Page 57 of House Ignis

This was boundling class, held outdoors in the arena near the edge of the academy, where the Aegos Trials would eventually roar to life. Rolling hills stretched out beneath a sky pale with dawn, the arena rising like a stone promise in its center.

Ember slung an arm around me. "So, Mr. Darkling?" Her eyebrows waggled, clearly referencing Asher, who strolled a few paces ahead.

I gave her a look that could have burned her curls right off her head.

We stepped into the arena and it was like walking into a heartbeat made of stone and sky.

The arena unfurled before us in sweeping tiers of weathered marble, worn from centuries of wielders and boundlings carving their marks into the earth.

Moss grew between cracks, glowing faintly with ancient runes that pulsed like veins of magic. The wind swept through the open structure, carrying whispers of old battles, old glories, old ghosts.

Above, the morning sun spilled golden light through gaps in the tall arches, scattering it across the central combat ring like a divine spotlight. The earth beneath our feet was scorched in places, claw-marked in others, as if the land remembered every elemental surge and blood-soaked triumph.

We were seated on the sun-scorched grass in our combat leathers, boundlings sprawled across the shadows like lounging gods—Aether with his flaming ears flicking lazily beside me, Zya across the way with shadows coiled at her paws.

Though there were only fifty of us first years, with boundlings included, the arena felt full—brimming with magic and tension.

A tall, dark-skinned man strode into the arena with effortless authority, his black robes lined with gold trim, eyes sharp as flint. He moved like someone who had seen war and survived it with wit and willpower alone.

"I am Professor Aldara," he announced, his voice deep and smooth like molten obsidian. "Master of magical creatures, veteran of three wars, and boundling specialist here at Lyr'n'dell Academy."

He lifted his arm—and with a mighty beat of wings, a massive blue eagle descended from the sky, talons landing gracefully on his forearm. The bird gave a caw that echoed through the marble arena.

"This," he said, nodding to the majestic bird, "is Boomer. He's older than half the professors here… and smarter, too."

Boomer clicked his beak and gently tugged at Aldara's sleeve, earning a ripple of laughter from the students.

"Boundlings are not pets. They're divine extensions of your power—blessed by the gods to enhance your magic, protect your life, and challenge your ego. They reflect you. Strengthen you. And yes… test the hell out of you."

I glanced at Aether, who rolled his eyes.

"Your bond will be tested beyond the safety of these walls," Aldara continued. "Outside there are things that can sever even the deepest connection. So we train. We strengthen. We survive."

Boomer gave another cry, the sunlight catching the glint of his wings and casting flashes of blue across our faces.

"Take your bond like a sacred oath," Aldara said, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Stronger than any fated mate, more loyal than blood, more enduring than prophecy."

He paused, smirking. "Don't tell Mrs. Aldara, of course."

A wave of laughter swept through us, even the boundlings giving amused huffs and twitches. Aether gave me a really? look but didn't object. Boomer flared his wings like he agreed with every damn word.

"Now," Aldara said, clapping his hands once, "take a space large enough for both you and your boundling. Once you've paired off, we'll begin."

We fell into place with our boundlings, pairing off along the outer edge and avoiding the center like spectators on opening night.

Ahead of me, Ember and Luna claimed their spot. Ember's red-haired confidence mirrored Luna's flaming curls, both of them coiled and ready. To my left stood Asher with Zya, shadow-mist curling and uncurling around her paws like living smoke. He caught my glare and answered it with that infuriating, lazy grin.

My skin prickled. Dangerous. Delicious.

On my right, Maddy and Skye were pure light. Skye's white wings brushed against Maddy's gold ponytail, making her look ethereal and fierce all at once.

Beside them, Darcy crouched low, Void tucked deep into her collar. The small bat was so quiet you could almost forget it was there—until you noticed how perfectly it fit her.

Further down, Ryven stood with Solstice, radiant in brown, white, and gold.

And a few paces beyond him, Sera stood quietly, Nyssa perched on her shoulder. The owl's three eyes blinked slowly—the center one fixing on me with an unnerving, knowing stillness. Then Sera smiled, soft and genuine, and gave me a small wave.

I looked away before I could smile back.