She waved her hand, and an intricate diagram appeared on the board, showing overlapping circles with various species' symbols.
"For werewolves, the mate bond is both instinctual and spiritual," Lyra explained. "It's a link that activates upon meeting one's destined mate, marked by an overwhelming sense of recognition. For lycans, this bond is even stronger, often accompanied by heightened physical and emotional synchronization."
Kael shifted uncomfortably, his thoughts briefly wandering to the Rite of Awakening—a ritual he had yet to face.
Lyra continued, "Werewolves and lycans often feel a pull toward their mate, an unexplainable desire to protect and cherish them. Rejecting the bond is possible but painful, as it leaves both parties with a lingering emptiness."
"Vampires experience the mate bond differently," Lyra said. "It's a connection of choice rather than destiny. Vampires may choose their mate, and through a blood exchange ritual, they form an eternal bond. This bond grants shared memories and amplified powers."
Bronn, sitting a few rows ahead, leaned back with a smug grin as he whispered to Aelric. "Eternal power and love? Sounds like a win-win."
"For elves, the mate bond is tied to their lifeforce," Lyra explained. "When an elf finds their mate, their magical essence harmonizes. This connection strengthens both their abilities and their emotional resilience. However, if one dies, the other's life force begins to fade."
Zara let out a low whistle. "No pressure, right?"
"For gnomes, the mate bond manifests intellectually. It's not about instant recognition but a gradual meeting of minds. A gnome's mate challenges and complements their intellect, creating a bond rooted in respect and understanding."
Aelric whispered, "So, Theron's soulmate is probably a textbook."
Theron shot him a glare but said nothing.
"Sirens," Lyra said, "bond through song. Their mate is the only one who truly understands the meaning of their soul's melody. It's an intimate connection, one that grows stronger with each shared note."
Lyra briefly touched on the bonds of other species: fairies who exchange pollen-like magical energy, dwarves who forge symbolic artifacts for their mates, and elementals who synchronize their powers to create balance.
"As some of you may know," Lyra said, turning to Kael, "not all bonds activate naturally. For lycans, the mate bond often remains dormant until they undergo the Rite of Awakening."
Kael's ears perked up, though he kept his expression neutral.
"This rite," Lyra continued, "is a sacred tradition involving a spiritual and physical trial. It is both a test of strength and a reflection of maturity. Only upon completing the rite does a lycan gain the ability to sense their mate."
"What happens if you fail?" someone asked from the back.
Lyra smiled gently. "Failure is rare, but it signifies a lack of readiness. The bond cannot be forced—it reveals itself only when the individual is prepared for its responsibilities."
Kael exchanged a glance with Aelric, who mouthed with a mocking smirk, "No pressure."
The class ended with an open discussion, where students shared their thoughts on the mate bond.
"Do you think it's fair?" Zara asked Kael as they walked out. "Having your soulmate decided for you?"
Kael shrugged. "Depends. If my mate can put up with me, they're probably a saint."
Theron, walking beside them, smirked. "Or a masochist."
The group burst into laughter, their voices echoing down the corridor as they headed to their next class.
After class Kael and Theron walked toward the cafeteria, the familiar chatter of students echoing through the hallway.
As they entered the cafeteria, they spotted Aelric perched on a table, Bronn leaning casually against the wall, and Lirien scanning the food options with a look of mild disdain.
Kael grinned and walked up to Aelric, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "What's up, fairy boy? Still trying to figure out how to fly without getting stuck in a tree?"
Aelric shot him a playful glare. "You know, I can still turn you into a frog if I wanted to."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You're really gonna turn your best friend into a frog? That's cold."
"Not as cold as the weather in your head," Aelric retorted, earning a chuckle from the group.
Theron, who had been silently observing the exchange, turned to Lirien. "Are you actually going to eat, or are you just here to judge the food?"
Lirien looked up, unimpressed. "I'm waiting for something that doesn't look like it's been through an interdimensional portal."
"Maybe we should just grab something from the gnome section," Kael suggested with a grin. "I'm sure Theron has something to share. You know, like a little science experiment disguised as food."
Theron shot him a look but said nothing, his focus already on the plate in front of him. "I'm just here for the mashed potatoes. Everything else is questionable."
Bronn snorted from across the table. "Mashed potatoes, really? You're a gnome, not a simpleton."
"Hey, don't knock it until you've tried it," Theron shot back, clearly amused. "You wouldn't understand; your diet probably consists of blood and sarcasm."
The group laughed, and the banter continued as they settled into their usual seats.
"So," Zara asked, sliding into the seat next to Kael, "what did you two think about the mate bond talk?"
Kael grinned. "It was interesting. I mean, I didn't realize how intense it gets for other species. Like, sirens bond through song? That's pretty poetic."
"Sounds like a karaoke night waiting to happen," Theron added dryly.
"Yeah, imagine you're the only one who doesn't know the song," Kael said with a laugh. "I'd be the one standing there, awkwardly humming."
Zara raised an eyebrow. "I think I'd rather watch you try to figure out the Rite of Awakening."
Kael froze, then shot her a glare. "You're not letting that go, are you?"
"I'm just saying, it's gotta be a pretty intense ritual. What happens if you fail?"
Kael's grin faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "I'll be fine. It's not like I'm going to fail. I'm Kael, remember?"
Theron smirked. "Sure, just like you're 'totally ready' for your mate, right?"
"Hey!" Kael protested. "No need to remind me."
The laughter that followed was loud and carefree, filling the cafeteria with the sound of their easy camaraderie. For a moment, the world outside their little bubble of friendship seemed far away, and they were just a group of students, joking around and enjoying their time together.