Page 116 of Court of Aether and Shadows

“300%” he reveals to her surprise. “It’s considered close to godly levels for a few of us, but our current bodies don’t have the stability to carry such energies twenty-four-seven. That’s why wolves are created to harvest this energy. They live in our subconscious, aiding in our need to survive, protect, and potentially shift into elemental beings depending on our born court and overall capabilities. Keep in mind, not everyone has a strong enough entity to be labeled as a wolf.”

“Fascinating,” she whispered in awe.

“I’m glad you think so,” he praised with a sweet smile before he carried on. “In our realms, wolf packs are... special. Sacred, even. Most packs form within their own courts. Like Aether wolves run together versus Twilight wolves hunt as one, and so forth."

"But?" Sparrow prompted, clearly sensing there was more to the story. She was already leaning toward him, drawn in by his natural charisma.

My blood surely couldn’t boil further.

"But occasionally," he continued, clearly enjoying being the center of her attention, "fate brings together wolves from different courts. When that happens...well, it's considered a blessing from the ancient powers themselves. A perfect pack. One wolf from each court. It’s so rare it's practically a legend."

"A mixed-court pack," Solaris continued, his voice taking on an almost reverent tone that made my wolf want to snap at him. "Draws power from each realm they represent. Twilight wolves bring stealth and are cunning. Aether wolves contribute raw power and healing. Void wolves master space and time, and Elemental wolves command nature itself."

I watched Sparrow's face as she absorbed this information, noting how her eyes widened slightly at each new revelation. The scent of her curiosity mixed with her natural aroma was intoxicating, making my wolf pace restlessly within.

"But the true magic," Solaris said, leaning even closer to her, "happens when a pack finds its Omega."

“Don't.”I mentally growled, hoping for once he’d listen to me. I rarely attempt to project my thoughts to other wolves, but there were a few rare instances — this being one of them if it meant Solaris would shut his mouth up.

She's not ready for this.

But Solaris ignored my warning glare, continuing with obvious relish.

"An Omega is the heart of any pack, but for a mixed-court pack? They're everything. The centerpiece. The one being capable of harmonizing different court magics, of making opposing forces work together in perfect balance."

I wanted to groan in dread because this wasn’t how this type of information should be revealed.

Not with this audience that doesn’t even understand the full length of our power or how that power can be further amplified with the right Omega in the mix.

"Like a bridge between realms," Sparrow murmured, and I could see the pieces clicking into place in her mind. Her power pulsed gently, responding to the truth in his words.

"Exactly," Solaris confirmed, his sun-bright eyes never leaving her face. "An Omega with the potential to bond with wolves from different courts? They're rarer than starlight in the Void realm. Some say they're blessed by the ancient powers themselves, chosen to unite what was once,and potentially still, are divided."

The implications hung heavy in the air. I could see Sparrow processing what this meant — whatshemight be. Her scent shifted slightly, taking on notes of uncertainty mixed with something else...excitement?

"And you think..." she started, looking between us.

"We know," Solaris and I said simultaneously, then glared at each other for the unwanted harmony.

Tell her the rest.

My wolf demanded.

Tell her about the claiming, about what it means to be fought over by multiple alphas. The knotting and how we must mark our claim!

But before either of us could explain further, Aetheron cleared his throat pointedly.

The sound carried enough power to make both Solaris and I remember our places. We were, after all, in the presence of the Twilight Court's ruler — who happened to have his own claim on the woman we were discussing.

"Perhaps," Aetheron interjected smoothly, though I could see the shadows dancing dangerously around him, "we should focus on breakfast while it's still warm. These discussions can wait."

"The food can be reheated," I muttered, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. The thought of sharing a meal with Solaris, watching him charm Sparrow with his natural radiance, made my wolf continue to pace anxiously.

Sparrow shot me a look that was both understanding and chiding.

"Lord Aetheron is right," she said firmly. "We should eat. No need to give the kitchen staff extra work just because we can't maintain civil conversation."

She's already meditating.

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