Caelum stirred as the faintest light of dawn crept into his room, a soft glow casting gentle shadows on the floor. He blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, when a warm sensation grazed his cheek. He opened his eyes to find Nyx, no longer in her small, cat-like form, but as the human girl she recently became, eliminating the possibility he imagined last nights events. She leaned over him, her long black hair tumbling like a curtain around her face, and her luminous white eyes studying him with amusement.
“It’s time for our morning walk,” Nyx whispered, her voice soft and teasing. She brushed a hand against his cheek once more before sitting up on the edge of the bed.
Caelum stretched, his muscles still heavy from sleep, and rubbed his face, feeling the warmth still lingering from her touch. “Right,” he said, shaking off his drowsiness. “Though you could’ve just said good morning,” almost finding comfort on her new ability.
Nyx’s playful smile grew. “Where’s the fun in that?”
Caelum sat up fully, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Nyx remained seated next to him, watching with an casual feline curiosity as he moved about the room. He reached for the outfit he selected the previous day—a set of white robes, tailored perfectly to his form, adorned with intricate teal script embroidered along the hems. The magical inscriptions woven into the fabric hummed softly as he ran his fingers over them.
He hesitated for a moment, glancing at Nyx, who hadn’t budged from her spot. Her eyes were fixed on him, her expression mischievous.
“Do you mind?” he asked, feeling a flush creep up his neck.
Nyx gave him a mockingly innocent look, clearly enjoying his discomfort. “Of course not. By all means, carry on.” She crossed her arms, her teasing grin never faltering.
With a sigh, Caelum turned his back and changed into his robes as quickly as possible, trying to ignore Nyx’s gaze burning into him. "You know we share a life together right?" She stated more than asked.
When he finally fastened the belt at his waist and turned back around, Nyx stood up, her form shimmering briefly before she shifted back into her sleek, gremlin-like form. She hopped to the floor gracefully, her tail flicking behind her as she looked up at him.
“All done?” she seemed to ask as she purred.
“Yeah, yeah, let’s get going,” Caelum muttered, still feeling the heat in his cheeks. He grabbed his library ring and headed for the door, Nyx padding quietly alongside him, her tail swishing in amusement.
---
The early morning corridors of the academy were still and quiet, the only sounds being the soft click of Caelum’s shoes and the occasional hum of magic drifting through the air. The day had barely begun, but already Caelum’s mind was alive with thoughts of what lay ahead.
He pushed open the heavy doors of the library and stepped inside, greeted immediately by the familiar scent of parchment and old magic. The vast space of the library seemed to breathe with its own energy, the towering shelves filled with knowledge calling to him.
Nyx darted off into the shadows as Caelum made his way to the desk where Lysandra, the librarian, sat. Her silver hair gleamed under the soft, enchanted light that floated above her, and she looked up as Caelum approached, her sharp eyes softening into a smile.
“Good morning, Caelum,” Lysandra said warmly, folding her hands on the desk. “It is refreshing to see you hear so warly every morning. How can I be of assistance?”
Caelum hesitated for a moment, glancing around the library before he spoke. “I have been reading the book you gave me about archival magic and was wondering if you could explain a little about memory palaces." Jumping straight into the topic.
“Memory palaces,” she began, her tone calm and instructive, “are spaces you build in your mind to store knowledge. The human mind naturally remembers things spatially. When we think about where we’ve placed an object, our brain creates a map of sorts. Archival magic takes that natural tendency and amplifies it.”
Caelum leaned in, his attention completely absorbed. “So, you organize your memories into rooms?”
Lysandra nodded. “Precisely. A basic memory palace might consist of a few rooms with objects representing different pieces of information. But a skilled practitioner of archival magic—well, they can create vast libraries within their mind, storing entire volumes of knowledge like we do here.”
Caelum’s mind raced as he imagined the possibilities. “So, could I store the books I’ve already memorized? Maybe use the palace to keep the most important ones close at hand?”
Lysandra smiled. “You’re catching on quickly. Yes, your perfect recall can be refined. You could build a grand library in your mind to hold everything, but you’d also want to create smaller rooms for quick access. Perhaps you’d have a room for mana manipulation, another for elemental theory, and so on. That way, you can retrieve what you need faster, without getting lost in the vastness of your own mind.”
Caelum nodded, already envisioning the architecture of his mental library. “That makes sense. And if I want to access the higher levels of this library?” he asked, his gaze drifting up to the second and third floors above them.
Lysandra’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mystery. “The higher floors contain more dangerous and complex knowledge. If you truly wish to access them, mastering archival magic will be essential. Without it, you could lose yourself in the flood of information—or worse, be consumed by it.”
She slid the book Caelum was referencing back across the desk toward him. “Continue with this. It will guide you through the basics of building your memory palace. Once you’ve made progress, we’ll discuss access to the higher levels.”
Caelum took the book back with a nod of gratitude. “Thank you, Lysandra. I’ll start right away.”
As he tucked the book into his bag, Nyx reappeared at his feet, her luminous eyes watching the exchange with quiet interest. Lysandra’s gaze shifted to the small creature, her smile deepening. “It seems you’ve found yourself a companion.”
Caelum glanced down at Nyx, who had taken her usual place in his shadow. “Yeah, I’m still getting used to it,” he said with a smile. “But I think she’s going to be a great help.”
Lysandra chuckled softly. “Familiars have a way of showing up when we need them the most. Treat her well, and she’ll be a valuable ally.”
With that, Caelum gave a small bow and made his way back toward the entrance of the library. His mind buzzed with thoughts of memory palaces, magic, and the day ahead.
----------------------------------------
In the dining hall, Caelum spotted Seraphine, Aelric, and Elara already seated at their usual table. The hall was bustling with students, their conversations mixing with the clatter of cutlery and the hum of magical enchantments. Caelum joined them, offering a nod of greeting.
"Good morning, Caelum," Seraphine said with a smile. "We were just talking about classes today. Do you have anything scheduled?"
Caelum shrugged, keeping his meeting with Professor Vanis between him and Seraphine. "Nothing official. Just catching up on some studies."
Aelric groaned, sinking back into his chair. "Lucky you. I’ve got a class on advanced mana theory this morning, and I am not looking forward to it."
"Cheer up, Aelric," Elara said with a smirk. "At least you can finally put that chaotic mana of yours to some use."
Caelum chuckled, though his mind wandered for a moment. As much as he enjoyed the easy camaraderie of his new friends, a pang of homesickness tugged at him. He missed his friends from the mortal realm. He wondered what they were doing now. Were they even thinking about him? Probably not. This world felt like it had pulled him into its own orbit, and his life in the mortal world was already starting to feel like a distant dream.
----------------------------------------
After breakfast, Caelum made his way to Professor Vanis’s study. The winding halls of the academy seemed quieter today, the usual bustle of students muted by the early hour. He knocked softly on her door and stepped inside.
"Good," Professor Vanis said as soon as she saw him. "You’re right on time."
Without further explanation, she moved toward a door at the back of her office, revealing a spiral staircase that ascended into a tower. "Follow me."
Caelum did as he was told, his curiosity growing with each step. The stairs seemed to go on forever, the stone walls curving up and up, until finally, they reached a small, circular room at the top of the tower. The room was bare except for a single pillow on the floor and a series of intricate arrays etched into the stone.
"This tower is far enough from the main academy that the array won’t interfere with the other students," Vanis explained as she moved to the center of the room. "Today, you’re going to learn an advanced manipulation technique. One that will push your mana control to its limits."
She instructed Caelum to sit on the pillow and focus on the arrays. "First, I want you to push all of your mana out of your body, expelling it entirely. Then, you’ll draw it back in, gathering ambient mana in the process."
Caelum nodded and settled into the position she demonstrated. He took a deep breath and began to exhale, focusing on releasing all the mana from his body. His meridians tingled as the energy flowed out, his skin prickling with heat. When he inhaled, the sensation reversed, a cooling wave washing over him as he drew the mana back in.
At first, the exercise was simple, but as Vanis instructed him to increase the count of his breaths, he began to feel the strain. Each exhale left him lightheaded, and each inhale felt like trying to draw water from a stone. His meridians burned with friction, and the pressure in his core intensified.
"Focus," Vanis said calmly, watching him intently. "Reduce the friction in your meridians. Visualize the mana moving smoothly, without resistance."
Caelum gritted his teeth, forcing his focus inward. He imagined his meridians as clear, smooth channels, and slowly, the friction eased. The burning sensation faded, replaced by a steady, rhythmic flow of energy.
"Good," Vanis said. "Now, concentrate the mana into a single point. Visualize it forming a core in your solar plexus."
Caelum closed his eyes, following her instructions. He could feel the mana gathering in his chest, condensing into a dense, glowing sphere. The pressure in his body lessened, and with each breath, the core grew more defined.
Unbeknownst to him, Caelum was also forming an external mana core with each exhale. Vanis watched in awe as the mana condensed into a floating sphere just outside his body, its light pulsing faintly with each breath. It was a rare ability, one that few mages could achieve without years of training.
"That’s enough for today," Vanis finally said, breaking the silence. "You’ve made remarkable progress. Continue this exercise once a week, and we’ll work on increasing the density of your mana core in future lessons."
Caelum opened his eyes, feeling both exhausted and invigorated. His body ached, but there was a sense of accomplishment that filled him with pride.
----------------------------------------
Lunch was a much-needed break. Caelum sat in the dining hall, a steaming bowl of soup in front of him, and Nyx sitting beside him on the bench. He absentmindedly stroked her fur as he ate, his appetite ravenous after the morning’s training.
Before long, he felt a presence approaching. He glanced up to see Alistair standing nearby, a sneer on his face.
"Enjoying your meal, lowborn?" Alistair said, his voice dripping with contempt.
Caelum blinked in surprise, unsure how to respond. Alistair’s hostility had been subtle before, but now it was out in the open.
"That’s a good look for you," Alistair continued, his sneer widening. "Eat your fill now. You’ll be starving later."
Nyx, ever watchful, pressed closer to Caelum, but she remained silent. Alistair didn’t even seem to notice her presence, as if she was invisible to him.
Caelum narrowed his eyes but said nothing as Alistair walked away, leaving a sour taste in the air.
Caelum watched Alistair leave, feeling the tension lingering in his muscles. He couldn’t shake the strange feeling that had settled in his gut. The way Alistair had spoken, as if he knew something Caelum didn’t. Nyx remained still, her golden and draconic eyes tracking Alistair’s every move until he was out of sight. Only then did she relax, curling up on the bench beside him.
“What was that about?” he muttered, mostly to himself. He knew Alistair came from one of the prominent noble families, and they had clashed during the affinity test, but this felt different—like a deeper warning of something brewing beneath the surface.
Nyx nuzzled his hand, sensing his unease. Caelum sighed, pushing the thought aside for now. He still had a full day ahead, and letting Alistair’s words get to him wouldn’t help.
He finished his meal quickly, feeling a renewed sense of determination. There was no point in worrying about Alistair right now. He had other goals in mind, more immediate ones—like his decision to take up swordsmanship training. It had been a passing thought before, but after his recent successes with mana control, and the tension of his interaction with Alistair, the idea of honing his physical body to match his magical prowess seemed like the next logical step.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
----------------------------------------
The swordsmanship training grounds were nestled in the northern wing of the academy, just beyond the main courtyard. As Caelum approached, the rhythmic clash of steel rang through the air, mingling with the soft grunts of exertion and the occasional barked command from Professor Virox. The space was expansive, framed by towering stone walls that seemed to absorb the afternoon light, casting long shadows across the students engaged in intense sparring.
Some of the students wielded wooden practice swords, their movements measured and careful, while others danced with gleaming enchanted blades, their magic flickering in the air with each strike. The sharp tang of metal and the scent of sweat hung heavy, making the atmosphere feel dense, alive with the energy of bodies in motion.
Caelum hesitated at the edge of the grounds, momentarily unsure of how to proceed. He had never trained formally with weapons, and though his mind brimmed with knowledge—pages of diagrams and techniques from books he’d absorbed—his body was another matter. Swordsmanship was more than theory; it was movement, strength, precision.
Before he could decide whether to step forward or simply observe, Virox’s icy gaze locked onto him. The professor was impossible to miss. His skin, pale and blue like a frozen glacier, glinted under the sun, giving him an ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance. His snow-white hair whipped in the breeze, and his eyes—sharp and clear as shards of ice—seemed to pierce through anyone they landed on.
With a subtle tilt of his head, Virox beckoned Caelum forward. There was no hesitation, no questioning. It was as though the professor had already decided that Caelum belonged there.
“You’re here to train,” Virox stated, his voice carrying the crisp precision of a well-honed blade.
“Yes, Professor,” Caelum replied, stepping forward, his tone respectful but firm.
Virox’s gaze raked over him, assessing his posture, his build, the way he carried himself. The silence between them stretched, the weight of the professor's judgment hanging in the air. Finally, Virox spoke, his voice cold and unyielding. “Swordsmanship is not just about swinging a blade. It’s about discipline. Control. Understanding the limits of your body.”
The professor stepped closer, his piercing gaze never wavering. “Magic can make you powerful,” he continued, his voice lowering but gaining intensity, “but a mage who cannot wield a sword is a mage who cannot defend themselves when their mana runs dry. Power fades. Steel endures.”
He thrust a practice sword toward Caelum. The moment Caelum’s fingers wrapped around the hilt, he felt the unfamiliar weight, the cool metal pressing into his palm. It was heavier than he expected, the balance foreign to him. This wasn’t like the elegant flow of magic he had come to master—this was raw, physical.
Virox wasted no time. He stood before Caelum, his movements smooth and deliberate, demonstrating a basic guard stance, his sword held at the ready. “Your first lesson,” he said, his tone as unyielding as the weapon in his hand, “is to understand balance. Without it, you are nothing.”
Caelum mirrored the professor’s stance, adjusting his grip on the sword, feeling the weight settle into his core. His muscles tensed as he tried to replicate Virox’s posture, but the strain was immediate. His legs burned from holding the position, his shoulders tight with the effort of keeping the sword steady.
“Good,” Virox said, though his tone was devoid of warmth or praise. “But not enough.”
He circled Caelum, his eyes narrowing as he watched every subtle movement. “Your magic has made you strong, but strength without control is useless. Discipline your body as you have disciplined your mana.”
The words hit Caelum with a strange clarity. He knew what it meant to control magic, to channel it with precision and purpose. But here, with the weight of the sword in his hands, the concept of control felt entirely different—more physical, more immediate.
Virox demonstrated a series of basic stances and movements, each designed to teach balance and coordination. Caelum mimicked him as best he could, his body straining with the effort to maintain form. The sword in his hand felt like an extension of himself, but at the same time, it was awkward, heavy in all the wrong places.
The hours stretched on, Virox correcting him with curt words or a sharp tap of his sword against Caelum’s arms or legs. “Shift your weight—no, not there. Center yourself.”
Caelum’s muscles burned, his breath coming in short bursts as he tried to hold the stances, feeling the strain in every part of his body. His legs wobbled as he bent into a defensive posture, his hands gripping the sword tightly as sweat dripped down his temple.
“Loosen your grip,” Virox instructed, his eyes flicking to Caelum’s hands. “A sword is not a hammer. You guide it; it does not guide you.”
Caelum adjusted, forcing himself to relax his grip, to feel the weapon’s balance rather than forcing it into place. The sword felt lighter this way, more fluid in his hands, and as he followed Virox’s instructions, the movements began to make more sense. There was a rhythm to the footwork, a balance between attack and defense, a flow that wasn’t entirely unlike the mana he worked with daily.
Despite the growing fatigue in his limbs, Caelum found himself lost in the rhythm of the training. The steady motions, the repetition of strikes, blocks, and parries—each movement became more natural, more ingrained in his muscle memory.
For a fleeting moment, he felt the same clarity that he did when mastering a difficult spell. His body and the sword moved in tandem, the weight and balance of the blade aligning with his focus.
Virox watched with a discerning eye, his sharp gaze catching every subtle adjustment. Though his expression remained impassive, Caelum could feel the weight of the professor’s approval—silent, but present.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Virox called the lesson to a close. He stepped back, his eyes sweeping over the other students who had been training nearby. “That will be enough for today.”
Caelum, drenched in sweat and feeling every ache in his muscles, lowered his sword, his breath steadying. Despite the exhaustion, there was a sense of accomplishment that settled into his chest.
As the students began to disperse, Virox approached Caelum once more. “You have potential,” he said, his voice low but firm. “But potential is nothing without effort. You will return, and you will train harder.”
Caelum nodded, his respect for the professor deepening. “I will, Professor.”
Virox’s sharp gaze lingered for a moment longer before he turned away, leaving Caelum standing in the fading light of the training grounds, the practice sword still warm in his hand.
As the adrenaline began to wear off, Caelum felt the satisfaction of the physical exertion wash over him. His body was sore, his muscles fatigued, but in a strange way, it felt good—grounding. Unlike the finesse and delicacy of magic, swordsmanship demanded something raw, something primal.
----------------------------------------
After training, Caelum found himself once again drawn to the library. His body ached from the swordsmanship exercises, but his mind was alive with the possibilities of what he could learn next. The broader approach to his studies had already yielded surprising results, and his visit with Professor Vanis earlier in the day had given him a new perspective on mana control.
As he entered the library, Lysandra greeted him with a warm smile, her usual quiet observation making Caelum feel like his progress had not gone unnoticed. He nodded to her as he passed, moving toward the shelves that held books on arrays, enchanting, and mana control.
The variety of subjects he had been diving into recently had expanded his knowledge far beyond the basics, and today he found himself drawn to something more practical. He stopped at a section dedicated to combat magics, particularly swords and the integration of magic into swordsmanship. Could his knowledge technique extend to physical forms as well as magical?
He selected a few books, his fingers brushing over the spines as his library ring pulsed with a soft glow, storing the knowledge for later absorption. His mind buzzed with excitement as he left the library, eager to explore the intersection of magic and physical combat.
----------------------------------------
Dinner was a lively affair, the dining hall buzzing with the usual chatter of students sharing their experiences from the day. The long, enchanted windows cast a soft, warm light across the tables, enhancing the vibrant hues of mana-infused dishes laid out before them. The air was thick with the mingling scents of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and exotic fruits. Soft flickers of magic flitted through the air, illuminating parts of the hall as students practiced subtle charms or levitated utensils as they talked.
Caelum sat back in his chair, a cup of warm tea in hand, taking in the scene around him. Across from him, Aelric was in the middle of recounting what seemed to be a catastrophic morning class, much to the amusement of Seraphine and Elara. The rhythmic clinking of forks and plates accompanied Aelric's theatrical retelling.
“So there I was,” Aelric started, leaning forward for dramatic effect, “trying to channel the mana into the array, just like Professor Raelis showed us. Everything seemed fine at first, but the next thing I know—BOOM!” He threw his hands up in mock exasperation, startling a few students at a neighboring table who turned to glance at their group.
Seraphine chuckled, shaking her head. “I warned you. You can’t rush those inscriptions. It’s about feeling the flow, not forcing it.”
Elara, her demeanor as composed as ever, sipped her wine with a faint, knowing smile. “Patience has never been Aelric’s strong suit,” she said in her usual calm tone, though the humor in her eyes was unmistakable. “You’ve been through this before.”
Aelric waved a dismissive hand, grinning. “Oh, I felt the flow all right—right through my fingers as the array exploded. I’m just lucky the backlash only singed my hair and didn’t blow up the entire class.”
The group erupted into laughter, the kind that lightened the heart after a long day of study. Caelum smiled along with them, but a part of him remained distracted, his mind turning over the events of the day. His classes had been productive, especially with the success he’d had in both smithing and enchanting, but there was still so much he didn’t understand—about himself, his power, and now, about Nyx.
He cast a quick glance down at his shadow, where he knew Nyx was quietly watching, though no one else in the hall could see her. Since the moment he had formed his bond with the gremlin, Nyx had become an unspoken but constant presence, especially now that she could shift forms. Tonight, after dinner, he would reveal her new ability to Seraphine. The thought sent a wave of anticipation through him, tinged with curiosity about how Seraphine might react.
Seraphine, seated next to him, leaned back in her chair, her violet eyes softening as she caught Caelum’s contemplative expression. “You’re quiet tonight,” she observed gently, setting her fork down. “Anything on your mind?”
Caelum blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. He chuckled softly. “Just thinking about today. I might have pushed myself harder than I realized.”
“Let me guess,” Seraphine teased, tilting her head with a playful smile, “you spent the whole day excelling at everything and now you’re worried you’re too good?”
Aelric barked out a laugh. “That sounds about right. Caelum’s always been one to overachieve.”
Elara, however, fixed Caelum with a more assessing gaze. “There’s something else,” she said quietly, her voice cutting through the jovial atmosphere like a well-honed blade. “You’re holding back.”
Her words lingered in the air, drawing Seraphine’s attention. For a moment, Caelum wasn’t sure how to respond. Elara had a way of reading people, much like a seasoned scholar piecing together an ancient manuscript. He didn’t mind her perception, but he wasn’t ready to reveal everything to her—not yet.
“I guess I’m still getting used to all of this,” he replied, gesturing subtly to the magical world surrounding them. “Things are… moving fast.”
Seraphine gave him an understanding nod. “You’ve adapted incredibly well, considering everything. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
Caelum’s lips curled into a small smile. “Thanks, I’ll try to keep that in mind.”
The conversation flowed on, shifting to lighter topics as the group finished their meals. Aelric recounted more of his classroom misadventures, and Seraphine offered insights from her own day spent in alchemy. Elara mostly listened, her presence quiet but ever observant. Despite her reserved nature, Caelum sensed she was always assessing, always thinking—just like him.
As they started to clear their plates, the warmth of the evening settling in, Caelum turned to Seraphine, his tone quieter, more private. “Will you come by my room after dinner?” he asked, his voice low enough that only she could hear. “I have something I want to show you.”
Seraphine raised an eyebrow, intrigue flickering in her eyes. “Sounds mysterious,” she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Sure, I’m curious now.”
----------------------------------------
The night air was crisp as they stepped out of the dining hall, the cobblestone paths illuminated by softly glowing lights that hovered a few feet off the ground. The academy grounds were quieter now, the bustle of students having moved indoors for study or rest. Caelum and Seraphine walked side by side, the soft sound of their footsteps the only noise as they made their way toward the residential wing.
“So,” Seraphine began, glancing at him with a curious smile, “what was it you mentioned earlier about swordsmanship?”
Caelum shrugged, his eyes glancing ahead thoughtfully. “I wasn’t planning on taking it up seriously, but I stopped by the training grounds the other evening just to watch. Professor Virox saw me hanging around and asked if I wanted to join in.”
“And you just… joined?” Seraphine raised an eyebrow.
“Pretty much,” Caelum admitted, smiling at the memory. “I thought he’d give me a hard time, ask me why I was there or what my intentions were. But instead, he just handed me a practice sword and started the lesson.”
Seraphine smiled. “That sounds like Virox. He’s not one to question why someone wants to learn.”
Caelum nodded, his thoughts wandering back to the practice session. “It felt good, actually. Moving my body, working up a sweat—it was different from the mental strain of studying magic all day. It was… refreshing.”
Seraphine chuckled. “You’re a glutton for punishment, you know that? Most people would be exhausted from all the magical training and smithing you’ve been doing, and now you’re taking up swordsmanship too?”
“It’s too early to know if I’ll stick with it,” Caelum said with a grin. “But I think I’ll go again next week, see how it feels. For now, it’s a nice break from everything else.”
They arrived at Caelum’s suite, the large wooden door creaking slightly as he pushed it open. The room was neat, almost meticulously so. A large window overlooked the academy grounds, and the soft light from a few well-placed candles cast a warm glow over the tidy space.
Seraphine stepped inside, glancing around. “Your room is… surprisingly clean,” she remarked with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t know why, but I expected more chaos.”
Caelum laughed. “I guess I like things to be organized.”
Seraphine wandered over to the window, admiring the view. “It’s nice,” she said softly. “Feels put together. Like you.”
Caelum smirked. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Walking over to the small dumbwaiter, Caelum ordered a serving of cheesecake. The enchanted mechanism hummed softly, and within moments, a tray with two plates and a small cake appeared. Caelum carried the tray over to the small table in the alcove, setting it down.
“Dessert?” Seraphine asked, raising an eyebrow as she sat down at the table.
“I figured we could use a little treat,” Caelum said, cutting the cake and handing her a plate. “Plus, I thought it might soften the blow of what I’m about to show you.”
Seraphine chuckled, taking a bite of the cake. “Alright, you’ve got my full attention now. So, what’s the big reveal?”
Caelum set down his fork, his expression growing more serious. “It’s about Nyx,” he began, glancing toward the corner of the room where his shadow stretched across the floor. “She’s… changed.”
Seraphine looked confused for a moment. “Changed? What do you mean?”
Before Caelum could respond, a soft rustle sounded from the foot of his bed. Nyx, who had been quietly resting, stretched lazily before padding forward. As Seraphine watched in disbelief, the small, cat-like creature leaped gracefully into the air and began to shift. Her form shimmered and elongated, transforming into the figure of a young girl, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her mismatched eyes—one gold, one white—gleaming in the candlelight.
Seraphine gasped, her fork clattering against her plate. “What…? How is that possible?”
Nyx stood before them, her small frame brimming with quiet confidence. “Hello,” she said in a soft, almost musical voice. “It’s nice to meet you, properly.”
Seraphine blinked, still stunned. “Caelum… she can talk?”
Caelum nodded, watching Seraphine’s reaction carefully. “Yeah. It happened after I transferred more mana to her. She’s… evolving.”
Seraphine’s wide-eyed gaze shifted from Nyx to Caelum, her voice filled with awe. “I’ve never heard of a familiar being able to do this.”
“I hadn’t either,” Caelum admitted. “But Nyx is different.”
Nyx gave a small smile, her eyes flicking between the two of them. “I can’t stay like this for long,” she said, her voice quiet but clear. “It takes a lot of mana. But I’m getting stronger.”
Seraphine, still staring in amazement, set her plate down and leaned forward. “This is incredible. You have to be careful, Caelum. Familiars like her… they’re rare, and if word gets out…”
“I know,” Caelum replied, his tone serious. “That’s why I wanted to show you first.”
Nyx nodded, her gaze softening. “I trust you, Seraphine.”
With a gentle shimmer, Nyx’s form shifted once again, and in the blink of an eye, she was back to her small, gremlin-like shape. She padded silently over to the foot of Caelum’s bed, curling up as though nothing had happened.
Seraphine let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, her expression still tinged with awe. “Well,” she said, leaning back in her chair, “I think you might have the most interesting familiar in the entire academy.”
Caelum smiled, though the weight of everything still pressed on his shoulders. Nyx’s transformation was just the beginning, and he knew that the world around him was growing more complex with each passing day.