Chapter 112: A Fight On Your Hands - Riven's POV

The ride to the academy was quieter than I expected. Callista stayed close, leaning over the center console against my shoulder. I found myself grateful for it in a way I would never say out loud.

The morning air was sharp and cool as it came through the cracked windows, cutting through the uniform jacket I hadn’t bothered to fully button. By the time we arrived, the campus was already stirring. Students were everywhere, most casting a glance at my car as we passed.

I felt their stares even when I wasn’t looking directly at them.

Two girls who I knew spoke to Callista at times stopped and stared, catching sight of her in the car with me. We parked and got out, both grabbing our bags from the back.

Anyone nearby went silent, even going as far as to stop mid-sentence.

Callista glanced at me over the top of the car, nodding for me to come to her side. I did without hesitation and took her hand in mine.

As we walked down the sidewalk, I heard their whispers. If Callista did, she said nothing.

“I thought they were done,” one whispered.

Another girl eyed us closely. “They’re back together?”

“Look at him,” a guy scoffed. “He doesn’t even—”

The last part was cut off. I wasn’t sure if someone elbowed him or if he just cut himself off. I kept my face neutral, which wasn’t difficult. I had spent most of my life making sure nothing showed on the surface, and this was nothing compared to the thing currently living in my chest.

Callista, to her credit, didn't flinch either. She walked with her chin up, her bag over one shoulder, and if the attention bothered her, she buried it well. But I felt the slight tension that moved through her when a cluster of girls near the fountain went deliberately quiet as we passed, and without thinking, I shifted closer.

We weren’t touching fully, except at our joined hands, but it was close enough that anyone paying attention would understand clearly.

Callista was mine.

Our split was temporary.

She glanced up at me briefly and I kept my gaze forward, but I heard the small exhale she let out. Something between relief and amusement.

We split at the top of the stairs, having to head in separate directions to get to our assigned lockers. It was something I would have to discuss with Principal Wolffe since we're going through our ceremony in just under six weeks.

After putting our things away, we met in the middle. She looked at me with a grim smile.

“We have different classes, don’t we?”

I nodded. “It’ll be taken care of by lunchtime. Unless you want to come with me.”

“It would probably be better if you did it. I’m sure the Alpha King will back you,” she whispered. “And I really need to speak to my teachers to tell them that I’m not sure I’ll be in their classes.”

I shook my head. “Your schedule will stay the same. They’ll flip mine to yours.” I looked up just as Marcus went by. He was eyeing Callista too closely. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”

She turned, watching Marcus. “It’ll be fine. Just a few minutes, right?”

“Okay,” I said, then took a step back. “I’ll see you in a few.”

She whirled on her heel and grabbed her books that Kalley was holding before they disappeared down the hallway. I didn’t move until she was in the classroom. Not once did she look back at me, which was painful to watch, yet a relief in some ways.

I turned and walked into whatever was waiting for me in the admissions office.

When I reached the office, there was a slight problem. Someone was blocking the door. I watched the guy turn, only to realize who it was.

“Carson,” I said slowly.

His arms were folded across his chest and the expression he wore told me all I needed to know. He was irritated and had been for a while. His expression hardened as soon as he saw me.

“Well, I see you got the girl again,” he murmured.

“That’s observant of you,” I said, stopping in front of him. “Can you move so I can get into the office?”

"Riven."

The way he said my name had weight behind it.

“What do you want?”

I glanced at the students filing past us into a nearby classroom and said nothing for a moment. The bell hadn't rung yet, so we had time.

“You took her from all the Alpha heirs and now you want to know what I want? Have you seen her? She’s suffered enough because of you,” he snapped, pushing off the wall.

“I was going to let her go, but she came to me. I will not let her suffer anymore,” I said, keeping my voice low. “She’s mine, Carson.”

Carson's jaw tightened. "Really? And what are you going to do when all the heirs find out you two are back together? Are you ready for another challenge?”

“There won’t be a challenge,” I snarled. “That is over. We are getting married under the full moon in six weeks.”

"That's—" He stopped, then started again. "If that's true—"

“It is true, per the Alpha King. You know the man everyone obeys,” I said, a hint of anger in my voice. “Now back off.”

I brushed past him. My hand landed on the knob and his hand found my shoulder.

“It’s going to come, whether you want it or not,” he whispered. “The Alpha King can’t stop it if it’s several requests.”

“There better not be several requests,” I said, my voice lethal. “I’ve fought once and I will do it again. This time, I’ll be eighteen and can fight to the death.”

“Not if they aren’t,” he sneered.

“I’ll make a special request,” I laughed. “Who will stop me? Do you think anyone is going to come in mid-fight to tell me no? Get real.”

“You will have opposition, Riven,” he said again, then removed his hand. “I hope you’re ready.”