(Opening Scene: Master Elmsworth stands in Astrid's chambers, his gaze still fixed warily on Eclipse. Lady Elara listens intently, her initial concern for Prince Lysander now mingled with a growing apprehension about Zane's familiar.)
"Lady Elara," Master Elmsworth began, his voice hushed with the lingering memory of the event. "During the academy entry tests, one of the final assessments was a high-level magical simulation. It was designed to push the applicants to their limits, testing their stamina and magical prowess."
He paused, taking a deep breath. "Zane, despite his raw power, was still untrained. He pushed himself incredibly hard during the simulation, battling conjured creatures far beyond what a novice should typically face. By the end, he was completely drained, both physically and magically. He collapsed shortly after the simulation ended, unconscious from exhaustion."
Master Elmsworth continued, his gaze flicking to Astrid, then back to Eclipse. "Eclipse had not fully manifested its current form then. It was smaller, more… nascent. However, its bond with Zane was already forming. When I moved to attend to Zane, to perform a physical assessment to ensure he hadn't sustained any injuries during the strenuous simulation, Eclipse reacted instantly. It materialized with startling speed, positioning itself defensively over Zane's prone form."
His voice tightened with remembered shock. "Before I could even reach him, Eclipse lashed out. Not with venom, not in a physical bite, but with tendrils of pure shadow. They erupted from its form with incredible speed and force, aiming directly at me. If the protective barrier that had been erected around the testing area hadn't still been active, a residual field of energy that flared instinctively in response to the sudden hostile intent… those shadow tendrils would have struck me. As it was, the energy barrier absorbed the brunt of the attack, but the sheer aggression and the raw void energy contained within those tendrils were terrifying."
He touched his neck instinctively. "Even without direct contact, the near miss left a chilling sensation, a stark reminder of the familiar's protective capabilities. That familiar has been fiercely protective of Zane from the very beginning, Lady Elara. It clearly extends that protection to those he cares about. Prince Lysander's actions were undoubtedly perceived as a threat to Lady Astrid, triggering that same violent protective instinct. You would be wise to heed my warning and maintain a safe distance. Its loyalty to its tether, and now seemingly to you, is absolute and demonstrably dangerous if provoked."
Astrid listened to Master Elmsworth's account, her understanding of Eclipse deepening. He wasn't just a powerful familiar; he was a fiercely loyal and violently protective guardian, whose loyalty extended to those Zane held dear.