The moon hung low and full, casting silver light across the sprawling Romance Academy grounds. Shadows stretched long over the Training Courtyard, flickering with magic and anticipation. Tonight was no ordinary night. Tonight was the First Challenge—a test of skill, courage, and the strength of bonded pairs.
Lyra Vale tightened her cloak around her shoulders, her heart thundering. Her wolf snarled beneath her skin, restless and hungry for the fight she knew was coming. Across the courtyard, Kael Nightfang moved with calm precision, his eyes scanning the perimeter like a predator assessing prey.
"This is more than just dueling," Kael said quietly, voice like steel. "Tonight, they'll try to separate us. The unclaimed will test your resolve. And some… will do anything to claim what isn't theirs."
Lyra's jaw tightened. Her wolf surged forward, claws itching, instincts screaming that someone—several someones—were already circling, watching for weakness.
From the stands above, Headmistress Selvara's voice echoed through the courtyard: "Let the First Challenge begin."
A flash of light erupted, and the challenge arena transformed. Stone walls rose, shifting like a labyrinth. Magical wards pulsed along the edges, warning any who would attempt to cheat or attack unfairly. Lyra's pulse quickened. This was no longer practice—it was combat, strategy, and love all rolled into one.
Rivals began moving. She spotted Aiden Crowe smirking from the shadows, his unclaimed eyes gleaming with intent. He wasn't alone—other unclaimed students began to stalk the bonded pairs, whispering spells and launching minor attacks designed to test boundaries.
Kael's hand found hers. His grip was steady, unyielding. "Stay close," he murmured. "Trust your wolf. Trust me."
The first ambush came from the north. A pair of unclaimed students, a mage and a wolf, lunged at Lyra, eyes blazing with challenge. Lyra's wolf reacted instinctively. Her aura flared, sending a pulse of energy that knocked back the attackers. Kael moved in perfect sync, amplifying her magic with his own, and together they forced the pair to retreat, leaving scorch marks in the stone.
Breathing hard, Lyra glanced at Kael. His eyes softened just for a moment—a fleeting warmth before the storm returned. "Not bad for your first battle," he said.
"Not bad?" she scoffed, cheeks flushed. "I nearly got taken down!"
"Not nearly," he corrected, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "We survived. That's what counts."
Before she could respond, a shadow streaked from the western wall. Another unclaimed, faster than she could track, aimed a spell directly at Kael. Lyra's wolf reacted faster. With a roar, she leaped, intercepting the attack. Energy slammed into her shoulder, knocking her to the ground. Pain flared—but her wolf howled, pushing her to her feet.
Kael reached her instantly, his hand gripping her jaw gently but firmly, lifting her chin so their eyes met. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," she said through gritted teeth. "It's nothing."
"It's everything," he corrected softly. His gaze darkened. "And they'll find that out. You are mine, Lyra. And I will not let anyone take you—not now, not ever."
Her wolf rumbled low, a thrill of connection and power coursing through her. For the first time, Lyra understood the truth of bonding: it wasn't just attraction or fate. It was strength shared, instinct intertwined, a force that made two souls into one.
The rest of the challenge descended into chaos. Students ran, leaped, and cast magic, some trying to snatch rivals from their partners. Every encounter tested Lyra and Kael's connection, forcing them to anticipate each other's moves, share power, and trust completely.
By the time the first blood moon rose over the academy, marking the end of the challenge, Lyra and Kael stood side by side, breathing heavily, covered in dust and faint scorch marks, but undefeated.
Around them, whispers of awe and envy spread through the courtyard. Some unclaimed students glared, furious that their schemes had failed. Others looked wary, realizing the bond between Lyra and Kael was stronger than anyone had anticipated.
Kael's hand found hers again, squeezing gently. "The unclaimed will try harder," he said, voice low, almost a growl. "And you will too, Lyra. But I promise… I'll always be there. We fight together. Always."
Lyra swallowed hard, the warmth in her chest spreading like wildfire. Her wolf howled in approval, matching the roar of her heartbeat. She didn't know what the academy had in store next, or how many challenges awaited. But one thing was clear: Kael Nightfang was hers, and she would fight for him with everything she had.
And if the unclaimed thought they could take him… they were about to learn exactly what bonded love could do.