Riven barely made it back to his room before collapsing onto his bed. His body ached, and his mana reserves were still far from full, but at least a few hours of sleep would help him recover before tomorrow's mission.
Or so he thought.
The moment he shut his eyes, a dull throbbing flared in his chest. At first, it was just an irritation, something he could ignore. But within seconds, it built - an overwhelming, pulsing force that sent waves of discomfort coursing through his body.
"Argh!" Riven hissed, forcing himself upright. His breath came sharp and uneven as he clutched at his chest. "Can I not get one moment of fucking peace?!"
As he stood, a wave of dark energy surged through him. His shadows, usually obedient and still, trembled around him, twisting and writhing like living things. But it wasn't fear. It was anticipation. Excitement.
A presence stirred in the corner of his room.
"My King…"
Nyx's voice echoed softly as she emerged from the darkness.
