Page 134 of Court of Aether and Shadows

"The scanning process," Lord Helios's voice drew attention back to him, "will not only reveal your potential but will also designate your appointed instructors and professors that will most benefit your rise here at the Academy. Should you be chosen for private lessons," His lips curved in a smile that held secrets. "Some of you may find yourselves with...unexpected mentors."

I guess with the repetition and emphasis on this private lesson mentorship, it had to be a very big deal.

Aurora preened, clearly expecting to be chosen for special instruction, while whispers broke out among the other students about who might be teaching these exclusive sessions.

"Now then," he gestured toward one of the grand archways, making his aurora-like robes shimmer, "everyone proceeds to the auditorium for orientation. Scans will begin immediately after. And do remember," his harmonics took on a warning tone,"your placement in these special programs could determine your entire future in the magical realm."

He scanned the room to emphasize his point until his gaze locked on me once more.

"Do try to make a good impression for the remainder of the day," Lord Helios said, his iridescent eyes holding mine with an intensity that made the air crackle. "Though your current one has been... memorable."

"I'll do my very best," I replied with a smile sweet enough to rot teeth, making his eyes narrow slightly at the obvious insincerity.

As he swept away, his robes trailing aurora lights, Aurora stood frozen, her perfect features twisted with frustrated confusion as she watched our interaction.

The moment he disappeared, whispers erupted around us.

"Did you see that tension?"one student murmured.

"The way they looked at each other..."another added.

"There has to be some history there,"a third suggested."Or maybe it's just raw chemistry?"

"What are they talking about?" I asked, genuinely puzzled by the speculation. I didn’t feel any chemistry between anyone.

Especially not between me and the Lord of Aether Court.

Nyx leaned in close, her galaxy eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Oh honey," she whispered, her breath tickling my ear. "The sexual tension between you two was thick enough to cut with a void blade."

I choked on air, heat flooding my cheeks.

"W-W-W-What? No! That's ridiculous?—"

"Is it though?" Cypress grinned, his elemental tattoos pulsing with amusement. "Because from where I was standing, the air was practically combusting every time you two made eye contact."

Liam remained unusually quiet, his shadows curling tightly around him, while Solaris cleared his throat.

"Perhaps we should head to the auditorium," he suggested diplomatically, though his sun-bright eyes held concern. "Before more rumors start spreading."

Aurora gave us one last venomous look before stalking away, her perfect posture rigid with anger.

"Well," Nyx looped her arm through mine as we started walking. "At least your first day is proving entertaining. And we haven't even gotten to the scans yet."

"Speaking of which," I said, trying to change the subject from my supposed chemistry with the Aether Lord, "what exactly did he mean about Omega's biological cycles?"

The wolves exchanged loaded looks that did nothing to ease my growing anxiety about what the day had in store for us.

“We’ll go over it,” Nyx assured me with a back rub. “Onward we go!”

Guess this is going to be an interesting academic rollercoaster ride.

Scan Of Unexpected Worth

~SPARROW~

“Wow…” I couldn’t stop the vocalized awe as my eyes scanned around us. After such a tedious orientation, I could finally appreciate the beauty surrounding us.

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