Page 137 of Court of Aether and Shadows

"The one," Solaris finished when Cypress trailed off. "The prophecied queen who could unite the courts. Both Lords pursued her, but she chose Aetheron. They say Helios never quite got over it."

She had to choose…

"Some say that's why he changed so many policies about female practitioners," Elenore added softly. "After Liarel chose the Twilight Court..."

I felt my head spinning with this new information.

"Wait," I whispered, pieces clicking together in my mind. "So when I showed up, with Liarel's essence..."

"And your own natural Omega power," Nyx nodded. "Plus your ability to stand up to him, just like she did..."

"History has a way of repeating itself," Liam said quietly, his shadows curling protectively around me. "Though sometimes with interesting variations."

"The thing about the Elders," Nyx explained, creating a small void bubble around our group for privacy, "is that they're stuck in their ways. Like,reallystuck. We're talking millennia of rigid traditions."

"Even with Omegas," Solaris added, his sun-bright energy dimming slightly. "They knew that some of us would be drawn to the same ones, that fate itself would create these bonds, but..."

"But they couldn't handle the scandal," Cypress finished, his elemental tattoos shifting in agitation. "Any relationships had to be kept behind closed doors. Hidden away like some dirty secret."

"It's ridiculous," Nyx scoffed. "The mundane world has evolved. They accept all kinds of love now. Multiple partners, same-sex relationships, gender fluidity. Hell, they're more progressive than our 'ancient and wise' leaders."

Elenore nodded thoughtfully.

"The Council claims it's about preserving sacred traditions, but really..."

"Really, they're just afraid of change," Finn said quietly. "Afraid of what might happen if people started questioning their authority."

"So what you're saying is," I processed slowly, "even if an Omega naturally forms bonds with multiple partners..."

"The Council would expect them to choose just one," Liam confirmed, shadows writhing with barely contained frustration. "At least publicly."

"That sounds absolutely stupid," I muttered, shaking my head at the Council's backward thinking. "I mean, I barely understand what being an Omega means, but forcing people to deny natural bonds? In this century?"

"Oh honey," Nyx patted my arm sympathetically. "We'll have a nice long chat about all things Omega later. Preferably with wine. Lots of wine."

We reached the scanning station, its crystalline chamber pulsing with multicolored energy. The technician, a stern-looking Void Court member, gestured toward our group.

"Wolves first," she announced. "We need baseline readings from established power sources."

"Ladies first," Liam said with an exaggerated bow toward Nyx, his shadows curling with smug satisfaction.

The void wolf's galaxy eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Oh, is that so?" Before anyone could react, her foot shot out with precise accuracy, connecting solidly with Liam's groin. The shadow wolf's eyes bulged as he doubled over, a high-pitched whine escaping him.

"Nyx!" Elenore gasped, though I noticed she was fighting back a smile.

"What?" Nyx asked innocently while Liam collapsed to his knees. "He wanted to be gallant. I just helped him get lower to the ground."

Solaris shook his head, sun-bright energy flickering with barely contained amusement. "You did this to yourself, packmate," he told the groaning Liam. "You know better than to try that chivalry nonsense with her."

Cypress was already stepping into the scanner, his rich laugh making his elemental tattoos dance.

"Come on, guys. Let's get this done before Liam recovers enough to start a real fight."

The scanner hummed to life, various courts' energies swirling around Cypress as it read his power levels. His elements responded enthusiastically, creating a light show that had nearby students stopping to watch.

Solaris went next, his natural radiance almost overwhelming the scanner's crystals.

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