Chapter 40

Chapter 40
## Elara's POV

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to ignore the wave of nausea rolling through my stomach. My red hair fell in soft curls over my shoulders, complementing the casual evening dress I'd chosen for tonight's exhibition. But no matter how put-together I looked on the outside, inside I was a mess of nerves and guilt.

You look beautiful, Anna whispered within me. Tonight is about celebrating your talent, not dwelling on accidents.

"Are you excited?" Audrey asked, her bright smile reflected beside mine as she adjusted her signature ripped jeans and black gaming shirt, purple hair perfectly styled.

"I'm terrified, and a little guilty," I admitted, turning away from our reflections. "I just wish Violet could be here too." The memory of electricity crackling from my fingertips made my stomach clench painfully.

"Don't feel guilty. What happened to her wasn't your fault. Besides, she's going to be fine. She woke up yesterday, remember?" Audrey's optimism was relentless. "Take lots of pictures for her. I'm sure she'd love to see them."

"Yeah, I'm planning to visit her later tonight. I want to see for myself that she's really okay."

"I can come with you if you want," she offered.

I shook my head, giving her a grateful smile. "I think this is something I need to do myself."

"Well, we should head to the exhibition. It's about to start, and everyone's probably already there." Audrey grabbed her small purse. "And stop looking like you're heading to your execution. This is your moment, Elara. Own it."

---

The art gallery was larger than I had imagined, located just a few miles from Lunastride Academy. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the space, highlighting the artwork on pristine white walls. The crowd was overwhelming, but the presence of loved ones kept me grounded.

My parents approached as soon as they spotted me. My mother, Rhiannon, pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Congratulations, I'm so proud of you!" my father, Alaric, said warmly, his green eyes shining with pride.

I lowered my voice. "How's Violet?"

"We'll talk about that later," he replied. "Lily wants to speak with you."

Before I could respond, Margaret rushed over and enveloped me in a hug. "Elara! I just saw your painting! It's beautiful. You captured his brooding Alpha essence perfectly!"

"Thanks, Margaret," I replied, genuinely pleased to see my friend.

"I want to see it too," Audrey chimed in.

Margaret grabbed Audrey's arm. "Come on, I'll show you! It's getting all the attention—everyone's talking about it!"

As they disappeared into the crowd, I noticed Lily ending a conversation across the room before making her way toward me. The gallery curator was even more impressive in person than in the photographs I'd seen of her—tall and elegant with keen eyes that missed nothing.

"You must be Elara," she said, extending her hand. "It's an honor to finally meet you."

"The honor is mine," I replied. "I've always admired your work. I can hardly believe you selected my portrait."

Lily leaned closer. "If I hadn't chosen it, I'd be a fool." She winked. "And I'm no fool."

I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you so much."

"After seeing your work, I've decided I really want you to work for me," she continued. "You'd start as my assistant and work your way up. I think you have the potential to be the next great artist of the Sovereign Realms. Of course, you'd be compensated for your hard work, and we can schedule around your school commitments."

I was stunned. "I... I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll accept. I don't want anyone else as my assistant."

I glanced at my father, who nodded encouragingly.

"Yes, of course I accept," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite my excitement.

"Excellent." Lily smiled. "I'll text you in the morning with details, and we can discuss when you'll start. I need to speak with a few others, but I'm looking forward to working with you, Elara."

As Lily walked away, I felt a familiar sensation wash over me.

He's here, she whispered. Max is close.

I didn't need to ask who she meant. Only Caius could provoke this reaction in both of us. The mate bond between us hummed with energy, impossible to ignore despite my best efforts.

I turned to find him making his way through the crowd, which seemed to part instinctively for the Alpha. He was dressed in a charcoal suit that fit his broad shoulders perfectly, a striking change from his usual training clothes.

"I'm surprised you came," I said when he reached me, trying to keep my voice neutral.

"I thought I should, considering it's my portrait hanging up." His blue eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me.

"Right." I let out a nervous laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Violet will be fine, in case you were wondering," he said, his voice softening slightly.

"I heard. I'm planning to visit her later tonight."

"Probably a good idea. She doesn't remember what happened." His tone carried a subtle warning

"I know," I said, aware that it was for the best. The awkwardness between us was palpable, and I couldn't forget overhearing him with Eleanor in the arena, her words about me being dangerous echoing in my mind.

"Excuse me," I said, turning away. "I should go mingle."

## Caius's POV

I watched as Elara deliberately avoided looking in my direction throughout the evening. Her portrait of me hung prominently on the feature wall, drawing constant attention from the attendees. The painting captured more than just my appearance—somehow she had managed to portray the weight of responsibility I carried, the complexity behind the mask I presented to the world.

Yet the artist herself seemed determined to pretend I didn't exist, laughing and chatting with friends and family across the gallery.

She's avoiding us, Max complained inside me. Go to her.

She made it clear she wanted space, I replied internally, though I kept my eyes trained on her as she navigated the crowd.

When she finally did glance my way, it was only for a moment before she quickly turned and walked toward the restrooms. Without thinking, I followed her, feeling Max's eagerness to be near Elara and Anna overwhelming my usual restraint.

After making sure no one was watching, I slipped into the women's restroom behind her, my actions driven by an impulse I couldn't suppress.

Elara stood alone at the mirror, hands gripping the countertop, breathing rapidly as if trying to compose herself. When she saw me in the reflection, her mismatched eyes widened in shock.

"What are you doing in here?" she whispered, turning to face me.

Before she could say anything more, I moved toward her with purposeful strides. In one fluid motion, I lifted her onto the countertop, my hands firm on her waist. Her legs instinctively wrapped around me, betraying her body's reaction despite her earlier avoidance.

I claimed her lips with a firm, decisive kiss, feeling her initial surprise melt into eager response as her arms wound around my neck, drawing me closer.