Page 185 of Court of Aether and Shadows

"It would never work," Helios insisted, though his celestial energy seemed to lean toward Aetheron's shadows. "We're too different, too-"

"Sure," I drawled, watching them orbit each other like celestial bodies caught in an eternal dance. "Because opposites never attract. And I bet Liarel would have totally objected to having two powerful, gorgeous Lords devoted to her."

The clearing fell into shocked silence. Both Lords stared at me with identical expressions of disbelief, their powers creating auroras of remembered possibility.

"*Vel'thor na'eth sha'lin*," Aetheron muttered in the ancient Fae tongue, "*Kel'nor vas told you she'd figure it out.*"

"I knew it!" I gasped, pointing between them triumphantly. "You did have a thing! And you wanted to share Liarel!"

"You weren't supposed to understand that," Helios said faintly, his perfect features arranged in stunned surprise. "How did you-"

"The ancient language just... makes sense to me," I shrugged, then grinned wickedly. "Just like how obvious it is that you two have centuries of unresolved sexual tension between you."

The white fox bounced around us gleefully, its tail swishing through their mingled energies in patterns that seemed to spell out ancient secrets.

"This is absurd," Helios tried again, though his robes had settled into colors that looked suspiciously like twilight - the perfect blend of shadow and light. "We would never-"

"Haven't in centuries," Aetheron corrected automatically, then winced when Helios shot him a betrayed look.

"Centuries?" My grin widened. "So you admit there was something to not have done in centuries?"

Both Lords looked like they wanted to sink into their respective elements and disappear. Their powers, however, continued their intimate dance, creating patterns that spoke of passion long denied but never forgotten.

"I believe," Helios said with as much dignity as he could muster while blushing furiously, "we had important matters to discuss regarding court investigations."

"Oh yes," I nodded solemnly, though I couldn't quite hide my smile. "Very important matters. Nothing at all to do with howyou two keep looking at each other when you think no one's watching."

The white fox's approving chirp only made their embarrassment more profound, their powers creating what looked suspiciously like heart patterns in the space between them.

"Yes, well," Helios cleared his throat, his perfect composure reasserting itself like armor. "Perhaps we should focus on why we're actually here."

"Indeed," Aetheron agreed too quickly, though his shadows still reached unconsciously for Helios's light. "More pressing matters at hand."

I glanced between them, sudden curiosity cutting through my amusement. "Actually, now that Aetheron mentions it... why are you here, Lord Helios? Not that I'm complaining, but..."

The Lords exchanged a look that transformed their embarrassment into something warmer, more purposeful. Despite their attempt to maintain serious expressions, pride radiated from them both in waves that made the very air shimmer with possibility.

"Your dedication these past weeks has been... remarkable," Helios said, his teaching voice carrying harmonics of genuine approval. His iridescent robes shifted through colors that somehow managed to convey both academic satisfaction and something deeper, more personal. "Even with the additional training sessions, the complex court politics, the pack dynamics..."

"You've exceeded every expectation," Aetheron added, his shadows dancing with ancient pride. "Not just in magical aptitude, but in how you've handled each challenge presented."

The white fox chirped its agreement, ruby eyes gleaming with what looked suspiciously like anticipation.

"Therefore," Helios continued, his perfect features softening into an expression I'd never seen before, "we decided you deserved something special. A reward, if you will, for your commitment to growth."

"A treat?" I asked, the word feeling strange on my tongue. In the Underground, rewards usually came with strings attached, prices to be paid later. But the energy radiating from both Lords held nothing but genuine warmth and... excitement?

"Yes, little star," Aetheron's rich voice carried undertones of barely contained pleasure. "Something we think you'll truly appreciate."

Helios's smile - not his usual perfect, controlled expression, but something real and almost boyish - transformed his entire being. "Close your eyes for a moment," he instructed softly. "And no peeking."

I hesitated for just a second, old instincts warring with new trust. But these were my Lords - one who held my heart, one who guided my growth. With a deep breath, I let my eyes fall closed.

The magic in the clearing shifted immediately. I could feel power surging around us - shadow and light working in perfect harmony for whatever they were creating. The very air seemed to crystallize with potential, while the ground beneath my feet trembled with ancient energy.

Tiny sounds reached my ears - the musical tinkle of what might have been fairy bells, the soft whisper of reality rearranging itself, the gentle splash of water that hadn't existed moments before. The white fox's excited chirps added to the symphony of magical transformation.

"Alright," Aetheron's voice came from somewhere to my left, practically vibrating with anticipation. "Open them."

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