Court of Aether and Shadows (Crowned Monster Trilogy #1)

25. Tension Between Rivals?

Tension Between Rivals?

~ S PARROW~

"I... where do I even start?" I breathed, taking in the array of dishes that covered the massive table as I sat comfortably in the massive seat that felt like its own throne.

The dining chamber was a marvel of architecture and magic, with walls that seemed to breathe starlight and a ceiling that reflected the ever-changing sky of the Twilight Court.

But it was the feast laid out before me that truly captured my attention.

Some I recognized from the night before — the shadow-ripened fruits and opalescent cheeses — but others were completely foreign yet somehow enticing.

Pastries that seemed to glow from within, meats in colors that shouldn't exist, and beverages that swirled with their own internal galaxies.

My new attire, a gown of midnight blue silk that shifted colors like oil on water, whispered against my skin as I moved. It was far more comfortable than I'd expected, though not quite as soothing as the bath I'd just enjoyed.

The memory of that experience made me sigh contentedly — the huge pool carved from a single piece of crystal, filled with water that seemed to carry starlight within its fragile-looking walls.

The scents of eucalyptus and lavender still clung to my skin, reminding me of the absolutely decadent hour I'd spent soaking away the aches from... recent activities.

The maids had been attentive, almost too much so.

All except one — a quiet girl with silver-streaked hair who'd helped me dress without the endless staring and poorly concealed curiosity the others had shown toward my tattoos.

"Something on your mind, little bird?" Aetheron asked from his place at the head of the table, his golden eyes watching me with fond amusement.

I further sat in the chair he'd pulled out for me earlier, still marveling at how the furniture seemed to adjust itself to provide the perfect comfort even with the slight adjustments.

"Actually, yes. The maid who helped me dress. The one with silver tinsel in her hair. Would it be possible to have her as my primary attendant? She's the only one who didn't make me feel like some sort of exotic creature on display."

"Ah, Celeste," Aetheron nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "She's one of our shadow-touched servants. Born with an affinity for our court's magic, which probably explains her more... measured approach. Of course, you may have her assigned to you."

He gestured elegantly, and a shadow whispered away from the room, presumably to arrange the matter.

I took a sip from a crystal goblet filled with what looked like liquid dawn, the taste exploding on my tongue like summer sunshine and night-blooming flowers combined.

"Now," Aetheron continued as he looked pleased to see me drinking and aiming to eat what was before me, "we should discuss your training schedule. Kaelon?"

A tall figure emerged from the shadows near the wall — Aetheron's second in command, whom I remembered from the previous day's chaos. He seemed very nice and reformed in nature, holding a sense of calm which could be why he mingled well with Aetheron’s personality and traits.

His midnight-blue skin seemed to absorb the light around him, and his eyes swirled with galaxies as he bowed slightly. I’m sure anyone else who saw someone with a complexion like Kaelon or even Aetheron would be frightened and constantly bringing up how “different” or even “Alien-like” their appearances were, but it seemed rather normal in my eyes.

"My Lady," he said formally. "We've arranged for various masters to help you develop your abilities. The Portal Master is particularly eager to begin, given your natural affinity for crossing realms."

Before we could delve deeper into these plans, the door burst open with enough force to make the star-lights flicker.

Liam stood at the threshold, looking miserable yet bold as peered around the room. His usual grace was overshadowed by barely contained agitation, his golden eyes flickering with something wild and barely controlled.

That’s a first.

He’s normally in a chirpy mood, or at least back in the Underground, he’d be tossing jokes and triggering loads of laughter before he’d reach where I’d be sitting and quietly eating my late breakfast.

I guess things were different in the Twilight Court.

"Good morning," he bit out, standing rigidly until Aetheron gestured to an empty chair.

"You seem troubled, wolf," Aetheron observed, amusement dancing in his eyes as Liam practically threw himself into the offered seat.

Dramatic much?

I was trying to hide both my confusion and judgment off my expression, but I doubt I was doing well at it seeing as Aetheron and Kaelon both glanced my way and smiled further.

"Not at all," Liam replied with patent insincerity. "Though I do hope everyone's... thirst ... has been adequately quenched."

Thirst?

Now I was really confused, trying to figure out whatthat was supposed to mean.

Until it clicks.

Heat flooded my face as realization struck.

The water .

Liam had gone to fetch me water last night, only to return to an empty room because I had been... otherwise occupied.

My blush deepened as I remembered exactly how I'd been occupied, and with whom. That probably looked bad. Liam returning to find his best friend is obviously missing but coming to the conclusion I’m with a certain Lord of the Twilight Court doing things I only enjoyed in the depths of my horny dreams.

Oh god…this probably sounds horrible.

"Indeed," Aetheron's voice was rich with barely contained mirth. "I made sure our Starlight's every need was thoroughly attended to,” the thrumming power in his voice that hummed through the room was like a teasing affirmation of what he obviously did.

Rubbing it in Liam’s face in Twilight Court fashion.

His shadows curled playfully in the air, carrying the scent of our shared passion.

Liam's knuckles went white around his goblet, proving just how mad he was. The wild energy I'd sensed in him seemed to pulse stronger, making the air thick with tension.

Honestly, I didn’t get why he was so mad.

I mean…he could have made a move so much sooner?

Just thinking of the difference between Liam and Aetheron’s dynamic made me realize that Liam was the type of man who watched from afar, wishing for a lifestyle that they could obtain with simple action.

Lord Aetheron, however, was one of those men who probably met a woman and told them ‘You’re my wife’ and married them in three months.

And between the two, I knew which one I’d lean towards.

Heck, that’s what was happening, wasn’t it?

"My Lord," Kaelon interrupted smoothly, clearly sensing the need for intervention. "Perhaps this would be a good time to discuss the academy proposal?"

The suggestion caught everyone's attention, even Liam's, though he still radiated barely contained jealousy.

"Academy?" I asked, grateful for the change in subject, though I could still feel the heat in my cheeks.

"Yes," Kaelon continued, spreading several scrolls on the table that seemed to materialize from the shadows themselves. "Given the recent surge in cases of women manifesting unusual powers in the mundane realm, we believe a neutral ground for training might be beneficial."

"Like the mental health cases you mentioned before?" I asked, remembering Elenore's warnings while also recalling the brief discussion I had with Aetheron on the way to the dining room to recap what occurred before I’d confronted Marco in the mundane realms.

It wasn’t a long conversation, but it felt good to get a glimpse of Lord Aetheron’s perspective of the situation and dilemma forming in the mundane world and compare it to the missions and information I had acquired from the Underground before Marco’s betrayal.

"Precisely," Aetheron leaned forward, his demeanor shifting from teasing lover to strategic ruler. "But this would be more than just a training facility. It would be a sanctuary, protected by all four courts."

Neutral Sanctuary hosting individuals from the four different Courts…

It not only seemed interesting, but beneficial for more than just us.

Could invite a sense of unified community while encouraging growth.

"The current Academy of Elemental Mastery," Aetheron explained, his tone carrying centuries of barely concealed frustration, "has become something of a boys’ club. Despite my numerous attempts to change their archaic policies."

“So…only men attend,” I clarify, wanting to confirm I’m following.

“Yes,” Kaelon revealed, looking disappointed at the admission. I’m sure he had no control over that, but it was good to see he disdained the idea.

These realms deal with a lot of sexist problems.

The shadows around Aetheron darkened slightly as he carried on.

"They claim women lack the constitution for the more... rigorous aspects of magical training. That they're too 'delicate' for the trials each student must face."

Of course, that’s what they think.

How many times have I heard a big ass man tell me in my face how delicate and fragile I am to go on a mission that will toss us in a web of violence and misery.

They don’t say much after I kick them in the balls though…

"That's ridiculous," I scoffed, feeling a familiar anger rise at such blatant discrimination. "Let me guess. This wasn't always the case?"

"No," Aetheron's lips curved in a bitter smile. "The change came after a particularly heated disagreement with Lord Helios of the Aether Court."

At the mention of the Aether Lord's name, something stirred within me — not quite a memory, but a sensation.

Like a word on the tip of my tongue, or a dream half-remembered. The feeling was so strong it made my newly awakened power pulse, causing the star-lights to flicker briefly.

"The Aether Lord's views on female practitioners have been... problematic," Kaelon added diplomatically, though I noticed him watching my reaction carefully. “Though his past plays a role in his stubbornness, it doesn’t give an excuse for his disapproval of the idea of changing things to benefit everyone’s growth and success in the realms of power and magic.”

"Which is precisely why we need this new academy," Aetheron said, his hand finding mine under the table and squeezing gently. "One where all who show potential are welcome, regardless of gender or court affiliation."

“So who’s this Helios dude exactly?” His name kept igniting this sensation in me. It wasn’t unease, but rooted familiarity? It could be that Liarel in her past life had some sort of connection to this man, but I couldn’t dive further into myself to figure out what that could have been exactly.

"Lord Helios Solarin," Aetheron spoke the name with an edge that made the shadows in the room deepened. "Current ruler of the Aether Court and, unfortunately, one of the most powerful beings in all the realms."

My skin tingled, like static electricity dancing across my flesh. The sensation was so strong that the shadowsilk of my gown rippled in response. From the glimpse of Aetheron’s eyes to mine, I’m sure he noticed, but he didn’t nitpick on it.

Probably because of Liam’s presence.

"He wasn't always so..." Aetheron paused, searching for the right word, "restrictive in his views. The change came after a particular incident, though the details have been lost to time and court politics."

"Or deliberately obscured," Kaelon added quietly, his galaxy eyes flickering toward me with meaning I couldn't quite decipher.

Liam, who had been sulking into his breakfast, suddenly seemed more alert.

"The timing of his shift in policy is interesting," he said carefully as if he had something up his sleeve that he couldn’t wait to reveal to the world Like payback . "It coincided with..."

"That's enough," Aetheron cut him off, though not unkindly. "Some histories are better discussed when we're more... prepared for their implications. Besides, his story isn’t ours to share. I’m sure you wouldn’t like someone doing the same to you, now would you?"

That seemed to shut Liam’s diabolical plan right up — his expression souring from whatever bubbling plot he had ready for an unexpected revelation.

I wanted to press for more information, curious about both the unfinished statement and my strange reaction to Helios's name. But something in Aetheron's expression made me hold my tongue.

Did he want to defend this Helios person? Why?

I couldn’t quite decipher it, but I had a hunch that I’d get the opportunity to see or meet this person in the near future.

Instead, I focused on the matter at hand.

"For now," Aetheron said, his voice taking on that commanding tone that reminded me he was more than just my potential lover.

If I can even call us lovers at this point…

At the end of the day, he was a ruler of immense power and took that responsibility very seriously.

"We'll focus on your immediate training. The academy proposal will take time to implement properly, requiring delicate negotiations with all courts."

"You'll begin with the Portal Master," Kaelon elaborated, unrolling another scroll that shimmered with its own inner light. "Given your natural affinity for crossing realms, strengthening that ability should be our priority. After that, Moira will guide you in the ancient magics, and our Shadow Knights will help you develop your combat abilities."

The plan made sense, though something about the structured nature of it made me smile.

"Trying to make me presentable for court life?" I teased, specifically looking over to Aetheron as if I knew he’d get my comedic viewpoint.

Aetheron's eyes sparkled with amusement.

"My love, you could walk into court right now and command attention,” he says it so casually as if we’d known each other for far too long. As though we truly are lovers. “ The training is to ensure you can back up that natural authority with power they'll respect. It would be amusing to see who quivers first at a glimpse of the power you uphold."

I wonder if I could ever get used to the confidence this man carried in me. He believed in me more than I believed in myself, something I’d never had the opportunity to experience before.

It was both enlightening and gratifying.

My heart couldn’t help but swoon in accepted glee.

Liam shifted in his seat, clearly still uncomfortable but making an effort to contribute constructively.

"Why don’t we get into the omega aspect of your nature,” he brings up suddenly. Almost as though he needs to bring something to the table as well that makes him feel important and valuable. “That's not something that can be ignored or suppressed."

Before anyone could respond to that loaded statement, a ripple of energy passed through the room — different from the shadow magic I was becoming familiar with.

This felt warmer, almost electric…but also light.

I couldn’t grasp it entirely.

Kaelon straightened immediately, his galaxy eyes widening slightly.

"My Lord," he said formally, "we have a visitor from the Aether Court."

The temperature in the room seemed to rise several degrees.

Aetheron's shadows coiled tighter around us, responding to some tension I didn't fully understand, though despite my lack of knowledge in the scales of magic, I did notice Aetheron’s shadows deliberately protected me and even Kaelon.

Leaving Liam out of that invisible bubble of protection.

"Interesting timing," Aetheron murmured, before raising his voice. "You may admit them."

The doors opened, flooding the room with light that somehow didn't hurt my eyes despite its brilliance.

In strode a figure that made my breath catch in my throat.

He was tall, with skin that seemed to glow from within like captured sunlight. His hair was the color of a sunrise, shifting between gold and rose gold with each movement.

But it was his eyes that captured my attention — they burned like twin suns, holding both warmth and devastating power.

"Lord Aetheron," he said, his voice carrying harmonics that made my newly awakened power stir in response. "I am Alpha Solaris Dawnfire, pack messenger of the Aether Court's Solar Pack."

I felt rather than saw both Liam and Aetheron tense.

The air grew thick with competing energies — shadow, sunlight, and the primal power of I could only assume, was because there were b two Alpha wolves suddenly sharing space.

I still knew so little about this whole wolf dynamic, especially because Liam had no time to explain the logistics of it all, but if I was going to meet other potential wolves like him, I’d need a fast-track lesson so I wouldn’t feel so oblivious to the power dynamics.

Solaris's burning gaze found mine, and something electric passed between us.

His nostrils flared slightly, and part of me wondered if he could sense whatever I was.

This whole Omega status seemed to be deemed glamorous and rare from the gist of things.

A slow smile spread across his face, radiant and devastating.

"I've come," he said, though his eyes never left mine, "to offer my services personally in regards to the training of your... guest ."

The last word carried weight and meaning that made both Liam and Aetheron's power surge in response. I wasn’t sure what this was going to ignite.

I was pretty confident sitting here and observing the madness that was about to ensue would give me the answers I sought.