Page 146 of Court of Aether and Shadows

The crystal being's smug expression faltered slightly.

"Yes, she chose me,"Aetheron continued, his golden eyes flickering briefly to me."But not because Helios was unworthy. In fact, if I recall correctly, and I do, with perfect clarity, it was this very Council that forced her hand."

The chamber grew deathly quiet as Aetheron's shadows spread, carrying the weight of ancient memories.

"Shall we remind everyone present how you threatened her with death? Or perhaps the more creative threat of ensuring she could never bear children if she dared accept both of us as her consorts?"

My power surged in response to the memories, making the windows rattle. The younger Council members looked shocked, while the Elders who had been present then seemed to shrink in their seats.

"The great protectors of tradition,"Aetheron's voice dripped with elegant venom,"so afraid of change that they would rather destroy a prophesied queen than allow her to forge her own path. So tell me, Elder Crystallos, who really stood between Liarel and her destiny?"

"That was a different time," Elder Crystallos attempted to defend, though his crystal form had lost its luster. "The traditions?—"

"The traditions you hide behind like shields?"Aetheron cut him off. "The same traditions you now use to judge new potential? How convenient."

He moved through the chamber with liquid grace, his shadows intertwining with my celestial energy in a display that made several Council members shift uncomfortably.

"Perhaps we should move this conversation in a more productive direction. The Twilight Court prefers not to dwell in petty grievances, but if pushed..."his molten eyes swept the room,"we will gladly illuminate certain historical truths that some would rather keep in the shadows."

The threat, elegantly delivered but unmistakable, hung in the air like a blade.

Elder Moira cleared her throat, effectively cutting through the tension.

"Perhaps we should return to the matter of the upcoming trials, like Lord Aetheron encourages" she suggested, her ancient eyes holding both wisdom and concern. "Two weeks until commencement."

"With all due respect," Professor Serra spoke up, her elemental magic stirring restlessly, "that timeline seems deliberately prohibitive. Most of our students have never been in an environment where they could freely use their gifts."

Professor Umbra from the Void Court nodded, void energy swirling around her form.

"Sixty percent of our current student body is female. Many come from backgrounds where using their power meant risking exposure or worse. They've spent years suppressing their abilities, not honing them."

"Precisely my point," Elder Crystallos started but was cut off by an unexpected voice.

"Your point being what, exactly?" Professor Lunara of the Aether Court challenged, her light magic pulsing with barely contained anger. "That women who were forced to hide their powers are somehow less worthy than those who had the privilege of open training? How wonderfully convenient for your...traditional views."

I noticed Aetheron's shadows curl with approval as more professors joined the debate.

"These young women need time to acclimate," Professor Thornheart of the Elemental Court added. "Many have never held a proper focus crystal, never channeled raw energy, never even attempted basic court magic. Two weeks isn't an adjustment period. It's a setup for failure."

"And let's be honest," Professor Nightshade from the Shadow Court interjected, her shadows dancing with determination, "this accelerated timeline could be viewed as a deliberate attempt to eliminate certain...demographics from our program before they have a chance to prove themselves."

The implications hung heavy in the air.

Even some of the more traditional Council members shifted uncomfortably.

"A month," Lord Thanatos suggested, his void-dark eyes scanning the room. "Give them one month to find their footing. To learn basic control, to understand their court affinities, to at least grasp the fundamental principles of magical combat and defense."

That should be a decent amount of time.

"After which," he continued before any could object, "the first trial will determine official academy placement. Those who prove themselves worthy will then receive more specializedtraining, while those who..." he paused diplomatically, "require other paths will be guided accordingly."

Elder Moira nodded slowly, clearly considering the proposal.

"And what of the classes during this preparatory month?"

"Basic foundations for all," Professor Serra suggested quickly. "Court magic orientation, energy manipulation principles, magical theory, and history. Give them the tools they need to at least attempt the trials fairly."

"After which," I added, my celestial energy pulsing with purpose, "those who remain will be sorted into more specialized programs based on their demonstrated abilities and potential."

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