Wings Of Fate

A New Battle

Eugene stretched lazily on the bed, his wings fluttering slightly as he yawned. The morning sunlight streaming through the curtains made his moonlit wings glimmer faintly, and he blinked at the sight. Still half-asleep, he turned his head to see Riven standing by the window, his robe loosely tied, his back stiff, and his posture tense.

Eugene’s face broke into a radiant smile, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks as the memories of the previous night flooded back. “Good morning,” he said softly, his voice tinged with shyness. “Last night was amazing, right?”

Riven didn’t turn around immediately. When he did, his face was serious, his jaw tight, and his eyes darker than usual. “Go freshen up,” Riven said curtly. “We need to leave soon.”

Eugene tilted his head, his smile faltering. “Leave? Go where?”

“You don’t need to know right now,” Riven replied, turning back toward the window to avoid Eugene’s questioning gaze.

“Hey, you need to tell me,” Eugene said, his tone playful but confused.

“Just get ready, Eugene. I’ll be outside,” Riven said firmly, already moving toward the door.

Eugene sat up, his brows knitting together in frustration. “What’s wrong with him today?” he muttered under his breath as Riven left the room. He sighed, ruffling his hair as he got out of bed. “He’s acting so weird...”

---

Outside, Riven leaned against the doorframe, his head tilted back as he stared up at the sky. His wings were tightly folded against his back, his hands trembling as he gripped the edge of the wooden frame.

Kai approached quietly, his sharp eyes immediately noticing the turmoil etched across Riven’s face. “Did you tell him?” he asked, his tone cautious but firm.

Riven shook his head, his voice breaking as he whispered, “Not yet. He won’t come with me if I tell him the truth.”

Kai frowned, crossing his arms as he stood beside Riven. “You’re not giving him enough credit. Eugene might surprise you. He’s stronger than he looks.”

Riven’s throat tightened as he fought to keep his emotions in check. “You don’t understand, Kai. He finally feels free here—with me. He’s happy, and now I have to take him back to a place that broke him. How am I supposed to look him in the eye and ask him to go back?”

Kai placed a hand on Riven’s shoulder. “Because it’s not just about you or him anymore. It’s about the kingdom, the fairy goddess, and the future he was born to shape. If you truly love him, you’ll do what’s best for him—even if it’s hard.”

Riven clenched his jaw, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I don’t know if I can, Kai. What if... what if I lose him?”

Kai’s gaze softened. “You won’t lose him. But he has to know the truth. Keeping him in the dark will only make things worse.”

Riven inhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I just... I don’t want him to hate me.”

Kai smirked faintly. “Eugene? Hate you? The boy is head over heels for you, Riven. He’ll understand. But you have to trust him. Let him make the choice.”

Riven nodded reluctantly, wiping at his eyes before they could betray him. “I’ll tell him after we leave. I just need to get him moving first. If he knows what’s happening now, he’ll refuse.”

Kai sighed but didn’t push further. “Alright, but don’t wait too long. You owe him the truth.”

Riven nodded silently, watching as Kai walked away. He straightened his back, folded his wings tighter, and took a deep breath. Whatever happened next, he needed to be strong—for Eugene.