The Golden Bond

Little Asheron looked into his mother's face, and a strange sparkle shone in his eyes.

"I'm ready, Mother," he whispered softly.

But the trembling of his hands betrayed his confidence. His mother looked at him, her gaze filled with both trust and worry. She knew this moment would define his fate.

Outside the window, the little bird that had perched on the edge took flight. Below, the great palace stood in majestic elegance, bathed in a warm, radiant golden light.

And beyond it, the entire city stretched out.

Across this world, spirit animals — pure and beautiful creatures of all kinds — roamed freely through the city, adding magic to the morning light.

Immersed in his excitement and anticipation, Asheron didn't notice the days passing.

At last, the Day of Hatching arrived.

Spirits appear beside humans at birth. Sometimes they take the form of an egg, or a small animal, or — in rare cases — they don't appear until the person reaches a certain age.

Their form depends on the type of spirit, the nature of the person, and countless other forces.

Asheron stood in the throne hall beside his father.

The Day of Hatching was a sacred tradition, reserved only for those whose spirits appeared as eggs. If the spirit appeared in another form, its path would be entirely different.

"Asheron, are you ready?" his father asked, stroking his black beard.

The king was a broad-shouldered man, seated on a carved wooden throne. Beneath him lay a yellow-spotted leopard.

Only a few were permitted to bring their spirits into the throne room, and the king, of course, was one of them.

"Yes, Father."

At the king's signal, the doors opened. A maid entered, carrying a golden tray embroidered with the image of a graceful bird.

The tray was covered with luxurious crimson silk, adorned with multicolored gemstones.

Resting upon it was a beautiful bird's egg, already cracked and on the verge of hatching. It trembled, as if the creature within was pushing toward freedom.

With calm, deliberate steps, the maid approached. Her hands were steady, her eyes fixed on the egg.

She bowed before the boy and lowered the tray toward him.

Asheron smiled, his eyes locked on the egg, then reached out his hands.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

In a flash, a beam of brilliant golden light burst forth the moment his fingers touched the shell.

Gasps of astonishment echoed through the throne hall. Eyes widened in awe.

"This isn't supposed to happen... is it?" Asheron's mother said, pressing her hands tightly together. Anxiety overwhelmed her, causing bloody scratches to appear on her palms. A stork spread its wings, and white light healed the wounds instantly.

But no one noticed — all eyes were fixed on the greater event.

Asheron beamed with joy, welcoming his spirit.

A gentle warmth filled the hall, as if the light had reached into the hearts of those present and lifted something heavy from their souls.

"When was the last time an Ambarash appeared during the hatching?" Baron Alex asked.

The boy felt it too — but what he experienced was even deeper.

From the very first moment the egg responded to his touch, a silent bond had formed.

He welcomed it — the spirit within — as part of himself.

It was a strange, sweet feeling... and somehow familiar.

As if this creature had always been inside him.

As if their souls had chosen this moment long ago.

Bit by bit, the fragile shell began to crumble.

Finally, the egg cracked open, and a tiny chick emerged.

Asheron stared in wonder, amazed by how small it was.

His heart filled with joy as he looked at it.

A creature with golden, beautiful feathers emerged from the egg, its chirping echoing through the chamber.

"I'll protect it," he thought to himself.

Asheron noticed the bird's gaze — it was staring at him in an unusual way.

The golden light vanished from the throne hall, as if it had never been there.

With its disappearance, whispers rose. Glances ignited between the onlookers.

"What happened here must remain hidden… until the official announcement," the king's voice thundered, silencing the murmurs.

The boy gently lifted the creature in his arms.

"Father, what is this?" he asked.

"Well," the king replied from his throne, "who can say for sure?"

"It could be any kind of spirit. With time, as you grow together, you'll know... who it is, and who you are. But don't worry — whatever it may be, the two of you will be bonded forever."

Asheron was surprised by someone embracing him.

"I'm so proud of you, my son. Well done," his mother said, her tears soaking her cheeks.