Page 136 of Court of Aether and Shadows

"Our Finn here is basically a magical tech genius," Elenore added proudly, making him blush slightly. "If you need any equipment modified or explained, he's your go-to expert."

"And Elenore," Finn returned the praise, "is brilliant with healing magic. Her remedies can fix almost anything. Magical exhaustion, training injuries, even void-sickness."

"Which some of us clearly need," Nyx smirked, nudging Liam who growled softly in response.

An academy official began distributing schedules, the papers seeming to shimmer with different courts' energies. As each of us received ours, I noticed how the ink shifted and changed, adjusting to our individual resonances.

"Oh," Elenore smiled, looking at her schedule. "Advanced Healing Arts with Master Serra! I was hoping for that one."

I stared at my schedule, reading and rereading the professor listings.

"This... can't be right. Every single class has Lord Helios listed as an instructor or observer."

Solaris peered over my shoulder, his sun-bright energy warming my skin.

"Well, that's interesting. And look. We're all in the same classes." He waved his schedule, which matched mine perfectly. "All four wolves with our Omega."

"Let me see that," Nyx snatched my schedule, her galaxy eyes widening slightly. "Advanced Realm Walking, Combat Magic, Court Integration...okay, these aren't normal first-year classes. And yes…all with Lord Pretty Boy watching."

"At least we're together for Magical Theory first period and Advanced Energy Manipulation last period," Finn offered, comparing his and Elenore's schedules to ours. "Though our middle classes are different."

Liam's shadows curled anxiously as he studied the matching schedules.

"This is deliberate. They're keeping the pack together while..." he hesitated, glancing at me.

"While what?" I prompted.

"While keeping you under very specific observation," Cypress finished, his elemental tattoos rippling with concern. "Lord Helios doesn't do anything without purpose."

Elenore and Finn exchanged knowing looks.

"Well," Elenore said carefully, "at least you'll have healing class with me when things inevitably get... intense."

"This has to be rigged," I huffed, waving my schedule in frustration. "I'm not afraid of Lord Helios, but this level of gatekeeping is ridiculous. I wish Lord Aetheron was here. He'd probably have something to say about this."

Cypress let out a rich laugh that made his elemental tattoos dance.

"Oh Star Girl, you have no idea. Those two can barely be in the same room without the air practically combusting. Their...history is legendary."

"History?" Finn leaned forward, curiosity bright in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Elenore tilted her head thoughtfully.

"Is it because they're opposites? Shadow and Aether naturally conflicting?"

"Opposites definitely attract in their case," Nyx snickered, her galaxy eyes sparkling with ancient knowledge. "Or should I say, attracted. Multiple times. Very passionately. Usually with property damage."

"Nyx!" Solaris tried to sound scandalized, but his sun-bright energy flickered with amusement. "We're not supposed to discuss court politics."

"What? It's basically common knowledge that they used to—" Nyx started, only to be cut off by Liam's warning growl.

"Used to what?" I asked, suddenly very interested in this piece of information about Aetheron's past.

"Share certain... interests," Cypress supplied diplomatically, though his ocean-deep eyes danced with mischief. "Including, apparently, a tendency to keep tabs on powerful Omegas."

"Not exactly," Nyx said, her voice dropping lower as other students passed by. "They were both drawn to the same women throughout history. A powerful Omega who could bridge realms. Sound familiar?" She gave me a meaningful look.

"But Liarel..." Cypress continued, his elements settling into a more subdued pattern. "She was different. She wasn't just another powerful Omega. She was..."

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