The afternoon light bathed Lumen Hollow’s vast training grounds in golden hues, the warmth of Zephyra’s twin suns traveling over the academy’s towers. Kaelin had spent most of her day tending to her apothecary studies, but now she found herself following Liora along the winding path toward the open-air Skythari enclosures.

  Liora’s voice carried her usual excitement. “I changed my mind. I’d rather see what all the fuss is about with the newcomer than watch a flower bloom.”

  Kaelin arched a brow. “That doesn’t sound like you.”

  Liora huffed. “Oh, come now. You’re not at all curious about the outsider who arrived with a golden Skythari? You know, the guy in whose lap you sat during midday meal, slurping fruit from his hand?”

  Kaelin groaned. “You are never going to let that go, are you?”

  Liora grinned. “Absolutely not. The entire academy is still buzzing about it. I even heard someone say it was the most scandalous thing to happen since that duel in the east courtyard.”

  Kaelin gave a dry smile but said nothing. Truthfully, her thoughts had returned to Varek more times than she cared to admit. He had disrupted something—unsettled the rhythm of her days, like a sudden gust of wind stirring still water.

  “I’m not sure what to think of him,” Kaelin admitted. “He’s… different.”

  “Different is one word,” Liora said. “Distractingly good-looking are a few more.”

  Kaelin shot her a look. “You sound like half the academy.”

  “And the other half is either envious or pretending they’re not interested.”

  They reached the edge of the training field just as a gust of wind swept over them, carrying the scent of sun-warmed grass and the unmistakable musk of Skythari. The enclosures weren’t stalls but open areas instead; the creatures had vast spaces to roam; their wings free to stretch beneath the open sky.

  The hum of conversation buzzed in the air, students clustering along the railing or perching on boulders and benches. Anticipation crackled around them like static before a storm. A few instructors stood nearby, pretending not to eavesdrop on the gossip, though their eyes remained fixed on the skies.

  Then she saw him.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Varek, the man she had quite literally crashed into, who had the audacity to feed her starberries in the common hall while she sat on his lap—under the watchful eyes of half the academy. A frustrated huff escaped her lips at the memory. She told herself it didn’t matter. That he was just another student—unruly, mysterious, and far too smug. But no one had ever looked at her the way he did, like he saw something more than her name or status. It was irritating. And distracting. He was astride the golden Skythari—no, not astride, balanced. There was no saddle, no reins, just a simple belt strap for grip, yet he rode with effortless precision, guiding the massive creature with nothing but his posture and subtle movements.

  Kaelin barely breathed as she watched. He was riding the Flare. The Skythari moved with feline grace, its golden fur shimmering under the evening light. Then, with a powerful thrust of its wings, it soared, and screams of wonder echoed from the gathering crowd. The view was simply breathtaking.

  Liora grabbed Kaelin’s wrist, squeezing tight with excitement. “This is unreal. She is huge; no wonder he can ride her.” Her mouth hung open; lips parted in astonishment. “You think they’ll let me borrow her for class transport?” Liora whispered. “I could get from the greenhouse to Ethics in under ten seconds.”

  Kaelin snorted. “You’d crash into a spire within five.” “If this doesn’t earn him a spot in the trial flight, nothing will.”

  The golden Skythari banked sharply, wings cutting through the air in a controlled descent. As it landed, the rider swung down in one fluid motion, patting the creature’s side before leading it past the gathered onlookers. Students whispered around them, murmuring names and speculation. “He’s not even from Zephyra. How does he ride like that?”

  Someone behind them whispered, “Was that a Flare? They never let those used for flight, right?” Another voice followed, “She’s massive. What kind of training did he go through?”

  Even instructors on the fringe of the field exchanged quiet but heated debates. A few scribbled notes. One of them—a rigid professor from the Skythari ethics division—folded his arms with a deep frown, watching Varek like he was an untested weapon.

  Kaelin couldn’t look away. The way he dismounted, steady and relaxed, like the Skythari was an extension of him, not just a mount. Her fingers twitched at her sides—part awe, part envy. She’d studied bonds her whole life, and yet… theirs felt like something else entirely.

  Varek moved with easy confidence, heading directly for Kaelin and Liora. As if on cue, Jorvan shouldered his way through the crowd, followed closely by a few of his ever-present followers, his gaze locked on Varek with a look of barely concealed disdain.

  Jorvan stood next to Kaelin and sneered, his voice carrying through the crowd. "Well, if it isn't the mudcrawler and his lover."

  Gasps broke out nearby. Even Liora flinched.

  Kaelin's jaw tightened. Her hand itched to reach for a vial or a stinging herb from her satchel—something to respond with. But she stood straighter instead, her chin lifting a fraction. Let Jorvan snarl. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of looking small.

  Liora bristled beside her. “What a pig,” she muttered under her breath. “He’s just mad you chose fruit from a strangers hand over his smug face.”

  Kaelin barely hid a snort. A few heads turned her way, and she forced a neutral expression. She didn’t need this scene to spiral further. Not with Varek drawing closer.