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

28. Friends Close, Enemies Closer

Friends Close, Enemies Closer

~ S PARROW~

“Now this is gold!”

The grand portal exit that led us right to the heart of the academy materialized around us in a swirl of multiple court energies.

While Nyx and I stepped through with ease, the scene before us was... less than dignified.

Liam, my usually ready to tackle whatever came our way during suicidal missions, was bent over a decorative planter, losing what appeared to be his entire breakfast.

Next to him, Solaris — the so-called mighty Aether wolf from Nyx’s commentary — wasn't faring much better, his sun-bright complexion having taken on a distinctly greenish tinge.

"Oh, this is precious," Nyx cackled, her galaxy eyes sparkling with mischief. "The big bad wolves, taken down by a little portal jump. Quick, Sparrow, we should document this moment for posterity."

I was fighting not to laugh, but I did worry whether they were alright. Nyx had warned me that the portal could make you dizzy if not portal-sick, but I was feeling fine.

"Are you both okay?" I asked, genuinely concerned despite Nyx's amusement. It was strange seeing these grovel men who were ready looking so...vulnerable.

Solaris attempted to straighten, his usual radiance somewhat dimmed. "I'm perfectly—" he started, then swallowed hard, "...fine."

"Liar," Liam groaned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "That was worse than void walking."

Around us, other students were in similar states of distress.

Some had passed out completely, being tended to by academy healers who seemed thoroughly unsurprised by the situation. They casually walked in red robes, attending to the sick or scooping the unconscious like it was an easy chore to complete. Other students were sitting on the floor, heads between their knees, while a few were following Liam's example with the planters.

"Why weren't we affected?" I asked Nyx, watching the chaos unfold.

She grinned, her multicolored hair catching impossible light.

"You're a natural realm walker, Star Girl. And I'm, well... me. We're built for this kind of travel. The others?" She gestured at our struggling wolf companions. "They're too grounded in their own courts. Makes the transition... uncomfortable."

Star Girl. Hmm. Kind of like the nickname.

"I hate you both," Solaris muttered, though there was no real venom in his voice.

Once Liam and Solaris had somewhat recovered, we made our way from the portal chamber into the academy property. Individuals in cloaks of red, gold, and teal encouraged our movement, until we were in the heart of this massive place.

The sight literally took my breath away.

The main atrium soared impossibly high, its ceiling a living tapestry of all four courts' magic.

Shadow and Aether danced together, while void energy created mesmerizing patterns that elemental forces wound through like living ribbons. The floor beneath our feet was made of a material I'd never seen before — something that seemed to shift between crystal, shadow, pure energy, and living earth with each step.

It was remarkable, leaving my imagination in immense wonder as to what more could be discovered in this vast world.

"Welcome to the Convergence," Nyx said, spreading her arms dramatically. "Where all courts meet and magically get interesting."

"You mean where magic gets nauseating," Liam grumbled, though his color was finally returning to normal. His shadow energy was starting to respond to the environment, curling around him protectively.

Solaris, looked more like himself as he pointed to the different wings branching off from the central atrium.

"Each direction aligns with a different court. North for Aether," he gestured to a section that seemed built from crystallized sunlight, "South for Shadow," indicating towers of living darkness, "East for Elemental," where nature itself seemed to form the architecture, "and West for Void," where reality itself appeared to bend and warp.

"And we all have to learn to work together," I mused, watching students in different court colors moving between the sections.

Well, the ones who weren't still recovering from portal sickness.

"That's the theory," Nyx smirked. "Though some handle it better than others. Watch this."

I’m already arching an eyebrow in confusion, only to watch as she creates a small void rift near a group of Aether Court students — making them squeal and jump away.

"See? No sense of adventure."

"Nyx," Solaris chided, though his lips twitched with suppressed amusement. "We're supposed to be setting an example."

"I am," she protested innocently. "I'm exemplifying the creative use of void magic in social situations. It’s an amazing lesson for our Star Girl!"

"Nyx," Liam growled, his shadow energy finally stabilizing enough for him to attempt authority. "You can't just terrorize other students. There are protocols?—"

"Oh please," Nyx cut him off, creating another small void rift just to watch him flinch. "You're hardly in a position to lecture anyone right now, Mr. I-Just-Decorated-A-Planter-With-My-Breakfast. Besides," she looped her arm through mine, hugging me tightly, "I only take orders from my Omega here."

I couldn't help but grin at her antics. The way she casually claimed me while thumbing her nose at authority was oddly refreshing.

"As long as you don't get us expelled before classes even start," I shrugged, "I don't see the harm in a little chaos."

Liam gives me a look, but I ignore him. It’s not like we’re on bad terms — at least, that’s what I’m hoping for after the whole ‘I left you to fuck the Lord of the Twilight Court’ situationship that made him pissed off. Or jealous. Either way, I was aiming to move on, which I hoped meant he would too.

We’d never had such an odd balance in our friendship, but I guess with everything that’s happened matched with this Omega business, I had to be more lenient with his reaction to things.

As well as my own.

"Ha!" Nyx's galaxy eyes sparkled triumphantly. "See? Our Star Girl gets it. Some rules are made to be broken."

"Of course," Solaris said, his sun-bright eyes dancing with amusement as he looked at Liam and further whispered. "You just had to develop feelings for the rebellious ones, didn't you, Shadow Wolf?"

He says it low but not quietly enough for us to not hear exactly what he confessed. Liam's cheeks darkened slightly, shadows curling defensively around him.

"Shut up, Solaris. Like you're any?—"

A sudden commotion cut off his retort.

Screams erupted from the Elemental wing, followed by what sounded like miniature explosions. Students began running in our direction, some trailing smoke, others covered in what appeared to be...glitter?

“Make way for, Lady Aurora of Aether Court!” A knightly figure announced with emphasized power, despite being under green armor that covered his entire body. I’m surprised we even heard his voice since his helmet was like a coverup for his entire face, leaving no opening for his mouth.

The chaos parted like a wave as Lady Aurora strode through the smoke and glitter-covered students.

Her presence commanded attention – pure Aether energy radiating from her in visible waves that made the very air shimmer. Her hair was like captured sunlight, floating around her as if gravity was merely a suggestion, and her eyes blazed with power that made even the strongest students lower their gaze.

But there was something else about her, something that made my newly awakened power stir with recognition rather than fear. It could have been this energy thriving off her is something similar to what resonated with mine — or potentially Liarel’s — but I could confidently say I didn’t know this woman at all.

Nyx moved in front of me instantly, her galaxy eyes narrowing as she let out a low, warning growl that seemed to vibrate through multiple dimensions. The void energy around her darkened, making nearby students stumble back even further.

Liam and Solaris flanked us immediately, their own possessive powers rising in response to Nyx's obvious hostility. Shadows and sunlight intertwined protectively around our small group, creating a barrier of mixed court magic.

I may not know who Lady Aurora is, but my wolves sure do…if I can even claim ownership as if we’re some sort of pack.

"Stand down, little void wolf," Lady Aurora's voice carried harmonics that made the academy's crystal walls sing, and yet I immediately felt a sense of unease with her tone of voice. Or the obvious fakeness in it. "I mean your Omega no harm."

But something in her tone made Nyx's growl deepen.

"Funny how everyone keeps saying that lately," she bit out. "Yet here you are, making quite the entrance. How much did you pay that Ross Knight of yours to make you seem like some sort of royal heiress? Trying to establish dominance already?"

There was something about Nyx’s energy that made me feel as if she was anxious about this woman’s arrival. As though she was truly threatened with her closeness to me. Liam and Solaris had reacted as well, but their energies weren’t as defensive in their vibrance in comparison to Nyx’s.

I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, feeling her tension but also sensing something else about the situation – something my wolves were missing.

As I studied Lady Aurora, memories seemed to come to the surface of my subconscious:

High school, perfectly coiffed cheerleaders, and their calculated dramatic entrances. Lady Aurora's presence. Different in appearance, yet I knew right away out of all the individuals who she was. Power was undeniable, but the way she wielded it, making sure every eye was on her...it spoke of someone who needed that attention like others needed air.

Needy…yet alone. Yearned to be loved, but never really favored.

The flicker of the past was gone in a flash, the whole thing only taking a few seconds to relish and recover from.

My fingers kneaded gently into Nyx's tense shoulder, feeling her void energy pulse beneath my touch.

"Easy," I murmured with a hint of added authority, low enough that I knew only Nyx could hear my consoling word before I increased my voice. "No need to waste energy on someone who clearly needs the spotlight to feel validated."

The words carried easily in the hushed atrium.

Aurora's perfect features tightened slightly, her floating hair sparking with irritation.

"How... quaint," she said, her harmonious voice taking on a sharp edge. "The mysterious new student thinks she can pass judgment. Though I suppose that's to be expected, given all the... talk about you lately."

Which I didn’t understand who was spreading all this “talk” about little old me.

When Nyx had made a comment where she wanted to see what the hype was all about, I could only assume word of my entrance into Twilight Court had made waves among the people of our court, but such “gossip” must have traveled to all four courts at this rate because everyone knew of my existence.

At least, they projected it that way, despite me being an obvious “nobody”.

Nyx bristled under my touch, but I kept my gentle massage steady.

"Oh? And what exactly are they saying?" I asked, keeping my tone deliberately casual. "Besides the obvious observation that some people make grand entrances because they can, while others do it because they must?"

Aurora's perfect composure cracked slightly, her aura of light flickering with barely contained annoyance.

"They say you've caught the attention of not just the Twilight Lord, but multiple wolves." Her eyes swept dismissively over Liam and Solaris but lingered with particular disdain on Nyx. "Though I see you prefer to keep... interesting company."

"At least her company is genuine," Nyx shot back, leaning into my touch even as her galaxy eyes blazed. "Not a collection of sycophants who bow because they're afraid of daddy's influence."

A few gasps echoed through the gathered crowd.

I guess that’s some tea.

"Careful, void wolf," Aurora's voice took on a dangerous edge. "You forget your place."

It’s the way she tries to talk to Nyx condescendingly that ticks at me the wrong way. Like a pinch of irritation that’s so violently strong, that it has me wanting to speak up immediately.

"Actually," I interrupted, keeping my voice light but firm, "she knows exactly where her place is. Right here, with me. Just like Liam and Solaris." I let my own power seep into my words, shadows and starlight dancing along my skin. I was trying to mimic the way I’ve witnessed Aetheron do it quite a few times in my presence. "The question is, Lady Aurora, do you know yours?"

Aurora closed the distance between us with deliberate grace, each step carrying the weight of generations of Aether Court nobility. If she was some sort of royal here. The air crackled with tension as students pressed further back, creating a perfect arena for our confrontation.

"Nyx," I said softly, squeezing her shoulder. "Let her through."

"But—" she started to protest.

"Trust me."

Nyx reluctantly stepped aside, though her void energy remained coiled and ready. Liam and Solaris shifted uneasily, not grasping what I was doing but respecting my decision, their powers humming just beneath the surface.

Aurora stopped mere inches from me, her perfect features arranged in an expression of practiced concern.

"You should consider your position carefully," she said, her voice pitched low enough that only our small group could hear. "The courts have hierarchies for a reason. Someone of your... background might find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of our world."

I met her gaze steadily, letting the sweetest smile spread across my face. I found it utterly amusing that she thought she could break me with this public confrontation. I’ve dealt with far worse at the Underground with men twice her size who couldn’t wait to punch me in the face than “talk”.

"Funny thing about being an outcast," I replied, noting how my casual tone made her eye twitch slightly. "You learn who has real power, and who just borrows it from others.” I have to shrug to further emphasize my nonchalant nature, but I can’t help but lower my voice further as I lean closely to state my next point.

“I've survived worse than prep school politics, Lady Aurora. And I did it without needing Daddy's name to clear my path."

I didn’t know the background logistics of who her Dad was or the position he held to make her believe she had all this power, but using it against her was the perfect hit to her ego with how she fought to maintain a “calm” demeanor instead of reacting and embarrassing herself.

The air around us grew heavy with competing energies as we held each other's gaze, neither willing to back down. The academy's very walls seemed to pulse in response to our standoff.

Suddenly, a presence filled the atrium — ancient and overwhelming.

Everyone, including Lady Aurora, turned toward the source, leaving me no choice but to look ahead as to what the fuss was about.

Hmm?

There, stood a man of celestial glory, and that booming voice of a knight couldn’t help but announce his presence.

“Bow for Lord Helios Solarin, Ruler of the Aether Court!”

Lord Helios commanded the space with a presence that made Aurora's earlier display seem childish in comparison.

His hair cascaded past his shoulders in waves that shifted from deep Irish green at the roots to ethereal Tiffany blue at the tips, moving as if caught in an invisible breeze. Each strand seemed to capture and release light, creating an aurora of color around his regal features.

His eyes were perhaps his most striking feature — iridescent pools that shifted through every color imaginable, yet somehow maintained a core of pure starfire.

They held the weight of centuries, the knowledge of ages, and power that made the very air tremble. Standing slightly taller than Lord Aetheron, his frame carried the same commanding presence, though where my Lord of Twilight and Shadows embodied night's mysteries, Helios radiated celestial majesty.

His attire defied conventional description.

Robes that seemed woven from pure light draped his form in layers that moved like liquid sunshine. The base layer was a pure white that somehow contained every color within its depth, while over it flowed panels of silk that transformed from one ethereal shade to another with each movement.

Gold and silver threads created patterns throughout the fabric that told stories of cosmic events — stars being born and dying, galaxies dancing through space, and comets weaving their eternal paths.

At his waist, a belt of pure energy pulsed with Aether magic, holding in place a sword that seemed forged from a fallen star. His boots, crafted from what appeared to be solidified moonlight, made no sound as he moved across the floor, though each step left brief afterimages of celestial energy.

A crown sat upon his brow, but unlike traditional royal adornments, this one appeared to be made of captured auroras, shifting and dancing with colors that shouldn't exist in our realm. It cast patterns of light across his face that emphasized his otherworldly beauty and peachy flawless complexion while somehow making him seem even more untouchable.

When he spoke, his voice carried harmonics that made the crystal walls of the academy sing in response.

"My, my," he said, his eyes fixing on me with an intensity that made my newly awakened power surge in response. "What an interesting gathering of courts we have here."

Lord Helios circled our small group with predatory grace, though his attention remained fixed primarily on me. His iridescent eyes seemed to peel away layers, looking past flesh and bone to something deeper.

The air grew thick with his power, making it difficult for others to breathe, yet I found myself standing taller under his scrutiny.

"Such spirit," he mused, his voice carrying harmonics that made nearby students shiver. "Lady Aurora, my dear, I see you're making our new arrival feel... welcome." The way he emphasized the last word carried layers of meaning.

Aurora preened under his attention, clearly expecting praise.

"O-Of course, my Lord. I was just explaining the importance of proper court etiquette and?—"

"And yet," he interrupted smoothly, never taking his eyes off me, "our fascinating guest seems remarkably unmoved by such concerns."

Indeed, I remained the only one standing upright in his presence.

Even my wolves had dropped to respectful kneels, though I could feel their tension — especially Nyx's — radiating through a funnel of connections that made me feel bonded to them. The entire atrium had gone deathly silent, waiting to see how the Aether Lord would respond to such blatant defiance.

"You notice my lack of deference," I said, meeting his kaleidoscope gaze steadily. The light from his robes played across my face, but I refused to squint or look away.

"I do," he confirmed, his crown of auroras flaring slightly. "Care to explain why you feel yourself exempt from such... basic courtesies?"

A small smile curved my lips as I thought of Aetheron's words from earlier.

"Lord Aetheron suggested I trust my instincts when it comes to such matters," I replied, watching his expression carefully. "And my instincts tell me that someone truly worthy of a bow wouldn't need to demand one."

Gasps echoed through the atrium.

Lady Aurora's face had gone pale with horror, while nearby students pressed themselves further against the walls, expecting an explosion of Aether fury at any moment.

"Besides," I continued, my own power rising to match the challenge in his gaze, "I have a feeling you and I might be operating on more... equal terms than others realize."

I don’t know why I said that or had this immense need to rebel against him. We didn’t know each other. This was our first interaction, but I couldn’t fight this nagging need to defy him. To remind him of his place when it came down to our fluttering energies.

When it comes to us…

The words hung in the air like a challenge, or perhaps a prophecy.

Lord Helios's power pressed against mine, testing, probing, and seeking weaknesses. But where others might have crumbled, I stood firm, letting my unique blend of shadow and starlight meet his celestial energy without yielding.

What surprised me wasn’t the challenge of his celestial essence, but the radiant beauty in his expression that spread across his immaculate face.

Lord Helios's smile held all the warmth of a supernova — beautiful, deadly, and promising destruction. His aether energy pressed down on the room like a physical weight, making students who’d risen from their bowed position earlier only collapse to their knees once more, gasping for breath in the suddenly thick air.

Even Aurora stumbled back, her perfect composure finally cracking.

But I remained standing, meeting his devastating smile with one of my own.

If anything, his display of power irritated me — like watching someone try too hard to prove their worth. He leaned in close, his scent washing over me like starlight and ozone.

"Such stubbornness," he murmured, voice pitched for my ears alone. "It won't serve you well in our world, little star."

Little star…

"Funny," I replied, refusing to back away from his proximity. "My nature has served me perfectly well so far. In fact," my smile widened slightly, "it seems to be exactly what this realm needs."

A flicker of movement caught both of our attention — my bracelet had begun to pulse with golden light, the twilight charm particularly bright. Helios's eyes fixed on it, something like recognition and annoyance crossing his perfect features.

"Aetheron," he practically growled, though the sound held a note of... fondness? "Still marking his treasures the same way after all these centuries."

That's when I noticed it — on his left wrist, partially hidden by his flowing sleeves, a silver bracelet that mirrored my own. The twilight charm caught the light, identical in every way except for its silver construction.

Understanding crashed through me like a wave.

Our eyes met again, but this time the tension between us had shifted. The air crackled with something that wasn't quite anger nor attraction, but some dangerous combination of both.

His iridescent eyes held centuries of history I couldn't begin to understand, while my gaze challenged him with possibilities he hadn't expected.

"Well," I said softly, reaching out to brush my fingers across his silver bracelet, feeling him tense at my boldness. "Isn't this interesting?"

The energy between us pulsed, gold and silver charms resonating with a harmony that made both our powers surge in response. It wasn't the same connection I felt with Aetheron — this was something different, something equally powerful but untamed, undefined.

Lord Helios caught my wrist, his touch sending sparks of electricity through my entire body.

"Very interesting indeed," he agreed, his voice dropping to a register that made heat pool in my belly despite myself.

"There you guys are!"

A voice cut through the tension, drawing every eye in the atrium.

A male strode toward our group with an easy confidence that seemed to ripple through the very elements themselves.

"My Lord said we'd cross paths with the Aether Court today, but I didn't expect such perfect timing."

He moved like water, fluid and graceful, yet carried himself with the casual air of someone who knew exactly how attractive they were. His hair caught and held light in impossible ways — golden blonde base with highlights that shifted like a living flame, strands occasionally sparking with actual embers when he moved.

Some pieces seemed to float on invisible air currents, while others appeared weighted with droplets of water that never quite fell.

His eyes were perhaps his most striking feature — the color of the deepest ocean trenches, but with rings of amber that flickered like sunlight penetrating waves. They held both warmth and ancient power, switching between playful and primordial with each blink.

Intricate tattoos covered every visible inch of skin, moving and shifting like living things. Wind patterns swirled around his forearms, occasionally becoming a visible breeze that rustled nearby students' clothing. Flames danced along his collarbones, while water motifs flowed down his neck and disappeared beneath his partially unbuttoned uniform. Earth symbols grounded it all, pulsing with steady, ancient power.

Most fascinating were the spots where elements met — creating brief flashes of shadow and light that crackled across his skin like contained lightning. Each element seemed to vie for dominance while somehow maintaining perfect harmony.

His eyes found me, a smile spreading across his face that managed to be both charming and predatory.

"So this is our infamous new student," he said, his voice carrying undertones of rushing water and crackling flame. "The stories hardly do you justice."

The way he moved through the space seemed to affect the very atmosphere — the air grew warmer near him, while small breezes ruffled through students' hair. The crystal floors beneath his feet rippled like water with each step, yet somehow held solid.

"Cypress," Nyx groaned, though I noticed her galaxy eyes held a hint of affection. "Your timing is as subtle as ever."

"Coming from you, void walker, that's almost a compliment," he winked, before turning his ocean-deep gaze back to me. "I have to say, anyone who can stand toe-to-toe with Lord Helios and still look this composed has my attention."

A small flame danced between his fingers as he extended his hand to me.

"Cypress Vale, at your service. Master of the four elements and," his grin turned mischievous, "occasional pain in these wolves' collective ass."

Lord Helios made a sound that might have been amusement or annoyance — it was hard to tell with the harmonics in his voice.

"I see the Elemental Court still hasn't managed to teach you proper decorum, young wolf."

"Oh, they tried," Cypress shrugged, elements dancing across his skin with the movement. "But you know what they say about trying to contain a storm." '

He glanced at my bracelet, then at Helios's, and his eyes widened slightly.

"Well, now. This is getting more interesting by the minute."

Lord Helios's silver bracelet seemed to melt back into his flesh as he straightened, his iridescent robes shifting like captured auroras. The look he gave Cypress effectively silenced any comment about the matching accessories.

"If we're quite finished with these... introductions," he said, his harmonious voice carrying effortlessly through the atrium, "I have an announcement for all students of the Convergence Academy of Ethereal Arts."

The whispering that had filled the space died instantly. Even Aurora, who had been sulking near the edges of our group, straightened to attention.

"I will be joining the academy's faculty this term," he continued, satisfaction evident in his tone as gasps of surprise echoed through the hall. "Those of you fortunate enough to be in my advanced manipulation of celestial energies class will learn why the Aether Court has maintained its position of power for millennia."

The excitement rippling through the gathered students was almost palpable. I caught snippets of whispered conversations: "Lord Helios himself... teaching us!" and "This is unprecedented! " and "Do you think he'll actually demonstrate real Aether magic?"

"Additionally," he continued, his iridescent eyes lingering on me for a moment too long, "each student will undergo a magical scanning process today. Based on these results, select individuals will be chosen for...private instruction."

The way he said 'private instruction ' sent a shiver down my spine that wasn't entirely unpleasant. Beside me, I felt Nyx tense while Cypress's elements flickered more actively across his skin.

"These private lessons," Lord Helios continued, his iridescent eyes sweeping the crowd, "are not merely a privilege, but a responsibility. The scanners will match students with instructors based on their magical resonance and potential."

His gaze lingered meaningfully on several students before settling back on me.

"Of particular note, we have an unusually high number of Omega students this term. To ensure their comfort and safety during their...unique biological cycles, they will be permitted to form or join packs of their choosing."

The term 'biological cycles' made me shift uncomfortably. Beside me, Nyx pressed closer, her void energy wrapping around me protectively.

"Don't worry," she whispered, her galaxy eyes serious for once. "I'll explain everything before things get to that. It's...complicated."

I noticed both Liam and Solaris tense at the mention of Omegas and packs, while Cypress's elements danced more actively across his skin, creating small sparks of anticipation.

"The scanning process," Lord Helios's voice drew attention back to him, "will not only reveal your potential but will also designate your appointed instructors and professors that will most benefit your rise here at the Academy. Should you be chosen for private lessons," His lips curved in a smile that held secrets. "Some of you may find yourselves with...unexpected mentors."

I guess with the repetition and emphasis on this private lesson mentorship, it had to be a very big deal.

Aurora preened, clearly expecting to be chosen for special instruction, while whispers broke out among the other students about who might be teaching these exclusive sessions.

"Now then," he gestured toward one of the grand archways, making his aurora-like robes shimmer, "everyone proceeds to the auditorium for orientation. Scans will begin immediately after. And do remember," his harmonics took on a warning tone, "your placement in these special programs could determine your entire future in the magical realm."

He scanned the room to emphasize his point until his gaze locked on me once more.

"Do try to make a good impression for the remainder of the day," Lord Helios said, his iridescent eyes holding mine with an intensity that made the air crackle. "Though your current one has been... memorable."

"I'll do my very best," I replied with a smile sweet enough to rot teeth, making his eyes narrow slightly at the obvious insincerity.

As he swept away, his robes trailing aurora lights, Aurora stood frozen, her perfect features twisted with frustrated confusion as she watched our interaction.

The moment he disappeared, whispers erupted around us.

"Did you see that tension?" one student murmured.

"The way they looked at each other..." another added.

"There has to be some history there," a third suggested. "Or maybe it's just raw chemistry?"

"What are they talking about?" I asked, genuinely puzzled by the speculation. I didn’t feel any chemistry between anyone.

Especially not between me and the Lord of Aether Court.

Nyx leaned in close, her galaxy eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Oh honey," she whispered, her breath tickling my ear. "The sexual tension between you two was thick enough to cut with a void blade."

I choked on air, heat flooding my cheeks.

"W-W-W-What? No! That's ridiculous?—"

"Is it though?" Cypress grinned, his elemental tattoos pulsing with amusement. "Because from where I was standing, the air was practically combusting every time you two made eye contact."

Liam remained unusually quiet, his shadows curling tightly around him, while Solaris cleared his throat.

"Perhaps we should head to the auditorium," he suggested diplomatically, though his sun-bright eyes held concern. "Before more rumors start spreading."

Aurora gave us one last venomous look before stalking away, her perfect posture rigid with anger.

"Well," Nyx looped her arm through mine as we started walking. "At least your first day is proving entertaining. And we haven't even gotten to the scans yet."

"Speaking of which," I said, trying to change the subject from my supposed chemistry with the Aether Lord, "what exactly did he mean about Omega's biological cycles?"

The wolves exchanged loaded looks that did nothing to ease my growing anxiety about what the day had in store for us.

“We’ll go over it,” Nyx assured me with a back rub. “Onward we go!”

Guess this is going to be an interesting academic rollercoaster ride.