The warmth of the Celestial Lynx in my arms was undeniable, a soft, living bundle of white fur that radiated a gentle, calming energy. I looked down at it, my heart melting at the way its blue eyes blinked slowly at me.
Elara watched us with a small smile, leaning against the edge of the table. "He’s taken to you quickly," she observed. "That’s a good sign."
"I love him already," I admitted, scratching behind the Lynx’s ear. It let out a soft, rumbling purr that vibrated against my chest.
"Good," Elara said, her tone shifting to something more serious. "Because you need to make a strong bond with him. A deep one."
I looked up, my brow furrowing. "How do I do that?"
Elara shrugged, a casual gesture that belied the complexity of the task. "There are many ways. Rituals, shared mana exercises, synchronization spells. But honestly?"
She gestured toward the Lynx. "You can try different things, but I recommend just keeping him with you at all times. At least for the coming week, to form a strong initial connection."
I nodded, looking down at the creature. "Just... be with him?"
"Exactly," Elara confirmed. "Sleep with him, eat with him, study with him. Let him get used to your mana signature, your scent, your presence. A bond isn't built in a day, you know?"
I did the mental math. "So, a month?"
"Roughly," Elara said. "It might take a month or more, depending on how fast you two naturally synchronize."
A month. The thought made my chest tighten. A whole month before I could even begin to use this new power effectively? Kaelen was recovering, but he would be back in action soon. I couldn't afford to be left behind for that long.
"Is there any faster way?" I asked, my voice tinged with desperation.
Elara raised an eyebrow, looking at me with a semi-reprimanding expression. "Bell, a month is nothing for us elves. We live for centuries, minimum. But for you? To gain a possibly entirely new element in just a month is terrifyingly fast progress."
She stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Bell, remember, by your signature aligning with a path is something many will never be able to do. There is only a limited amount of Paths made, and never enough for all mana signatures for the millions of mages in Erhtheas. The fact that you found one that accepted you is a miracle in itself."
I realized my mistake. I was being impatient, greedy even. "I'm sorry," I said, lowering my head. "I didn't mean to sound ungrateful."
Elara merely shook her head, a soft smile returning. She patted my head gently. "Bell, this is a god-send opportunity for you. Take it with pride, alright? Don't rush the foundation. A weak bond will only lead to a weak vessel."
I looked up, meeting her grey eyes with my own determined gaze. "You're right. I'll do it properly."
"That’s the spirit," Elara said, stepping back. "Now, you should get going. You need to buy some food for the Lynx, and you should give him a name. A name helps solidify the bond."
I nodded, clutching the Lynx tighter. I tried to think of a name, staring at its regal, white face. Snow? Cloud? Star? Nothing felt quite right.
Elara chuckled at my hesitation. "You don't have to force it. You can name him later, not right now if you want."
I nodded gratefully. "Okay. I'll find something."
With the book tucked safely in my satchel and the Lynx cradled in my arms, I left the clubroom and made my way out of the Magic Tower.
The evening air was crisp and cool. The sun had set, painting the sky in hues of deep violet and indigo. As I walked, I kept the Lynx close to my chest, petting its soft fur. It purred loudly, the sound vibrating through my arms and making my heart melt.
According to Elara, the Lynx’s dietary needs were similar to a normal cat's, though with a preference for high-quality, protein-rich meat. I made my way to a small market stall near the academy gates, purchasing a small bag of dried fish and fresh meat.
I sat on a nearby bench to feed him, opening the packet. The Lynx sniffed the air, its blue eyes widening with interest. It leaned down and nibbled at the food, eating with a delicate, precise manner that was surprisingly elegant.
I watched, mesmerized, and a giggle escaped my lips. The way its whiskers twitched with each bite was adorable.
Then, an idea struck me. I looked at the way he ate: small, careful bites, nibbling at the edges.
"I know what to call you!" I exclaimed, holding the Lynx up so we were eye-to-eye. "From now on, you're Nibbles!"
The Lynx, now Nibbles, looked at me with a questioning tilt of his head, as if asking, Really? That’s the best you could come up with?
I simply smiled, feeding him another piece of fish. "Nibbles it is. It suits you."
Nibbles seemed to accept his fate, letting out a soft meow and continuing to eat.
With Nibbles fed and resting comfortably in the crook of my arm, I walked back toward the Magic Tower. But I didn't go to the dorms. Instead, I headed for the infirmary.
I wanted to see Kaelen. I wanted to show him what I had achieved.
When I entered the nurse’s room, the lights were dimmed for the evening. Kaelen was lying on the bed, his arms crossed behind his head, staring blankly at the ceiling. He looked bored out of his mind.
I walked up to the bed, a smile on my face, hiding Nibbles behind my back.
He noticed me, and the boredom vanished from his expression, replaced by a warm, genuine smile. "Bell. You’re here."
"Hey," I said softly. "How are you doing?"
"Bored," he groaned, shifting slightly in the bed. "I’ve been looking at this ceiling all day. The nurse won’t let me leave yet."
I leaned over the bed, my smile widening. "Well, I have something that might cheer you up."
I brought my hands forward, revealing Nibbles, who was now perched comfortably in my palms.
Kaelen blinked, his eyes widening in surprise. He sat up slightly, wincing at the movement but his attention fixed on the small creature. "Is that... a cat?"
"It’s not just a cat!" I puffed my chest out proudly, holding Nibbles up like a trophy. "This is the oh-great Lynx!"
Kaelen stared at me, then at Nibbles. Nibbles stared back at Kaelen, tilting his head in the exact same way. The silence stretched for a second before I coughed, my cheeks heating up.
"Okay," I admitted, lowering my voice. "It’s a Celestial Lynx. And he’s my partner."
I sat on the edge of the bed and explained everything: about the Singular Magic, the Path of the Bonded Vessel, and how Nibbles was the key to my growth.
Kaelen listened intently, his expression shifting from surprise to understanding.
"So," he said when I finished, "you’re learning a new kind of magic to get stronger."
"Yes," I said, my voice firm. "I was useless on that day, Kaelen. I just stood there while you fought. I never want to feel that way again."
I looked down at my hands, then at Nibbles. "Next time, I want to fight side by side with you. Not behind you."
Kaelen’s expression softened. He reached out, his bandaged hand gently resting on my head. "You weren't useless, Bell. But I understand."
He smiled, a fierce, encouraging light in his eyes. "I’m looking forward to fighting alongside you."
His hand was warm against my hair. I felt a flutter in my chest, but I pushed it down, focusing on the task at hand.
"Speaking of which," I said, shifting gears. "I brought something else."
I pulled my satchel onto my lap and rummaged through it. I pulled out a thick stack of notes and a small, warm box.
Kaelen looked at them questioningly. "What’s that?"
"Since you’re missing class," I explained, placing the notes on the bedside table, "I don't want you to get left behind. After all, I’m your tutor, remember?"
I tapped the notes. "I took detailed notes from today's lectures. History, Mana Theory, and Elemental Synthesis. I can read through them while you rest."
Kaelen looked at the notes, then back at me. "You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to," I insisted.
I then opened the box, releasing a savory aroma that filled the sterile room. "And this is some food I made. I’m pretty sure the nurse's room doesn't have great food, so I’m here to help."
Inside the box was a simple but hearty stew, accompanied by freshly baked bread. It was nothing fancy, but it was made with care.
Kaelen looked at the food, then up at my face. For a moment, he didn't speak. He just stared, his green eyes searching mine.
Inside his chest, his heart started to beat a little faster, a sudden warmth spreading through him. He tried to look fine, keeping his expression neutral, but he couldn't hide the slight flush rising on his neck.
"Thank you," he said, his voice softer than usual.
"You're welcome," I replied, oblivious to his internal struggle.
Then, I spent the rest of the time teaching Kaelen.
I pulled a chair up to the side of his bed and opened the history textbook. "Okay, so today we covered the Great Mana War of the Third Era. The professor said it’s crucial to understand the political landscape before we dive into elemental theory."
Kaelen listened, propped up against the pillows. He was a quick learner, but his mind kept drifting to the way the dim light caught the curve of my cheek as I explained the timeline.
"Focus," I said, tapping his forehead with the end of my quill. "You're staring at the ceiling again."
"Sorry," he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just... you're good at this."
"I have to be," I said, turning the page. "Now, about the treaty signed by the Elven Lords..."
As I taught, Nibbles made himself at home. He curled up on Kaelen’s legs, his purring a constant, rhythmic background noise.
After an hour of intense studying, I noticed Kaelen wincing slightly as he shifted his weight.
"Are your arms hurting?" I asked, concern etching my features.
"It's fine," he brushed it off.
I frowned, not buying it. I opened the food box again. "Here, eat some more."
"I can feed myself," he protested, though his arms were heavily bandaged and bruised, limiting his movement.
"Your arms are bruised," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. "Let me."
Before he could protest further, I scooped up a spoonful of stew and held it up to his mouth.
Kaelen froze. He looked at the spoon, then at my determined face. He sighed, defeated, and opened his mouth.
I fed him carefully, making sure not to spill a drop. He chewed slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.
"I feel like a child," he muttered after swallowing.
"You're injured," I countered, scooping another spoonful. "Accept the help."
We continued like that, me feeding him, him eating reluctantly but gratefully. It was a strange intimacy, quiet and domestic, amidst the chaos of the past few days.
Once he finished the stew, I set the box aside and picked up Nibbles. The Lynx had been napping but woke up at the movement, stretching his paws.
"Let's practice a little," I whispered to Nibbles.
I placed him on the bedside table and channeled a tiny amount of mana into him, just as the book described. Nibbles’ blue eyes glowed faintly, and a small orb of soft light materialized above his paw.
Kaelen watched, fascinated. "He can produce light?"
"It's his elemental affinity," I explained, guiding the orb with my finger. "Light and space. It’s faint now, but it’ll grow."
We spent the next hour playing with the orb, tossing it gently between my hands and letting Nibbles chase it. Kaelen laughed—a genuine, deep laugh that filled the room. It was a sound I hadn't heard from him before, free of violence or tension.
The time passed quickly, the night deepening outside the window. The moon rose high, casting a silver beam across the floor.
Soon, I knew I had to go. The nurse would be doing rounds soon.
I stood up, packing my satchel. "I should get going."
Kaelen looked at me, a hint of disappointment in his eyes, though he hid it well. "Okay."
"I'll be back tomorrow," I promised, slinging the bag over my shoulder. "With more notes. And more food."
I picked up the satchel with the empty food box and notes inside. Nibbles, seeing me ready to leave, jumped up and perched himself firmly on top of my head, his tail dangling down my back.
I wobbled slightly under the weight, but steadied myself.
Kaelen chuckled, the sound warm and rich. "He really likes you."
"I think he likes the view from up there," I joked, adjusting my stance.
"Goodnight, Bell."
"Goodnight, Kaelen."
I walked to the door, gave him one last wave, and stepped out into the hallway, leaving the warmth of the room behind.
KAELEN’S POV
The door clicked shut, leaving the room in silence once more. The faint scent of stew and the lingering sound of a purring cat still hung in the air, a stark contrast to the sterile smell of medicine that usually filled the infirmary.
I lay back against the pillows, staring at the door where Bell had just disappeared.
My body ached. Every muscle, every cut, every bruise screamed in protest. The fight had pushed me to my absolute limit, and the healing magic the nurses used took a toll on my stamina.
Physically, I was exhausted. Mentally, however, I was strangely awake.
I closed my eyes, and the memories of the day flashed through my mind.
I thought back to the short time I had spent with Bell since arriving at the academy. It hadn't been long, barely a week, but the moments replayed in my head with vivid clarity.
I remembered her cutting my hair.
I remembered her cooking food and tutoring me.
I remembered her running into the courtyard, standing up for me even when Ren attacked.
Throughout my entire childhood, my life had been defined by one thing: duty.
As the son of the Supreme Duke of the Eastern Marches, I was an only child, the heir to a massive legacy. From the moment I could walk, I was given pressure. Pressure to train, to fight, to be perfect. My father’s voice was a constant echo in my mind: Stronger. Faster. Harder.
I didn't have time for friends. I didn't have time for relaxation. Every moment was spent swinging a sword or meditating on mana control.
But with Bell... it was different.
She didn't look at me with the eyes of someone assessing my strength or my lineage. She looked at me with concern, with frustration, with joy.
I found myself feeling different around her. Lighter.
I remembered her face as she left the room just now: her cheeks flushed from the cold night air, her eyes shining with determination, that ridiculous but adorable Celestial Lynx perched on her head.
Thump.
My heart skipped a beat, then slammed against my ribs, hard and loud in the quiet room.
I froze, my eyes snapping open. I stared at the ceiling, my hand instinctively moving to my chest.
Thump. Thump.
The rhythm was erratic, fast, and warm.
I put my bruised, bandaged arm over my heart, feeling the steady thrum beneath the skin. It wasn't pain. It wasn't adrenaline from a fight.
It was... something else.
A realization washed over me, so simple yet so profound it left me breathless.
Is this what they call love?
The thought hung in the air, terrifying and exhilarating all at once.