#DRAMAC #BingeWatch #PremiumContent #4KVideo #FullMovie2026
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Battlefield in ruins. The ground trembles. Lava cracks open. After the war, I was the one who
00:06kept the Frostwing alive. The Frostwing shifts into a man. And the first thing he did, was choose her.
00:11Serafina in his arms. They kiss. Serafina ss.my jr. The ground splits. Lava surges. She smiled at me.
00:20Thank you senior. For raising him. For me. He turns back into a beast, lifting her onto his back.
00:26He didn't even look at me. He lowers his head. Lifts the heroine in his jaws. And somehow,
00:32I thought he'd save me. He lets go. I falls into lava. 10 years, just to raise someone else's mate.
00:39Eyes snap open. No. Bright hall. Crowd murmuring. Banners. Sigils. The binding royal. This place.
00:46The gray marsh binding right. My name is Rowan Ashford. Top of my class, the headmaster's ward,
00:52the academy's brightest prodigy. The Frostwing was the center of the hall, perched on a golden stand.
00:57His blue-green feathers glinting like ice. The bird's cold eyes passed over me as if I were nothing.
01:02Then Serafina stepped forward. In her arms lay a half-dead black sea serpent.
01:06Tears trembled on her lashes. And the Frostwing lowered his head to her.
01:10Just like that, I became the villain. Professor Hargrove frowned.
01:14Serafina, your arcane vessel is too weak. You can't handle a creature like that.
01:18Rowan, I was-was never trying to compete with you. I just-
01:22Then I'll take this one. Since the Frostwing likes her so much, she can have him.
01:27Has Rowan lost her mind?
01:29I ignored them. In my last life-
01:33I ignored them. In my last life, I gave that bird everything.
01:37In the end, he made me die. So this time, Serafina, he's all yours.
01:41Good luck raising that greedy beast. Professor Hargrove couldn't talk me out of it.
01:45But he looked sick to his stomach. Handing a legendary pureblood Frostwing
01:49to a rookie transfer student with zero foundation? It was a criminal waste of potential.
01:54But the Frostwing acted like he was drugged. Clinging to Serafina as if he couldn't live
01:58without her. Afraid to hurt the bird, the professor sighed and activated the right.
02:03A soulbond is a leash. Once the contract is sealed, the familiar is bound to the caster's will.
02:08If it ever dares to harm its owner, the magical backlash is lethal.
02:12The ritual array flared to light. Runes pulsing with raw power. The sudden surge of magic terrified
02:18the sea serpent. With its last bit of strength, it quilled tightly around my wrist, desperate.
02:23As if afraid I'd change my mind and throw it back into the trash.
02:26In the opposite circle, Serafina basked in her moment of triumph.
02:30She looked at me and smirked.
02:32You and that snake really are a perfect match, Rowan.
02:35I didn't even have to open my mouth. My classmates did it for me.
02:39Watch your tongue, boss! If Rowan hadn't handed him to you on a silver platter,
02:44you wouldn't even be allowed to touch a Frostwing's feather!
02:47If I were you, I'd be kneeling in gratitude.
02:50Seeing Serafina get picked on, the Frostwing grew frantic, trying to shield her, but he failed.
02:55There was a problem. After a bond, a familiar shares its master's mana.
03:00And Serafina? She's a total amateur. What magic could she possibly give him?
03:05Get used to it, buddy. Life with a weakbinder is a long, slow crawl.
03:09I looked down at the little serpent on my wrist. Finally sure that I wouldn't abandon it.
03:14It went limp and passed out in peace.
03:17Back at my house. I started studying my new familiar.
03:21He was tiny. By the looks of it. He had just reached maturity.
03:25But he wasn't like any sea serpent I'd ever seen.
03:27His tail was flat with a sleek fin, more like a fish.
03:30Most likely, he's a hybrid. Part sea serpent, part siren.
03:35My yard had a natural magic spring.
03:37The second I put him in, the little guy came back to life.
03:40Splashing around and greedily absorbing the mana from the water.
03:43You've got some nerve. Aren't you worried I'll poison you just to trade up for something better?
03:48He froze, staring at me with his tiny, bead-like eyes.
03:53Then, he spat water right in my face.
03:56I gave his head a playful flick.
03:58Fine. Just focus on healing.
04:01I raised a frost wing.
04:03One little snake won't be a problem.
04:05The next morning, I opened my eyes and immediately froze.
04:09A man was in my bed.
04:11Sun-kissed skin.
04:12Dark lashes fluttering like butterfly wings.
04:14I shrank into the corner.
04:16Who are you?
04:18This is Grey Moff Academy. Don't even think about trying anything.
04:21He sat up lazily.
04:28The sea serpent?
04:31Rude. I have a name.
04:33It's Ness.
04:36Apparently, he'd been on the run from something trouble.
04:39And somehow, he ran straight into my uncle Percy.
04:41You know Percy.
04:42The man has a gift for picking up treasures off the street.
04:45Broken clocks.
04:46Purse rings.
04:47Apparently, dying snakes included.
04:49Nix had disguised himself as one, half-dad, barely breathing, just to get help.
04:53And Percy?
04:54He brought him home like he'd just hit the jackpot.
04:56The problem is...
04:57Nix isn't just anything.
04:59He can already manifest.
05:00Which means his power is off the charts.
05:03And if he's this strong, then whatever's clunting him?
05:06Yeah.
05:07Monsters.
05:09Great.
05:10Just great.
05:11Tell me something.
05:13Your enemies aren't going to track you here, right?
05:15Nix stepped closer.
05:16His golden eyes locked onto mine, pinning me against the wall like I had nowhere else to go.
05:20He smiled.
05:22We're bound now.
05:23A contract.
05:24Excuse me?
05:25You're the owner.
05:27And I'm your guardian.
05:28He leaned in, voice lowering.
05:30So master, you better start training.
05:34Try not to hold me back.
05:38Nix actually had some tricks up his sleeve.
05:41My magical essence was water-based.
05:43Which perfectly complements his nature.
05:45He taught me an ancient spell weaving from the sea clans.
05:48To draw magic directly from the water.
05:50The results were incredible.
05:51Even the headmaster noticed my rapid progress.
05:54My new daily routine was simple.
05:56I'd soak in the magic spring to train.
05:58While Nix watched over me from the branches of the cherry tree.
06:01Under the sunlight.
06:02His bronze skin gleamed.
06:04His collar hanging open to reveal sharp collarbones.
06:06With his eyes narrowed in a lazy nap.
06:08He looked dangerously beautiful.
06:10The man was a total heartbreaker.
06:12But before I could enjoy the view.
06:14Someone had to ruin the mood.
06:16Serafina poked her head through the gate.
06:18Rowan?
06:19I rose from the spring.
06:20Nix flipped down from the tree in one smooth motion.
06:23Casually draping my cloak over my shoulders.
06:25The moment Serafina saw him.
06:27She froze.
06:29What are you doing here?
06:30She didn't answer.
06:31She was too busy staring at Nix.
06:33Who?
06:34Who is he?
06:35I took Nix's hand and gave her a thin smile.
06:38You remember him?
06:40The pathetic little black serpent from the right?
06:43Didn't you say he and I were a perfect match?
06:46Annoyance flashed in her eyes.
06:48Out with it.
06:49What do you want?
06:50She hemmed and hawed.
06:52I want you to help me raise the frost wing.
06:55I felt Nix's grip on my hand tighten.
06:58I looked back.
06:59Met his displeased gaze.
07:00And gave him a reassuring smile before turning back to her.
07:03If you can't afford him, figure it out yourself.
07:05I don't owe you a thing.
07:06What do you mean you don't owe me?
07:08Serafina snapped.
07:09Her victim act finally slipping.
07:11Six months ago, you took my serpent and shoved that frost wing onto me.
07:15You don't get to just walk away from this.
07:18The audacity was breathtaking.
07:19It had been six months.
07:21And she finally realized the academy's standard rations were a drop in the bucket for a pure
07:25blood beast.
07:26She'd spent all her own potions on him.
07:28And now her own arcane progress had stalled.
07:31While everyone else in her year had surpassed her.
07:33He is your responsibility!
07:35If a divine beast can't evolve, it's a loss for the whole academy!
07:39I didn't wait for her to finish.
07:41With a flick of my wrist, a surge of mana swept her off her feet.
07:44And sent her tumbling out the gate.
07:47Don't treat everyone like a fool, Serafina!
07:50I called out as the gate slammed shut.
07:52Kind of martyr?
07:53Spend ten years doing the heavy lifting just so you can reap the rewards?
07:57If you can't afford him, cut him loose and stop hogging the spotlight.
08:02In just a few months, I transcended the senior ranks and was ordained as an arcanist.
08:06Right around then, the headmaster spent two top-tier artifacts.
08:10To trade for a rare spirit wolf from the alchemy guild, he sent Professor Whitmore and me to escort
08:15the beast back to the academy.
08:16When we arrived, she suddenly giggled.
08:19Little Rowan, your serpent certainly is a clingy one.
08:22I didn't catch her meaning, until I headed up the mountain, and saw a figure leaning against
08:26a tree by the path.
08:28Nyx?
08:28He didn't move.
08:30Then he grabbed me, fingers locking at the back of my neck, forcing me to look at him.
08:34Golden eyes burning.
08:35Rowan Ashford, have I not treated you well?
08:38His grip tightened.
08:39What are you talking about?
08:41That woman came by again today.
08:43She said you left me to her.
08:45Are you regretting our bond already?
08:47You're replacing me with another mate?
08:48Just because you've ascended.
08:50Nyx's pupils narrowed into thin lines.
08:52He bent down, burying his face in the crook of my neck, and gave the skin a slow, deliberate
08:56lick, then bared his fangs, his voice a low growl against my ear.
09:00The scent of a spirit wolf?
09:02Your new mate?
09:03Nyx, listen.
09:04No need.
09:05Once I devour it.
09:06A faint smile.
09:07You won't have a choice.
09:08You'll keep me.
09:16You hit me?
09:17Over her?
09:18That's the headmaster's spirit wolf, you idiot.
09:20It's an academy asset.
09:21Ness stopped throwing a fit and followed me like a loyal shadow.
09:24The dorm area was quiet.
09:25A few lower years told me Serafina had taken the frost wing to the back mountain.
09:29Turns out, they were having a lover's spat.
09:33Wipe that look off your face.
09:35I've done nothing wrong.
09:37Do you know how many potions I've wasted on you?
09:39I have nothing left for my own training.
09:41I gave you everything and you're still not satisfied.
09:44You want me to risk my life outside the academy for materials?
09:47You're insane.
09:48If you want me dead, just say it.
09:50Rowan C. Reflin has already shift.
09:53And look at you.
09:55You can't even speak.
09:58Stop scratching words in the dirt.
10:00But I'm done reading your pathetic notes.
10:04In my last life, I spent 10 years begging for a single glance from that bird.
10:07Now, he was literally scratching love letters in the mud.
10:10Just to get Serafina to look at him.
10:12The irony was delicious.
10:14Serafina.
10:15I've been looking for you.
10:16The frost wing immediately scrambled to claw over the words on the ground.
10:19When Serafina saw me with Ness, her face went pale, then tight with forced calm.
10:23What do you want, Rowan?
10:24I patted Ness's arm.
10:25He let out a low, amused chuckle.
10:27Dropped to one knee, and let me sit on his leg, his hand steady and possessive on my waist.
10:32Serafina bit her lip.
10:33Her eyes glued to Ness.
10:35She completely forgot about the bird beside her.
10:37I'm here to ask why you've been stalking my familiar.
10:39The frost wing's feathers flared in a jealous rage.
10:41Serafina panicked.
10:43No!
10:43You've got it all wrong.
10:44I was looking for you.
10:46She's lying, master.
10:48She told me you snatched me away from her.
10:51Claimed I was rightfully hers.
10:52Ness rested his chin on my shoulder, acting like a kicked puppy.
10:55I kissed his cheek a little pat as a reward, then looked at Serafina.
10:59Beside her, the frost wing's crust exploded.
11:01He was livid.
11:02Finally, Serafina realized what was happening.
11:04You're trying to drive a wedge between us!
11:07You started this game, Serafina.
11:09Don't cry when I'm the one who finishes it.
11:12If you touch my famil again, I'll see you at the tribunal.
11:15On the way back, I was in a great mood.
11:17Ness, however, was strangely quiet.
11:19As we entered the yard, he grabbed my arm.
11:21You know that bird, don't you?
11:22Well?
11:23We have a history.
11:24A miserable one.
11:26Want to hear it?
11:26No.
11:27I'm ten thousand times better than that trash bird.
11:29You're never bonding with anyone else, period.
11:32Don't worry.
11:33I'm a one-fenishing kind of mage.
11:35You gave me your loyalty.
11:37I'll give you my word.
11:48Ten years vanished in a flash.
11:50I climbed the ranks.
11:51Rising from a lowly neophyte to an elite arcanist.
11:54Then, the former head of the beast-taming hall suddenly went on a trip.
11:57And the position fell into my lap.
12:04Professor Whitmore told me.
12:06We thought the Frostwing would raise Graymorrow's strength to a new level.
12:10But even now, there's no sign of him achieving his human form.
12:15The faculty even tried pooling resources to fuel his evolution.
12:18It's not enough.
12:20Said Karin.
12:20Graymarsh was small.
12:22We didn't have the deep pockets of the top magic academies or the alchemy guild.
12:25Raising magical creatures took massive amounts of time and resources.
12:29There was never a surplus.
12:30But more importantly, the Frostwing couldn't be allowed to manifest.
12:34I remembered the bloodbath from my last life.
12:36I'd avoided that bird at all costs.
12:39But I knew his kind.
12:40A divine beast with a dark heart is a walking apocalypse.
12:43I'd thought about killing him.
12:44But every time I tried to warn Nyx or the headmaster about the future.
12:47It was as if an invisible wall blocked my voice.
12:50They couldn't hear a thing I said about my past life.
12:53I could only watch him.
12:54Suppress him.
12:56After all, in my last life.
12:58I didn't survive past this year.
13:02I was so busy I barely had time for Nyx.
13:04So he went off to find his own fun.
13:07That evening, before I even reached my front door.
13:09The world spun.
13:11Nyx had slung me over his shoulder like a sack of grain.
13:13What are you doing now?
13:15Come on.
13:15I'm taking you to see a show.
13:23The show was Serafina and the Frostwing arguing.
13:26Well, more like a one-sided screaming match.
13:28A loudspeaker yelling at a mute.
13:30Don't you dare blame me.
13:33I didn't took her that stick, Greyman, did it?
13:36Right odd, you fundy of Playmart.
13:39I didn't force you to come to Greymart.
13:41You said it was a good place to hone your magic.
13:45If it weren't for you, I'd be at the Alchemy Guild by now.
13:48Instead, I'm stuck in this pathetic, broke academy.
13:57Do you think I knew the monthly rations would be this meager?
14:00Professor Hardhack tried to give you to Rowan, but you had to be arrogant.
14:06You feel as though...
14:08Now she's the Headmaster's golden child.
14:10She has everything.
14:12If you'd stayed with her, you'd have ascended ages ago.
14:15I clenched my fists.
14:16So that was it.
14:18I always wondered why the Frostwing chose Serafina.
14:20They'd known each other all along.
14:22In my last life.
14:23If I hadn't been the pool who bled for them.
14:26It would have been someone else.
14:27Greymarsh was never a home to them.
14:29It was a stepping stone.
14:31The more I thought, the colder my blood ran.
14:33There are only two ways to break a soul bond.
14:35The caster willingly severs it, or the caster dies.
14:42So I must die.
14:46The Frostwing was lurking outside my gate, glaring at Nyx as he soaked in the spring.
14:51Nyx was being his usual petty self, shifting into human form just to mock the bird.
14:55I didn't give the Frostwing a second glance.
14:57You're a familiar, aren't you?
14:59Why aren't you with Serafina while she trains?
15:02Nyx followed my lead, dripping wet and leaning against me.
15:05Yeah.
15:06My mistress actually cares about me, so she lets me rest.
15:11Why aren't you with yours?
15:12He's decades older than me, yet he says master like it's candy on his tongue.
15:16I walked into the yard and glanced at the spring.
15:18At least that girl's manipulative aura hadn't tainted my spring.
15:21Nyx pressed closer, his damp skin radiating heat.
15:24I just wanted that bird to know there's no vacancy in this house, or our relationship.
15:28And what relationship is that?
15:30His golden pupils shimmered with mischief.
15:32We are whatever you desire us to be, master.
15:34Something shifted behind us.
15:36I went to turn, but Nyx caught my face in his hands.
15:39Don't bother.
15:40The trash bird flew away.
15:42I need to know why he was here.
15:44That bird is rotten to the core.
15:46He's regretting his choices, obviously.
15:47He realizes he's stuck with a loser novice and wants back in your good graces.
15:52I looked at the empty gate.
15:53My gut told me it was more than that.
15:55In this life, I've gone out of my way to avoid him.
15:57If he wanted a new master, he could have asked the faculty.
16:00Unless, he's reborn too.
16:02The thought sent a chill down my spine.
16:03I teleported to the back mountain instantly.
16:06The seal was intact, thank God.
16:08But then I saw them.
16:09Blue-green feathers scattered near the array.
16:12He'd been here.
16:13He's too weak to break the seal now.
16:15But he knows it exists.
16:16Only a handful of people knew about the abyssal monster sealed here.
16:19My parents died protecting this place.
16:22And in my last life.
16:23I'd only ever shared that secret with one person.
16:26The Frostwing.
16:27Why was he here?
16:28He hasn't even manifested yet.
16:30There's no way he could survive letting the monsters out.
16:33I'll have to watch him like a hawk.
16:34This just got a lot more dangerous.
16:38Rumors started flying through the academy.
16:41Mostly about Serafina.
16:42What annoyed me was that I got dragged into the crossfire.
16:45Anyone with eyes could see that Serafina.
16:47And her familiar had hit a wall.
16:49The Frostwing was a high-profile beast.
16:51And at first.
16:53Serafina lived for the attention he brought her.
16:54Now.
16:55He refused to even enter her room.
16:57And openly defied her commands.
16:59She'd already made a fool of herself on the training grounds more than once.
17:02The reason I was involved was simple.
17:04While the Frostwing rejected Serafina.
17:06He started obsessively hovering around me.
17:08Every time I appeared.
17:09He'd follow me like a lost puppy.
17:11If looks could kill.
17:12Serafina would have left me dead in a ditch a thousand times over.
17:15Little Roba.
17:17Doesn't that bird remind you of the kind of guy who dumps you.
17:19Then realizes you were totally out of his lage.
17:21And comes crawling back.
17:23He ignored you when you were beneath him.
17:25And now he can't get enough.
17:27Nyx was currently coiled around my neck in his serpent form.
17:30If I hadn't gripped him in time.
17:31The professor's unicorn would have been his lunch.
17:34The professor clutched her unicorn.
17:36Saying how terrifying.
17:37Though her eyes were twinkling with mischief.
17:40Since that girl can't afford to raise him anyway.
17:42Why don't I talk to her?
17:43We'll find her a more suitable pet.
17:46And just transfer the Frostwing to you.
17:48Professor Dawn.
17:49The unicorn's human form.
17:51A cute little girl.
17:52Finally had enough.
17:53She clamped her hands over Whitmore's mouth.
17:55Looking miserable.
17:56Please.
17:56Stop talking.
17:58I patted Nyx to calm him down.
18:00I'll pass.
18:01I'd rather stay far away from the tribunal.
18:03Besides.
18:04Nyx is all I need.
18:05Besides.
18:06Nyx is all I need.
18:07Whitmore looked disappointed.
18:09But the bird clinging to you like this isn't a long-term solution.
18:12A familiar estranged from its partner is worthless to the academy.
18:15He's just a drain on Serafina.
18:17She hasn't progressed past the novice stage in 10 years.
18:21The faculty is discussing sending her and the bird down the mountain for field training.
18:24I knew exactly what the headmaster and the professors were doing.
18:27They were protecting me.
18:29They had also officially given up on the Frostwing.
18:31This was largely thanks to the terrifying combat power Nyx displayed.
18:34The Leviathan clan is born for war.
18:36Together.
18:37He and I could even hold our own against high-level professors.
18:42When Serafina heard the academy wanted her to leave for field training, she burst into
18:45tears on the spot.
18:46Gray Marsh might not be rich, but it never mistreats its students.
18:50She'd finally found a place that offered protection.
18:52There was no way she was going back to a life on the road.
18:54She even managed to convince herself this was all my idea.
18:57In her head, I was trying to drive her out.
18:59Just so I could claim the Frostwing for myself.
19:01In front of the professors, she wept like her world was ending, refusing to budge an inch.
19:05If Rowan wants the Frostwing, she'd only have to ask.
19:09She's an upperclassman.
19:10Of course I'd say yes.
19:12But if she takes my bird, shouldn't she give me Nyx in return?
19:17Trading a mutt serpent for a pureblood Frostwing?
19:20No matter how you look at it, she'd be getting the better end of the bargain.
19:24The headmaster shut her down instantly.
19:26Uh, Miss Vos?
19:30Let's just focus on you and your bird, shall we?
19:33We won't be entertaining any creative trades today.
19:38All of this was relayed to me later, while they were dealing with Serafina's drama.
19:42I was at the Beast Taming Hall investigating a series of strange disappearances.
19:45Any magical creature that was unbonded or too wild to tame was kept here.
19:49But yesterday, two Kelpies and a unicorn had vanished into thin air.
19:52The warden looked ready to break down.
19:54I reinforced the wards myself.
19:56If anything had tampered with the locks, I would have felt it.
20:00But last night, nothing.
20:03Not a single ripple in the mana.
20:06It wasn't Abyssant monsters.
20:07I don't smell their filth here.
20:09I don't smell their filth here.
20:11The Beast Taming Hall is carved directly into the mountain.
20:13The rock itself is enchanted with heavy anti-magic wards.
20:16Teleportation and phasing spells are useless here.
20:18Only those carrying the Academy's sigil can pass through.
20:21To steal three large creatures without a sound, the thief had to be someone who knew
20:24Grey Marsh inside and out.
20:25I was still running through the list of suspects.
20:27When I heard the curator using a high-pitched baby voice to comfort a trembling pixie.
20:32Don't be scared.
20:33Big Brother Nikes only looks fierce.
20:36He won't eat you, I promise.
20:38That one sentence made everything click.
20:40Professor, do magical creatures ever kill their own kind?
20:44What a terrifying thing to say!
20:47These creatures are sentient!
20:49They would never...
20:50Oh, it's okay, pixie.
20:52It's okay.
20:53Humans kill their own kind.
20:54Magical creatures are no different.
20:56There's a type of forbib and sorry.
20:58Do you want to hear the details?
20:59Wild magical creatures don't have potions to rely on.
21:02They want to ascend.
21:03The ultimate shortcut is the Magitrain Essence.
21:06Ten years ago, Nikes nearly died at the hands of one of those monsters.
21:09The higher the rank of the target, the swifter the dark wizard gained.
21:12That night, we set an ambush at the Beast Hang Hall.
21:16But the night passed in silence.
21:19Nothing happened.
21:21A student came running toward us.
21:23Rowan, something's happened!
21:24At the dorms!
21:26His face pale as a ghost.
21:29Nikes shifted into a certain form.
21:35And carried me straight there.
21:37His pupils narrowed into sharp slits.
21:39I smell blood.
21:40We heard the gut-wrenching sobs.
21:42It was one of the first years I'd been coaching.
21:44He'd come to Grey Morph with a tiny kitten familia.
21:46Now he was cradling a blood-soaked clump of fur, wailing in a voice that broke my heart.
21:50You were right, it was a professional hit.
21:51Gutted for its core and killed in a single strike, it didn't even have time to scream.
21:54The kid only ran out after he felt the soul bond snap.
21:57But by then it was too late.
21:59My heart tightened with a cold fury.
22:02Instinctively, my eyes searched for the frost wing.
22:05He was standing obediently beside Serafina.
22:07My vision blurred with rage.
22:09Don't look.
22:10It was him.
22:11How can you be so sure?
22:13I know the stench of a dark wizard.
22:15That bird reeks of it.
22:18I reported everything to the headmaster.
22:20He listened in grim silence, then finally looked up.
22:23We can't alert him yet.
22:24We need to catch him red-handed.
22:26Keep a close watch on him.
22:27Wait for his next move.
22:29But from that day on the bird went silent.
22:32Not a single creature went missing for two long years.
22:35But Nex could still smell the stench of a dark sorcerer on that bird.
22:39Night fell, and I was meditating inside.
22:42Suddenly, a pair of blood-red eyes flashed past my window.
22:45A chill raced down my spine.
22:46I rushed outside into the silence.
22:48The moon was thin.
22:50The spring was calm.
22:51But Ware was nice.
22:52I ran to the water's edge.
22:54A single blue-green feather floated on the surface.
22:56It was an invitation.
22:58Find me, and maybe I'll give him back.
23:00I focused, sensing the bond.
23:02The back mounting.
23:03The seal.
23:04What the hell was that bird trying to do?
23:06The moment I teleported in, a violent shockwave of mana nearly knocked me off my feet.
23:11Nox and the frost wing were locked in a vicious duel.
23:13I froze.
23:15When had the bird attained his human form?
23:17He stood there in robes of teal, dodging Nox's strikes with effortless grace.
23:21And beside the sealing array, sat Serafina.
23:24She looked like a discarded marionette.
23:26I stepped closer, horror clawing at my throat.
23:29She was bleeding from every orasis, her eyes wide with a lingering, frozen terror.
23:33Her abdomen had been gutted, her magical essence ripped out and stolen.
23:37Nox!
23:38Get back here!
23:39Stay away from him!
23:40Nox faltered the second he heard my voice,
23:42taking a direct hit from the bird.
23:44He stumbled back to me, clutching his shoulder and looking at me with those damn puppy dog eyes.
23:50The frost wing hissed in rage.
23:52You did that on purpose!
23:53Nox bared his fangs.
23:55On purpose?
23:56You're the one who's rotten to the core.
23:58Killing your own binder wasn't enough?
24:00You had to come after mine too?
24:01If I hadn't followed your trail, she'd be dead by now!
24:05So those red eyes at my window had been his.
24:07He ignored Nix and turned to me, his gaze burning.
24:10Rowan, you were reborn too, weren't you?
24:13I stared back at him, cold as the abbess.
24:15What do you really want?
24:17Let me guess.
24:20You came back on the day of the rite.
24:22That's why you rejected me.
24:23Tell me, Rowan.
24:24What gave you the nerve to choose that snake over me?
24:28His face twisted into something monstrous.
24:30Fine.
24:31If we can't have this life, we'll try the next!
24:33I'll break the seal, let the monsters out, and we can restart this whole nightmare together!
24:39But next time, I won't give that snake a chance.
24:44Save your fake devotion.
24:47The Frostwing smiled.
24:48Too late.
24:49I'm only one step away.
24:51His hand moved through his flaring behind his back.
24:54The mountain groaned.
24:55The abyssal monsters sensed the array loosening.
24:57The ground groaned and trembled under their growing agitation.
25:00At that moment, a massive bolt of lightning tore through the clouds, gathering right above
25:05the bird's head.
25:06Beams of light erupted from the peaks of Grey Marsh.
25:08As the Academy's defense systems flared to life, the headmaster's voice cut through it.
25:14Rowan!
25:15Hold the line!
25:16I'll reseal the breach!
25:19Lightning above.
25:20A tide of monsters below.
25:22And yet, the Frostwing showed no fear.
25:25Rowan, it's over.
25:26You can't stop it.
25:28Just come with me to the next life.
25:30I died here once.
25:31Same sky.
25:31Same beard.
25:32I couldn't breathe.
25:33I promise.
25:33This time, I'll give you everything.
25:36Then, a warm, heavy hand landed on my shoulder.
25:39Nyx let out a pull.
25:40Sharp laugh.
25:40Taking her?
25:42Try.
25:43Nyx stepped in behind me.
25:45Lifting it.
25:46Just slight.
25:47Like this.
25:50Steadying the wand.
25:51Adjusting the angle.
25:52Focus.
25:53His voice dropped low.
25:54Steady.
25:55Don't fight it.
25:58The tremor in my hand, slowed.
26:01Say it.
26:02The wand flickered.
26:03His grip tightened.
26:04I guess.
26:04And then, his voice dropped over mine.
26:07Viral.
26:08The wand flared.
26:09Light burst from the tip, blinding.
26:11Violent.
26:11A barrier surged outward, tearing through the air.
26:17The barrier held.
26:19His hand, still over mine.
26:20I didn't pull away.
26:22Then, the ground cracked again.
26:24Something below slammed against the barrier.
26:26Harder this time.
26:27My grip tightened instinctively.
26:29No.
26:30His fingers pressed tighter over mine, guiding the wand forward.
26:33We're not done.
26:35The fight's just starting.
26:36Stay with me.
26:37Nyx shifted into his massive serpent form, and launched his attack.
26:41I immediately wove my seals to cast a heavy shield over him.
26:44Every familiar has its own nature, and a mage must adapt to match.
26:47A leviathan is built for war.
26:50So the caster must master defense.
26:52A spirit fox is built for deception, requiring mastery of illusions.
26:56A frost wing is built for speed.
26:58It needs a partner who can keep up.
27:00In my last life, my skills were wasted.
27:02I was a shieldmaiden trying to catch a bird that didn't want to be caught.
27:05But now, fighting alongside Nyx.
27:08I finally understood that a binder and their familiar, are more than just owner and servant.
27:12They are partners.
27:14Someone you can trust with your life.
27:15A traitorous beast who kills its own kin would never understand that.
27:20Nyx pressed forward with realer efficiency, herding the frost wing directly into the strike zone.
27:24Divine lightning coiled in the sky like a massive silver dragon.
27:27Ready to descend.
27:29At first, the frost wing relied on his pureblood arrogance.
27:32Assuming a mutt like Nyx could never defeat him.
27:34But a hundred strikes later, his face went pale.
27:38Nyx was hitting every vital point with lethal precision.
27:40While the bird couldn't even put a dent in Nyx's shield, he finally realized the truth.
27:44I wasn't going to die in a monster's jaws today like he'd planned.
27:48He completely snapped.
27:49No!
27:50This is wrong!
27:51You're supposed to die!
27:52We're supposed to die together!
27:54I stopped bleeding my seals.
27:56Nyx flashed back to my side in a heartbeat.
27:58Looking down at the bird with a mocking grin.
28:00The frost wing froze.
28:02Realizing he was standing alone in the center of the array.
28:05I raised my hand and pointed to the heavens.
28:07I gave him one last smile.
28:08See you never.
28:10A pillar of lightning, thick as a wall.
28:11Roared down and struck him dead center.
28:14He didn't even have time to scream before he was erased from existence.
28:17Just like that, he was nothing but ash in the wind.
28:22With the frost wing gone, the real nightmare began.
28:25The monsters in the back mountain were on another level.
28:27They couldn't be killed, only sealed.
28:30Especially the abyssal dragon.
28:31The previous headmaster gave his soul to anchor the seal.
28:34And even then, he barely managed to cage her.
28:36She's been stewing in her own rage for a century.
28:39The second she breaks free, she'll level this academy to the ground.
28:43The current headmaster and the professors were working frantically,
28:46but the seal was cracking faster than they could repair it.
28:48The freezing chill of the abyss was already crawling under my skin.
28:52Nyx was leaning against a tree, teasing me about his reward for the fight.
28:55When he suddenly froze, he stared into the heart of the Forbidden Forest.
28:59His eyes sharp and predatory.
29:01What is that?
29:02He asked.
29:03The abyssal dragon.
29:04I replied, my voice trembling.
29:06His face turned grave.
29:08Wait for me out here.
29:09I have to go in.
29:10I caught his hand before he could move.
29:12I'm going with you.
29:13He frowned.
29:14Rowan, it's a death trap in there.
29:16I know.
29:17I said, looking him dead in the eye.
29:18In my last life, I died right here.
29:21I watched the Frostwing Shield Serafina and fly away,
29:24leaving me to be torn apart by the monsters.
29:27I tightened my grip on his hand.
29:28I'm not letting history repeat itself.
29:30I'm not leaving you.
29:34Nyx and I charged headlong into the shattered seal.
29:36The Forbidden Forest was a graveyard of toxic mist.
29:39Thousands of eyes tracked our every move from the shadows, hungry and cold.
29:43Nyx was no longer the little snake on my wrist.
29:45He had shifted into his true form.
29:47A massive, lethal serpent.
29:49The abyssal monsters had lost their minds to the darkness.
29:52But instinct still screamed at them to keep their distance from him.
29:55I clung to his back, whispering,
29:57What exactly are we looking for?
29:58His voice rumbled through his massive chest.
30:01The dragon.
30:03I nearly lost it.
30:05I'd followed him straight into the jaws of death without even asking for the itinerary.
30:08Then, he added softly,
30:10Rowan.
30:11I can smell my mother here.
30:13I'd always assumed he was just a hybrid.
30:15Part sea serpent, part siren.
30:17He never spoke of his past, and I never pushed.
30:20Now I knew the truth.
30:21He had sea serpent blood, yes.
30:23But his mother was a literal ancient dragon.
30:26No wonder he fights like a god.
30:28And sings like a dying toad.
30:30He told me his mother wasn't always a monster.
30:32Two centuries ago,
30:33A dark mage ripped the magical essence from his father's chest.
30:36Consumed by grief and vengeance.
30:38She lost herself to the darkness and fell into the abyss.
30:41I didn't have the words to comfort him.
30:43All I could do was lean forward and press a hand to his scales.
30:46But there was no time for heart to hearts.
30:48The monsters around us were starting to close in.
30:51Their patience wearing thin.
30:52Nyx set me down, shifting back into human form.
30:55We stood back to back, a circle of two against the dark.
30:58Rowan.
30:59He said, his voice tight.
31:01If things go south, I'm going to throw you out of here.
31:04Don't look back.
31:04Just run.
31:05In that moment, the fear vanished.
31:07I looked at the horde and felt a strange calm.
31:10If the frostwing was right, and I can just start my life after I die,
31:14maybe that wouldn't be so bad.
31:15I felt him stiffen.
31:17I leaned my head against his shoulder.
31:18But you told me I can only ever have one family, Nyx.
31:22I took that seriously.
31:23If you don't want to watch me get eaten alive,
31:26then you'd better fight like hell to keep me standing.
31:31The abyssal monsters had been warped by the void for too long.
31:34They were barely recognizable anymore.
31:36Just walking piles of teeth and homicidal instinct.
31:39They swarmed us in a frenzy.
31:42Forcing us onto a desperate defense.
31:45Nyx batted away a spray of toxic venom, his voice thick with regret.
31:50This is on me.
31:52I let my heart get in the way.
31:54I just wanted to see her one last time.
31:56Suddenly, I went turdy.
31:58Nyx whipped around, his face pale with alarm, thinking I'd been hit.
32:02But then he saw it too.
32:04The monsters that had been clawing at us just seconds ago vanished in an instant.
32:09The silence was deafening.
32:11Through the shifting fog, two blood-red beacons ignited.
32:15She was a mountain of scales and rage.
32:17Every breath she exhaled it tore through the fog like a hurricane.
32:22Beneath the scales, a woman's face.
32:24A horrific mask.
32:26The second she caught our scent, she lunged.
32:29Her massive jaws opened to swallow the world.
32:31I wanted to scream.
32:33To run.
32:34But my limbs were lead.
32:36In two lifetimes, I had never stood before a true god.
32:40This wasn't just fear.
32:41It was a primal dread etched into my very soul.
32:45But the killing blow never came.
32:47Nyx stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body.
32:50Mother! Stop! Don't hurt her!
32:54It's me! It's Ness!
32:58N-Ness?
32:59The crimson in her eyes flickered.
33:01Little Nine, end this.
33:03Kill me.
33:04The dragon exhaled her magical essence.
33:06A shimmering, pulsing orb of pure power.
33:08And motioned for Nyx to shatter it.
33:10He caught the crystal.
33:12Those hands, strong enough to crush mountains.
33:14Were now trembling, unable to break a single, fragile stone.
33:18He looked at his mother with pleading in his eyes.
33:20I...
33:21I can't.
33:23The dragon was fighting for every second of control.
33:25Her body jerking as the darkness tried to pull her back under dot.
33:29The core slipped from Nyx's shaking hands and floated toward me.
33:33Good child.
33:36You do it.
33:37I caught the crystal, my heart racing.
33:39The core's power slammed into me.
33:41A bolt of pure lightning.
33:43Raw energy began tearing through my veins like wildfire.
33:45A warm hand covered mine.
33:47I looked up and saw tears streaming down Nyx's face.
33:49The first time I had ever seen him cry.
33:51He looked at the dragon one last time.
33:54His grip on my hand tightening with resolve.
33:57Goodbye, mother.
33:58With a sharp, crystal and crack.
34:00The core shattered in my palm.
34:02The dragon let out a long, final breath.
34:04At last, I can sleep.
34:06At last, I can sleep.
Comments