Page 19 of Aries

As we prepare for evening meditation, the cottage feels different. Smaller, yet somehow less confining. The space between us holds possibility instead of carefully maintained barriers.

Seventy-six days left to either build something real or watch it crumble. The stakes feel higher now that we’re both acknowledging what we stand to lose.

Chapter Twelve

Callie

“You have shown progress in emotional honesty,” the Committee member announces during our morning check-in. “This merits a reward.”

My gaze meets Aries’ across our small breakfast table. This is the first mention of rewards rather than requirements or punishments in over two weeks of trials. Before either of us can ask, a small crystalline container materializes on the table between us.

Something inside emits a soft, pulsing glow.

“This is ashimmerling,” the Committee member explains. “A companion creature that responds to emotional energy. Its care will require cooperation and harmony between you. More importantly, it will serve as a barometer of your genuine connection—attempting to deceive us while caring for ashimmerlingis impossible, as they reflect the truth of their caregivers’ bond.”

The container dissolves, revealing what looks like a floating orb of light about the size of my palm. As we watch, it shifts from pale blue to a pastel yellow, then drifts closer to investigate us.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, enchanted by the way it seems to dance in the air. “But how do we…?”

“Care instructions will appear in your Manual. Theshimmerlingmust be fed twice daily, with both partners participating. It requires specific environmental conditions for rest. Most importantly, it is highly sensitive to emotional discord.”

As if to demonstrate, the creature swoops closer to Aries, its glow deepening to rich gold as it bobs around his horns. A smile tugs at his lips—the most unguarded expression I’ve ever seen from him.

“Hey there, little one,” he murmurs. Theshimmerlingpractically preens, trailing sparkles as it loops around his head.

Really? Little one? I’ve seen him in many moods, though truth be told, he’s usually granite-faced. But tender? I didn’t have that on my bingo card.

“Show off,” I mutter good-naturedly. The creature immediately zips over to investigate me, its color shifting to an undulating purple. When it nuzzles my cheek, the touch feels like sunlight and champagne bubbles.

“Theshimmerlingwill help guide your progress,” the Committee member adds. “Its wellbeing reflects the harmony between you. We will return for evening meditation.”

After they vanish like a dream at dawn, we spend several minutes watching our new companion explore the cottage. It seems fascinated by everything, leaving trails of shifting color as it investigates corners and cupboards.

“According to the Manual,” Aries says, consulting the pages that have newly appeared, “feeding requires one person to provide sustenance while the other… sings to it?”

“Sings?” The word comes out as a squeak. “I can’t carry a tune in abucket!”

Theshimmerlingswoops down to hover between us, its color rippling with what looks suspiciously like amusement.

“You hum constantly, which admittedly is usually a little off key, but I’m sure it’s not that bad,” Aries offers diplomatically.

“Oh really? Remember that traditional song we had to learn for the Blessed Peace Day several years back? The one where Captain Beast asked if someone was strangling amronckwhile he looked pointedly at me?”

A startled laugh escapes him—deep and rich and devastating to my composure. Theshimmerlingspins in delighted circles, trailing sparkles.

“Fine then,” I say, fighting a smile. “Youcan do the singing part.”

Working together, we manage to figure out the feeding process. Aries’ voice is surprisingly good as he croons an old gladiator training song while I hold out the special nutrient solution. Theshimmerlingdarts through the liquid, absorbing it while performing elaborate aerial acrobatics to the music.

“Show off,” Aries’ tone is fond. The creature responds by shifting to a smug pink color and doing a backflip.

“It needs a name,” I realize. “We can’t just keep calling it ‘it’ or ‘theshimmerling.’”

“Any ideas?”

“What about… Spark? For Sparkle?” I ask. The creature immediately brightens, its glow intensifying. “I think it likes that.”

“Spark it is.” As Aries consults the Manual again, Spark performs delighted somersaults. “Looks like it needs both our energy signatures to rest properly.We have to… oh.”

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