Chapter 26

Chapter 26
## Elara's POV

I stood nervously at the edge of Thalassian Reach, admiring the distant view of pink beaches that seemed to shimmer in the morning sun. The journey from Lunastride Academy had been long, and now that I was here, doubt crept in. Was I making a mistake?

We have to know if he's okay, Anna insisted inside me.

Before I could second-guess myself further, a tall figure approached from the pack grounds.

"Elara?" Beta Lucas's voice carried a note of surprise as he recognized me.

My face flushed with heat, and my voice sounded weak even to my own ears. "Hello, Beta Lucas."

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his expression puzzled but not unwelcoming.

I swallowed hard, hating how small I felt. "Professor Caius didn't come to class today. I wanted to make sure he's alright."

Lucas's eyebrows shot up. "You came all this way just to check on him?"

My mind went blank, unsure how to respond to his direct question.

Tell him yes, Anna urged. Be brave.

"I—I was concerned," I managed, which wasn't exactly an answer.

Lucas's expression softened. "He's had some family issues. He's been at the hospital all morning with his mother."

"His mother?" The words escaped me before I could stop them. Caius had never mentioned his mother to me.

"There was a nasty attack at the Umbra Wastes border a few nights ago," Lucas explained. "He had to rush to the hospital."

A lump formed in my throat. "Is his mother okay?"

"She should be fine, just badly bruised. I think he's planning to come back this afternoon if you'd like to wait for him."

"That would be great," I said, relief washing over me.

So that's why he left so suddenly, Anna whispered in my mind.

Lucas stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter the territory. I hesitated, suddenly uncertain whether I should interfere in Caius's family matters.

Before I could decide, a short, plump woman appeared at the entrance, her clothes and skin dusted with flour and chocolate. She looked frazzled, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.

"Oh, thank goodness, I thought I heard your voice. Are you any good at baking, dear?" she asked, wiping her hands on her already messy apron.

"I'm decent," I replied, caught off guard by the question.

"Wonderful! Grab an apron and come help me in the kitchen," she said, waving me inside.

I followed Marlene into a spacious kitchen that looked like a baking tornado had hit it. Bowls, spoons, and ingredients were scattered across every surface.

"The Thalassian elementary school fundraiser is this afternoon, and I promised to provide refreshments," Marlene explained, gesturing helplessly at the chaos. "But I'm falling behind schedule."

"It's no problem, Marlene. I'd be happy to help," I offered, grabbing an apron hanging by the door.

For the next few hours, we baked brownies, cookies, cupcakes, and muffins. Marlene turned on music, and soon we were dancing around the kitchen, laughing and singing as we worked. Despite the mess, I felt relaxed and happy.

"You have a beautiful voice," Marlene complimented as I sang along to a popular song.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling my cheeks warm at the praise.

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting golden light across our freshly baked goods when a shadow darkened the doorway. I turned, still dancing slightly, and froze when I saw Caius standing there, his intense blue eyes fixed on me.

He's here! Anna cheered inside me.

"I didn't expect you back so soon, Alpha," Marlene said, continuing to frost cupcakes. "We're baking for the fundraiser this afternoon. Elara has kindly come to help. I'm not as quick at baking as I used to be."

Caius's gaze never left me. "Why aren't you at the academy?" His voice was cold.

I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze directly. "I took a leave of absence. I got Miss Calliope's permission beforehand."

"You shouldn't be here," he said flatly.

"And why exactly shouldn't she be here?" Marlene challenged, hands on her hips. "This child has been a tremendous help to me."

"Because she should be at school, that's why," Caius replied tersely.

"My architectural design is already ahead of most of my classmates," I countered. "I can afford to take a day or two off."

Caius's jaw tightened. "I need to borrow her for a while," he said to Marlene.

"Don't be too hard on her, child. I enjoy having her around," Marlene warned him.

"Follow me," Caius instructed, turning without waiting for my response.

I followed him down a long hallway decorated with ocean-themed murals, my heart pounding with each step. Was this it? Was he about to formally reject me as his mate?

He stopped before a set of double doors, turning to face me. To my surprise, his expression had softened.

"I need your help," he said, his voice gentler than before.

"Okay?" I responded cautiously.

"My mother will be in the hospital for an indefinite period. I want to give her something that might brighten things up a bit. She's always appreciated art, and I thought I'd do something she'd truly enjoy."

"You want me to paint something for your mother?" I asked, surprised by the request.

"The problem is, I can't paint. That's where you come in."

"Of course, I'd be happy to help," I said sincerely. "What do you think she'd like? Perhaps a beautiful beach with flowers and sunshine? Or moonlight?"

"Actually, I was thinking of a portrait," Caius replied, pushing open the double doors to reveal a magnificent art studio filled with canvases, paints, and beautiful paintings—mostly seascapes and moonlight scenes.

I gasped, taking in the beautiful space. "A portrait? Of whom?"

Caius's blue eyes met mine steadily. "Of me, Elara. I want you to paint my portrait."