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

34. Midnight Shadows

Midnight Shadows

~ N YX~

"—and honestly, the way the moonstone essence creates micro-portals within your pores is absolutely fascinating. Did you know that when you mix it with crystallized starlight—" I emerged from the washroom, still patting my face with a void-silk towel, only to stop mid-sentence at the sight before me.

Sparrow had fallen asleep sitting up, her head tilted at what had to be an uncomfortable angle against the ornate headboard. The mask I'd applied earlier had absorbed completely into her skin, leaving behind a subtle glow that pulsed in rhythm with her steady breathing. Even in sleep, she radiated power – shadow and starlight dancing beneath her skin in delicate patterns.

"Oh, Star Girl," I murmured, my galaxy eyes softening at how young she looked in repose. All the tension she usually carried had melted away, replaced by a peaceful vulnerability that made my protective instincts surge. "Let's get you properly settled."

Moving with the fluid grace my void nature granted me, I approached the bed. Careful not to disturb her, I gently eased her down from her sitting position. She mumbled something in her sleep – something that sounded suspiciously like Aetheron's name – but didn't wake as I maneuvered her under the covers.

"Sweet dreams of your Shadow Lord," I teased quietly, though I couldn't help noting how my pack bond with her hummed contentedly at our proximity. It was different from what she shared with the male wolves – softer somehow, more nurturing. Like the void itself, I could cradle without consuming.

With a casual gesture, I pulled at the fabric of reality around us, creating pockets of deeper shadow that dimmed the room's ambient light. The star-crystals overhead dulled to a gentle glow, while the moon's radiance through the window became a subtle whisper rather than its usual bold statement.

Almost without conscious thought, I found myself weaving void energy around her sleeping form. The protection bubble took shape beneath my fingers – layers of cosmic power that would alert me instantly if anyone tried to harm her. It was instinctive, this need to shield her. Like my very essence recognized something in her that needed safeguarding.

"Rest well, little queen," I whispered, adding one final layer of protection that shimmered like captured galaxies. "Tomorrow's going to be interesting enough without you being sleep-deprived."

Satisfied that she was secure, I decided to indulge in one of my favorite activities – a midnight walk through the academy grounds. The night held different meanings for void wolves. Where others saw darkness and danger, we saw possibilities, spaces between spaces where reality itself became malleable.

The academy corridors were eerily silent as I made my way through them, my boots making no sound on the crystalline floors. I could have void-stepped directly to the gardens, but there was something appealing about the traditional route. Sometimes the journey itself was the point.

About halfway to my destination, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. Years of void wolf instincts screamed that I wasn't alone. Someone – or something – was following me, trying to hide in the shadows that flickered at the edges of my vision.

Amateur , I thought with a slight smirk. If you're going to stalk a void wolf, at least learn to mask your energy signature.

I continued walking as if I hadn't noticed anything amiss, though my power coiled within me, ready to strike. The academy gardens were just ahead – a perfect battleground if this stalker wanted to play. After all, what better place to unleash a little chaos than among the carefully tended magical flora?

The gardens sprawled before me in all their enchanted glory. Flowers that bloomed with actual starlight lined crystal paths, while trees with leaves of living shadows swayed in a nonexistent breeze. Fountains burbled with water that defied gravity, creating impossible patterns in the air before falling back to their basins.

If someone wanted to attack me here, they'd have to deal with more than just my void powers. The very ground thrummed with ancient magic, the kind that didn't take kindly to uninvited violence. I smiled, feeling my pursuer's energy signature grow stronger as they followed me deeper into this realm of botanical wonders.

"Well," I murmured to myself, letting void energy dance between my fingers like darkened lightning, "shall we see what kind of trouble finds us tonight?"

The garden seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what would unfold beneath the light of three moons.

Something told me this wasn't going to be the peaceful midnight stroll I'd planned.

But then again , I thought as my galaxy eyes began to glow with anticipation, when had I ever chosen peace over a little excitement?

The void lilies recognized me first, their petals of pure darkness unfurling like old friends greeting a familiar face. I paused to stroke one gently, watching how it leaned into my touch, spreading tiny ripples of void energy through the surrounding soil. These flowers were notorious in my court for swallowing anything that threatened them, but with me, they were practically pets.

"Hello, darlings," I murmured, admiring how their centers seemed to contain entire galaxies. "Thriving far from home, aren't you?"

Nearby, shadow roses intertwined with starlight jasmine in an impossible dance of light and dark. The combination shouldn't have worked – most plants from different courts tried to strangle each other – but these had found harmony in their opposition. Rather like certain Lords I could mention.

A cluster of nebula orchids caught my attention, their cosmic blooms shifting through colors that existed beyond mortal comprehension. They trembled as I approached, not in fear but recognition. Void court flora had a way of responding to those who understood the spaces between spaces.

The peaceful moment shattered as raucous laughter cut through the garden's tranquility. A group of obviously intoxicated students stumbled into view, their court robes disheveled and their magic leaking sloppily into the air around them.

"Well, well," one of them slurred, nudging his companions. "Look what we found. The he-she void walker."

I continued examining the orchids, not dignifying their presence with a response. The flowers curled protectively toward me, sensing the shift in energy.

"Oy!" Another called out, his voice grating with false bravado. "Real women wear dresses, you know. Show some skin. Not suits like you're trying to be a man."

Their laughter echoed through the garden, making several light-sensitive plants close their blooms in distress. I straightened my jacket cuffs, still pointedly ignoring them.

"What's wrong? Void magic fuck up your hearing along with your gender?" The first one stumbled closer. "Because last I checked, females in this academy are supposed to look feminine. It's tradition."

"Tradition," I finally spoke, my voice carrying harmonics that made the void lilies shiver with anticipation, "is often just peer pressure from dead people."

The leader of their little group pushed forward, his Aether Court insignia gleaming ostentatiously on his chest. "You'll want to watch your tone," he sneered, swaying slightly. "I'm Lord Celestian's son. Fourth in line for the Aether Court's high council."

I turned slowly, letting my galaxy eyes sweep over him with deliberate dismissal. "Fourth in line," I repeated dryly. "How impressive. Tell me, does being a spare heir's spare heir usually earn you the right to harass people in gardens, or is this a special occasion?"

His face flushed an interesting shade of purple. "You dare?—"

"Oh, I dare quite a lot," I cut him off, noting how the void lilies were starting to lean toward him with predatory interest. "It's one of the benefits of not being bound by other people's limited understanding of gender and power. But please," I gestured expansively, "continue explaining to me, a void wolf, how I should present myself to make you more comfortable."

"You're an abomination," he spat, his Aether magic flaring erratically with alcohol and anger. "A woman playing at being powerful. Dressing like a man, acting above your station?—"

"Above my station?" I laughed, the sound making several of his companions step back nervously. "Let's discuss stations, shall we? I am Lady Nyx of the Void Court, personal friend to Lord Thanatos himself. My pack includes the Elemental Prince and the Aether Court's golden son." My galaxy eyes narrowed. "And you are, what? A minor noble's fourth son, drunk in a garden, harassing someone who could literally erase your existence from multiple dimensions?"

The void lilies were fully awake now, their petals spreading to reveal the infinite darkness within their centers. The nebula orchids had begun to pulse with cosmic energy, while the shadow roses' thorns lengthened ominously.

"You're bluffing," he said, though uncertainty had crept into his voice. "No void wolf has that kind of power?—"

"Want to test that theory?" I asked pleasantly, letting void energy dance between my fingers. "I do so love conducting experiments. Especially regarding how many dimensions the human body can be split across before consciousness fails. The current record is seven, but I've always been an overachiever."

The garden had gone eerily silent, even the usually musical starlight jasmine holding its breath. His companions had backed away, leaving their "leader" standing alone before me.

"My father will hear about this," he threatened weakly.

"Oh, I'm counting on it," I smiled, showing teeth that might have been slightly sharper than strictly necessary. "I'm sure he'd love to hear how his son drunkenly harassed a void wolf in the academy gardens. Perhaps we should call him now? I'm certain Lord Solarin would be happy to witness the discussion, given his recent emphasis on proper student conduct."

At the mention of Solaris's father, what little color remained in his face drained away. The threat of the Aether Court's ruling Lord finding out about this seemed to finally penetrate his alcohol-addled brain.

"We were just leaving," he mumbled, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to retreat. His friends scattered like startled birds, their court robes fluttering awkwardly as they fled.

"Pleasant dreams," I called after them sweetly. "Do try not to let the void lilies bite. They so rarely get fresh meat these days."

Once they were gone, I let out a long breath, feeling the garden's energy settle back into its normal patterns. The void lilies swayed toward me sympathetically, while the nebula orchids released gentle pulses of soothing cosmic energy.

"Well," I told my botanical audience, "that was tediously predictable." I straightened my jacket, brushing off imaginary dust. "Though I must say, the look on his face when I mentioned Lord Solarin was almost worth the interruption."

A shadow rose extended one of its blooms toward me – a gesture I recognized as their version of comfort. I accepted it with a small smile, careful of its thorns.

"Thank you, darling, but I'm quite alright. It takes more than a few drunk bigots to ruffle my void-touched feathers." I glanced in the direction they'd fled. "Though perhaps a small lesson in consequences wouldn't go amiss..."

The plants around me stirred with interest as I began weaving void energy between my fingers.

After all, what was a midnight garden stroll without a little chaos?

With a flick of my wrist, I opened tiny void rifts beneath their stumbling feet. Not enough to actually transport them – that would be too merciful. Instead, each rift released precisely calculated bursts of void energy that transformed their court robes into frilly, hot pink tutus complete with matching tiaras.

"What the—" the leader started to shout, only to have his voice shift into a pitch that would make soprano singers jealous.

Their panicked squeals echoed through the garden as they discovered their new wardrobe choices. The "mighty" Aether Court heir's face clashed spectacularly with his ensemble as he tried desperately to cover himself with his now sparkly, glitter-shedding hands.

"Oh, and one more thing," I called out cheerfully, twirling my finger to add the final touch. Wherever they stepped, their feet left trails of rainbow glitter and tiny magical bubbles that played an off-key version of "I'm a Little Teapot."

"This isn't over!" the leader attempted to threaten, though the effect was somewhat diminished by his new helium-pitched voice and the fact that his tiara kept shooting out random bursts of pastel confetti.

"You're right," I agreed pleasantly. "The spell lasts twenty-four hours. Have fun explaining that to your professors tomorrow."

They fled in a panic, their musical footsteps and squeaky protests fading into the distance. Several of the void lilies actually trembled with what I could have sworn was laughter, while the nebula orchids released pleased bursts of cosmic energy that looked suspiciously like fireworks.

I allowed myself a small giggle at their retreat, but it died in my throat as that familiar presence from earlier made itself known again. This time, though, it came with the soft sound of applause from the shadows behind me.

"Impressive," Lord Aetheron's rich voice carried through the garden as he materialized from the darkness. "Though perhaps a bit mild, considering their offense."

I turned to face him, raising an eyebrow at his sudden appearance. "My Lord," I acknowledged with a small bow that might have been slightly less formal than strictly required. "Enjoying a bit of late-night garden surveillance?"

The Shadow Lord moved with liquid grace as he approached, his power making the shadow roses preen in his presence. "Let's call it... maintaining awareness of my wife's pack members." His golden eyes studied me with ancient intelligence. "Particularly when said pack member is being harassed by drunk nobles."

"I had it handled," I shrugged, though I couldn't help preening slightly at his earlier praise.

"Indeed you did," he agreed, reaching out to stroke one of the void lilies that had stretched toward him hopefully. "Though I must admit, I'm curious why you didn't simply void-step them into next week. Your power certainly allows for more... permanent solutions."

I let my galaxy eyes meet his golden ones directly. "Because sometimes embarrassment is a better teacher than fear. They'll remember being turned into singing, glittery spectacles far longer than they would remember being scared." A small smirk curved my lips. "Besides, I did promise Sparrow I'd try to be slightly less chaotic. At least until classes properly start."

"Ah yes, speaking of my Starlight," Aetheron's shadows danced with interest. "I noticed your protection bubble around her. Quite intricate work, especially the void-touched warning system."

"Just a precaution," I said carefully, watching his reaction. "New environment, lots of unknown variables. Pack looks after their own."

The Shadow Lord's perfect features softened almost imperceptibly. "Yes, they do." He studied me for a long moment before adding, "You're good for her, you know. All of you wolves, but perhaps you especially."

"Oh?" I couldn't quite keep the surprise from my voice.

"She needs someone who understands what it's like to defy expectations," he explained, his shadows creating complex patterns in the air. "Someone who's learned to own their power without compromising who they are." His lips curved in a slight smile. "Even if that means occasionally turning bigots into dancing, glitter-spreading tutus."

I couldn't help but laugh at that. "Well, when you put it that way, I suppose I am an excellent influence."

"Indeed." He turned slightly, surveying the garden. "Though perhaps we should discuss your role in what's to come. There are... complications on the horizon that will require all of her pack to be prepared."

My void energy stirred with interest. "I'm listening."

The garden settled into an anticipatory hush as Lord Aetheron began to speak, his shadows merging with my void energy in a display that made the very air crackle with potential.

Whatever was coming, I had a feeling those drunk nobles would soon be the least of our concerns.

"She has no idea what being an Omega truly means," Aetheron said, his shadows curling thoughtfully around a cluster of starlight jasmine. "In the human realm, she experienced... echoes, perhaps. Heightened senses, increased strength, unusual resilience. But nothing that would have prepared her for what's coming."

I settled on an ornate garden bench, crossing my legs as I considered his words. "The fact that she's drawn four court wolves is already causing whispers. I've heard the rumors in the void spaces between classes – everyone's speculating about her power."

"Four court wolves," he mused, golden eyes distant with ancient knowledge. "It hasn't happened in over a thousand years. The last time..." He paused, shadows deepening around him. "Well, let's just say the courts weren't prepared for the magical implications."

"Her first heat," I said bluntly, making several nearby flowers close their blooms in surprise at my directness. "That's what you're really worried about, isn't it?"

Aetheron's perfect features tightened slightly. "Without preparation, without understanding what's happening to her body and power, it could be catastrophic. An Omega's first heat after awakening isn't just about physical changes – it's a magical convergence point."

"And with four wolves already bonded to her..." I let out a low whistle that made the void lilies shiver. "The energy surge could theoretically tear holes in reality itself."

"Precisely." He began pacing, his shadows creating patterns that spoke of barely contained concern. "In the human realm, her cycles were regulated by their medicines, their chemicals. Here? Those barriers are gone. Add in the stress of realm transition, the awakening of her powers..."

"It could trigger at any time," I finished, understanding dawning. "That's why you've been watching so carefully. Why you asked Helios to oversee her classes."

A flicker of something crossed his face at the mention of the Aether Lord, but he continued smoothly. "She needs to understand what she is before it happens. Needs to learn control, to recognize the signs. And her wolves?—"

"Need to be prepared to handle it without losing our minds?" I suggested dryly. "Or in this case, without losing control of our court magics and accidentally reshaping reality?"

"Your flippancy masks genuine understanding," he noted, giving me an appraising look. "You've studied Omega dynamics."

I shrugged, letting void energy dance between my fingers. "The void court library has extensive records. Plus, being the 'different' one meant I spent a lot of time reading instead of socializing. The theoretical mechanics of Omega heats across different court manifestations are actually quite fascinating."

"Then you understand why I'm concerned. Her human experiences..."

"Would be like comparing a candle to a supernova," I nodded. "I can talk to her in the morning, try to get a sense of her cycle patterns from the human realm. It might help us predict timing, give us a chance to prepare."

"You think she'll be comfortable discussing this with you?"

I couldn't help but smile, remembering our earlier skincare conversation. "She's already starting to open up about her human realm experiences, the suppressions and limitations she faced. This is just... another aspect of reclaiming her true nature."

Aetheron studied me for a long moment, his ancient power pressing against my void energy like he was testing something. Finally, he nodded. "Your pack bond with her is different from the males. More... nurturing, despite your chaos-loving nature. She'll need that balance in the days ahead."

"I'll watch over her," I promised, then added with a wicked grin, "And if anyone gives her trouble about being an Omega, well... these tutus can always come in other colors."

A rich laugh escaped him, making several shadow roses bloom instantly. "Your protection methods are unconventional, but effective." His expression sobered slightly. "Just... be careful. There are those in the courts who would see a four-wolf Omega as a threat to the established order. Especially one with her particular... heritage."

"You mean being Liarel's reincarnation?" I asked boldly, watching his shadows flicker at the name. "Or is there something else we should know about our Star Girl's background?"

"Perceptive," he murmured, more to himself than me. "But those are questions for another time. For now, focus on helping her understand her Omega nature. The rest..." His shadows swirled meaningfully. "The rest will reveal itself soon enough."

I stood, brushing imaginary dust from my impeccable suit. "I'll talk to her tomorrow, try to gauge where she is in her cycle. Though with the realm transition and power awakening, it could be delayed or accelerated. We'll need to watch for signs either way."

"Keep me informed," he said, already beginning to fade into shadow. "And Lady Nyx?" His golden eyes held mine for a moment. "Thank you. For being exactly what she needs in a pack mate."

"Even with the chaos and questionable fashion-based punishments?" I couldn't resist asking.

His last words floated back to me as he disappeared completely: "Especially those."

Left alone in the garden, I looked up at the three moons overhead, each casting their unique light over the magical flora. "Well," I told a particularly attentive void lily, "tomorrow's conversation should be interesting."

The flower's only response was to release a small puff of void energy that looked suspiciously like a snicker.