Page 118 of Court of Aether and Shadows

The way her cheeks flushed at his touch made my blood boil. Her scent shifted subtly, taking on notes of attraction and uncertainty that drove my beast mad with jealousy.

"My lady," Solaris murmured, bringing her hand to his lips. "Should you ever wish to see the wonders of the Aether Court, you need only say the word. I would be honored to show you our eternal dawn." His sun-bright eyes locked with hers as he added, "I’d submit only to you, precious Omega."

The spike in her scent —interest, excitement, confusion– made me dig my claws into my palms until I could catch the scent of my own blood.

Kaelon cleared his throat pointedly.

"Perhaps you gentlemen should begin your...run," he suggested, his galaxy eyes swirling with concern at the mounting tension.

"Indeed," I growled, already heading for the door. The sooner I got away from this display, the better chance I had of maintaining control.

Behind us, Aetheron's dark chuckle echoed through the hall.

"Why are you laughing?" Sparrow's voice carried to us, innocent curiosity clear in her tone.

"Because, my love," Aetheron replied, his voice rich with amusement and possession, "this is all rather entertaining. Now, would you like to see the gardens after breakfast? The shadow roses are in bloom."

"Yes!" Her enthusiasm was palpable at the idea of exploration.One of Sparrow’s many favorite things to do. Discover and learn of the unknown."And the library too? There's so much I want to discover about this realm."

The sound of her excitement, her eagerness to embrace this world — his specific side of his court — tore at something deep inside me. I’d imagined the day that would come when I’d show her the Twilight Court but at the level of us wolves.

To discover nature at its roots and enjoy its blissful welcome.

Solaris fell into step beside me as we left the dining hall, his presence a constant reminder of how complicated everything had become.

She's meant to be ours.

My wolf insisted as we strode through the shadowed corridors.

We protected her. We watched over her. We loved her first.

"The fates have interesting plans, don't they, Fenris?" Solaris mused aloud, his light magic creating subtle patterns in the air around him. “Or, I should continue calling you Liam?”

I didn't respond, but my wolf's determination crystallized into something hard and unshakeable within me.

Let Aetheron have his prophecies.

Let Solaris weave his charms.

I would not give up so easily.

I’ve come too far to lose her now…we will make her see. Acknowledge that we’re a far better choice.

I vowed silently, feeling my wolf's power surge in agreement. The shadows around us deepened, responding to my resolve. One way or another, I would prove that some bonds transcended even fate itself.

We will make her understand that she belongs with us, destiny be damned.

A New Day For New Temptation

~SPARROW~

I studied my reflection in the mirror, still getting used to the academy uniform Celeste had helped me into.

It was unlike anything I'd ever seen in the human realm — a masterpiece of magical tailoring that seemed to adapt to my every movement.

Then again, I didn’t get the privilege of attending school, let alone wearing a uniform of this quality.

Just thinking of the hint of envy I carried back then, watching teenagers walk in groups, laughing and gossiping in colorful uniforms that proved they were attending some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

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