Page 123 of Court of Aether and Shadows

I nodded, relieved she understood.

"Like..."

How would I describe all of this?

"Like finding a missing piece of yourself," she finished. "That's what happens when an Omega meets their pack members,” she reveals and leans back, giving me the space I didn’t realize I was desperately needing.

If it wasn’t for my lungs screaming for air, I wouldn’t have acknowledged how long I’d been subconsciously holding my breath.

“Each connection is unique, but they all complete you in different ways." She paused, studying me with those universe-deep eyes. "The boys probably haven't explained any of this, have they? Too busy posturing and marking territory?"

"Not really," I admitted, feeling bad for throwing them under the bus but it was true.Plus, I hadn’t met this Cypress guy yet. "Everything's been so... intense and very fast."

Nyx snorted, a surprisingly inelegant sound from such an ethereal being.

"Males. Doesn't matter what court they're from, they all think with their-" She gestures to her lower region, gesturing in a circle. “You get what I mean.”

My lips curl up as I realize how friendly she is. Now the idea of us potentially being partners doesn’t seem as daunting.

“We should make our way to the portal before we’re late,” Lady Nyx confessed, looking over to Celeste. “Will the Lord of Twilight and Shadows disdain me accompanying the Princess to the academy?”

“Not at all,” Celeste announced. “I’ll gladly inform him of your intentions, Lady Nyx. Feel free to make your way to the portal entrance with the Princess.”

“You don’t need to call me Princess, you know Celeste,” I admit with a shy smile as I try not to blush too hard. “I appreciate the help this morning. You helped tame my worries. Thank you.”

“Acknowledging royalty in my midst is only respectful within the walls of the Twilight Court, Princess,” she points out as she bows her head my way. “Especially with the company. Please have an eventful day with plenty of opportunities to gain knowledge and appreciation of the various courts.”

We say our goodbyes before leaving the room and heading to the corridor that will lead us to the portal master.

“I like her,” Lady Nyx admitted as the door behind us closed.

“Me too,” I agree with a wide grin. “She was the best out of the other maids who have a lot to say with their eyes.”

Lady Nyx’s musical laughter echoed against the tall walls as we headed down the stairs. “Can you blame them?” she practically purrs as she looks over her shoulder to take me in. She’s practically floating down these stairs as if she’s walked up and down them for years. “You’re a wondrous sight to feast eyes on.”

I have to be overstimulated or something because the simple compliment attracts a layer of blush along my cheeks that only makes Lady Nyx further grin in delight.

“Watch your step,” she encouraged with a wink of her galaxy eyes before she looked away. I almost stumble just at those words, but manage to silently curse and correct myself.

No need to embarrass myself because I’m suddenly smitten with a woman…

Surprisingly enough as we approached the opened space that hosted the portal entrance, Lord Aetheron and Kaelon stood waiting, their shadows filling the space with familiar dark energy that made my pulse quicken.

The Portal Master himself seemed to fade into the background, despite his obvious power. I wasn’t expecting to see either individual this morning after breakfast because I knew they had to be accommodating their schedules on my behalf and had plenty of things to do.

I mean, they’re running an entire Court. That’s like being a President back in the human realm.

Yet, seeing their presence invited a sense of calm while my heart seemed to swarm with relief with their company.

“Good Morning,” I greeted upon arrival. Aetheron doesn’t hesitate to break away from Kaelon to greet me — his hand easily cupping my left cheek before he leaned down to place a soft kiss in greeting.

“Celebrate another awakening in our rising Starlight,” he greeted which I had to assume was a unique way of saying Good Morning in Twilight Court. “You look stunning, Sparrow.”

“R-R-Really?” I’m far too red while I can’t help but peer up into his eyes as he remains close. “I don’t look silly?”

“Not at all,” he reassures me as his eyes soften so handsomely. His shadows don’t even hide their delight as they dance around us, making it seem like we’re in our own world. “The uniform complements you wonderfully. Are you excited?”

“Nervous,” I confess. “But…I’m glad you’re here,” I dare to confess. “I know you’re busy.”

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