Page 133 of Court of Aether and Shadows

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 acrosshis 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.

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