Page 112 of Court of Aether and Shadows

It wasn’t a long conversation, but it felt good to get a glimpse of Lord Aetheron’s perspective of the situation and dilemmaforming 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 mygown 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 worldLike 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.

---