Shadow Bonds

Chapter 2

Alric

The gates of Velathyr Military Academy loomed behind Alric as the recruits gathered in the central courtyard. Names were called, one by one, sorting the survivors into squads. Each squad's banner-Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond-fluttered in the cold breeze, a stark reminder of their hierarchy.

"Alric Thorne," the instructor called.

"Diamond Squad."

Alric's shoulders relaxed imperceptibly. Anything less than Diamond would have been an insult to his abilities. But as his eyes swept the courtyard, his satisfaction faded.

"Luna Arren," the instructor called next.

"Silver Squad."

Silver? His brow furrowed. It wasn't a surprise; her combat abilities were average at best. But something about her calm, almost dismissive reaction as she joined her squad nagged at him. She acted as if she'd chosen Silver herself, as though she was content being underestimated.

Later that day Alric found himself distracted. Combat Tactics was his first class. The lecture hall was filled with chaotic whispers as recruits all the Squads filed into their assigned seats. The mandatory Combat Tactics class combined squads, offering a rare overlap between the academy's strongest and those climbing the ranks. Alric found his seat in the back row, scanning the room as Luna Arren walks in, trailing behind a blonde woman who was undoubtedly her companion.

She didn't seem fazed by the grandeur of the hall or the watchful eyes of the diamond recruits. Luna's dark hair grazed her shoulders, her wiry frame exuding quiet determination. She exchanged a few words with the blonde before settling into a desk near the front, her sharp, calculating gaze fixed on the instructor.

You're staring again, Aralyn's voice whispered in his mind.

I'm observing, Alric replied. And she stands out, even among silver squad.

And I'm observing you observing her. Fenn, her Essentii told me she deliberately performed just enough to not draw attention, whether positive or negative. Apparently, she dislikes having to put in effort.

Wait, Essentii can't talk to each other, can they? Asked Alric.

Not unless they are bonded, no. Aralyn chuckled.

The words caught Alric off guard. His gaze flicked to Luna's shadow, where Fenn's dark, fluid form rippled faintly.

By the time strategy Class rolled around, Alric had decided to confront the situation directly.

As he settled into his seat in the diamond squad section, he sent a thought toward Aralyn. Can I talk to her through your bond?

Aralyn hesitated. Theoretically it should be possible, if Fenn allows it. Be careful though, he's protective of her.

Testing the waters, Alric reached out. Arren?

Luna stiffened in her seat row ahead of him. Slowly, she turned her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in his direction. What do you want, Thorne?

Testing a theory.

Her expression gave nothing away as she returned to her notebook. Next time, test someone else.

Despite her irritation, their silent exchange continued as he explained how it's working. Alric couldn't help but admire her sharp intellect, even if her place in silver squad didn't reflect it.

From across the room, Commander Wyral's eyes narrowed. Though the instructor didn't say anything, he was certain she caught their subtle glances at each other.

If you're going to argue all semester long in my head, you'd better have good strategies, Luna snapped through their connection.

Alric smirked, scribbling his notes. Don't worry, Arren. I'm nothing if not brilliant.

By the end of the class, their subtle exchanges had formed an unspoken truce. Neither acknowledged the connection aloud, but both knew it would be useful. As the recruits filed out, Luna lingered, her blonde companion pulling her aside for an animated discussion.

Alric watched from a distance, Aralyn's voice cutting through his thoughts. You're intrigued.

I'm strategic, he corrected. There's a difference.

If you say so, Aralyn teased, though her tone suggested otherwise.

For Alric, the day was far from over. Luna Arren was a recruit in silver squad-she was a puzzle. And Alric couldn't resist solving puzzles.