Chapter 33
Chapter 33
## Elara's POV
Electric currents shot from my fingertips, crackling with blue energy that seemed to intensify with each passing second. More alarming were the shadows rising from the ground, swirling around me like living extensions of my body. I needed to isolate myself until this passed—I couldn't risk hurting anyone at the academy.
Covering my head with my arms, I ran from the building, my heart pounding painfully against my ribs. I didn't want to venture too far, just enough distance to ensure safety while remaining close enough to be found if needed.
Deep down, I longed for my mother's presence. Only Rhiannon would know how to handle this Volana power surge. She'd lived with these abilities her entire life, while I'd only just discovered mine.
I couldn't stop the tears streaming down my face. How humiliating. I was Elara, daughter of Alpha Alaric and Luna Rhiannon. I excelled at many things and rarely failed. Why was I struggling so desperately with something that should be part of my very blood?
Anna? I called internally, searching for my wolf's guidance, but she remained unusually silent. The fear of facing this alone gripped me tighter.
Once I reached the forest edge, I slipped off my shoes and crouched down, digging my toes into the dry earth. Forests had always made me feel safe, even before I gained my wolf form. I hoped the connection to nature might ground the electricity coursing through me.
The soil absorbed some of the current, but not enough. Shadows continued rising around me, growing stronger by the second and spreading throughout the forest clearing. My chest tightened with panic.
My heart hammered wildly. What if I couldn't stop this? What if neither Aeliana nor I could control this power?
The moonlight intensified to an almost unbearable brightness, forcing me to lower my head between my knees to shield my eyes. More tears spilled as desperation washed over me. Anna was busy trying to find a solution while I sank deeper into hopelessness.
"Elara?"
A familiar, comforting voice reached me through the darkness. Moonlight illuminated my mother's face, reflecting in her distinctive mismatched eyes. Concern etched across her features.
"Mom?" My voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.
"Oh, my little Elara." Rhiannon rushed toward me, kneeling at my side and taking my hands in hers.
"Just breathe, Elara. Everything will be okay. Deep breath." She demonstrated, inhaling deeply herself.
The worry in her eyes lessened as her warm hands sent a soothing energy throughout my body. I couldn't believe she was actually here. Had I imagined her? Had my abilities somehow summoned her without my knowledge? How could she know I needed help when Celestria was an hour away?
"Elara... deep breath." Her tone was firm, eyes locked with mine.
I followed her instruction, drawing air deep into my lungs. Only then did I realize how shallow my breathing had been. With each controlled breath, my body gradually calmed. The shadows receded to normal patterns on the ground, and the moonlight no longer seemed blindingly intense.
"That's it," she smiled gently. "When you lose control of your emotions, your Volana abilities become much harder to manage. It's crucial to stay calm in these situations and keep breathing deeply..."
I nodded, blinking away residual tears.
"Oh, Mom," I cried, throwing my arms around her and burying my face against her chest, soaking in her warmth. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat provided unparalleled comfort.
"I'm sorry I didn't prepare you for this," she whispered in my ear. "I had no idea the full moon would affect you so strongly. But now that I know you have the full Volana abilities, I can help you. I can teach you how to control them..."
"You really can?" I looked up at her, sniffling.
"Of course, Elara. Did you think I learned to manage my Volana abilities on my own? I had a wonderful friend who helped me. You were very young, but she was my dear friend. A guardian versed in ancient magic. She taught me about my abilities and guided me in using them without harming others."
I vaguely remembered a woman my mother had once associated with, recalling the powerful, mysterious energy I'd felt whenever she was nearby, though the memory remained hazy.
"You're not alone. You don't have to face this by yourself." She cupped my face in her hands, meeting my gaze. "I love you."
"I love you too, Mom."
## Caius's POV
Elara was nowhere to be found. She wasn't in the dining hall or the student lounge. I couldn't even detect her fresh scent on campus—only lingering traces remained.
I channeled my frustration into combat training at the practice arena, working my body to exhaustion rather than risking losing my temper with Elara. I feared what might happen if I lost control—making her cry or hurting her emotionally was the last thing I wanted, despite Max's persistent urging to find her.
After checking with her roommate Audrey in the student lounge and spotting her friend Violet with other girls in the dining hall, I realized Elara was in serious trouble. Miss Calliope had already confronted me about the portrait.
Alpha Caius, Beta Lucas's voice reached me through our pack mind-link. We've detected an unfamiliar scent in the forests near Thalassian Reach. This might be a lead on who attacked your mother. Should we track it and find its source?
After a moment's consideration, I decided this could be the distraction I needed.
I'll return tonight, I responded through our connection. I want to investigate the attack on my mother personally. Whoever hurt her will pay the price. I'll find Ulric's followers myself, and they will answer for their actions.