Page 130 of Court of Aether and Shadows

High school, perfectly coiffed cheerleaders, and their calculated dramatic entrances. Lady Aurora's presence. Different in appearance, yet I knew right away out of all the individuals who she was. Power was undeniable, but the way she wielded it, making sure every eye was on her...it spoke of someone who needed that attention like others needed air.

Needy…yet alone. Yearned to be loved, but never really favored.

The flicker of the past was gone in a flash, the whole thing only taking a few seconds to relish and recover from.

My fingers kneaded gently into Nyx's tense shoulder, feeling her void energy pulse beneath my touch.

"Easy,"I murmured with a hint of added authority, low enough that I knew only Nyx could hear my consoling word before I increased my voice."No need to waste energy on someone who clearly needs the spotlight to feel validated."

The words carried easily in the hushed atrium.

Aurora's perfect features tightened slightly, her floating hair sparking with irritation.

"How... quaint," she said, her harmonious voice taking on a sharp edge. "The mysterious new student thinks she can pass judgment. Though I suppose that's to be expected, given all the... talk about you lately."

Which I didn’t understand who was spreading all this “talk” about little old me.

When Nyx had made a comment where she wanted to see what the hype was all about, I could only assume word of my entrance into Twilight Court had made waves among the people of our court, but such “gossip” must have traveled to all four courts at this rate because everyone knew of my existence.

At least, they projected it that way, despite me being an obvious “nobody”.

Nyx bristled under my touch, but I kept my gentle massage steady.

"Oh? And what exactly are they saying?" I asked, keeping my tone deliberately casual. "Besides the obvious observation that some people make grand entrances because they can, while others do it because they must?"

Aurora's perfect composure cracked slightly, her aura of light flickering with barely contained annoyance.

"They say you've caught the attention of not just the Twilight Lord, but multiple wolves." Her eyes swept dismissively over Liam and Solaris but lingered with particular disdain on Nyx. "Though I see you prefer to keep... interesting company."

"At least her company is genuine," Nyx shot back, leaning into my touch even as her galaxy eyes blazed. "Not a collection of sycophants who bow because they're afraid of daddy's influence."

A few gasps echoed through the gathered crowd.

I guess that’s some tea.

"Careful, void wolf," Aurora's voice took on a dangerous edge. "You forget your place."

It’s the way she tries to talk to Nyx condescendingly that ticks at me the wrong way. Like a pinch of irritation that’s so violently strong, that it has me wanting to speak up immediately.

"Actually," I interrupted, keeping my voice light but firm,"she knows exactly where her place is. Right here, with me. Just like Liam and Solaris."I let my own power seep into my words, shadows and starlight dancing along my skin. I was trying to mimic the way I’ve witnessed Aetheron do it quite a few times in my presence."The question is, Lady Aurora, do you know yours?"

Aurora closed the distance between us with deliberate grace, each step carrying the weight of generations of Aether Court nobility.If she was some sort of royal here.The air crackledwith tension as students pressed further back, creating a perfect arena for our confrontation.

"Nyx," I said softly, squeezing her shoulder. "Let her through."

"But—" she started to protest.

"Trust me."

Nyx reluctantly stepped aside, though her void energy remained coiled and ready. Liam and Solaris shifted uneasily, not grasping what I was doing but respecting my decision, their powers humming just beneath the surface.

Aurora stopped mere inches from me, her perfect features arranged in an expression of practiced concern.

"You should consider your position carefully," she said, her voice pitched low enough that only our small group could hear. "The courts have hierarchies for a reason. Someone of your... background might find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of our world."

I met her gaze steadily, letting the sweetest smile spread across my face. I found it utterly amusing that she thought she could break me with this public confrontation. I’ve dealt with far worse at the Underground with men twice her size who couldn’t wait to punch me in the face than “talk”.

"Funny thing about being an outcast," I replied, noting how my casual tone made her eye twitch slightly. "You learn who has real power, and who just borrows it from others.” I have to shrug to further emphasize my nonchalant nature, but I can’t help but lower my voice further as I lean closely to state my next point.

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