Page 155 of Court of Aether and Shadows

"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 betoomerciful. 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" AetherCourt 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." Hisgolden 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."

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