#13 Stag & Nymphs

Rowyn POV

After lunch, we were still buzzing from Thistle's surprise "I might be fetching you a magical creature companion" moment. Kyren couldn't stop smiling. Aster was practically vibrating with excitement. And me? I felt... light. Like for the first time in forever, maybe I belonged somewhere.

"So," I said, brushing crumbs off my lap, "we've got the whole afternoon free. Where to?"

Kyren glanced out one of the grand arched windows. "There's a whole enchanted forest on the east side, right? Supposed to be full of whispering trees and magical creatures."

Aster perked up. "I've heard the animals talk, but only to people they like."

I raised a brow. "So basically, it's like high school but leafier."

We grabbed our things and headed out. The castle's courtyard was like something out of a storybook, lush blooms in every shade imaginable, bees lazily drifting, and stone benches nestled like secrets under flowering trees. It smelled like magic and moonlight and everything good.

Two arched paths stretched away from it. One led toward the combat grounds, dirt pits and dummies and a whole arena for sweaty violence. My happy place, sure, but not today.

We veered to the other. A worn wooden sign carved with elegant runes stood at the forest's entrance: "Stay on the Path."

"Super comforting," I muttered, and Aster giggled nervously.

The forest was... breathtaking. Light filtered through thick green canopies, casting golden dapples on the mossy floor. The air shimmered with magic so thick you could taste it, like honey and ozone. Birds chirped strange, melodic tunes, and once, I swear, a squirrel gave me side eye.

We followed the winding path until we found a small clearing with a stone bench nestled beneath a weeping willow that looked suspiciously like it knew things.

"This'll do," Kyren said, pulling out his Relic Navigation notes. "Let's get ahead on homework before Professor Galina decides to eat someone's soul tomorrow."

We sat and spread out our materials, chattering back and forth about everything, training routines, nymph gossip, and whether or not Seraphina's hair was real or magically inflated (verdict: enchanted rat's nest).

I was just highlighting a section on relic bonding theory when the air shifted.

Everything went silent. Even the damn breeze held its breath. Then... he appeared.

A stag, white as snow, tall and regal, glowing faintly like starlight had been poured into his bones. Antlers twisted like ivory branches and eyes like liquid moonlight locked onto mine.

None of us moved. Aster's hand trembled, her eyes huge. Kyren froze mid sentence.

The stag stepped forward with deliberate grace and bowed his head. Aster gasped.

Kyren whispered, "No way..."

And then, he spoke. Not with a mouth. Not in words, exactly. But his voice bloomed in my mind like a song made of ancient wind and forgotten lullabies:

"We've waited for you, Heir."

"If ever you are in need of the forest folk, whistle three times... and we will come."

My whole body prickled with goosebumps.

And then, just as silently as he arrived, he turned and vanished into the trees, no sound, no footprints, no damn explanation.

I sat there, jaw on the forest floor.

"Did that just..." Aster whispered.

"Yep," Kyren said faintly.

Thistle appeared from my hair, looking smug as hell. "Told you the forest would like you."

I blinked. "What the actual fuck just happened?"

Kyren shook his head, eyes wide. "Rowyn... you just got chosen by the fucking Forest Folk. That stag... that was a guardian. Ancient and so powerful."

I stood up, still reeling, and stared into the trees where he'd vanished.

"Heir?"

Of what?

And why the hell did everything keep acting like I was some kind of chosen legend when all I wanted was a hot bath, a nap, and for Seraphina to fall into a puddle of angry bees?

But... I didn't say that out loud. Because deep down... a part of me already knew. The forest recognized me.

And whatever was coming, I wasn't walking into it alone.

Thistle twirled midair, practically vibrating with joy. "My younger siblings just checked in with the front desk! They'll be here in just a moment to meet Aster and Kyren. You're gonna love them!"

Aster and Kyren both gasped like they'd just been told Beyoncé was coming to brunch.

"Are you serious?" Aster squealed, clutching Rowyn's arm like she might pass out from pure excitement.

"Oh my gods, this is happening," Kyren breathed, his eyes wide and sparkly. "I didn't think, like, this soon?"

We scrambled to gather up our books, Thistle giggling the whole way as she zipped ahead, leading us toward the front reception.

As we entered the main foyer, Lady Elaris Veyra stood behind the desk in her usual pristine glory, hair sleek, robes immaculate, expression sharp enough to slice bread. She raised one elegant brow as the trio came skidding to a halt.

"Well," she said, her voice as crisp as autumn air. "This is... unusual."

Before anyone could respond, two tiny blurs of light and color zipped into the room like they owned the damn place.

"Wheeeere's my bond?!" a boy nymph hollered as he zipped straight toward Kyren, flying around his head in rapid excited loops. His wings shimmered a rich green and gold, like moss catching the sun.

Behind him, a graceful girl nymph hovered above Aster's shoulder, glowing in soft pinks and honeyed gold. "Hello, future bestie!" she chirped, brushing Aster's cheek with a sparkly high five.

The boy straightened midair and announced proudly, "I am Prince Brambleblitz of the Wood Nymphs, protector of the earth noble!"

"And I," the girl said with a glittery spin, "am Princess Petalwing of the Wood Nymphs, here to bond with my favorite sunshine girl."

Lady Veyra blinked twice, clearly trying to process the chaos.

I just crossed my arms and grinned.

"Oh yeah," I smirked.

"We're not your average students."

Lady Veyra grinned and nodded gently, "It appears not, Miss Vale. Now, Miss Aster and Mr. Kyren, your nymphs have been officially registered and The Queen is very pleased. This will look good for the Academy, so you have our thanks."

She nodded at them and smiled kindly. "Now, off you go."