Page 141 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Potential bonds. So bonding means something significant in all this.

Lord Helios's expression tightened almost imperceptibly.

"Yes, well. That brings us to Sixth Period: Inter-Court Politics and Power Management. You'll need to understand the delicate balance between courts, especially given recent...developments."

From the early commentary, it would be a good idea to learn about these ancient rules and what the Elders consider are respectively good versus the banned evil we weren’t allowed to encourage.

Like being in a romantic relationship with more than one person.

"Final Period: Practical Applications of Combined Magics," he continued smoothly. "This is where theory meets practice. You'll learn to work as a unit, combining your various court powers effectively. Lady Sparrow's ability to channel multiple court energies makes her a natural focal point, but it also makes her a potential target."

It felt intriguing how he knew so much about me when he’d never seen me display a touch of this power. He spoke so confidently, it made me feel like some sort of powerhouse.

His power pulsed slightly at those last words, making the room's crystals hum.

"Which is why I'll be personally overseeing all of these classes. The situation is too...delicate to leave to regular instructors."

"Oh, so you're not specifically training Sparrow because of—" Cypress started, his elemental tattoos flickering with mischief, only to be silenced by Solaris and Nyx's hands clamping over his mouth. His ocean-deep eyes still danced with knowing amusement above their restraining grip.

"Can we survive until lunchtime, please?" Liam groaned, his shadows curling with exasperation. "I'm hungry, and some of us still haven't fully recovered from that portal transition."

I tried to suppress my smile at their antics, but a more serious concern pressed forward.

"What about the mundane realm?" I asked, watching Lord Helios carefully. "Is there a possibility I could be... pulled back? I mean, I did sort of disappear without warning."

That had been bothering me, especially when I assured Aetheron I’d stay here for some time. Deep down, I’d want to return eventually, but when I felt more secure in my position here.

Carried more control revolving around my life.

His iridescent eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made the air thicken.

"Your transition between realms has created certain...complications. The mundane world will have adjusted its memories to account for your absence, but?—"

"But?" I prompted when he paused.

"But your connection to that realm isn't entirely severed," he admitted, his perfect features showing a hint of concern. "The barrier between worlds is particularly thin around you, which is one reason why the Realm Walking class is so crucial. We needto ensure you can control these transitions rather than being subjected to them."

That makes sense.

Liam shifted uncomfortably, his shadows coiling tighter around him.

"There is one problem though..." He glanced at the other wolves, who nodded their silent support.

Lord Helios clapped his hands once, the sound resonating with pure power. A shimmer of iridescent energy cascaded down the walls, ceiling, and floor.

"There. Complete privacy. Not even the Void Court's best listeners could penetrate this barrier."

Nyx raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed despite herself.

"Sparrow didn't just... stumble into our world," Liam began carefully, his voice tight with controlled anger. "She was forced through during a confrontation. A mission gone wrong." His shadows darkened as he continued. "She's highly trained in combat, weapons, and tactical operations. Years of experience in...specialized work."

Hearing him speak so highly of me was uncalled for. I noticed Lord Helios's expression sharpen with interest at this revelation.

"The mission was compromised," Liam pressed on. "Marco. Our supposed ally, and whoever was backing him...they tried to kill her. Nearly succeeded." His hands clenched at the memory. "What's to stop them from finding her again? From finishing what they started?"

When he said it like that, he did have a point.

What would stop them from searching the realms until they found the courts and had me in their grasp?

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