Chapter 25

Chapter 25
## Elara's POV

I forced myself to concentrate on the training exercise, but my thoughts kept drifting to Caius's unexpected absence. Though I'd successfully suppressed my Volana powers earlier, controlling my emotions proved much harder.

"Focus, Elara!" Professor Eleanor's voice cut through my distraction.

Violet took advantage of my wandering mind, executing a perfect sweep that sent me sprawling onto the training mat. I landed with a thud, momentarily dazed.

"You're not even trying," Violet whispered, extending her hand to help me up. Her earlier wariness seemed to have faded somewhat, though caution still lingered in her eyes. "Are you okay? Are you worried about Isolde?"

I grasped her hand and pulled myself to my feet. "A little," I lied. "I just don't want her thinking I'm dangerous."

In truth, Isolde was the least of my concerns. Where had Caius gone? Why had he left without a word?

"Eyes forward, ladies!" Professor Eleanor called out, interrupting our whispered conversation.

When class finally ended, I lingered behind, gathering my belongings slowly as I tried to formulate a plan. I needed to find out where Caius had gone.

"You must be Elara," Professor Eleanor said, approaching me with a smile. "I've heard so much about you. I look forward to getting to know you better."

I studied her carefully. She was beautiful, with flowing brown hair and warm eyes. I wondered what her relationship with Caius was.

"I thought you were only staying for a few days," I said, trying to keep my tone casual.

"He didn't specify," Eleanor replied with a shrug. "But I was told you're one of the best combat students. I'd love to see what you're truly capable of."

My chest tightened. "Do you know where Professor Caius went? It's strange that he left without saying anything."

"Family emergency, from what I understand. He called me sounding quite urgent. Asked me to take over his classes temporarily but didn't share details."

He called her? I thought. Who is this woman to him?

"Thank you," I managed, forcing a smile. "I should go."

I walked through the academy hallways feeling like a ghost, barely acknowledging the greetings of passing students. An emptiness had settled inside me—a hollow sensation I couldn't quite name. Was this the mate bond pulling at me?

Do you really want him to reject you? Anna asked within me.

A little, I admitted to my wolf. Caius will never love me... it's stupid to think that way.

Why do you think so little of him?

I don't think little of him. I actually respect him a great deal. But the fact is, he doesn't want a mate. He certainly wouldn't want a Volana as a mate. You saw his face when he found out the truth...

Aren't you curious about him?

Of course I am. But we want different things in life. We're different—that much is obvious. Plus, he's my professor. What kind of relationship could we possibly have?

Wouldn't the board understand that he's your mate?

My internal conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice. "Oh, hello, Elara."

I looked up to see Miss Calliope, my architectural design teacher and faculty advisor, smiling warmly at me outside his classroom.

"Don't forget your major architectural design project is due in a few days. A design inspired by your inspiration or role model. I can't wait to see what you've created."

"It's nearly finished," I assured him. "I've been working on a design inspired by my family's architectural style. It's in my dorm room."

I hesitated, then added, "Professor, as my advisor, could you approve a leave of absence for the next few days?"

He raised an eyebrow. "May I ask why?"

"Family emergency," I lied, hating myself for it. "My parents said it's fine if I can't get away, but I wanted to ask. I'll be back before the project deadline."

Miss Calliope nodded sympathetically. "Have your classmates collect assignments while you're gone so you don't fall behind. Stop by my office later, and I'll have the paperwork ready."

As I walked away, I made my decision. I couldn't focus on classes while wondering about Caius. I would go to Thalassian Reach and find him myself.

## Caius's POV

I sat beside my mother's bed, watching her bruised face as she slept fitfully. Dark circles had formed under my eyes after keeping vigil for over twenty-four hours.

"You haven't left my side for more than a day, dear," my mother said softly, her eyes fluttering open. "You look exhausted. You should go home and rest."

"I'm fine," I insisted. "I'm not leaving until you can stand again."

"I'm healing slowly, but I'm stronger than yesterday," she said, attempting a reassuring smile that couldn't hide her pain.

"You don't just have Alpha duties—you're also a professor," she reminded me. "What about your classes?"

"I asked a friend to cover my classes until I return." I had indeed called Eleanor, requesting she take over temporarily. As long as the classes continued, no one would notice my absence.

Are you sure no one will notice you're gone? Max challenged in my mind. Can't think of anyone who might care? Perhaps someone you left without saying goodbye to?

I ignored him, not wanting to think about Elara right now.

My mother studied my face. "What's wrong? Something's bothering you."

"I'm fine," I assured her. "I just wish you would let me protect you. Come back to the Ash Pack with me. I can guarantee your safety."

She shook her head weakly. "I can't abandon the others, Caius. They need me, and I need them. They're my family too."

I sighed, knowing she was right but hating it nonetheless. As long as my father's followers were out there hunting Volana wolves, my mother and the others wouldn't be safe. She had taken ragweed to eliminate her abilities, as had the others. She was so afraid of my father that she'd been willing to give up part of herself to hide.

These people were dangerous to Volana wolves. As long as they existed, no Volana wolf was safe.

Elara wasn't safe.

The realization hit me like a physical blow. I couldn't be with Elara—it would put her in danger. These people were watching my every move. If they discovered Elara was a Volana wolf, she could be their next target.

Now that she had her wolf, her Volana scent would become more pronounced. She needed to stay hidden, as far from me as possible.

Not only would being Elara's mate distract me from fulfilling my duties, but it would also endanger her life.

"I'll be back tomorrow," I said, standing up from my mother's bedside. "I need to return to the academy tonight."

As I left the hospital, my decision crystallized. I would find Elara and formally reject her as my mate. It was the only way to keep her safe.

You're making a mistake, Max growled within me.

But I knew I wasn't. For Elara's sake, I had to push her away.