realjoa

Riven Thorne has no familiar, no status, and a secret that could get him expelled—or worse. In a world where magic obeys strict rules and queer witches are forced to hide, Riven is just trying to survive Virelle Academy without drawing too much attention.

But when he meets Aurel, a rebellious fae from the Wild Court, everything changes. Together, they uncover lost spells, forbidden love stories, and the truth about a magic system built to erase people like them.

Now Riven must choose: stay quiet, or spark a rebellion with nothing but truth, love, and the power they were never supposed to have.

Hearts Unbound

The next morning, Riven awoke with a presence beside him—not a creature, but a glowing tether of energy shaped like a phoenix made of starlight. His familiar had finally come—not through force or tradition, but through truth.

The phoenix, whom he named *Vex*, spoke in feelings more than words. Loyalty. Pride. Love.

At breakfast, students stared as Vex hovered protectively at his side. Even Aldric couldn't find a snide remark.

"I guess you're not broken after all," someone muttered.

Riven didn't reply. He didn't need to.

Familiars Don’t Always Have Fur