The riverbank still steamed from the night chill when the horn blew. Jett woke with a start, Sparkpup already on its feet, sparks buzzing in the air. Clawfin rustled its feathers from a nearby branch, misty wings catching the first edge of sunrise.
"Up! All trial candidates, gather!" barked the guard captain. His armor glinted, and his Bond Band held three stones—proof of his rank.
Jett pulled on his jacket, slung his pack, and hurried to join the line. Keepers-in-training stood shoulder to shoulder, their Arclings restless beside them. Kael Rynne leaned against a rock near the front, Nightfang prowling low at his side, eyes glowing faint purple.
Jett felt Sparkpup bristle. "Easy," he whispered, scratching its ears. "Save it for later."
The captain raised a hand. "Trial Two: The Cliffside Hunt. Each candidate must track, weaken, and capture a wild Arcling that roams the northern cliffs. Only those who succeed may advance. Fail, and you're out."
A ripple of nervous chatter spread through the group. Capturing one wild creature had been hard enough for Jett—but that was with Mira's help. Now, he was on his own.
The captain's voice cut through. "Remember the Keeper's rule: Arclings are not trophies. You take one, you must bond it, protect it, and train it. If your heart is false, the bond will break, and the Arcling will turn wild again."
His gaze swept the line. "You have until sundown. Go."
Into the Cliffs
The cliffs north of the river rose jagged, sharp against the pale sky. Narrow paths wound upward, flanked by scrub and brambles. The sound of gulls echoed, harsh against the crash of waves below.
Jett climbed carefully, Sparkpup padding light and quick at his heels. Clawfin circled above, sharp eyes scanning. His Bond Band pulsed faintly with their presence, a double beat in rhythm with his steps.
"Alright," he murmured. "First thing's first—we find tracks."
He crouched near the dirt path. Claw scratches marked the soil, three-toed, deep. Sparkpup sniffed, then barked, tugging forward.
"Good boy. Lead the way."
They followed the trail higher until it split near a jagged outcrop. One side smelled faintly of smoke. The other carried only salt wind.
"Which way?" Jett asked.
Sparkpup pawed at the smoky path, sparks dancing along its fur. Clawfin swooped low, shrieking once in agreement.
Jett nodded. "Smoke it is."
The Wild Arcling
The path opened to a ledge overlooking the sea. There, crouched on a boulder, was the wild Arcling: a Flamebeak, bird-shaped with feathers tipped in glowing orange. Its beak dripped tiny sparks of fire.
Sparkpup stiffened. Clawfin hissed.
The Flamebeak screeched, wings flaring wide. The air shimmered with heat.
Jett's pulse raced. "Alright. This is it."
He lifted his wrist. "Sparkpup—Quick Pounce! Clawfin—Wind Push!"
Sparkpup darted forward, lightning crackling. Clawfin's wings blasted a gust that carried the pup higher. It slammed against Flamebeak's chest, sparks flashing.
But the bird shrieked and beat its wings, throwing off heat that seared the air. A burst of flame shot from its beak—Ember Snap.
"Dodge!" Jett shouted.
Sparkpup rolled aside, but the flame licked its fur. The pup yelped, singed but standing. Clawfin dove, feathers glowing pale silver, slicing wind to scatter the flame.
"Don't give it space!" Jett cried. "Stay close! Sparkpup—Howl Charge!"
The pup howled, sparks whirling around its body. It dashed, slamming into Flamebeak's side. The bird stumbled, feathers smoking.
"Clawfin—Gale Slice!"
Wind cut across the ledge, driving the bird backward. Flamebeak flared, wings wide, fire spilling brighter.
It was getting angrier. Stronger.
Jett's breath caught. If he didn't finish it now, they'd all be in trouble.
The Capture Attempt
"Both of you—together!" Jett yelled. "Sparkpup, bite! Clawfin, lift!"
Sparkpup leapt, teeth crackling with electricity—Bolt Bite! Clawfin swooped beneath, wind boosting the pup higher. The bite sank into Flamebeak's wing joint. Lightning surged, mixing with fire.
The bird shrieked, staggering. Sparks and flame tangled, smoke rising.
Jett fumbled the glass seal from his belt, heart hammering. "Now—come to me!"
The seal flashed. A line of light wrapped Flamebeak, pulling tight. The bird screeched, wings beating once, twice—then its form dissolved into light and vanished into the seal.
The capsule clicked shut, warm and heavy in Jett's palm.
For a moment, all he could do was stare at it, chest heaving. Then Sparkpup barked, tail wagging despite singed fur, and Clawfin landed nearby with a proud shriek.
Jett laughed, breathless. "We did it. Another partner."
The seal pulsed once, steady and bright.
The Rival's Shadow
"Not bad," a voice drawled.
Jett spun. Kael stood at the far end of the ledge, Nightfang at his side. The Shadow wolf's eyes glowed, tail flicking.
Kael clapped slowly. "You actually managed it. Didn't think dock-boy would hold his ground."
Jett narrowed his eyes. "Didn't think you'd follow me."
Kael smirked. "Wasn't following. Just watching. Flamebeak was weak compared to what's higher up the cliffs. But you? You'll make things interesting."
Nightfang growled, shadow mist curling from its jaws. Sparkpup stepped forward, sparks snapping, while Clawfin spread its wings wide.
For a moment, Jett thought Kael might challenge him right there. But then Kael shrugged. "Not today. Trial rules. But soon."
He turned, Nightfang slipping into the shadows with him.
Jett exhaled, shoulders tight. He looked down at the Flamebeak's seal, still glowing faintly. His third Arcling. His growing team.
"Guess we've got more work ahead," he muttered.
Sparkpup barked once, sharp and eager. Clawfin lifted its wings. The road was only just opening.
Sunset on the Cliffs
By sundown, Jett returned to the river camp, seal in hand. The guard captain nodded. "Pass. Jett Ember, three Arclings bonded."
The other candidates murmured. Some had passed, others not. But Jett stood taller now, Sparkpup at his heel, Clawfin overhead, Flamebeak sealed at his belt.
One trial down. Eight more to go.
That night, as the fire crackled and the stars spread above, Jett touched the three seals on his band. The bonds pulsed like heartbeats, warm and steady.
He smiled. Whatever came next, he wasn't alone.