Page 56 of Tempest Awakening

"And yet," Instructor Aelar interjected, his ageless face impassive, "here we are. The question remains: what do we do now?"

As the tension in the air thickened, I felt my heart racing. The stark contrast between Theron's previous kindness and his current hostility left me reeling, and the weight of everyone'sscrutiny pressed down on me like a physical force. This entire situation felt surreal, like a dream I couldn't wake up from.

I glanced at Thalon, seeking some anchor in this storm of confusion. Through our newfound bond, I could sense his steady presence, a contrast to the chaos around us. But even this connection, which felt so right and natural, was adding to my sense of being utterly out of my depth.

I tried to focus, to understand what was happening, but it all felt too big, too sudden. Questions raced through my mind—What did this bond mean? How would it change my life?

“Don't worry, little one,”Thalon's deep voice resonated in my mind. “It will all be okay.”

His words washed over me, easing some of the tension from my shoulders. I took a deep breath, drawing strength from his confidence.

Theron's voice cut through the haze of my thoughts. "We need to report this to the Lord Protector immediately."

Kane stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "If I may suggest, given that Ms. Whittaker is an employee of the Dragonne Library, perhaps we should first notify Moriyana. She is, after all, in charge of the library and my father’s superior."

The group fell silent, considering Kane's words. Even Theron's anger seemed to waver in the face of this logical suggestion.

Before anyone could respond, a powerful presence filled the air, accompanied by the sound of massive wings. I turned, along with everyone else, to see Moriyana, the Grand Luminary of the Dragonne Library, descending from the sky. Her deep ruby scales shimmered in the sunlight, each movement gracefuldespite her enormous size. As she landed, the ground trembled slightly beneath our feet.

“A wise decision, young fae,”Moriyana's voice resonated in all our minds. “I believe I'm already informed of the situation.” Her eyes, ancient and wise, swept over the group before settling on Thalon and me. I felt a wave of relief at her familiar presence, remembering how she had welcomed me to the library not so long ago.

Suddenly, Moriyana's gaze sharpened, focusing on Master Burke. “Master Burke, what of the applicants who pushed Tempest into this situation? Selena and Valen, I believe?”

Master Burke's eyes widened slightly, a look of chagrin crossing his face. "You're right, Grand Luminary. I apologize for the oversight." He squared his shoulders, his voice firm as he continued, "I will send someone to locate and detain them immediately after we conclude this discussion. Their actions will be thoroughly investigated and addressed."

Moriyana's mental voice held a note of approval. “Very good. See that you do. Now, let us return to the matter at hand. It seems Tempest has formed a Soul Resonance bond.”

Master Burke stepped forward, his scarred face set in a frown. "Grand Luminary," he began, his tone respectful but firm, "this is unprecedented. We can't simply allow anyone to become a dragon rider without going through the proper tests and training. There are protocols in place for a reason."

Instructor Alvarez let out a short, sharp laugh. "Well, obviously you can," she said, gesturing towards Thalon and me with a wave of her hand. "It just happened right in front of us."

I could feel the tension in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife. Thalon's reassuring presence in my mind was the onlything keeping me from fidgeting under the intense scrutiny of everyone present.

Moriyana's mental voice held a note of amusement when she responded. “Indeed, Instructor Alvarez. However, I understand the political implications of this situation.”Her gaze swept over the group once more. “Many supernatural beings will not take kindly to a human bonding with a dragon, especially one as powerful as Thalon.”

I swallowed hard, the reality of my situation sinking in. This wasn't just about me and Thalon; it was about the entire supernatural world and its delicate balance of power.

Kane cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. His face was composed, but I could see a glimmer of something—determination, perhaps—in his eyes. "What if Ms. Whittaker joins the applicants?" he proposed. "That way, she can prove she deserves the bond."

A murmur ran through the group. I held my breath, watching as Moriyana considered the suggestion. Her eyes seemed to glow as she mulled it over.

“An excellent suggestion, young Kane. Starting tomorrow, Tempest will begin training with the applicants,”Moriyana's voice echoed in our minds. “However, I propose an addition. Tempest will continue her duties at the library, focusing solely on the Oral History project. Her regular librarian duties will be suspended for now.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. At least I wouldn't be losing my job over this unexpected turn of events. The Oral History project was something I was passionate about, and the thought of continuing it alongside this new adventure sent a thrill through me.

“Given that Tempest is behind the other applicants,”Moriyana continued, her mental voice thoughtful, “I suggest assigning her a primary instructor to supplement her training.”

Master Burke nodded, stroking his chin. "Instructor Blackwell would be the best choice," he said after a moment of consideration. "As he's only been an instructor for three weeks, he doesn't yet have a full roster of official duties. He's mainly been assisting with Aelar's classes."

Instructor Aelar nodded in confirmation. "Indeed. Theron has been a valuable asset in my Crisis Management Strategies course, but he could certainly take on this additional responsibility."

Theron's head snapped up, his emerald eyes flashing with barely contained fury. "Me?" he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You want me to train her?"

"You're qualified," Master Burke stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument. The look he gave Theron was pointed, filled with unspoken meaning. "And your current schedule allows for this arrangement."

I watched as Theron's jaw clenched, his gaze flicking between me and Master Burke. The anger radiating from him was palpable, his earlier hostility towards me clearly amplified by this new development.

Theron's posture remained rigid, his eyes blazing with defiance. But even he couldn't outright refuse the Grand Luminary or deny the weight of his sworn duty. "As you wish," he ground out.

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