Chapter 77 - 76 - The Unseen Divide
No one could tell exactly when the atmosphere at the Valderacht Estate began to shift.
At first, the servants and guards treated Riven with a relaxed familiarity. They greeted him with warm smiles, occasionally joked when bringing meals or passing him in the corridors. Some even asked about his training or inquired after his sister. Riven, though not one for small talk, responded with polite nods or short, friendly replies.
But over the past few days... all of that had disappeared.
Gradually, almost imperceptibly, their behavior began to shift. Not drastically, but enough to be felt. Their smiles became awkward. Their gazes lingered only briefly before quickly darting away. And whenever Riven asked something, the replies were short, hurried, followed by some excuse to leave: "Sorry, I need to clean the kitchen," or "I’ve been assigned to the eastern corridor."
He wasn’t stupid. But he also wasn’t the type to pry or demand answers. As long as Mira wasn’t harmed, as long as he could still train and sleep in peace... Riven chose silence.
And that evening, like always, he sat alone in the corner of the training yard, leaning against a cold, weathered stone, catching his breath after another grueling session. His loose shirt was soaked with sweat, and his right hand still held Crysthalis.
One strike... just one...
One perfect cut, born of absolute intent, capable of slicing through anything in its path, no matter the consequence.
He pondered. How do you strike with your full strength—no restraint, no doubt, no hesitation? No, he had thrown away hesitation long ago. But something else was still missing.
Then came the sound of approaching footsteps. Soft. Deliberate. But impossible to ignore.
He knew who it was even before turning his head.
"Asha," he murmured, as if greeting the wind.