The morning after the void breach was clear and bright across the academy grounds.
Sunlight poured through the high stained-glass windows of the Grand Library, painting the reading tables in brilliant shades of ruby, sapphire, and gold. Julian sat at his favorite window desk on the third balcony, studying an advanced manuscript on elemental resonance.
Orion was roosting on a brass book-rest beside him, fast asleep in a warm patch of sunlight.
Master Vance walked down the aisle, holding a formal parchment roll tied with a golden silk ribbon and carrying two cups of steaming spiced tea. He set the tea and the scroll on Julian's desk with a gentle smile, then sat on the empty chair opposite the young mage.
"How is our hero resting?" Vance asked softly, gesturing toward the sleeping griffin.
"He ate a full bowl of honey-berries this morning," Julian answered with a smile. "I think he's back to full strength."
"Good," Vance said, taking a sip of his tea. "Because the Council of Archmages has formally granted you access to the High Archives."
Julian looked up in disbelief, his eyes wide as he looked at the gold seal on the scroll. "The High Archives? That's normally reserved for fifth-year scholars!"
"That is your formal appointment as Assistant Keeper of the High Vaults," Vance revealed.
Julian's eyes went even wider with astonishment. "Assistant Keeper? In my third year?"
"You earned it, Julian. You demonstrated maturity beyond your years yesterday," Vance explained gently. "And more importantly, Orion has proven that his presence brings balance to dangerous magic. His starlight magic has proven to be the ultimate stabilizer for ancient spellbooks. Where he goes, darkness cannot take root."
Orion opened one amber eye at the sound of his name, gave a soft yawn, and stretched his small silver wings. He hopped off the book-rest onto Master Vance's forearm, rubbing his beak against the senior mage's sleeve and letting out a gentle purr.
Master Vance laughed, stroking the griffin's soft feathers with his finger. "I think he approves of the promotion. A master of mages indeed."
Julian smiled brightly, feeling a deep sense of pride and gratitude. He placed his new appointment scroll safely inside his satchel. Being Assistant Keeper of the High Archives was a huge responsibility, but he knew he was ready.
"Let's go explore the main archives, Orion," Julian said happily.
Orion roosted on his shoulder, ready to explore the ancient vaults together.