Breakfast finished, and everyone went their separate ways. Riff Raff stepped closer to Eden, noticing the wistful expression on her face as she stared out the window, her eyes distant. He couldn't help but feel empathy, something he wasn't accustomed to feeling for most people. But Eden was different. She was different in a way that both intrigued and unsettled him.

The weight of the small gift in his pocket reminded him of the reason he had sought her out. It wasn't just to ask if she was okay—it was to show her that, despite the isolation she felt, she wasn't completely alone. At least, not here.

He cleared his throat, his voice soft yet laced with a rare tenderness. "Eden, are you alright?" he asked, his tone careful, as though trying not to intrude on whatever thoughts had clouded her mind.

Eden turned slightly, her eyes meeting his with a look of vulnerability she rarely showed. There was an openness in her gaze, an invitation for him to truly see her for what she was—human, complex, and needing connection.

"I don't know," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel... lonely. Something is missing, but I don't know what it is. I've been trying to ignore it, keep busy, but it's always there—this emptiness."

Riff Raff's gaze softened even further, his sharp features momentarily less intimidating in the quiet room. He didn't know exactly what she was going through, but he understood that emptiness—he had seen it in others before. It was a hunger that couldn't always be filled with material things or distractions.

"You don't have to be alone, you know," he said gently, stepping closer. He pulled the small gift from his jacket, holding it out to her. "I have something for you. A token, I suppose."

Eden looked at the gift, curious. "For me?" she asked, a small, surprised smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Riff Raff nodded, offering the gift with a rare look of sincerity. "It's not much, but I thought it might help," he explained, trying to sound casual, though the hint of vulnerability in his voice betrayed his otherwise composed exterior.

Eden accepted the gift, her fingers brushing against his as she took it. She unwrapped it carefully and found a small, intricately crafted pendant—an old-fashioned key with a delicate sapphire gemstone set into the center. The key was beautiful, its elegant and mysterious design, much like the castle she had found herself in.

"It's... lovely," Eden said, genuinely touched. She looked up at Riff Raff, who was watching her closely, waiting for her reaction. "Why a key?"

Riff Raff hesitated momentarily, his gaze flickering away before meeting hers again. "Because a key opens things," he said quietly. "It unlocks what's hidden. Maybe it could unlock something for you—something you've been looking for."

Eden held the pendant in her hand, feeling the weight of the gesture, and for the first time that day, the emptiness inside her felt a little lighter. There was something about this place, about the people here—something she couldn't quite explain. Maybe she hadn't found exactly what she was missing yet, but maybe, just maybe, she was starting to see the pieces.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice full of gratitude. "It's beautiful. I'll wear it."

Riff Raff gave her a slight, almost imperceptible nod. "I'm glad you like it," he murmured, then, after a beat, added, "If you ever need someone to talk to... or just to sit in silence with, I'm here."

For the first time since arriving at the castle, Eden felt the warmth of a real connection. It wasn't the solution to everything, but it was a start. She looked at the key again, feeling a sense of comfort in its symbolism, and for the first time in a long while, she didn't feel so alone.

"Thank you, Riff Raff," she said again, her voice steady. "I'll remember that."

With that, Riff Raff turned, walking away slowly, leaving Eden to ponder the gift and the strange yet undeniable bond that seemed to be growing between them.

Frank hovered over his workstation, his mind whirling with possibilities as he meticulously adjusted every detail of Rocky Horror's design. The room was filled with the hum of machinery and the occasional crackle of electricity as his instruments brought the experiment closer to life. His gloved hands worked with surgical precision, tweaking and refining each element of Rocky's form.

Strength, yes—that was crucial. Rocky needed to be powerful enough to shield Eden from harm and stand as an unyielding barrier against anyone who dared to threaten her. His musculature was sculpted like a work of art, every sinew and line a testament to perfection. Yet, strength alone wasn't enough. Frank leaned in, scrutinizing the facial features he was shaping. Rocky had to be more than imposing—he had to be breathtakingly handsome, the kind of beauty that would captivate and disarm.

But Frank's focus wasn't just on Rocky's physicality. No, there was more to this creation than mere aesthetics. He carefully programmed subtle behavioral traits, ensuring Rocky would be gentle, tender, and utterly devoted to Eden. Every code and adjustment was made with her in mind. Rocky's gaze would hold an unspoken promise of loyalty and adoration, a silent reassurance that she would never be alone.

"He'll be perfect," Frank muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with obsession and exhilaration. "Strong enough to hold her when she needs him, yet soft enough to know when to simply listen. And beautiful—oh, so beautiful—but never more than she is. No one could outshine my Eden."

Frank stepped back for a moment, admiring the work so far. Rocky's golden hair caught the light from the lab's overhead lamp, and his skin seemed to radiate vitality. His form was magnificent, but Frank knew it wasn't just about looks. Rocky had to be more than a protector or a confidant; he had to worship Eden, wholly wrapped around her delicate fingers.

Frank smirked to himself as he made a final adjustment, leaning in to whisper as if Rocky could already hear him. "You'll be everything she needs, darling. And when she looks at you, she'll know—she'll know that you were made just for her."

The lab filled with a sudden surge of energy as Frank activated another process phase. Sparks flew, and the hum grew louder, but Frank remained unfazed, his eyes locked on Rocky. Soon, the experiment would be complete, and Frank could hardly contain his excitement.

He thought of the moment Eden would meet Rocky, the look on her face when she realized that this creature was hers and hers alone. It would be a gift like no other, one that only Frank could give her. After all, Eden deserved perfection—and Frank would settle for nothing less.

Eden was in her room admiring the gift Riff Raff gave her when, out of nowhere, the window near her scattered, scaring her.

She turned and saw a metal ball.

She barely had time to react as the second metal ball came hurtling toward her. She ducked instinctively, her heart racing as it narrowly missed her and clattered onto the floor. The cold wind from the shattered window sent a shiver down her spine, but her eyes remained fixed on the figure outside in the rain.

Columbia stood there, drenched but unbothered by the weather. Her vibrant red hair clung to her face, and her sequin-covered outfit sparkled faintly in the dim light. The baseball bat in her hands was poised for another swing, a challenging smirk on her lips.

"Hey, dollface!" Columbia called out, her voice loud and taunting over the sound of the rain. "Having a cozy little time in there, huh? Thought I'd spice things up!"

Eden's fear gave way to confusion and a flicker of anger. Who was this woman, and why was she targeting her? Before she could respond, Magenta and Riff Raff burst into the room, both looking alarmed.

"Columbia," Riff Raff muttered, his voice laced with disdain as he moved to Eden's side protectively. "What is she doing here?"

Magenta narrowed her eyes at the scene outside, her hands clenched into fists. "She's trouble. Always has been."

Eden took a steadying breath and asked, "Who is she, and why is she doing this?"

"Columbia," Magenta explained, calm but sharp, "is an ex-lover of Frank's. Human, like you, but with far less... elegance. She's bitter about being cast aside when Frank grew bored of her. And now that Eddie's gone—" Magenta paused, her expression darkening. "She's likely looking for someone to blame."

"Blame me?" Eden said incredulously. "I don't even know her!"

"Doesn't matter," Riff Raff replied grimly. "She sees you as a threat."

Outside, Columbia twirled the bat in her hands, her smirk widening. "Come on out, sweetheart! Let's chat, woman to woman!" she shouted mockingly.

Riff Raff's hand tightened around Eden's arm, his protective instincts kicking in. "Stay away from the window. She's unpredictable."

Magenta stepped forward, her presence commanding. "I'll handle this," she said coldly, her eyes narrowing. "Riff Raff, stay with Eden."

With that, Magenta stormed out of the room swiftly and purposefully. Eden watched her go, her heart still pounding, as the sound of the rain and the distant clatter of Columbia's bat filled the tense silence.

As shattering glass echoed through the castle, Frank's head snapped up from his work on Rocky Horror. His heart pounded when he heard a scream unmistakably belonging to Eden. Dropping his tools, he stormed out of his lab, his cape billowing behind him as his heels clicked sharply against the cold floors.

Meanwhile, in Eden's room, Riff Raff shielded Eden protectively as shards of glass rained down around them. He wrapped his arms securely around her head, his body serving as a barrier against any harm. The force of Columbia's attack left no time for hesitation.

"Come on," Riff Raff muttered urgently, his voice low but steady. He swiftly guided Eden out of the room, his grip firm but gentle, ensuring she was unharmed. Her breath came in short gasps, her pulse racing as the chaos unfolded around them.

Eden glanced over her shoulder, catching a glimpse of Columbia outside. Columbia's bat rested on her shoulder, looking smug and triumphant. The fiery-haired intruder yelled something incomprehensible through the rain, her laughter carrying a sinister edge.

As Riff Raff and Eden moved quickly through the corridor, they nearly collided with Frank, who appeared at the end of the hallway. His expression was a mix of fury and concern, his dark eyes locking onto Eden.

"What happened?" Frank demanded, his voice sharp as he approached them. His gaze flickered to the shattered glass on Riff Raff's clothing and the shaken look on Eden's face. "Who dared to frighten her?"

"Columbia," Riff Raff replied simply, his tone dripping with disdain. "She's outside, causing trouble again. This time, she's targeting Eden."

Frank's jaw tightened, and his gloved hand clenched into a fist. "Columbia..." he hissed, his voice filled with venom. He placed a hand on Eden's shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle. "Are you hurt, my dear?"

Eden shook her head, still catching her breath. "No, just... startled. She... she broke the window and—"

"Enough," Frank interrupted, his tone resolute. "I won't allow her to disturb your peace any longer." He turned to Riff Raff, his gaze steely. "Take Eden somewhere safe. I'll deal with Columbia myself."

Riff Raff nodded, guiding Eden further away from the commotion. Frank, meanwhile, turned on his heel, his cape swishing dramatically as he headed toward the shattered window and the storm outside. The air crackled with tension as he prepared to confront the intruder, his presence as commanding as ever.

This was his castle, and no one threatened what was his—especially not Eden.

Frank exhaled sharply, a hand raking through his hair as his anger bubbled to the surface. "Columbia," he growled, venom dripping from her name. "She nearly hurt her. Eden, of all people! I won't tolerate such recklessness."

Magenta stepped into the chaos, her sharp heels clicking ominously against the wet, muddy grass as she approached Columbia. The rain poured relentlessly outside, blurring the figure of Columbia, who stood defiantly with her bat resting on her shoulder. Magenta's piercing gaze cut through the storm like a dagger, her crimson lips curled into a disapproving frown.

She stood before Columbia, her voice cutting through the rain like thunder. "Columbia!" she snapped, her tone as sharp as broken glass. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"

Columbia turned to face her, her expression smug but slightly wary of Magenta's wrath. "What's it to you, Mags?" she retorted, twirling the bat lazily. "I'm just... playing. Nothing serious."

Magenta's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with venom. "Nothing serious? You nearly hurt Eden, an innocent guest who knows nothing about your petty grievances with Frank."

Columbia's smirk faltered momentarily, replaced by a flicker of guilt. She quickly masked it with defiance. "Oh, come on! She's just another one of his distractions. Why should I care if—"

"Enough!" Magenta's voice cracked like a whip, silencing Columbia mid-sentence. "Eden has nothing to do with you and Frank. She didn't ask to be dragged into your childish tantrums. Whatever issues you have with him, take them up with him. Not her."

Columbia took a step back, her grip tightening on the bat. "Why do you care so much about her, huh? She's just another—"

"She's not 'just another' anything!" Magenta snapped, her crimson eyes blazing with anger. "She's a guest in this castle, and unlike you, she hasn't caused chaos or hurt anyone since she arrived. She deserves better than to be caught in the middle of your ridiculous vendetta."

The tension crackled between them as Columbia stared at Magenta, rain dripping down her face. She looked as though she might argue for a moment, but something in Magenta's unwavering gaze stopped her. Columbia turned and stomped away with a frustrated growl, disappearing into the rain.

Magenta exhaled sharply, her anger simmering as she stepped back, turned, and headed inside the castle, closing the door behind her. She headed upstairs to Eden's room, glanced at the broken glass littering the floor, and sighed.

"I'm going to check on Eden." She muttered.

Frank swept into Eden's room, his black cape billowing dramatically as his heels clicked against the floor. His eyes blazed with fury and concern, his lips curling into a scowl. Spotting Magenta in the room, he marched toward her, his voice sharp and demanding.

"Magenta," he barked, his gaze flickering to the shattered window and back to her. "Is that woman still out there?" he asked.

Magenta remained poised, her usual calm demeanor barely masking her irritation.

"I've already dealt with Columbia," she said coolly. "I confronted her and made it clear that her actions were unacceptable. She's gone—off the property entirely."

Frank's scowl deepened, but the tension in his shoulders eased slightly. "Good," he muttered, his voice still simmering with anger. "She has no place here if she can't control herself. Eden doesn't deserve to be dragged into this... mess."

Magenta raised an elegant brow, her lips curving into a sly smirk. "You're quite protective of her, Frank. More than you've been of anyone else."

Frank shot her a sharp look but didn't deny it. Instead, he adjusted his gloves and turned toward the door. "Keep an eye on her," he ordered, his tone softening slightly. "I'll finish my work in the lab soon. She deserves a day free from chaos."

As he strode away, Magenta watched him with an amused glint in her eye. "Oh, Eden," she murmured, "you've certainly left your mark on this castle... and its master."

Riff Raff guided Eden through the winding corridors of the castle, his usually stiff demeanor softened by the protective way he held her arm. When they arrived at the greenhouse, he opened the ornate glass door to reveal a breathtaking space. Vibrant flowers of every shape, size, and color bloomed in organized chaos, their sweet fragrances mingling in the warm, humid air. Soft sunlight filtered through the rain-speckled glass ceiling, casting an ethereal glow over the room.

Eden stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in the beauty around her. "This is... incredible," she whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

Riff Raff shut the door behind them, ensuring no one could disturb them. "It's one of the quieter places in the castle," he said, his voice low but steady. "I thought you might feel safer here."

She turned to him, offering a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Riff Raff. I needed this... some peace after what just happened."

He gave her a slight nod, his eyes flickering over her to ensure she was unharmed. "It was reckless of Columbia," he muttered, his tone darkening. "You shouldn't have been caught in the middle of it."

Eden sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It's not exactly how I imagined spending my birthday morning," she admitted, her gaze falling on a cluster of delicate orchids. "But I'm grateful you and Magenta were there to help."

Riff Raff hesitated momentarily, then reached for a red rose and held it out to her, his expression unreadable.

"I know I gave you a gift earlier for your birthday. But I thought this would make you feel better," he said, looking at her.

Eden's eyes lit up as she took the rose from his hands, her fingers brushing against his calloused ones. "Riff Raff, this is beautiful," she said, her voice filled with genuine emotion. Thank you—this means so much to me."

He gave her a rare, faint smile, stepping back to allow her space to admire her surroundings. "You deserve more than chaos on your birthday," he said. "I'll stay here with you if you'd like."

Eden nodded, her heart warming at his kindness. "I'd like that," she replied, feeling a sense of calm settle over her as she explored the vibrant sanctuary with Riff Raff quietly by her side.

As Eden wandered through the greenhouse, her fingers grazing the petals of the exotic flowers while her other hand held the rose Riff Raff had given her, she began to relax.

The vibrant colors and calming scent starkly contrasted the chaos earlier. She glanced at Riff Raff, standing a few feet away, observing her quietly.

"You know," she began, her voice gentle, "I think this is the first time we've really had a chance to talk—just us."

Riff Raff hesitated, his sharp features softening slightly. "It is," he admitted, his usual guarded tone mellowed. "I don't often... find myself in conversation."

Eden smiled, sensing his shyness. "I get the feeling there's more to you than meets the eye," she said. "You're quiet, but you notice everything. That's a rare quality."

Riff Raff blinked, caught off guard by her kind words. "Observing is safer," he said after a moment. "Speaking... not always." He looked down at his hands as though choosing his words carefully. "But with you, it's different."

Eden tilted her head, intrigued. "Different, how?"

He met her gaze, his piercing eyes holding a flicker of vulnerability. "You're... genuine," he said softly. "You don't wear a mask like the others. It's refreshing."

Eden felt her cheeks warm at the compliment. "Thank you, Riff Raff. That means a lot."

Encouraged by her warmth, Riff Raff shifted closer, his usual stiffness easing. "You said you felt something missing," he ventured, recalling their earlier conversation. "What is it you long for, truly?"

She sighed, her fingers trailing over the delicate vines of a climbing rose. "Connection," she admitted. "Real connection. People have always surrounded me, but... I've never felt like I truly belonged. It's like everyone's speaking a language I can't understand."

Riff Raff nodded slowly, his expression pensive. "I understand that feeling more than you know," he murmured. "Magenta is my sister, and Frank... well, he's Frank. But even with them, there's always been a... distance."

Eden turned to him, her eyes filled with empathy. "It must be lonely."

"It is," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "But... I find solace in small things. Music, crafting... the greenhouse." He gestured around them. "This is my sanctuary."

Eden's smile grew, and her respect for him deepened. "You're full of surprises, Riff Raff," she said. What kind of music do you like?"

He hesitated, then admitted, "Classical, mostly. Strings. Something is calming about it."

She grinned. "I never would have guessed. I love classical music too. It's... timeless."

Their conversation flowed naturally, Riff Raff opening up in a way he hadn't with anyone in years. He found himself sharing small details about his life, his thoughts, even his dreams—things he hadn't even told Magenta or Frank. Eden, with her genuine curiosity and warmth, listened intently, making him feel truly seen.

For the first time, in the quiet of the greenhouse, Riff Raff felt a sense of connection he'd long thought impossible.

Frank stormed back into his lab, his heels clicking sharply against the stone floor as the door slammed shut behind him. The faint hum of machinery filled the room as he surveyed the half-completed Rocky Horror, his masterpiece. Frank's mind raced with possibilities, but one idea kept surfacing—he needed a brain, and Eddie's was just... perfect.

"Eddie, Eddie, Eddie," Frank muttered with a devilish grin, pacing before the creation. "You've been such a delightful nuisance, but now you'll serve a greater purpose."

He paused, glancing at Rocky Horror's lifeless form, imagining it animated, strong, and fiercely devoted to Eden. The thought sent a thrill through him. "You'll protect her, won't you?" he cooed to the body. "You'll be everything she needs. But first... we need a little help from our absent delivery boy."

Frank chuckled, his eyes gleaming with manic determination. Eddie, Columbia's lover, had been lying low since his reckless antics caused a rift between them. Frank had allowed it, amused by the drama, but now he had a plan. Eddie's brain—strong, lively, and chaotic energy—would be the perfect match for Rocky Horror.

"I always said you'd lose your head over me, Eddie," Frank mused aloud, his laughter echoing off the walls.

Without wasting time, Frank began devising a way to capture Eddie. He rummaged through his tools, selecting a few instruments he would need for his impromptu operation. He would lure Eddie back to the castle—perhaps with a false message from Columbia or the promise of an irresistible thrill. Eddie could never resist danger, and Frank would ensure the bait was enticing enough.

As he worked, Frank's mind raced with visions of the completed Rocky Horror: a protector, a companion, someone who would adore Eden unconditionally and ensure her safety from any threats, including Columbia. Frank's smirk deepened as he whispered, "Perfection is so close, I can taste it."

Flourishing, he donned his signature gloves and adjusted his lab coat. "Let the hunt begin," he declared dramatically, stepping away from the lab. Eddie's days as a free man were numbered, and Frank was ready to bring his vision to life.