Reincarnation: Beyond Mortal Bounds.

As they entered, Anya's eyes widened in admiration as she took everything in.

"Wow! They definitely outdid themselves with this decor," she marveled.

The place was a dazzling spectacle—lights dancing across the ceiling, chairs draped in shimmering gold clothes, and an ambiance that felt both romantic and inviting. Riven wasn't quite sure what theme they'd gone for, but whatever it was, it worked beautifully, casting a glow that made everything feel magical.

He caught sight of the open bar and suggested, "I should get us something to drink," watching as other kids held glasses filled with liquid that looked almost too fancy to be just juice.

Anya nodded, and Riven made his way through the crowd, feeling the buzz of excitement and the hum of conversations around. The place was packed—some campers mingling with adults, everyone here to celebrate.

He looked at the collection of wines—so much alcohol. They had this much alcohol here the whole time and they hadn't even told him? How could they do that to him? His head shook with mild disappointment

"They've been holding out on me," he thought, a grin tugging at his lips.

Suddenly, a voice behind him made him freeze.

"Why do I know exactly what you're thinking from just looking at your expression?"

That voice! It was Vaelorian.

The sight of him made Riven's heartbeat accelerate. Vaelorian was dressed to perfection—black tuxedo, his long blonde hair styled flawlessly, flowing freely over his shoulders like a work of art. How can he just stand there, looking so handsome! His presence alone stole the breath from Riven's lungs. Riven's mind raced—gosh, he looks incredible. Devilishly handsome!

Wait! No! Why did I just think that? Riven shook his head violently, trying to dispel the thoughts racing through his mind. Just one glance at Vaelorian's lips brought back a vivid, memory-laden image of them kissing, and he felt a flush creep to his cheeks.

Vaelorian's voice cut through his thoughts, teasing. "Cat got your tongue?"

Riven stiffened, trying to mask his flustered reaction. "Very funny," he managed, his voice steady but his mind swirling.

"You are here!" Riven said his inner thought out loud and his eyes widened when Vaelorian chuckled.

"What? Was I not supposed to be? Last time I heard, this party was for everyone." Vaelorian replied, his voice sounding amused.

Oh God! Someone kill me now! Riven screamed inwardly.

Why couldn't he get a grip?

Why was he acting so lame?

Vaelorian's gaze flicked to where Anya waited. She glanced their way and not so discreetly.

"I see you brought a date after all. She's cute," he said softly, a hint of something unreadable in his tone. His eyes lingered just a moment longer, and Riven felt the strange undercurrent of the words, the subtle compliment cloaked in something more.

"Uh, yeah. I'm supposed to be getting us drinks," Riven stammered, suddenly aware of how off-balance he felt.

"Go ahead then," Vaelorian said, picking up a glass of wine, his voice low and husky. "You look really good tonight." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Riven standing there, heart pounding, and mouth wide open, feeling like a fish out of water.

What the hell was that? Riven's mind screamed inwardly.

Across the room, Anya had watched the whole exchange, her eyes sharp with curiosity. She walked over to him, her voice cautious.

"Can't decide what to get? It happens to me sometimes too. Just go for what everyone is drinking." she said, offering a comforting smile.

Riven blinked, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.

"Oh, hey! Sorry—I got distracted," he said, a nervous chuckle escaping.

He looked flustered.

She was unsure of what the Prince had said to him, but he looked shaken.

What is really going on between those two?

She reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "It's fine. Let's go dance," Anya suggested, trying to brighten the mood.

Riven hesitated, then grinned. "Some liquid courage first?" he joked, playfully nudging her, and she laughed raising a glass in agreement.

They grabbed a few more glasses of wine before hitting the dance floor. For a while, Riven was just having fun—letting himself enjoy the music, the company, the moment. But then, the slow song started, and everyone reached for their partners' waists and Riven was instantly reminded of how Vaelorian's hand felt on his when they were practicing.

Where was the older boy anyway?

Riven wondered if he also brought a date?

Knowing him, he probably didn't.

He was a mess and his gaze unintentionally met Vaelorian's across the room. The other boy wasn't on the dance floor but was staring at him with an intensity that felt almost electric.

What is he doing? Riven wondered, confusion swirling.

He tried to focus on Anya, drifting into the dance, but his mind kept circling back to Vaelorian. As they danced, Anya rested her head on his chest, and his heart thundered so loudly it might burst.

Why is his heart doing that?

Then, from across the room, Vaelorian's eyes held a look Riven couldn't quite interpret. And just as the song was about to end, Vaelorian turned and walked toward the back exit.

Disappointment prickled inside him—why did he feel let down? And that irritation grew. Why was he annoyed that Vaelorian left? Why did he suddenly want him to stay and look at him again? What the hell was happening to him?

Lost in thought, Riven was pulled back to reality when Anya tapped his shoulder gently.

"Hm?" he looked down at her.

"Want to get out of here? I know a quiet place," she said with a mischievous wink.

A thrill of anticipation shot through him. He nodded, a smile creeping onto his face.

"Yeah. Let's go," he said excitedly, and hand in hand, they stepped out from the glittering chaos of the ballroom and into the slightly dark corridors.