Chapter 53 - 52 - An Obsession Ignites
The wedding procession slowly faded into the distance, leaving behind a trail of flowers scattered across the stone-paved road now lit by the gentle glow of oil lamps. The cheers of the townspeople dwindled into hushed murmurs, then vanished altogether—swallowed by the whisper of the evening wind, which was beginning to turn cold.
The sky had turned a deep violet, and the last light of the sun hung like an unhealed wound on the edge of the horizon.
And yet, amidst all the changing light and sound, Riven and Ashtoria remained still.
Ashtoria was still leaning into his chest, arms wrapped around him tightly, as if the world might tear him away at any moment. Her embrace didn’t loosen—it only grew firmer. Her head rested against him, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat like a song she refused to forget.
Riven stood unmoving, one hand gently on Ashtoria’s back, letting her stay. He didn’t know what to say. Maybe he didn’t need to say anything. Their presence was enough. Even silence held meaning that evening.
But as time passed, discomfort began creeping into his shoulders, trickling down his arms and back. He shifted slightly, trying to ease his stance without disturbing her. Still, Ashtoria did not move.
She was still holding him.
And Riven couldn’t bring himself to let go.
He exhaled softly and glanced to the side, spotting Mira seated on a bench not far from the square. She was resting her chin on her hand, watching them with a look of bored amusement. When their eyes met, Mira raised a single brow—a look that said, "How long is this going to last?"
Riven replied with a small nod and a helpless smile. Mira rolled her eyes and returned to twirling a twig in her fingers, killing time.
Meanwhile, Ashtoria remained silent. But it was not an empty silence.