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