Page 140 of Court of Aether and Shadows

His power pulsed with each word, making the crystals in the room sing with resonant frequencies.

"As for your questioning of Lady Sparrow's capabilities..."A cruel smile curved his perfect lips."Had you bothered to observe rather than interrupt, you would have noticed my name appearing in bright red at the exit of her scan. A designation reserved for those chosen for private instruction under my personal supervision."

Gasps echoed through the room as everyone's eyes snapped to the scanner's exit panel, where indeed, Lord Helios's name blazed in crimson letters alongside my readings.

"But— but that's impossible," Aurora stammered, still kneeling. "The scanner barely?—"

"The scanner,"Lord Helios cut her off,"recorded the highest readings in academy history from a single foot's worth of contact. Imagine, Lady Aurora, what might have happened had Lady Sparrow actually completed the scanning process."His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Though I suppose such observations might be beyond your current...capabilities."

Aurora's face flushed with humiliation as scattered whispers broke out among the students. Even the technicians were failing to hide their reactions to this public dressing down.

"I- I apologize, my Lord," Aurora managed, her voice small. "It won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't,"he replied coldly."Now, if we're quite finished with this display of inadequacy, Lady Sparrow and I have matters to discuss."He glanced at my wolves."You four as well. Come."

I couldn’t say a word of defiance as he carried me with my wolves in tow.

The Past Mistakes Must Be Shattered

~SPARROW~

The private chamber Lord Helios led us to was a perfect blend of all court influences — shadow-wrapped corners, light-filled windows, void spaces that bent reality, and living plants that seemed to pulse with elemental energy.

He settled behind an ornate desk that appeared to be made from captured starlight while we arranged ourselves in chairs that adjusted to each person's court affinity.

"Your schedules," he began, his iridescent robes settling around him like aurora wings, "are specifically designed to address the unique situation we find ourselves in. Each class serves a distinct purpose in preparing you for what's to come."

He waved his hand, creating a holographic display of our timetable.

"First Period: Advanced Realm Walking. This isn't just about moving between courts. It's about understanding the fundamental nature of reality itself,” he revealed. “Lady Sparrow's natural affinity for crossing realms needs to be honed,and controlled. The rest of you," he glanced at the wolves, "will need to learn to follow her without... unfortunate side effects."

How does he even know about the realm crossing?

Then again, it seemed everyone knew of my random arrival here, so him being one of the four Lords, I’m sure Lord Aetheron probably had to inform him of my abrupt arrival.

Liam shifted uncomfortably in his shadow-wrapped chair while Nyx snickered.

"Second Period: Combat Magic Integration. You'll learn to blend your different court magics effectively. Shadow and Aether, Void and Elemental. All working in harmony rather than opposition. This is particularly crucial given the pack bonds forming between you."

Which I’m sure Nyx is going to explain to me when she gets a chance.

"Third Period: Historical Prophecies and Their Modern Implications." His iridescent eyes fixed on me. "There are patterns repeating themselves, cycles coming full circle. Understanding the past is essential for navigating what lies ahead in the future."

That would be appreciated in my department. Not knowing history was a disservice on my part compared to everyone else who knew about the Courts’ past.

"Fourth Period: Advanced Energy Manipulation and Control." A slight smile curved his perfect lips. "Given this morning's scanner display, I believe we can all agree this is a priority."

We all nodded in agreement.

"Fifth Period: Omega Studies and Pack Dynamics," Lord Helios continued, though I noticed his energy shift slightly at this subject. "This class is... particularly vital given your unique situation. Multiple court wolves bonding to a single Omega is rare enough. Add in the fact that said Omega carries potentialancient power..." He paused, his iridescent eyes lingering on me. "Well, let's just say there are certain biological and magical implications that need to be addressed."

Nyx straightened in her void-wrapped chair.

"You mean her cycles."

"Indeed," he nodded. "When an Omega of Lady Sparrow's power level enters certain phases, the effects can be...devastating if not properly managed. Especially with four court wolves in close proximity."

"Six," Cypress corrected quietly, causing everyone to look at him. "If we're counting all potential bonds."

---