The Academy's central tower was quiet, almost deceptively calm. After the Test of Resonance, the squad had been granted a brief respite—but the unusual energy lingering from the Rift of the Mirror World still pulsed faintly through Elyndra. Aiden felt it in his bones, a subtle vibration that suggested new anomalies were emerging.
As he walked through the courtyard with Kaela, Mira, and Rylan, a sleek, silver-black figure appeared at the gates. A sudden surge of energy hit Aiden's pulse, strong, unmistakable, familiar.
"Who's that?" Kaela murmured, violet eyes narrowing. "He—or she—radiates power…"
Aiden froze, heart racing, as the figure stepped closer. And then he recognized her.
"Ciel…?" His voice barely escaped his lips.
The woman smiled—a dangerously alluring smile that could disarm even the most composed individual. Silver hair tumbled over her shoulders, catching the sunlight, and her eyes glimmered like polished amethysts. Her form was elegant, curvaceous, yet exuded raw power. Every step she took seemed to shift the air around her, bending energy subtly to her will.
"Aiden," she said softly, but her gaze burned into him with intensity. "I've been watching… and I couldn't stay away any longer."
Kaela's violet energy flared instinctively. "Who… who are you?"
Aiden felt a mix of pride, embarrassment, and anxiety. "She's my older sister… Ciel Valcor. And… she's… complicated."
Ciel smirked, stepping closer. "Complicated? Perhaps. But I'm here for you, little brother. Always. No one touches you… no one interferes with your life without me knowing." Her gaze flicked toward Kaela, who instinctively stiffened.
---
Mira whispered, eyes wide. "She's… beautiful… and terrifying at the same time."
Rylan chuckled nervously. "Yeah… I'd say she's a danger level above anything we've faced in anomalies."
Ciel's gaze softened slightly, lingering on Aiden. "Kaela… you've been protecting him?" She didn't sound angry—her tone was more… challenging. Protective. Dominating. Possessive.
Kaela nodded, violet energy pulsing faintly from her lattice. "I care about him. We work together. Always."
Ciel's smile was knowing. "Good. But remember, little brother… no one can surpass me in keeping you safe. Not yet. Perhaps one day… maybe." Her words were teasing, yet carried an unshakable dominance, a power that left even Aiden unsettled.
Aiden felt a strange mix of warmth and embarrassment. His sister—sexy, powerful, and clearly obsessed with him—had arrived at the Academy. He knew this would change everything.
---
Professor Selian appeared suddenly, stepping from the shadows with his usual calm grace. "Ah… the Valcor family legacy reveals itself," he murmured. "I see the boy isn't alone anymore."
Ciel's eyes flicked toward Selian, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "I've heard of him… but now I can assess just how… interesting your methods are, Professor."
Selian raised a brow, intrigued, though his usual composed demeanor remained. "Intriguing indeed. But she is… powerful. I sense potential beyond what most would dare to wield."
Kaela's lattice pulsed brighter, sensing the tension. "Aiden… are you sure she's here to help us?"
Aiden exhaled slowly. "I think… yes. But it's complicated. She's protective… maybe too protective. And she's not afraid to show it."
Ciel laughed softly, moving closer to Aiden's side. Her energy radiated dominance and care simultaneously. "I've seen the anomalies, the battles… the dangers you face, little brother. No one else will ever have the right to intervene without me knowing. And anyone who challenges you… will face me first."
Mira whispered to Rylan, wide-eyed. "Brother complex… check. Dangerous… check. Sexy… double check."
Rylan groaned quietly, rubbing his temples. "We're in so much trouble now… and Elyndra hasn't even unleashed its full chaos yet."
---
Selian's gaze swept over the squad and Ciel. "Interesting… an older sibling entering the field changes the dynamics entirely. Her presence may amplify or disrupt your resonance. It will be fascinating to observe. But anomalies will not wait for family drama. You must remain focused."
Ciel's eyes flicked to Aiden. "Don't worry. I'll protect you, little brother. And maybe… help you surpass even your limits."
Aiden felt a surge of energy from Lyria and a flush of warmth as he nodded. Kaela's violet lattice flared, brushing against his hand, silently reminding him that they were partners—heart and magic intertwined.
Yet the arrival of his older sister meant the Academy, anomalies, and Tharen's schemes were about to become even more complicated. Ciel's presence radiated raw power, sexual allure, and an obsessive protection that could tip any battle or emotional confrontation.
Adventure, romance, and danger were escalating. Elyndra was becoming more unpredictable with every anomaly, and now, Aiden had to navigate not only interdimensional threats, but also family ties, loyalty, and an older sister who would never let him be alone.
The shadows of the future—and the influence of Tharen—loomed closer, but Aiden felt a strange mix of excitement, trepidation, and determination. With Kaela, Mira, Rylan, and now Ciel by his side, he was ready to face anything Elyndra—or the dimensions beyond—could throw at him.