Chapter 53 Lunaris
~ Lyra's POV ~
The moment I completed the water element, I felt the stirring of my wolf more strongly than I ever had before. It was no longer a faint sensation lurking quietly in the background. She was restless, urgent, and pressing hard against the surface of my consciousness, as though she had grown tired of waiting. I could feel her struggle, her need to be free, and I immediately understood that it was the last practice I had completed that triggered such a powerful reaction within me.
Somehow, deep in my bones, I knew that if I continued, if I dared to complete the next element, then maybe, just maybe, she would finally be able to break through completely and reach me. That certainty settled firmly in my chest. I lifted my gaze and fixed it on Taren once again, and from the look on his face, I knew he had already sensed that something significant was unfolding inside me.
“Do you have the next one with you here?” I asked him, my voice carrying an excitement I could no longer suppress.
He let out a soft laugh, the sound warm and knowing. “I just knew you were going to ask that,” he said as he reached into his pocket to retrieve what I assumed was the next set of instructions.
“How did you know?” I asked playfully, unable to hide my curiosity.
“Well, first of all, the look on your face gave you away,” he replied. “And second, your scent became even stronger. That usually means something is happening inside your body.”
His answer surprised me, and a small smile curved my lips. “Good observation,” I said. “And you are right. I can feel my wolf stirring again, and I want to see if practicing more will help her push through.”
“I’m all for it,” he said immediately, his tone filled with encouragement. “Let’s help her push through.”
He handed me the next paper, and the moment my eyes scanned it, I realized it was different from the others. This one carried more instructions, more steps, and a heavier weight to it. It was the earth element.
The very first instruction required me to plant my bare feet on bare ground in order to establish a connection.
I slipped out of my flip flops without hesitation, only to freeze a second later as confusion washed over me. We were on the third floor, and the room was finished with smooth marble flooring that gleamed faintly under the light.
“Something wrong?” Taren asked when he noticed my hesitation.
“The instructions say I need to plant my bare feet on bare ground,” I explained, gesturing at the floor beneath me. “I don't know if this will work, considering how far we are from the ground itself. Do you think it will still work?”
He paused, clearly considering it. “I honestly don't have a definite answer,” he admitted. “You will probably have to try first and see. If it does not work, then we will find a way to get you to the ground floor to complete it.”
I nodded, though a trace of discouragement settled in my chest. I truly wanted to finish this today. Still, I refused to let doubt stop me. Even if it failed, I needed to try.
I placed my bare feet flat against the cool marble floor and returned my focus to the remaining instructions. I read them again and again until I was certain they were etched into my mind. When I felt ready, I let the paper slip from my fingers. I lowered myself until my hands were pressed against the floor as well, grounding myself as best as I could, and then I began the chants.
At first, nothing happened. The silence stretched, and for a brief moment, I wondered if my doubts had been right. Then suddenly, sensation flooded through me. It felt as though invisible veins were extending from my arms and legs, reaching downward, burrowing past the stone and deep into the core of the earth itself. I could feel everything, every vibration, every subtle shift. The earth responded to me as though it recognized my call.
The feeling was overwhelming and breathtaking, unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was powerful, intimate, and deeply connected, and I found myself lingering in that state, reluctant to let it go.
When I finally disconnected and opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was Taren staring at me in complete shock.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked as I pushed myself back to my feet.
“I don't know exactly what you did,” he said slowly, “but I am fairly certain you shook the foundations of this building while doing it.”
My eyes widened instantly. “I didn't do anything like that,” I denied, shaking my head in disbelief.
“You did,” he insisted gently. “You just didn't realize it.”
My eyes widened even further, a rush of alarm filling me. The idea that I could cause something like that without meaning to was terrifying.
“Dont worry,” he said quickly, sensing my distress. “Just be more careful next time. And when you practice this element again, it should probably be on the ground floor.”
I nodded, reassured by his calm tone, then moved back to the bed and collapsed onto it.
“I feel completely exhausted,” I admitted. “Like I have used up every bit of energy I had.”
He smiled softly at me. “That makes sense. You just expended a lot of power,” he said. “I will leave you to rest now.”
He turned toward the door, taking only a couple of steps before something happened that changed everything.
A clear, soft, soothing voice echoed inside my mind.
“Hello, Lyra.”
I sat upright instantly, strength surging through me from nowhere. The sudden movement made Taren pause and turn back toward me.
“Hello,” I responded silently, my heart pounding as I hoped desperately to hear the voice again.
“You can hear me now,” the voice replied warmly. “It feels wonderful to finally meet you. My name is Lunaris. I am your wolf.”
Relief and happiness crashed over me in a powerful wave, filling every corner of my soul. A smile spread across my lips as emotion tightened my chest.
“I am so happy to finally meet you, Lunaris,” I replied inwardly. I had waited my entire life for this moment, never realizing how incomplete I had felt until now.
Taren watched me closely, anticipation written all over his face. “Tell me,” he said softly, “is she finally here?”
My smile widened until it almost hurt. “She is,” I said with pride and awe. “And I can hear her clearly. Her name is Lunaris.”