Chapter 30

Chapter 30
## Elara's POV

Stunned silence filled the classroom as my classmates stared at the canvas I'd unveiled. Instead of my architectural design project, I'd accidentally brought Caius's portrait. Heat rushed to my face as the magnitude of my mistake became apparent.

Miss Calliope broke the silence, stepping closer to examine the painting. "Is that Professor Caius?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

My pulse quickened as I realized my grave error—the architectural design I'd spent weeks perfecting was still in my dorm room. I'd grabbed the wrong canvas in my morning rush.

He really is handsome, Anna commented appreciatively in my mind.

I couldn't deny that I'd captured Caius perfectly—the sharp angles of his jawline, the intensity in his blue eyes, the slight furrow between his brows that never fully relaxed. His gaze in the portrait seemed to follow me, making my heart race.

"Yes, this is Alpha Caius," I blurted out, desperately trying to salvage the situation. "He's extremely inspiring. He's the youngest member of the Alpha Council, and my father speaks highly of him. He has great aspirations. I recently discovered he's caring for his injured mother while being an excellent combat and shifting professor. I honestly don't know how he finds time to sleep. But I find myself wanting to be like him. While he may not be my greatest inspiration, he certainly motivates me. I'm honored to have him as my professor."

After a long, painful silence, the class erupted into applause. Several students stood in appreciation.

"You're absolutely right," Miss Calliope nodded, her eyes lingering on the portrait. "He is quite remarkable. You've captured that well, Elara."

"Thank you, Miss Calliope," I managed, attempting to maintain composure.

She continued studying the painting with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. "Would you mind if we talked after class?" she asked.

I felt an irrational urge to shield the portrait from her gaze but restrained myself. I carefully covered the canvas, noticing how Miss Calliope seemed to snap out of some trance-like state.

"You may return to your seat now," she instructed.

Miss Calliope is quite attractive. I wonder if Caius has noticed, Anna mused.

I ignored the comment, refusing to feel jealous over someone who clearly didn't care about me.

After class, I remained behind as requested. The classroom emptied quickly, leaving just Miss Calliope and me among the drafting tables and architectural models.

"You wanted to speak with me?" I asked, gathering my courage.

Miss Calliope smiled warmly. "Yes, I wanted to emphasize how beautifully done your portrait is. Although, I find choosing your professor as your muse slightly inappropriate."

"I apologize," I lied. "I just wanted to think outside the box. Everyone expected me to design something inspired by my family, and I almost did. But I really wanted to surprise everyone."

"You certainly accomplished that," she laughed. "Was Caius okay with this?"

"I wouldn't have done it without his permission," I lied again, guilt mounting with each fabrication.

"Interesting," she said thoughtfully. "I've known him for some time, and he's never been one to pose for portraits."

My discomfort grew. How well did Miss Calliope know Caius? I wanted to ask about their relationship but hesitated. Perhaps I should ask Caius directly?

"I'd like to nominate this painting for next week's Lunastride art exhibition," she announced unexpectedly. "I think it really has a chance of winning."

"Really?" I asked, surprised.

"You don't think Caius would mind, do you? I can always ask him—"

"I'll talk to him," I interrupted hastily. "Can I let you know tomorrow?"

With that, I hurried from the classroom, my mind racing with how I would possibly explain this situation to Caius.

## Caius's POV

The shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake. Rubbing my eyes, I checked the time—barely past dawn.

"Hello, Alpha Caius?" a female voice greeted me.

"Yes," I answered, instantly alert. "Do you have the photos?"

"Yes, they're ready," Freya confirmed. "Would you like to come to my studio this morning?"

"I'll be there shortly," I promised.

Hanging up, I realized it was too early to collect the portrait from Elara. She was likely still asleep. I reached out to Beta Lucas through our mental link, asking him to drive me to Freya's studio.

An hour later, I stood in the photographer's workspace, surprised by how young she was—not much older than Elara. That explained why I hadn't noticed her at the party; she had blended in with the guests.

"Good morning, Alpha," Freya greeted me. "I have the photos ready as you requested."

"I appreciate it," I replied.

She handed me an envelope. "I haven't even given them to Alpha Alaric yet. I wanted to edit them to perfection before presenting them to him. But you wanted the unedited versions."

"Yes, I'm looking for something specific," I confirmed.

She studied my face before asking directly, "Looking for who slipped ragweed to Elara?"

I didn't answer, focusing instead on the photographs she had prepared.

Max grew restless as I flipped through the images showing Elara. Her radiant smile, her mismatched eyes capturing the light—she was stunning in every frame. I forced myself to remain focused on finding evidence of who had drugged her.

She's beautiful, Max growled appreciatively. Our mate is perfect.

Focus, I commanded my wolf.

By the time I reached the last few photos, I had nearly given up hope. Then I saw it—a perfect shot capturing exactly what I needed. Elara sat on a couch, talking animatedly with a friend, her face lit up with a brilliant smile. Behind her was the drugged glass, and leaning over it was Isolde, her expression calculating as she slipped something into the drink.

The evidence was undeniable. Isolde had poisoned Elara with ragweed.

I finally had proof.