Chapter 31

Chapter 31
## Elara's POV

I sat alone in the student lounge, my mind replaying the architectural design class disaster over and over. How could I have been so careless? Bringing Caius's portrait instead of my project was mortifying enough, but Miss Calliope's fascination with it made everything worse.

You should be proud of your work, Anna insisted. The portrait captures our mate perfectly.

"That's not the point," I whispered to myself. "Caius will never forgive me for this."

I glanced at the clock, noting that nearly half the day had passed without any message from him. I'd considered sneaking into the art room after classes to swap the portrait with my actual architectural design, but Miss Calliope had likely already cataloged it for the exhibition.

He'll come for the portrait eventually, Anna reasoned. He needs it for his mother.

The thought provided little comfort. As afternoon shadows lengthened across the lounge, I felt a familiar presence before I saw him. My heartbeat quickened, and Anna grew alert within me.

He's here!

Caius strode purposefully toward me, his blue eyes intense yet with an unusual softness around the edges. The hint of a smile played on his lips as he approached, his Alpha presence filling the room.

"Let's go... we're going to be late," he said without preamble.

I blinked in confusion. "Late for what?"

His eyebrows drew together. "They didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"The school board is holding a trial tonight. I have evidence proving Isolde slipped ragweed into your drink. Your father will be there, as well as her father, Alpha James. You should have been notified an hour ago when everything was arranged. We need your testimony."

I stood quickly, suddenly aware of my casual jeans and blouse. "I'm not dressed for a formal trial with Alphas present."

"There's no time to change," Caius replied, already turning to leave. "Let's go. We can't be late."

I hurried after him through the lounge and down the corridors toward the campus courthouse on the opposite side of the school. Lunastride didn't have actual judges; the board decided guilt and punishment. In shifter society, these trials carried enormous weight, especially when they involved conflicts between Alpha families.

The courthouse was already filled when we arrived. Isolde sat in the front row beside her father, Alpha James, whose commanding presence radiated power. My father, Alaric, sat on the opposite side near the school board members, who occupied high-backed chairs at the front of the room. Moonlight streamed through tall windows, casting ethereal shadows across the wooden floors.

Alaric gave me a reassuring smile as Caius led me to a seat beside my father. He handed Alaric a folder before walking to the other side of the room, maintaining a professional distance.

"Elara, thank you for joining us," one of the board members acknowledged.

"Thank you. I was only informed about this trial minutes ago," I responded, unable to keep the edge from my voice.

The board member nodded. "Elara, we ask that you tell us the truth about what happened the night of your birthday. Do you recall that evening clearly?"

"Yes, I remember everything."

"Then please describe your experience that night."

I took a deep breath. "It started wonderfully. Family and friends celebrating my eighteenth birthday. I didn't even know Isolde and my ex-boyfriend Jaxon were there. But I wouldn't have minded if I had. Jaxon's father is an Alpha and was present. Their attendance wouldn't have seemed strange." I paused, gathering my thoughts. "As the evening progressed, I began feeling extremely unwell. Dizzy, nauseated, short of breath, with a racing heart and fever. I felt like I was going to pass out. There was also a strange lightheadedness, almost like being drunk, but I'd only had a few sips of wine."

I paused momentarily before continuing, "Then my mother took me to bed and called a doctor. I was told I had been dosed with ragweed. That's when I learned from a third party that Isolde had been at the party. But we had no proof it was her who poisoned me..."

The board examined the evidence in Alaric's folder. They conferred privately with my father, then called Alpha James over for discussion.

My heart raced as I glanced at Isolde, noticing how she avoided meeting my eyes. I'd hoped to resolve this without a trial, to speak with her directly, but she'd never given me the chance. Across the room, Caius leaned against the wall, his blue eyes fixed on me.

After lengthy deliberation, the board announced their decision.

"We've reached our conclusion. Due to certain circumstances, we will not expel Isolde. Instead, she will receive a one-month suspension. Upon her return, she will be monitored on campus to ensure no further incidents occur under our watch. If there are any more malicious acts targeting Volana wolves, we will be obligated to expel you. Do we understand each other, Isolde?"

"Understood," she replied, her voice hard.

"We'll see you in one month. You are all dismissed."

As people began filing out, Alaric and Alpha James remained behind.

"No hard feelings, Alpha Alaric," James said, extending his hand. "Young people will be young people, after all."

"Just ensure my daughter isn't harmed in this manner again," my father replied, his tone darkening. "Remember, she's not only my daughter but a Volana wolf."

"Understood," James responded stiffly.

I noticed Caius had already departed, leaving an emptiness in his wake. Isolde gave me one final hate-filled glare before leaving.

"Why does he always do that?" I whispered to myself, confused by Caius's disappearing act.

## Caius's POV

I felt an unprecedented rage building as I left the courthouse. The verdict was far too lenient.

It's because that bastard basically controls the school with his money, Max growled within me. That's why they're being so forgiving with Isolde.

We should have seen her expelled, I responded internally. She nearly killed a Volana wolf. That would have been considered a grave offense in the past.

I headed toward the academy center, intending to release my anger in the training grounds before I hurt someone. As I passed the art wing, a voice called out to me.

"Alpha Caius! Do you have a moment?"

I turned to see Miss Calliope waving. "Of course," I replied, following her into the classroom.

"I just wanted to thank you for being so kind to my student Elara. She really admires you, and I appreciate that. Honestly, I was surprised when I learned you allowed her to paint your portrait for her architectural design project. But it's so beautifully done!"

I froze. "What are you talking about? Portrait?"

"Yes. Didn't you give her permission? She said you knew about it and encouraged her."

"Show me," I demanded.

Miss Calliope hesitated before walking to a row of covered canvases, stopping at the largest in the center. She pulled back the cloth to reveal my portrait—the very one Elara had painted for my mother.

My heart sank as shock and betrayal washed over me. Max howled within, more from the feeling of betrayal than actual anger.

The portrait—meant for my ailing mother—had become Elara's class project.