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00:01Battlefield in ruins. The ground trembles. Lava cracks open. After the war, I was the one who kept the Frostwing
00:08alive. The Frostwing shifts into a man. And the first thing he did was choose her. Serafina in his arms.
00:14They kiss. Serafina ss.my jr. The ground splits. Lava surges. She smiled at me.
00:21Thank you, senior. For raising him. For me. He turns back into a beast, lifting her onto his back. He
00:28didn't even look at me. He lowers his head. Lifts the heroin in his jaws. And somehow, I thought he'd
00:34save me. He lets go. I falls into lava. Ten years, just to raise someone else's mate. Eyes snap open.
00:42No. Bright hull. Crowd murmuring. Banners. Sigils.
00:46The binding royal. This place. The gray marsh binding right. My name is Rowan Ashford. Top of my class, the
00:53headmaster's ward, the academy's brightest prodigy. The Frostwing was the center of the hall, perched on a golden stand. His
01:00blue-green feathers glinting like ice. The bird's cold eyes passed over me as if I were nothing. Then Serafina
01:05stepped forward. In her arms lay a half-dead black sea serpent. Tears trembled on her lashes. And the Frostwing
01:11lowered his head to her. Just like that, I became the villain. Professor Hargrove frowned.
01:16Serafina, your arcane vessel is too weak. You can't handle a creature like that. Rowan, I was never trying to
01:23compete with you. I just... Then I'll take this one. Since the Frostwing likes her so much, she can have
01:29him. Has Rowan lost her mind?
01:31I ignored them. In my last life... I ignored them. In my last life, I gave that bird everything. In
01:40the end, he made me die. So this time, Serafina, he's all yours. Good luck raising that greedy beast.
01:46Professor Hargrove couldn't talk me out of it. But he looked sick to his stomach. Handing a legendary pureblood Frostwing.
01:52To a rookie transfer student with zero foundation? It was a criminal waste of potential. But the Frostwing acted like
01:58he was drugged. Clinging to Serafina as if he couldn't live without her. Afraid to hurt the bird, the professor
02:04sighed and activated the right. A soul bond is a leash. Once the contract is sealed, the familiar is bound
02:10to the caster's will. If it ever dares to harm its owner. The magical backlash is lethal.
02:15The ritual array flared to life. Runes pulsing with raw power. The sudden surge of magic terrified the sea serpent.
02:22With its last bit of strength. It quilled tightly around my wrist, desperate. As if afraid I'd change my mind
02:28and throw it back into the trash. In the opposite circle.
02:31Serafina basked in her moment of triumph. She looked at me and smirked.
02:35You and that snake really are a perfect match, Rowan.
02:39I didn't even have to open my mouth. My classmates did it for me.
02:43Watch your tongue, boss! If Rowan hadn't handed him to you on a silver platter!
02:47You wouldn't even be allowed to touch a frostwing's feather!
02:51If I were you, I'd be kneeling in gratitude.
02:54Seeing Serafina get picked on, the frostwing grew frantic, trying to shield her, but he failed.
02:59There was a problem. After a bond, a familiar shares its master's mana.
03:04And Serafina? She's a total amateur. What magic could she possibly give him?
03:09Get used to it, buddy.
03:11Life with a weak binder is a long, slow crawl.
03:13I looked down at the little serpent on my wrist. Finally sure that I wouldn't abandon it.
03:18It went limp and passed out in peace.
03:22Back at my house. I started studying my new familiar.
03:25He was tiny. By the looks of it.
03:28He had just reached maturity. But he wasn't like any sea serpent I'd ever seen.
03:32His tail was flat with a sleek fin, more like a fish.
03:35Most likely, he's a hybrid. Part sea serpent, part siren.
03:39My yard had a natural magic spring.
03:41The second I put him in, the little guy came back to life.
03:45Splashing around and greedily absorbing the mana from the water.
03:48You've got some nerve.
03:49Aren't you worried I'll poison you just to trade up for something better?
03:53He froze, staring at me with his tiny, bead-like eyes.
03:57Then, he spat water right in my face.
04:01I gave his head a playful flick.
04:03Fine. Just focus on healing.
04:06I raised a frostwing.
04:08One little snake won't be a problem.
04:10The next morning, I opened my eyes and immediately froze.
04:14A man was in my bed.
04:16Sun-kissed skin.
04:17Dark lashes fluttering like butterfly wings.
04:19I shrank into the corner.
04:21Who are you?
04:23This is Grey Moth Academy. Don't even think about trying anything.
04:27He sat up lazily.
04:34The sea serpent?
04:36Rude.
04:37I have a name.
04:38It's Ness.
04:41Apparently, he'd been on the run from something trouble.
04:44And somehow, he ran straight into my Uncle Percy.
04:47You know Percy.
04:48The man has a gift for picking up treasures off the street.
04:50Broken clocks.
04:52Her strings.
04:52Apparently, dying snakes included.
04:54Nix had disguised himself as one, half-dead, barely breathing, just to get help.
04:58And Percy?
04:59He brought him home like he'd just hit the jackpot.
05:01The problem is...
05:03Nix isn't just anything.
05:05He can already manifest.
05:06Which means his power is off the charts.
05:08And if he's this strong, then whatever's pointing him.
05:12Yeah.
05:13Monsters.
05:15Great.
05:16Just great.
05:17Tell me something.
05:18Your enemies aren't going to track you here, right?
05:21Nix stepped closer.
05:22His golden eyes locked onto mine.
05:24Pinning me against the wall like I had nowhere else to go.
05:26He smiled.
05:27We're bound now.
05:29A contract.
05:30Excuse me?
05:31You're the owner.
05:33And I'm your guardian.
05:34He leaned in, voice lowering.
05:36So master.
05:38You better start training.
05:40Try not to hold me back.
05:44Nix actually had some tricks up his sleeve.
05:47My magical essence was water-based.
05:49Which perfectly complements his nature.
05:51He taught me an ancient spell weaving from the sea clans.
05:54To draw magic directly from the water.
05:56The results were incredible.
05:58Even the headmaster noticed my rapid progress.
06:00My new daily routine was simple.
06:02I'd soak in the magic spring to train.
06:05While Nix watched over me from the branches of the cherry tree.
06:07Under the sunlight.
06:09His bronze skin gleamed.
06:10His collar hanging open to reveal sharp collarbones.
06:13With his eyes narrowed in a lazy nap.
06:15He looked dangerously beautiful.
06:17The man was a total heartbreaker.
06:19But before I could enjoy the view.
06:21Someone had to ruin the mood.
06:22Serafina poked her head through the gate.
06:25Rowan?
06:26I rose from the spring.
06:27Nix flipped down from the tree in one smooth motion.
06:30Casually draping my cloak over my shoulders.
06:32The moment Serafina saw him.
06:34She froze.
06:36What are you doing here?
06:37She didn't answer.
06:38She was too busy staring at Nix.
06:40Who?
06:41Who is he?
06:42I took Nix's hand and gave her a thin smile.
06:46You remember him?
06:47The pathetic little black serpent from the right?
06:51Didn't you say he and I were a perfect match?
06:53Annoyance flashed in her eyes.
06:55Out with it.
06:57What do you want?
06:58She hemmed and hawed.
06:59I want you to help me raise the frost wing.
07:03I felt Nix's grip on my hand tighten.
07:05I looked back.
07:06Met his displeased gaze.
07:08And gave him a reassuring smile before turning back to her.
07:10If you can't afford him, figure it out yourself.
07:13I don't owe you a thing.
07:14What do you mean you don't owe me?
07:16Serafina snapped.
07:17Her victim act finally slipping.
07:19Six months ago, you took my serpent and shoved that frost wing onto me.
07:23You don't get to just walk away from this.
07:26The audacity was breathtaking.
07:27It had been six months.
07:29And she'd finally realized the academy's standard rations.
07:32Were a drop in the bucket for a pure blood beast.
07:34She'd spent all her own potions on him.
07:36And now her own arcane progress had stalled.
07:38While everyone else in her year had surpassed her.
07:41He is your responsibility!
07:43If a divine beast can't evolve, it's a loss for the whole academy!
07:47I didn't wait for her to finish.
07:49With a flick of my wrist, a surge of mana swept her off her feet.
07:52And sent her tumbling out the gate.
07:55Don't treat everyone like a fool, Serafina.
07:58I called out as the gate slammed shut.
08:00Kind of martyr?
08:01Spend ten years doing the heavy lifting just so you can reap the rewards?
08:05If you can't afford him, cut him loose and stop hogging the spotlight.
08:11In just a few months, I transcended the senior ranks and was ordained as an arcanist.
08:15Right around then, the headmaster spent two top-tier artifacts.
08:19To trade for a rare spirit wolf from the alchemy guild.
08:21He sent Professor Whitmore and me to escort the beast back to the academy.
08:25When we arrived, she suddenly giggled.
08:27Little Rowan, your serpent certainly is a clingy one.
08:31I didn't catch her meaning until I headed up the mountain and saw a figure leaning against a tree by
08:36the path.
08:37Nyx?
08:37He didn't move.
08:38Then he grabbed me, fingers locking at the back of my neck, forcing me to look at him.
08:43Golden eyes burning.
08:44Rowan Ashford, have I not treated you well?
08:47His grip tightened.
08:48What are you talking about?
08:49That woman came by again today.
08:52She said you left me to her.
08:54Are you regretting our bond already?
08:56You're replacing me with another mate?
08:58Just because you've ascended.
08:59Nyx's pupils narrowed into thin lines.
09:01He bent down, burying his face in the crook of my neck.
09:04And gave the skin a slow, deliberate lick, then bared his fangs.
09:07His voice a low growl against my ear.
09:09The scent of a spirit wolf, your new mate?
09:12Nyx, listen.
09:13No need.
09:14Once I devour it.
09:16A faint smile.
09:17You won't have a choice.
09:18You'll keep me.
09:26You hit me?
09:27Over her?
09:27That's the headmaster's spirit wolf, you idiot.
09:30It's an academy asset.
09:31Ness stopped throwing a f*** fit and followed me like a loyal shadow.
09:34The dorm area was quiet.
09:35A few lower years told me Serafina had taken the frost wing to the back mountain.
09:39Turns out, they were having a lover spat.
09:43Wipe that look off your face.
09:45I've done nothing wrong.
09:47Do you know how many potions I've wasted on you?
09:49I have nothing left for my own training.
09:51I gave you everything and you're still not satisfied.
09:54You want me to risk my life outside the academy for materials?
09:57You're insane.
09:58If you want me dead, just say it.
10:00Rowan C. Reflin has already shifted.
10:03And look at you.
10:05You can't even speak.
10:08Stop scratching words in the dirt.
10:10I'm done reading your pathetic notes.
10:14In my last life, I spent 10 years begging for a single glance from that bird.
10:18Now, he was literally scratching love letters in the mud.
10:21Just to get Serafina to look at him.
10:22The irony was delicious.
10:25Serafina, I've been looking for you.
10:26The frost wing immediately scrambled to claw over the words on the ground.
10:30When Serafina saw me with Ness, her face went pale, then tight with forced calm.
10:34What do you want, Rowan?
10:35I patted Ness's arm.
10:36He let out a low, amused chuckle.
10:38Dropped to one knee, and let me sit on his leg, his hand steady and possessive on my waist.
10:43Serafina bit her lip.
10:44Her eyes glued to Ness.
10:45She completely forgot about the bird beside her.
10:48I'm here to ask why you've been stalking my familiar.
10:50The frost wing's feathers flared in a jealous rage.
10:52Serafina panicked.
10:53No!
10:54You've got it all wrong.
10:55I was looking for you.
10:57She's lying, master.
10:59She told me you snatched me away from her.
11:01Claimed I was rightfully hers.
11:03Ness rested his chin on my shoulder, acting like a kicked puppy.
11:06I kissed his cheek a little pat as a reward, then looked at Serafina.
11:10Beside her, the frost wing's chest exploded.
11:12He was livid.
11:13Finally, Serafina realized what was happening.
11:16You're trying to drive a wedge between us!
11:18You started this game, Serafina.
11:20Don't cry when I'm the one who finishes it.
11:23If you touch my famil again, I'll see you at the tribunal.
11:26On the way back, I was in a great mood.
11:28Ness, however, was strangely quiet.
11:30As we entered the yard, he grabbed my arm.
11:32You know that bird, don't you?
11:34Well?
11:35We have a history.
11:36A miserable one.
11:37Want to hear it?
11:38No.
11:38I'm ten thousand times better than that trash bird.
11:41You're never bonding with anyone else, period.
11:43Don't worry.
11:44I'm a one-fenishing kind of mage.
11:47You gave me your loyalty.
11:48I'll give you my word.
11:59Ten years vanished in a flash.
12:01I climbed the ranks.
12:03Rising from a lowly neophyte to an elite arcanist.
12:06Then, the former head of the beast taming hall suddenly went on a trip.
12:09And the position fell into my lap.
12:16Professor Whitmore told me.
12:18We thought the Frostwing would raise Graymorrow's strength to a new level.
12:22But even now, there's no sign of him achieving his human form.
12:27The faculty even tried pooling resources to fuel his evolution.
12:31It's not enough.
12:32Said Katyn.
12:33Graymarsh was small.
12:34We didn't have the deep pockets of the top magic academies or the alchemy guild.
12:38Raising magical creatures took massive amounts of time and resources.
12:41There was never a surplus.
12:43But more importantly, the Frostwing couldn't be allowed to manifest.
12:46I remembered the bloodbath from my last life.
12:49I'd avoided that bird at all costs.
12:51But I knew his kind.
12:52A divine beast with a dark heart is a walking apocalypse.
12:55I'd thought about killing him.
12:57But every time I tried to warn Nyx or the headmaster about the future.
13:00It was as if an invisible wall blocked my voice.
13:03They couldn't hear a thing I said about my past life.
13:05I could only watch him.
13:07Suppress him.
13:09After all, in my last life.
13:11I didn't survive past this year.
13:15I was so busy I barely had time for Nyx.
13:17So he went off to find his own fun.
13:19That evening, before I even reached my front door.
13:22The world spun.
13:23Nyx had slung me over his shoulder like a sack of grain.
13:26What are you doing now?
13:28Come on.
13:28I'm taking you to see a show.
13:36The show was Serafina and the Frostwing arguing.
13:39Well, more like a one-sided screaming match.
13:41A loudspeaker yelling at a mute.
13:43Don't you dare blame me!
13:46I didn't took her that stick, Greyman, did it?
13:49Right odd, you Fendi of Blatemarked.
13:52I didn't force you to come to Greymarked.
13:54You said it was a good place to hone your magic.
13:58If it weren't for you, I'd be at the Alchemy Guild by now.
14:02Instead, I'm stuck in this pathetic, broke academy!
14:10Do you think I knew the monthly rations would be this meager?
14:14Professor Hardhag tried to give you to Rowan, but you had to be arrogant!
14:20You feel as though...
14:21Now she's the Headmaster's golden child!
14:24She has everything!
14:26If you'd stayed with her, you'd have ascended ages ago!
14:29I clenched my fists.
14:30So that was it.
14:32I always wondered why the Frostwing chose Seraphina.
14:34They'd known each other all along.
14:36In my last life.
14:37If I hadn't been the fool who bled for them.
14:40It would have been someone else.
14:42Greymarsh was never a home to them.
14:43It was a stepping stone.
14:45The more I thought, the colder my blood ran.
14:47There are only two ways to break the soul bond.
14:49The caster willingly ceders it, or the caster dies.
14:57So I must die.
15:01The Frostwing was lurking outside my gate, glaring at Nyx as he soaked in the spring.
15:05Nyx was being his usual petty self, shifting into human form just to mock the bird.
15:09I didn't give the Frostwing a second glance.
15:11You're familiar, aren't you?
15:14Why aren't you with Seraphina while she trains?
15:16Nyx followed my lead, dripping wet and leaning against me.
15:20Yeah.
15:21My mistress actually cares about me, so she lets me rest.
15:25Why aren't you with yours?
15:27He's decades older than me, yet he says master like it's candy on his tongue.
15:30I walked into the yard and glanced at the spring.
15:33At least that girl's manipulative aura hadn't tainted my spring.
15:36Nyx pressed closer.
15:37His damp skin radiating heat.
15:39I just wanted that bird to know there's no vacancy in this house, or our relationship.
15:43And what relationship is that?
15:45His golden pupils shimmered with mischief.
15:47We are whatever you desire us to be, master.
15:49Something shifted behind us.
15:51I went to turn, but Nyx caught my face in his hands.
15:55Don't bother.
15:56The trash bird flew away.
15:57I need to know why he was here.
15:59That bird is rotten to the core.
16:01He's regretting his choices, obviously.
16:03He realizes he's stuck with a loser novice and wants back in your good graces.
16:07I looked at the empty gate.
16:09My gut told me it was more than that.
16:10In this life, I'd gone out of my way to avoid him.
16:13If he wanted a new master, he could have asked the faculty.
16:15Unless, he's reborn too.
16:17The thought sent a chill down my spine.
16:19I teleported to the back mountain instantly.
16:22The seal was intact, thank god.
16:24But then I saw them.
16:25Blue-green feathers scattered near the array.
16:27He'd been here.
16:28He's too weak to break the seal now.
16:30But he knows it exists.
16:32Only a handful of people knew about the abyssal monster sealed here.
16:35My parents died protecting this place.
16:37And in my last life.
16:39I'd only ever shared that secret with one person.
16:42The Frostwing.
16:42Why was he here?
16:44He hasn't even manifested yet.
16:46There's no way he could survive letting the monsters out.
16:49I'll have to watch him like a hawk.
16:50This just got a lot more dangerous.
16:54Rumors started flying through the academy.
16:57Mostly about Seraphina.
16:58What annoyed me was that I got dragged into the crossfire.
17:01Anyone with eyes could see that Seraphina.
17:03And her familiar had hit a wall.
17:05The Frostwing was a high-profile beast.
17:07And at first.
17:09Seraphina lived for the attention he brought her.
17:11Now.
17:12He refused to even enter her room and openly defied her commands.
17:15She'd already made a fool of herself on the training grounds more than once.
17:18The reason I was involved was simple.
17:20While the Frostwing rejected Seraphina.
17:22He started obsessively hovering around me.
17:25Every time I appeared.
17:26He'd follow me like a lost puppy.
17:28If looks could kill.
17:29Seraphina would have left me dead in a ditch a thousand times over.
17:32Little roba.
17:33Doesn't that bird remind you of the kind of guy.
17:35Who dumps you.
17:36Then realizes you were totally out of his lage.
17:38And comes crawling back.
17:40He ignored you when you were beneath him.
17:42And now he can't get enough.
17:44Nyx was currently coiled around my neck in his serpent form.
17:46If I hadn't ripped him in time.
17:48The professor's unicorn would have been his lunch.
17:51The professor clutched her unicorn.
17:53Saying how terrifying.
17:54Though her eyes were twinkling with mischief.
17:57Since that girl can't afford to raise him anyway.
17:59Why don't I talk to her?
18:01We'll find her a more.
18:02Suitable pet.
18:03And just transfer the frost wing to you.
18:05Professor Dawn.
18:06The unicorn's human form.
18:08A cute little girl.
18:09Finally had enough.
18:10She clamped her hands over Whitmore's mouth.
18:12Looking miserable.
18:13Please.
18:14Stop talking.
18:15I patted Nyx to calm him down.
18:17I'll pass.
18:18I'd rather stay far away from the tribunal.
18:21Besides.
18:21Nyx is all I need.
18:23Besides.
18:23Nyx is all I need.
18:25Whitmore looked disappointed.
18:26But the bird clinging to you like this isn't a long-term solution.
18:30A familiar estranged from its partner is worthless to the academy.
18:33He's just a drain on Seraphina.
18:35She hasn't progressed past the novice stage in 10 years.
18:38The faculty is discussing sending her and the bird down the mountain for field training.
18:42I knew exactly what the headmaster and the professors were doing.
18:45They were protecting me.
18:47They had also officially given up on the frost wing.
18:49This was largely thanks to the terrifying combat power Nyx displayed.
18:52The Leviathan clan is born for war.
18:54Together.
18:55He and I could even hold our own against high-level professors.
19:00When Seraphina heard the academy wanted her to leave for field training.
19:03She burst into tears on the spot.
19:04Grey Marsh might not be rich.
19:06But it never mistreats its students.
19:08She'd finally found a place that offered protection.
19:10There was no way she was going back to a life on the road.
19:12She even managed to convince herself this was all my idea.
19:15In her head, I was trying to drive her out.
19:17Just so I could claim the frost wing for myself.
19:19In front of the professors, she wept like her world was ending.
19:22Refusing to budge an inch.
19:24If Rowan wants the frost wing, she only have to ask.
19:27She's an upperclassman.
19:28Of course I'd say yes.
19:30But if she takes my bird, shouldn't she give me Nyx in return?
19:35Trading a mutt serpent for a pureblood frost wing?
19:38No matter how you look at it, she'd be getting the better end of the bargain.
19:42The headmaster shut her down instantly.
19:45Uh, Ms. Voss?
19:48Let's just focus on you and your bird, shall we?
19:52We won't be entertaining any creative trades today.
19:57All of this was relayed to me later.
19:58While they were dealing with Seraphina's drama, I was at the Beast Taming Hall investigating a series of strange disappearances.
20:04Any magical creature that was unbonded or too wild to tame was kept here.
20:07But yesterday, two Kelbys and a unicorn had vanished into thin air.
20:11The warden looked ready to break down.
20:13I reinforced the wards myself.
20:15If anything had tampered with the locks, I would have felt it.
20:18But last night?
20:20Nothing.
20:23Not a single ripple in the manor.
20:25It wasn't Abyssant monsters.
20:27I don't smell their filth here.
20:29I don't smell their filth here.
20:30The Beast Taming Hall is carved directly into the mountain.
20:33The rock itself is enchanted with heavy anti-magic wards.
20:35Teleportation and phasing spells are useless here.
20:38Only those carrying the Academy's sigil can pass through.
20:40To steal three large creatures without a sound, the thief had to be someone who knew Grey Martian side and
20:45out.
20:45I was still running through the list of suspects when I heard the curator using a high-pitched baby voice
20:49to comfort a trembling pixie.
20:51Don't be scared.
20:53Big Brother Nyx only looks fierce.
20:55He won't eat you, I promise.
20:57That one sentence made everything click.
20:59Professor, do magical creatures ever kill their own kind?
21:04What a terrifying thing to say!
21:07These creatures are sentient!
21:09They would never...
21:10Oh, it's okay, pixie.
21:11It's okay.
21:13Humans kill their own kind.
21:14Magical creatures are no different.
21:16There's a type of forbib and sorry.
21:18Do you want to hear the details?
21:19Wild magical creatures don't have potions to rely on.
21:22They want to ascend.
21:23The ultimate shortcut is the Magitrain essence.
21:26Ten years ago, Nyx nearly died at the hands of one of those monsters.
21:29The higher the rank of the target, the swifter the dark wizard gains power.
21:32Once they get a taste for it, they never stop.
21:35That night, we set an ambush at the Beast Hang Hall.
21:40But the night passed in silence.
21:43Nothing happened.
21:44A student came running toward us.
21:46Rowan, something's happened!
21:47At the dorms!
21:49His face pale as a ghost.
21:53Nyx shifted into the serpent form.
21:58And carried me straight there.
22:00His pupils narrowed into sharp slits.
22:02I smell blood.
22:03We heard the gut-wrenching sobs.
22:05It was one of the first years I'd been coaching.
22:07He'd come to Graymorph with a tiny kitten familia.
22:09Now he was cradling a blood-soaked clump of fur, wailing in a voice that broke my heart.
22:13You were right, it was a professional hit.
22:15Gutted for its core and killed in a single strike, it didn't even have time to scream.
22:18The kid only ran out after he felt the soul bond snap.
22:20But by then it was too late.
22:23My heart tightened with a cold fury.
22:26Instinctively, my eyes searched for the Frostwing.
22:29He was standing obediently beside Serafina.
22:31My vision blurred with rage.
22:33Don't look.
22:33It was him.
22:35How can you be so sure?
22:37I know the stench of a dark wizard.
22:39That bird reeks of it.
22:42I reported everything to the headmaster.
22:44He listened in grim silence, then finally looked up.
22:47We can't alert him yet.
22:48We need to catch him red-handed.
22:50Keep a close watch on him and wait for his next move.
22:54But from that day on the bird went silent.
22:57Not a single creature went missing for two long years.
23:00But Nex could still smell the stench of a dark sorcerer on that bird.
23:04Night fell, and I was meditating inside.
23:06Suddenly, a pair of blood-red eyes flashed past my window.
23:09A chill raced down my spine.
23:11I rushed outside into the silence.
23:13The moon was thin.
23:14The spring was calm.
23:15But where was nice?
23:17I ran to the water's edge.
23:18A single blue-green feather floated on the surface.
23:21It was an invitation.
23:22Find me, and maybe I'll give him back.
23:24I focused, sensing the bond.
23:27The back mounting.
23:28The seal.
23:29What the hell was that bird trying to do?
23:31The moment I teleported in, a violent shockwave of mana nearly knocked me off my feet.
23:36Nox and the frostwing were locked in a vicious duel.
23:39I froze.
23:40When had the bird attained his human form?
23:41He stood there in robes of teal, dodging Nox's strikes with effortless grace.
23:46And beside the sealing array, sat Serafina.
23:49She looked like a discarded marionette.
23:51I stepped closer, horror clawing at my throat.
23:54She was bleeding from every orasis, her eyes wide with a lingering, frozen terror.
23:58Her abdomen had been gutted, her magical essence ripped out and stolen.
24:02Nox!
24:03Get back here!
24:04Stay away from him!
24:05Nox faltered the second he heard my voice, taking a direct hit from the bird.
24:09He stumbled back, to me, clutching his shoulder, and looking at me with those damn puppy dog eyes.
24:15The frostwing hissed in rage.
24:17You did that on purpose!
24:19Nex bared his fangs.
24:21On purpose?
24:22You're the one who's rotten to the core.
24:24Killing your own binder wasn't enough?
24:25You had to come after mine too?
24:27If I hadn't followed your trail, she'd be dead by now!
24:31So those red eyes at my window had been his.
24:33He ignored Nex and turned to me, his gaze burning.
24:36Rowan, you were reborn too, weren't you?
24:39I stared back at him, cold as the abbess.
24:41What do you really want?
24:43Let me guess.
24:46You came back on the day of the rite.
24:48That's why you rejected me.
24:49Tell me, Rowan.
24:50What gave you the nerve to choose that snake over me?
24:54His face twisted into something monstrous.
24:56Fine.
24:57If we can't have this life, we'll try the next!
25:00I'll break the seal, let the monsters out, and we can restart this whole nightmare together!
25:05But next time, I won't give that snake a chance.
25:09Save your fake devotion.
25:13The Frostwing smiled.
25:15Too late.
25:16I'm only one step away.
25:18His hand moved through his flaring behind his back.
25:20The mountain groaned.
25:21The abyssal monsters sensed the array loosening.
25:24The ground groaned and trembled under their growing agitation.
25:27At that moment, a massive bolt of lightning tore through the clouds.
25:30Gathering right above the bird's head, beams of light erupted from the peaks of Graymarsh.
25:35As the academy's defense systems flared to life, the headmaster's voice cut through it.
25:41Rowan!
25:42Hold the line!
25:43I'll reseal the breach!
25:46Lightning above.
25:47A tide of monsters below.
25:49And yet, the Frostwing showed no fear.
25:51Rowan, it's over.
25:53You can't stop it.
25:55Just come with me to the next life.
25:57I died here once.
25:58Same sky.
25:58Same beard.
25:59I couldn't breathe.
25:59I promise.
26:00This time, I'll give you everything.
26:03Then, a warm, heavy hand landed on my shoulder.
26:06Next leg out of her.
26:07Sharp laugh.
26:07Taking her?
26:09Try.
26:10Nick stepped in behind me.
26:12Lifting it.
26:13Just slight.
26:14Like this.
26:17Steadying the wand.
26:18Adjusting the angle.
26:19Focus.
26:20His voice dropped low.
26:21Steady.
26:22Don't fight it.
26:25The tremor in my hand slowed.
26:28Say it.
26:29The wand flickered.
26:30His grip tightened.
26:31I guess.
26:31And then, his voice dropped over mine.
26:35The wand flared.
26:37Light burst from the tip.
26:38Blinding.
26:38Violent.
26:39A barrier surged outward.
26:41Tearing through the air.
26:45The barrier held.
26:46His hand.
26:47Still over mine.
26:48I didn't pull away.
26:50Then the ground cracked again.
26:51Something below slammed against the barrier.
26:54Harder this time.
26:55My grip tightened instinctively.
26:57No.
26:58His fingers pressed tighter over mine.
26:59Guiding the wand forward.
27:01We're not done.
27:02The fight's just starting.
27:04Stay with me.
27:05Nick shifted into his massive serpent form.
27:07And launched his attack.
27:09I immediately wove my seals to cast a heavy shield over him.
27:12Every familiar has its own nature.
27:14And a mage must adapt to match.
27:16A leviathan is built for war.
27:18So the caster must master defense.
27:20A spirit fox is built for deception.
27:22Requiring mastery of illusions.
27:24A frost wing is built for speed.
27:26It needs a partner who can keep up.
27:28In my last life.
27:29My skills were wasted.
27:31I was a shield maiden trying to catch a bird that didn't want to be caught.
27:34But now.
27:34Fighting alongside Nyx.
27:36I finally understood that a binder and their familiar.
27:39Are more than just owner and servant.
27:41They are partners.
27:42Someone you can trust with your life.
27:44A traitorous beast who kills its own kin would never understand that.
27:48Nyx pressed forward with real efficiency.
27:50Herding the frost wing directly into the strike zone.
27:53Divine lightning coiled in the sky like a massive silver dragon.
27:56Ready to descend.
27:58At first.
27:58The frost wing relied on his pure blood arrogance.
28:01Assuming a mutt like Nyx could never defeat him.
28:03But a hundred strikes later.
28:05His face went pale.
28:06Nyx was hitting every vital point with lethal precision.
28:09While the bird couldn't even put a dent in Nyx's shield.
28:12He finally realized the truth.
28:13I wasn't going to die in a monster's jaws today like he'd planned.
28:17He completely snapped.
28:18No.
28:19This is wrong.
28:20You're supposed to die.
28:22We're supposed to die together.
28:23I stopped leaving my seals.
28:25Nyx flashed back to my side in a heartbeat.
28:27Looking down at the bird with a mocking grin.
28:29The frost wing froze.
28:31Realizing he was standing alone in the center of the array.
28:34I raised my hand and pointed to the heavens.
28:36I gave him one last smile.
28:38See you never.
28:39A pillar of lightning.
28:40Thick as a well.
28:41Rored down and struck him dead center.
28:43He didn't even have time to scream before he was erased from existence.
28:47Just like that, he was nothing but ash in the wind.
28:51With the frost wing gone, the real nightmare began.
28:54The monsters in the back mountain were on another level.
28:57They couldn't be killed, only seal.
28:59Especially the abyssal dragon.
29:01The previous headmaster gave his soul to anchor the seal.
29:04And even then, he barely managed to cage her.
29:06She's been stewing in her own rage for a century.
29:09The second she breaks free, she'll level this academy to the ground.
29:12The current headmaster and the professors were working frantically, but the seal was cracking
29:17faster than they could repair it.
29:18The freezing chill of the abyss was already crawling under my skin.
29:22Nyx was leaning against a tree, teasing me about his reward for the fight.
29:26When he suddenly froze, he stared into the heart of the Forbidden Forest, his eyes sharp
29:30and predatory.
29:31What is that?
29:32He asked.
29:33The abyssal dragon.
29:35I replied, my voice trembling.
29:37His face turned grave.
29:38Wait for me out here.
29:39I have to go in.
29:40I caught his hand before he could move.
29:42I'm going with you.
29:43He frowned.
29:44Rowan, it's a death trap in there.
29:46I know.
29:47I said, looking him dead in the eye.
29:49In my last life, I died right here.
29:51I watched the Frostwing Shield Serafina and fly away, leaving me to be torn apart by the
29:56monsters.
29:57I tightened my grip on his hand.
29:59I'm not letting history repeat itself.
30:01I'm not leaving you.
30:05Nyx and I charged headlong into the shattered seal.
30:07The Forbidden Forest was a graveyard of toxic mist.
30:10Thousands of eyes tracked our every move from the shadows, hungry and cold.
30:14Nyx was no longer the little snake on my wrist.
30:16He had shifted into his true form.
30:18A massive, lethal serpent.
30:20The abyssal monsters had lost their minds to the darkness.
30:23But instinct still screamed at them to keep their distance from him.
30:26I clung to his back, whispering.
30:28What exactly are we looking for?
30:30His voice rumbled through his massive chest.
30:32The dragon.
30:34I nearly lost it.
30:36I followed him straight into the jaws of death without even asking for the itinerary.
30:40Then, he added softly.
30:41Rowan.
30:42I can smell my mother here.
30:45I'd always assumed he was just a hybrid.
30:47Part sea serpent, part siren.
30:49He never spoke of his past, and I never pushed.
30:51Now I knew the truth.
30:53He had sea serpent blood, yes.
30:55But his mother was a literal ancient dragon.
30:57No wonder he fights like a god.
30:59And sings like a dying toad.
31:01He told me his mother wasn't always a monster.
31:04Two centuries ago.
31:05A dark mage ripped the magical essence from his father's chest.
31:08Consumed by grief and vengeance.
31:10She lost herself to the darkness and fell into the abyss.
31:13I didn't have the words to comfort him.
31:15All I could do was lean forward and press a hand to his scales.
31:18But there was no time for heart to hearts.
31:20The monsters around us were starting to close in.
31:23Their patience wearing thin.
31:24Nyx set me down, shifting back into human form.
31:27We stood back to back, a circle of two against the dark.
31:30Rowan.
31:31He said, his voice tight.
31:32If things go south, I'm going to throw you out of here.
31:36Don't look back.
31:37Just run.
31:37In that moment, the fear vanished.
31:39I looked at the horde and felt a strange calm.
31:42If the Frostwing was right, and I can just start my life after I die, maybe that wouldn't
31:47be so bad.
31:48I felt him stiffen.
31:49I leaned my head against his shoulder.
31:51But you told me, I can only ever have one family, Nyx.
31:54I took that seriously.
31:56If you don't want to watch me get eaten alive, then you'd better fight like hell to keep
32:00me standing.
32:03The abyssal monsters had been warped by the void for too long.
32:06They were barely recognizable anymore.
32:08Just walking piles of teeth and homicidal instinct.
32:11They swarmed us in a frenzy.
32:14Forcing us onto a desperate defense.
32:18Nyx batted away a spray of toxic venom.
32:20His voice thick with regret.
32:22This is on me.
32:24I let my heart get in the way.
32:26I just wanted to see her one last time.
32:29Suddenly, I went turdy.
32:31Nyx whipped around, his face pale with alarm, thinking I'd been hit.
32:36But then he saw it too.
32:37The monsters that had been clawing at us just seconds ago vanished in an instant.
32:42The silence was deafening.
32:44Through the shifting fog, two blood-red beacons ignited.
32:48She was a mountain of scales and rage.
32:50Every breath she exhaled it tore through the fog like a hurricane.
32:55Beneath the scales, a woman's face.
32:58A horrific mask.
32:59The second she caught our scent, she lunged.
33:02Her massive jaws opened to swallow the world.
33:05I wanted to scream.
33:06To run.
33:07But my limbs were lead.
33:09In two lifetimes, I had never stood before a true god.
33:13This wasn't just fear.
33:15It was a primal dread etched into my very soul.
33:18But the killing blow never came.
33:20Nyx stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body.
33:24Mother!
33:24Stop!
33:25Don't hurt her!
33:28It's me!
33:29It's Ness!
33:32N-Ness!
33:33The crimson in her eyes flickered.
33:35Little Nine, end this.
33:37Kill me.
33:38The dragon exhaled the magical essence.
33:40A shimmering, pulsing orb of pure power.
33:42And motioned for Nyx to shatter it.
33:44He caught the crystal.
33:46Those hands, strong enough to crush mountains.
33:48Were now trembling, unable to break a single, fragile stone.
33:52He looked at his mother with pleading in his eyes.
33:55I... I can't.
33:57The dragon was fighting for every second of control.
33:59Her body jerking as the darkness tried to pull her back under dot.
34:04The core slipped from Nyx's shaking hands and floated toward me.
34:08Good child.
34:10You do it.
34:11I caught the crystal, my heart racing.
34:13The core's power slammed into me.
34:15A bolt of pure lightning.
34:17Raw energy began tearing through my veins like wildfire.
34:20A warm hand covered mine.
34:21I looked up and saw tears streaming down Nyx's face.
34:24The first time I had ever seen him cry.
34:26He looked at the dragon one last time.
34:28His grip on my hand tightening with resolve.
34:32Goodbye mother.
34:33With a sharp, crystalline crack.
34:35The core shattered in my palm.
34:36The dragon let out a long, final breath.
34:39At last.
34:40I can sleep.
34:41The dragon let out a long, final breath.
34:42The dragon let out a long, final breath.
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