Chapter 32

Chapter 32
## Caius's POV

I stared at the portrait, unable to mask my shock. The painting meant for my ailing mother was now on display as Elara's design project. My jaw tightened as a complex mixture of emotions surged through me—betrayal, confusion, anger.

Miss Calliope studied my reaction with growing concern. "Alpha Caius? Is something wrong?"

Be gentle with our mate, Max warned within me. There may be an explanation.

Whatever that explanation is... it better be good.

I took a deep breath and stepped back from the painting. "Oh, yes," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. "I forgot she painted this. It was some time ago. I'm glad she's getting good marks for it."

Miss Calliope raised an eyebrow. "So you did allow her to use this portrait for her project? You have no objections to this?"

"You don't think Elara is the kind of person who would lie, do you? I've only been her professor briefly, but she seems like a good student. I'm pleased she respects me not just as a professor but as an Alpha."

The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, but I couldn't bring myself to cause Elara trouble. Was this her plan all along? Had she ever intended to return the portrait to me? How could she think this was acceptable?

"I'm glad to hear that," Miss Calliope smiled, clearly relieved. "The school board has already approved it for the art exhibition next week. It truly is remarkable work—she's captured you perfectly."

I nodded stiffly, still processing the implications. If I revealed the truth, Elara would fail this course. As an architecture student, her artwork grades were significant. I couldn't take that away from her, despite my disappointment.

"I need to go," I said abruptly. "Thank you for showing me."

As I left the building, my phone vibrated with an incoming message from Beta Lucas, updating me on Isolde's departure from campus. At least that situation was resolved, even if the punishment was inadequate.

## Elara's POV

Several hours after the trial, I sat in the student lounge with Audrey, discussing the surprisingly lenient verdict for Isolde. The moon had risen outside the windows, casting an ethereal glow across the campus grounds.

"I can't believe she only got suspended for a month," Audrey said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Alpha James practically owns the school," I sighed, leaning back against the couch. "Without his funding, Lunastride would struggle."

A strange sensation suddenly coursed through me—a tingling that started in my core and radiated outward. My fingertips began to spark with tiny blue electrical currents, and I quickly closed my hands into fists to hide them.

"Elara? Are you okay?" Audrey asked when she noticed me leaning against the wall.

I felt dizzy without warning. My heart raced uncomfortably in my chest, and my skin grew hot to the touch. The room seemed to spin around me.

"Breathe deeply," she instructed. "What's making you feel this way? You were fine a few minutes ago."

"I'm not sure," I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

"Could it be the full moon?" she asked, and I raised my eyebrows to meet her gaze. "I know the full moon affects werewolves. This is your first full moon as a complete wolf. Maybe you're reacting to it."

That makes sense, Anna agreed inside me. Perhaps our Volana powers are surfacing and building up.

I looked down at my hands again, seeing the sparks growing stronger, larger. Fear gripped me. If I couldn't control my abilities in this lounge, everyone here would be in danger.

"I need to go," I said quickly, standing up and startling Audrey.

"We just got here..."

"Sorry," I called as I ran for the exit. "See you later!"

Once outside, I broke into a sprint, heading instinctively toward the forest at the edge of campus. The moon overhead seemed impossibly bright, pulling at something primal within me. As I ran, I felt shadows gathering around me, responding to my emotions, swirling like living extensions of my body.

## At the Thorn Pack Residence

In Celestria, at the Thorn Pack residence, Rhiannon sat with her twin children, Elowen and Lycas, enjoying dinner while Alaric attended to Alpha Council matters. Despite the peaceful scene, uneasiness twisted in her stomach.

She gazed proudly at her fourteen-year-old twins. Lycas, destined to become the next Alpha after Alaric, was already showing leadership qualities. Elowen trained with the warriors, determined to protect her future Alpha brother. She felt proud of all her children.

"When will Elara visit again?" Lycas asked, breaking the silence.

"Soon," Rhiannon promised, though her attention was drawn to the full moon visible through the window.

Elara's first full moon as a Volana wolf concerned her. The heightened powers that came with her rare wolf lineage could be overwhelming without proper training. Elara hadn't yet learned to control them, which could prove challenging for her.

"Mom?" Elowen asked, looking up at her. "Is everything okay?"

Rhiannon realized she'd been staring blankly out the window. The anxiety in her stomach intensified, a mother's instinct telling her something was wrong.

"Mom?" Elowen repeated, concern evident in her voice.

"Everything's fine," she lied, standing up. "I'm going out tonight. Uncle Soren will be here if you need anything."

"Where are you going?" Lycas asked, watching Rhiannon move toward the door.

"I need to make sure your sister is alright."

Minutes later, Rhiannon shifted into her snow-white wolf form and raced toward Lunastride Academy. Her wolf's senses were heightened, seeking her daughter.

"She's not at the school," her wolf exclaimed. "The forest!"

In the distance stood a wooded area. A dark aura surrounded it, and moonlight seemed particularly intense there. Rhiannon ran as fast as her wolf form allowed until she reached the forest's entrance.

As she entered, she realized what encircled the forest wasn't a dark aura but shadows—moving, swirling shadows that seemed alive.

At the center of these rapidly shifting shadows, knees pulled tight against her chest and tears streaming down her face, sat Elara.