After months that had stretched into an eternity of pain and intense training, the final day of camp had finally arrived. This was the day Riven had been looking forward to ever since he found himself inhabiting this new body, a final, clean break from the barracks and, more importantly, from the shadow of Vaelorian.
The friends gathered for one last breakfast in the mass hall, the atmosphere a mix of giddy excitement and sentimental melancholy. Riven, Barron, Mira Lune, and Willow spent the morning doing what they'd done best over the past few months: talking, laughing, and teasing each other.
"It still doesn't feel real," Barron admitted, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "We actually made it. Remember those first weeks? I thought I'd be scrubbing the floord and dishes for a year. And then I literally went on a mission that saved the empire."
Riven offered a genuine smile. "We lived through it. And honestly, I think we're all walking away as a better version of ourselves. To think I hated this place in the beginning."
The culmination of their hard work had arrived in the form of assignments and postings, and their shared dreams had, surprisingly, come true.
Riven, Barron, and Willow had all earned a place in the coveted Emperor's Knight Squad. It was the highest honor for any young trainee, a direct path to prestige, power and Vaelorian—exactly what Riven had yearned for before the front-page disaster.
But that was then.
"I'm still going to miss training with you two here, but thankfully, we'll be together at the imperial Palace." Willow said, tapping her fingers on the table.
Riven shook his head. "You'll be brilliant, Willow. Both of you." He took a deep breath. "I've tuned down the offer," he stated simply, letting the news hang in the air.
His friends looked at him in surprise.
"Tuned it down? But Riven, it's the Knight Squad!" Mira exclaimed. "That's all you've talked about, all year."
"My priorities have changed," Riven said, his voice flat and firm. "I don't want anything that reminds me of that place, or of him. I'm going back to my family manor and overseeing the family business." The decision was painful, but necessary. He needed distance and an anchor back to the stable world Vaelorian had nearly destroyed.
The others accepted his choice with supportive nods. Their futures, however, were just beginning. Anya had been assigned to the biggest healing center in the Empire's Capitol, her quiet dedication to medicine recognized with a prestigious post. Mira Lune was the next success story; she was named the youngest youth spokesperson for Solaria, an appointment that instantly launched her career into politics. It wasn't surprising, given her sharp mind and undeniable ability to be diplomatic and articulate. There was one more piece of totally unexpected news that emerged from the morning's announcements.
"So, I have to tell you guys something," Barron began, scratching the back of his neck and avoiding Riven's gaze. "I wrote home last week. I told them... I'd like to go back with Riven for a bit."
Riven raised an eyebrow. "You wrote home what?"
"I asked if I could spend a little time at your family manor," Barron confessed. "I want to learn the ropes of being a lord—estate management, dealing with tenants, balancing the books—before I officially take my post as a Knight. I figure I'll be interacting with nobles a lot, and frankly, you're the only lord I trust not to bore me to death."
Riven looked at his friend, a wave of affection washing over the stubborn pain in his heart. Barron was one of the few solid things he had left. The idea of having him around, a familiar face and a trusted confidant, was deeply comforting.
"You really expect me to teach you? You know I suck at this lordship stuff, right?" Riven teased, though his eyes softened.
"Well, you have no option but to teach your friend. Also, I wouldn't want to learn from those boring lords, so you're stuck with me." Barron retorted with a grin.
The issue was settled. Riven would have a traveling companion and a welcome distraction. As the morning drew to a close, they walked toward the gates where their various transportation awaited—carriages for the nobles, mounted guards for the knights, and coaches for the girls' new assignments. Before the friends parted ways for their journeys home, the girls made the boys promise to visit each other every now and then, no matter what.
Riven looked at the faces of the people who had stood by him, defended him, and helped him survive the last few agonizing months. He nodded. "We promise."
With a final round of hugs and tearful goodbyes, the group separated. Riven and Barron mounted the carriage bound for the family manor, leaving the camp and the specter of Prince Vaelorian behind them, ready to face the world on their own terms.