Eldryn Academy Of Elementals

Three days passed in the wild without Mira even realizing it. Time seemed to bend and blur in the otherworldly domain of the Lumephyr. Every moment was filled with learning, wonder, and a bond deepening faster than she could have anticipated. The creature, majestic and enigmatic, had not only saved her life but now felt like a part of her soul.

During their time together, Mira learned how to tap into the subtler layers of elemental resonance-feeling the wind's texture, hearing the water's pulse beneath the earth, sensing heat within cold. The Lumephyr didn't teach her in words but through motion, sensation, and connection. When Mira stumbled, the creature stood beside her. When she meditated, it sat watchfully, its luminous body pulsating softly.

By the time she realized it was time to return to the cabin, a heavy reluctance pressed into her chest. Standing near the edge of the Lumephyr's territory, Mira turned to the creature.

"Will I ever be able to come back? Or... can you come to me?" she asked, her voice quiet but earnest. "This bond, it feels... deeper than anything I've ever known. I don't want to lose it."

The Lumephyr lowered its head, its luminous gaze meeting hers. It did not speak in words, but Mira felt the answer-not in her mind, but in her heart.

We are tethered beyond time and place, the voice came through her connection, an ancient resonance brushing her thoughts. The bond we share is no ordinary link. As long as your will calls, I will feel it. As long as my heart stirs with your need, you will feel me. Across worlds, across veils-our spirits can reach.

Mira felt a gentle warmth flood her, easing the ache of parting. "Then I'll carry you with me. Always."

---

When she stepped back into the convergence zone near the cabin, her heart swelled again-but this time, with pride. Her friends were already waiting, their faces lit with their own triumphs. Aria, eyes sparkling, rushed forward with a shout.

"Mira!"

They collided into a fierce group hug-Aria, Riven, and even Kai joining in. The air buzzed with joy and relief.

"I was worried you got eaten by a storm hawk or something," Riven said with a grin. "Instead you come back looking like some elemental priestess."

Mira laughed. "It's... been a journey. But you all look different too."

Kai grinned, brushing a braid from his face. "I met a Windstrider. No bond, but I learned things. Deep things. I'm still processing it."

"You look different," Riven said, taking a step back to look at her. "Grounded. Like the wild bonded with you."

Aria grinned. "Terracrys told me. Said the Lumephyr was ancient beyond reckoning, and chose you."

Mira blinked. "Wait, you can talk to your sentry now?"

"Not words. Impressions, feelings. It's... deep-rooted. Like stone thought."

Riven nodded. "Same here. The Tempest Leviark speaks through tides of thought and stormlight. It taught me a new aerial maneuver. I flew through a cyclone, Mira."

Kael, the other quad-elemental student, stood a little apart at first, but when Mira caught his eye, he stepped forward.

"I succeeded," he said simply. "Bonded with a creature called a Scintillant Drakeling. It doesn't speak much, but we understand each other. I think that's enough."

Mira smiled and clasped his arm. "That's amazing, Kael."

A group of students clustered near a fire, some speaking excitedly, others quiet with disappointment. Mira noted the signs of strain: ripped cloaks, wild hair, scorched boots.