Page 168 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Something told me Advanced Realm Walking was going to be a very interesting class indeed.

Fraying Bonds

"I'm literally dying of hunger," Cypress announced as we gathered our things, his elemental tattoos shifting to duller colors that somehow managed to convey starvation. "Do you think the cafeteria has actual food, or just like... magical energy pellets?"

"After that class, I'd eat either," Nyx admitted, stretching like a satisfied cat. "Though I vote for real food. Using void energy really works up an appetite."

"Sparrow?" Solaris turned to me, his sun-bright energy reaching out with concern. "You should eat something too. You look..."

"Like death warmed over?" Nyx supplied helpfully, her galaxy eyes scanning me with growing worry. "Because you really do, Star Girl. All that power usage is catching up with you."

I waved off their concern, though truthfully, the room had started doing slow spins whenever I moved too quickly. "I'm fine. Lord Helios asked me to stay behind for a few minutes anyway. You all go ahead to the cafeteria – I'll catch up."

"Ten minutes," Nyx said firmly, her void energy brushing against mine in what felt like a health check. "If you're not therein ten minutes, I'm coming back with snacks and force-feeding you."

"Such a mother hen," I teased, though the words came out more breathless than I'd intended.

"Someone has to be," she shot back. "Since you clearly have zero self-preservation instincts."

Cypress wrapped me in a quick hug, his elemental energy lending me strength even through the brief contact. "Don't push too hard, okay? Even stars need to rest sometimes."

Solaris followed with his own embrace, his warmth chasing away some of the exhaustion-induced chill. "We'll save you a seat. Try not to start any magical revolutions before lunch?"

"No promises," I managed a weak smile.

Only Liam remained, his shadows coiled tight around him like armor. The others picked up on the tension, exchanging knowing looks before making themselves scarce. The white fox, which had been dozing near my feet, opened one ruby eye to observe the impending confrontation.

"Liam—" I started, but he cut me off.

"Don't." His voice was tight with barely controlled emotion. "Just don't."

"No, we need to talk about what happened," I pressed, forcing myself to stand straighter despite the exhaustion weighing me down. "That wasn't like you, rushing in without thinking?—"

"Without thinking?" His shadows flared with indignation. "I was trying to protect you!"

"By getting yourself corrupted? By ignoring everyone's warnings about the danger?" The words came out sharper than intended, fueled by leftover fear from seeing that dark energy racing toward him. "Since when does the great shadow wolf act so recklessly?"

His eyes narrowed dangerously. "I don't need lectures about reckless behavior from someone who just drained herself to the point of collapse playing magical hero."

"That's different?—"

"Is it?" He stepped closer, his power pressing against mine. "You're barely standing, Sparrow. I can feel how weak you are through our pack bond. But sure, lecture me about being reckless."

"At least my actions protected someone!" I snapped, frustration making my voice crack. "You were just being stubborn and proud! Do you have any idea what that corruption could have done to you? Aurora's group lost people during this trial – actual students who might be trapped in pocket dimensions or worse!"

"I survived just fine in the Underground without your commentary," he snarled, shadows writhing around him. "I don't need it now."

A bitter laugh escaped me, though it might have been closer to a sob. "Fine. Message received loud and clear. Next time you're about to get stabbed by corrupted magic, I'll shut my female ass up and let you handle it. Since you're doing just fine without me."

The words hung between us like physical things, sharp and poisonous. Liam's face went through a complex series of emotions before settling on cold anger. Without another word, he turned and stalked away, his shadows leaving frost in their wake.

"Well, that went well," I muttered to myself, though the room had started spinning again. The fox made a sympathetic sound at my feet.

The argument had taken what little energy I had left. Black spots danced at the edges of my vision as I tried to make myway back to my desk. My legs felt like they were made of water, refusing to support my weight properly.

"I just need to sit..." I mumbled, but the darkness was closing in faster now. The fox's concerned yip seemed to come from very far away.

The last thing I felt was strong arms catching me as consciousness slipped away. A familiar voice cursed softly above me, the words carrying harmonics of genuine worry.

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