Arc: Shadow Beneath the Sunlight
— Evening Promises
The last gust of wind stirred the clearing as Kael stepped back, chest rising and falling from the bout. The shadow wolf padded in a slow circle around him, tail swishing lazily, as if savoring the match's end.
"You've gotten better," Kael said, brushing dirt from his sleeve. "Faster, too."
The wolf flicked an ear, almost smug in the way it sat down, golden eyes fixed on him.
Liora crouched by its side, running her fingers along the thick, cool fur. "He's been training himself. You're not the only one who likes to spar."
Kael smirked. "I'm not sure 'training himself' is the right phrase for chasing forest birds and occasionally tackling me."
The wolf gave a low chuff, and Kael swore it was laughing at him.
The sun had dipped below the treeline, staining the sky in violet and ember tones. Fireflies were beginning their nightly glow, scattered lights floating in the forest air. Kael glanced upward, gauging the time by the deepening shadows.
"We should head back," he said. "If the patrols find us out here after curfew, we'll be explaining ourselves to the Head Warden… again."
"Fair point." Liora rose smoothly, dusting off her skirt. The wolf followed suit, stretching languidly before falling into step beside them.
The walk back to the academy gates was unhurried. They cut through familiar deer paths, Kael occasionally brushing aside overhanging branches so Liora wouldn't have to duck. The wolf padded silently ahead, senses alert but calm, occasionally glancing back as if to check they were still following.
When the great marble gates of Astral Academy came into view, their lamps already lit, the warm gold of their light seemed to wash away the forest's lingering chill.
The Next Day
Morning spilled into Kael's room through a half-open curtain, catching on the dust motes drifting lazily in the air. The dormitory had that soft quiet of early hours—muffled footsteps in the hall, the occasional clink of cutlery from the common kitchen downstairs.
Kael pulled on his uniform jacket and stepped into the corridor, hair still slightly mussed. By the time he reached the main dining hall, the place was buzzing with low chatter. Students milled around, trays in hand, trading sleepy greetings.
Liora was already seated by the window, sunlight catching in her hair as she sipped tea. The shadow wolf—currently disguised under a simple illusion rune to appear as an ordinary large dog—lay curled under the table, its tail rhythmically tapping against the floor.
"You're late," she said, eyes still on her cup.
"You're early," he countered, sliding into the seat opposite her. "Unusual for you."
"Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd get some reading done before class." She slid a plate toward him. "Eat before it's gone."
Their banter drew a few glances from nearby tables. Kael ignored them, digging into the eggs and toast, while the wolf poked its head out, sniffing curiously at his plate.
"Not for you," Kael murmured, pushing the snout gently away.
By mid-morning, the academy was alive with activity. Lessons filled the air with a mix of droning lectures and bursts of magic practice. Between classes, students spilled into the courtyards, laughing, arguing, sharing snacks. Kael found himself in the shade of the east wing, watching as two juniors fumbled their way through a basic wind spell—blowing their own hats off in the process.
"Reminds me of your first week," Liora said, appearing beside him.
"I was never that bad," Kael replied.
She gave him a look that said otherwise.
They moved from class to class in an easy rhythm. History of Astral Realms in the morning, where Kael fought to stay awake while the professor described migration patterns of sky leviathans. Combat Theory after lunch, where he and Liora paired up for drills. The wolf, having slipped out earlier, was no doubt wandering the forest edges again.
By evening, the dorm lounge had turned into a small social hub. A few students were playing a strategy board game near the fireplace; others lounged on the couches swapping rumors. Someone in the corner strummed a guitar softly, and the smell of fresh bread from the kitchen filled the air.
Kael sank into a chair, a plate of warm rolls balanced on his knee. Liora sat on the armrest, absently toying with a piece of parchment. It was the kind of day that felt suspended—nothing pressing, no battles to fight, just small, unhurried moments.