(Opening Scene: The tense standoff in Astrid's chambers continues. Eclipse remains coiled protectively in Astrid's arms, its golden eyes fixed on a visibly discomfited Prince Lysander, who glares back with a mixture of fear and indignation.)
Prince Lysander took a hesitant step back, his earlier bravado momentarily quelled by the unexpected appearance and hostile reaction of the shadow serpent. "That… creature… is clearly hostile, Astrid! It hissed at me! It could be venomous, for all we know!" He gestured imperiously. "I command you again, release it!"
Astrid scoffed, tightening her hold on Eclipse. The familiar's presence was a comforting reassurance, a tangible link to Zane in their forced separation. "He is protective, Lysander. And he senses your displeasure. He would never harm anyone without reason." Her tone was firm, unwavering in her defense of Eclipse.
"Protective?" Lysander sputtered, his face reddening with anger. "It's a monstrous thing! It appeared out of thin air! This only proves the dangerous influence that void mage has over you! He's filling your head with dark magic and strange creatures!"
"Eclipse is not a 'thing'," Astrid retorted, her voice rising. "He is a loyal companion. And his arrival here was likely at Zane's behest, a way for him to check on my well-being since you and my aunt have seen fit to isolate me."
Lysander's fury reached its peak. He balled his fists, his royal entitlement surging to the forefront. "How dare you speak to me in such a tone, Astrid? And to harbor such… attachments to this… abomination and that wretched void mage! You forget your station! You forget your duty!"
He took another step towards her, his eyes blazing with anger. "I will not tolerate this! That creature will be removed, and you will cease all contact with that… peasant boy!" He reached out, intending to forcibly take Eclipse from Astrid's arms.
Before Lysander could touch the shadow serpent, Eclipse uncoiled with lightning speed. Its obsidian body blurred, and in a swift, precise movement, it struck out, its triangular head butting sharply against Lysander's outstretched hand. It wasn't a bite, but a clear, forceful warning.
Lysander yelped, recoiling in pain and surprise, clutching his hand. He stared at Eclipse with a newfound respect, tinged with genuine fear. This was no mere creature; it possessed intelligence and a fierce loyalty to Astrid.
The tense standoff in Astrid's chambers had escalated, the arrival of Eclipse turning a battle of wills into a potentially volatile confrontation with a fiercely protective magical familiar.