nape of Eugene’s neck to his cheek, his thumb brushing softly over the prince’s flushed skin. The touch was surprisingly gentle, despite Riven’s usual rough demeanor. His fingers trailed downward, stopping at the top button of Eugene’s shirt.

Eugene’s breath hitched, and he instinctively stiffened as Riven began to unbutton the first clasp, fingers moving with slow precision. His heart pounded in his chest like a trapped bird, wings fluttering helplessly.

Riven noticed the way Eugene tensed and arched a brow, pausing halfway through the second button. “What’s wrong, Your Highness? Changed your mind?” His voice was low, almost teasing, but there was a flicker of something softer in his gaze. “You don’t want to?”

Eugene bit his lower lip, uncertainty flickering across his delicate features. He hesitated, his wings drooping slightly. “If you want...” he whispered, so quiet it was almost lost in the air between them. “I’m... okay.”

Riven’s brows furrowed slightly, his teasing nature momentarily slipping away. He leaned in closer, so close that Eugene could feel the warmth of his breath brushing against his cheek.

“You don’t have to,” Riven murmured, his tone unusually gentle.

Eugene’s wide, shiny eyes locked onto Riven’s, and for a moment, he seemed to be searching for something—some kind of reassurance, perhaps. Then, after a moment of hesitation, Eugene whispered, “Teach me... I’ll follow.”

The words were innocent, yet bold, and Riven couldn’t help the low chuckle that rumbled from his chest. The spoiled little prince, always trying so hard to prove himself. Always playing at being brave.

“Teach you, huh?” Riven smirked, his voice laced with amusement. “You’re something else, Your Highness.”

Eugene, still pink-cheeked but determined, gave a small nod. “I can learn. Just... show me what to do.”

Riven leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of Eugene’s ear as he whispered, “Careful what you ask for.”

Eugene’s breath hitched again, but this time, there was no hesitation in the way he leaned slightly closer, as if daring Riven to continue.

Riven chuckled softly, pulling back just enough to meet Eugene’s gaze. His hand, still hovering near the half-buttoned shirt, rested briefly over Eugene’s heart. “Relax, Prince,” he murmured, feeling the erratic thrum beneath his palm. “You’re acting like I’m going to eat you alive.”

Eugene’s lips parted slightly, and without thinking, he muttered, “Would you?”

Riven froze for a second, staring at him in disbelief, before breaking into a full, amused grin. “You really are impossible.”

He gave Eugene’s nose a playful tap and moved his hand away from the buttons, stepping back slightly.

“You don’t need lessons tonight,” Riven said with a grin. “You’re doing just fine on your own.”

Eugene blinked, momentarily confused, then scowled in embarrassment. “Are you mocking me again?”

Riven chuckled. “A little. But it’s kind of adorable how eager you are.”

Eugene huffed, crossing his arms, clearly flustered. “I wasn’t eager.”

“Sure you weren’t.” Riven gave him a lazy grin, leaning back on his heels. “But if you want to impress me, you’ll need to relax. Otherwise, I’m not teaching you anything.”

Eugene muttered something under his breath and shot him a glare, but his wings gave a nervous flutter, betraying him.

Riven, satisfied with how much he’d flustered the prince, turned toward the door. “Get some rest, Your Highness. Maybe tomorrow I’ll give you a lesson or two—if you ask nicely.”