The spectral beast's claws raked against the ground as it lunged toward Shade. Its glowing blue eyes burned with a feral intensity, and its roar echoed across the arena like a thunderclap.
Shade darted to the side, avoiding the beast's strike by mere inches. Its sleek black form moved like liquid shadow, seamlessly slipping past the creature's ferocious swipes.
Azhaan stood at the edge of the arena, his hands clenched into fists as the bond between him and Shade thrummed in his chest. He could feel the tension in every movement Shade made, the faint echoes of its thoughts brushing against his own.
The cloaked figure's voice reverberated through the arena. "This is not just about survival. Show us control. Show us trust."
Azhaan gritted his teeth, his eyes locked on the battle. "Shade, stay low and wait for an opening!"
Shade growled in acknowledgment, crouching as the spectral beast charged again. Its massive claws struck the ground where Shade had been, sending shards of stone flying through the air.
"Good," Azhaan muttered under his breath. "Now counter!"
Shade sprang forward, its claws flashing as they tore across the spectral beast's flank. The creature let out a guttural roar, staggering back as wisps of energy seeped from its wound.
Azhaan's pulse quickened. This wasn't just a test of Shade's strength—it was a test of their bond. The bond pulsed again, a flood of emotions and sensations washing over him. Shade's focus, its determination, its unyielding trust in him—it was all there, like a second heartbeat.
The spectral beast regained its footing, its glowing eyes narrowing. It lowered its massive head, and a faint blue light began to coalesce around its horns.
"Uh… Kaela didn't prepare me for this part," Azhaan muttered.
The beast let out a deafening roar as it charged, the energy around its horns intensifying. Shade braced itself, its muscles tensing as it prepared for impact.
"Move!" Azhaan shouted, his voice breaking the tension.
Shade reacted instantly, leaping to the side as the spectral beast barreled past. The charged energy struck the ground, exploding in a burst of blue light that sent shockwaves rippling across the arena.
Azhaan stumbled, shielding his eyes from the blast. When the light faded, he saw Shade standing a few feet away from the spectral beast, its red eyes glowing with determination.
"Now's your chance!" Azhaan called. "Go for the legs!"
Shade darted forward, its movements a blur. The spectral beast swung its massive claws, but Shade was too fast, slipping beneath its reach and striking its hind legs with a powerful slash.
The beast roared in pain, collapsing onto one knee as its glowing energy began to flicker.
"Finish it, Shade!" Azhaan shouted, the bond between them surging with adrenaline.
Shade leapt onto the creature's back, sinking its claws into the spectral energy that pulsed along its spine. With one final strike, the beast let out a mournful howl before disintegrating into a cloud of shimmering light.
Azhaan let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, his shoulders slumping with relief.
The arena dissolved, and the swirling void returned. Moments later, the platform lowered, bringing Azhaan and Shade back to the glowing chamber.
The cloaked figure stood waiting, their expression inscrutable.
"Not bad," they said after a moment. "Your bond is stronger than I expected. But you lack control. Trust alone won't save you in the trials ahead."
Azhaan frowned, but before he could respond, the figure gestured toward the door. "You'll find your dorm assignments and schedules waiting. Report to your first session tomorrow morning."
Azhaan glanced at Shade, who padded silently beside him, its red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "We'll be ready," he said, his voice firm.
The figure tilted their head slightly, a faint smile playing at the corners of their lips. "We'll see."
Settling In
The dormitory was smaller than Azhaan had expected. The room was sparsely furnished, with a simple bed, a desk, and a small shelf for personal belongings. A window overlooked the sprawling city below, its lights twinkling like stars against the night sky.
Shade immediately claimed a spot near the window, curling up on the floor with a low growl of contentment.
Azhaan sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the schedule that had been left on his desk. The next day was packed with activities—combat training, taming theory, and an introductory session on beast evolution.
"It's really happening," he muttered to himself.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Kaela stepped inside, her expression unreadable as she leaned against the doorframe.
"How'd it go?" she asked.
Azhaan shrugged. "We passed. Barely."
Kaela smirked. "That's all that matters. You're in."
"Yeah, but…" Azhaan hesitated, glancing at Shade. "That test wasn't just about strength. It was about control. And we're not there yet."
Kaela's expression softened. "You will be. It takes time, Azhaan. Shade is strong, and so are you. But strength without discipline is just chaos. That's what you'll learn here."
Azhaan nodded, though the weight of her words lingered in his mind.
"You'll be fine," Kaela said, stepping back into the hall. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be rough."
As the door clicked shut behind her, Azhaan lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Shade let out a soft growl, its red eyes meeting his briefly before closing.
"We'll figure it out," Azhaan whispered. "One step at a time."
Outside, the lights of Skyreach Spire flickered in the darkness, a reminder of the challenges ahead.