Adrian sat on the edge of his bed, swinging his legs. Morning sunlight poured into his room, but his eyes stayed on the door. His mother had told him last night, "Tomorrow, I will show you something very important."
He fidgeted with his fingers. "What could be so important?"
The door opened, and Celestia entered with her usual gentle smile. Her silver hair shimmered as she stepped closer. "Good morning, Adrian. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, Mother," Adrian said quickly. He tilted his head. "Um… is today really important?"
Celestia nodded. "Yes. Today, you will meet your spirit beast."
Adrian blinked. "Spirit… beast?"
She chuckled softly and sat beside him. "A spirit beast is a companion born from the world's mana. They choose their partner and grow alongside them. For someone like you, Adrian, it will be more than a pet—it will be a partner for life."
Adrian's eyes widened. "A partner? You mean… like a friend who never leaves?"
Celestia brushed his hair back. "Exactly. And I think you're ready."
They walked together through the palace halls, Celestia's hand holding Adrian's. Servants bowed, but Adrian barely noticed—his mind buzzed with questions.
"Mother, what if… what if the spirit beast doesn't like me?"
Celestia squeezed his hand gently. "It will not be about liking or disliking. Spirit beasts see your heart. If you are honest and brave, they will answer you."
Adrian puffed his cheeks nervously. "But what if I say something silly?"
Celestia smiled warmly. "Then it will know you are human."
They reached a hidden garden within the palace. The air shimmered faintly with golden mana, and strange flowers glowed as though lit from within. Adrian's mouth dropped open.
"It's beautiful…" he whispered.
Celestia knelt beside him. "This is the Garden of Spirits. Here, you will call, and your spirit beast will come."
Adrian swallowed hard. His small hands balled into fists. "Okay… I'll try."
He stepped into the garden. The ground pulsed faintly under his feet, and then a golden light began to swirl in the center. Adrian froze.
"M-Mother… it's happening!"
Celestia's voice was calm. "Yes. Watch carefully."
The light grew brighter until, with a soft sound, it burst apart. Standing there, tiny but proud, was a lion cub. Its fur was golden, tipped with faint streaks of white, and its eyes glowed faintly red.
Adrian gasped. "It's… it's a lion!"
The cub tilted its head, then let out a small growl. Instead of running to him, it sat back, watching carefully.
Adrian lowered himself slowly. "Um… hello there…"
The cub's ears flicked. It padded a little closer, then suddenly swiped its paw against the ground, growling louder.
Adrian jumped but didn't move away. "Y-You're testing me, aren't you? You want to see if I'll run."
The cub circled him, brushing its tail against his leg. Adrian stayed still, only turning his head to follow its movement.
Finally, Adrian held out his hand. "I won't hurt you. I… I want to be your friend."
The cub stopped. It stared at his hand, then at his eyes. After a long pause, it pressed its head into his palm.
Adrian's eyes sparkled. "You… you trust me?"
The cub purred—a deep, rumbling sound. A faint glow surrounded both of them for a brief moment, and Adrian felt warmth spread through his chest.
Celestia, standing at the edge of the garden, smiled proudly. "The bond is made."
Adrian hugged the cub gently. "You're so soft…" He pulled back and looked into its eyes. "I need to give you a name, don't I?"
The cub gave a tiny roar as if agreeing.
Adrian tapped his chin. "Hmm… Strong names… Brave names… What about Leo?"
The cub sneezed, then shook its head.
Adrian pouted. "You don't like Leo?"
The cub tilted its head, then growled lightly.
Celestia chuckled. "It seems your friend has standards."
Adrian crossed his arms. "Okay, fine. What about Rex?"
The cub wagged its little tail and let out a soft roar.
Adrian's face lit up. "Rex! You like that one?"
The cub pawed at his knee, confirming.
Adrian laughed and hugged it again. "Then Rex it is."
Celestia walked over and knelt beside her son. "Do you feel it, Adrian? That warmth in your chest?"
Adrian nodded quickly. "Yes… it's like… like I'm not alone anymore."
Celestia kissed the top of his head. "That is your bond. Rex will grow as you grow. Protect him, and he will protect you."
Adrian stroked Rex's fur gently. "I promise I will. We'll… we'll get stronger together."
Rex purred louder, curling into his lap. Adrian smiled so brightly that even Celestia felt her heart soften.
"You've done well today, Adrian," she whispered.
Adrian's cheeks flushed pink. "T-Thank you… Mother."
That night, back in his room, Adrian sat on the floor while Rex played with his discarded boots.
"Careful, those aren't toys," Adrian muttered, though he giggled. "But… I guess you're just like me. Still learning."
Rex rolled over and gave a playful growl. Adrian laughed and patted his head.
"We'll show them, Rex. Not because I'm the crown prince… but because of who we are."
The cub nuzzled against him as if agreeing.
And for the first time in his young life, Adrian felt truly ready to begin his own path.