Kael woke with the first light of dawn, her body trained to rise early after years of surviving in Ravaryn. She stretched, rolling the stiffness from her shoulders, then methodically made her bed—an old habit from her childhood that had never quite left her.
Today was the day.
She moved through the morning with quiet efficiency, dressing in her usual black attire before heading downstairs to eat. The inn's main hall was already busy, filled with travelers, merchants, and mercenaries preparing for their own journeys.
Kael found a seat near the back and ordered a simple breakfast—fresh bread, eggs, and smoked meat. As she ate, she listened to the murmurs of conversations around her, always aware of her surroundings.
Nothing suspicious.
Finishing her meal, she returned to her room and packed her belongings into a light travel bag—her new clothes, extra weapons, and essentials.
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"It's me," Jorrik's familiar voice came through the wood.
Kael opened the door, and Jorrik stepped inside, tossing a small glass vial between his fingers.
"Guess it's time."
Kael nodded. "Take it."
Jorrik uncorked the vial, tossed the pill into his mouth, and swallowed.
The transformation was instant. His body shimmered, then **shifted—**his frame shrinking slightly, his features morphing, his hair darkening until…
He was Kael.
The resemblance was uncanny. From the violet eyes to the hardened expression, it was as if she was looking into a mirror.
Jorrik blinked and examined his new form. "Damn, I'm gorgeous."
Kael's lips twitched. "Shut up."
He turned back to her, smirking. "Well, what do you think? Do I pass as the infamous Kael Veyne?"
Kael crossed her arms. "Almost. You're too relaxed."
Jorrik rolled his shoulders dramatically, then adjusted his posture, setting his jaw in a more cold and calculating expression.
Kael frowned. It was unsettling seeing herself reflected like this.
"Better?" Jorrik asked.
Kael sighed. "It'll do. Just don't do anything stupid."
Jorrik saluted. "Aye, aye, boss."
With their plan in place, Kael moved to the other room Jorrik had rented earlier. She locked the door, then uncorked her own vial and swallowed the pill.
A rush of warmth spread through her body as the transformation took effect.
She stepped toward the window reflection and studied her new form.
Bright red hair. Pale orange eyes.
It suited her.
Taking a breath, she adjusted the strap of her bag and exited the room, stepping into the streets as if nothing had changed.
Time to leave.
^Riven's side^
Riven stretched, exhaling as he lay sprawled across his bed. He hadn't slept much, but he didn't care. Today, he was leaving.
He dressed swiftly, pulling on a dark tunic and a leather coat, before heading toward the dining hall.
Breakfast was… as irritating as usual.
His father sat at the head of the table, casually sipping his tea. Evelyn and Edric sat across from him, speaking in low voices.
Riven, meanwhile, was too preoccupied with thoughts of Kael to care about their nonsense.
Evelyn's sharp gaze flicked to him. "You seem cheerful this morning."
Riven smirked, slicing into his fruit with deliberate ease. "Do I?"
She didn't respond, but he could feel her irritation.
After breakfast, Riven met with his father in his study.
King Aldren sat behind his desk, observing his son carefully. "So, you're ready?"
Riven leaned against the bookshelf, arms crossed. "Of course."
The King exhaled. "This mission… It's important, Riven."
Riven tilted his head. "Yes. Very important."
Aldric's gaze lingered. "Are you sure this is the best path for you?"
Riven hesitated—only for a second.
Riven's smirk softened just slightly. "You trust me, don't you?"
Aldric sighed, rubbing his temple. "That's the problem. I do."
Riven chuckled. "Then I'll see you when I return."
The King watched him for a long moment before finally nodding. "Be careful, son."
Riven grinned. "Always."
With that, he turned, leaving the study behind.
---
The carriage ride out of the city was uneventful. Riven sat inside, half-listening to the guards discussing their "mission."
Then, at a prearranged checkpoint, he switched places with another agent.
Stepping out of sight, he pulled out the vial and swallowed the pill.
His silver hair darkened to black. His blue-green eyes turned crimson.
With a smirk, he set off toward the forest, making his way toward the agreed meeting point.
As he approached, he spotted a lone figure waiting near the treeline.
His steps slowed.
The woman standing there had bright red hair, pale orange eyes.
Not Kael.
And yet… something in him recognized her immediately.
Something in the way she stood. The way she held herself, back straight, gaze unwavering.
He knew it was her.
Riven smirked. "Well, well. I was expecting someone else."
Kael arched a brow. "Disappointed?"
Riven walked closer, circling her slightly, taking in the transformation.
"No," he murmured. "Just… impressed. Though, I have to say—red suits you."
Kael rolled her eyes. "Let's just get moving."
Riven chuckled, but as they turned toward the road ahead, he found himself frowning slightly.
How had he recognized her so easily?
That… was something he hadn't expected.