Chapter 42: Truth and Lies

Chapter 42: Truth and Lies
## Caius's POV

"Caius!" Alaric's voice called from across the exhibition hall, where he stood with several Alphas.

I froze, wondering if they had seen Elara and me emerging from the restroom area. Glancing back, I was relieved to see she hadn't followed me out immediately.

I approached the group, my expression carefully neutral as I joined them.

"I was just telling these gentlemen how diligently you've been tracking down the bastard who poisoned my daughter," Alaric said, his eyes gleaming with approval.

Something in his praise stirred an unexpected sense of accomplishment within me, though I would have pursued the investigation regardless of his request. I wondered briefly if I was seeking Alaric's validation.

Keep telling yourself that's the only reason, Max taunted in my mind. We both know the truth.

Alaric clapped me firmly on the shoulder. "I owe you one, Caius."

I nodded slightly before responding in a low voice. "It's unfortunate we could only have her suspended from school. The punishment seems inadequate."

Alpha John sighed. "James is her father. What can we do? The man provides enough funding to make the entire board bow to his wishes."

The governance structure in the Sovereign Realms was carefully balanced. While Alaric as Alpha Council Chairman held authority over territorial decisions, the board focused on Lunastride Academy's operations. Alpha James wasn't the owner, but his financial contributions made the board reluctant to challenge him. Alaric often had to remind them of this boundary, but when it came to James's daughter Isolde, the board preferred to yield. Without James's funding and scholarship programs, the academy would struggle to continue, not to mention the elementary schools, medical facilities, and charities he supported throughout the Realms.

"Fate has its own justice, and good deeds bring their own rewards," Alaric said, giving me a meaningful look. "Come, let's find somewhere to have a drink. I'd like to unwind tonight."

I raised an eyebrow as I surveyed the eager group of Alphas around us. I rarely socialized with this circle, and felt slightly uncomfortable at the prospect.

"Don't hesitate, Caius!" one Alpha exclaimed enthusiastically. "Join us. It's the weekend, and you're in your prime!"

I nodded reluctantly.

## Elara's POV

"So... you actually remember what happened..." I said, my voice barely audible.

Violet's eyes wandered over my face, reflecting not fear but a complex confusion. "I remember everything."

My throat tightened. "But they told me you had no memory of it..."

"That's because I told them I didn't," she sighed softly.

My eyes widened slightly. "Why would you do that?"

She looked directly into my eyes. "I figured if it was truly an accident... I didn't want you to get into more trouble."

I leaned forward slightly, my eyes pleading. "Tell me honestly, it was an accident, right?"

"Of course, Elara. I was distracted, and then you—" she continued without hesitation, "the electricity from inside you passed through me..." Her words pierced my heart like a blade.

"You have Volana wolf abilities, and that day you completely lost control. Isolde has been warning everyone that you might be dangerous, that you can't be trusted. I dismissed it because you were one of the few people who genuinely cared about me as an Omega wolf. But now..."

"I... I don't even know how to explain," I said, my voice trembling. "Hurting you was the last thing I wanted to do, Violet. Please believe that."

"I understand it wasn't intentional. That's why I don't blame you," she said, her gaze meeting mine. "But continuing as your combat class partner... I have concerns. Your Volana abilities are powerful and unstable, which is worrying."

My heart sank. "Are you saying... you don't want to train with me anymore?"

"I've been thinking while lying in this hospital bed..." she shifted uncomfortably. "Isolde has been suspended, and her partner needs someone new. I thought perhaps... I could fill that position..."

"What am I supposed to do?" I asked, my voice nearly breaking.

Violet shook her head gently. "Maybe you should talk to Professor Caius about this. I just... can't be certain this won't happen again. The doctors say I was lucky this time. If there's a next time... I'm not sure my Omega physique could withstand it. I really don't want to experience that feeling again."

She hesitated before adding, "Don't misunderstand, Elara. This doesn't mean I refuse to be your friend. Friendship is still possible... maybe not immediately, give me some time. I need to focus on recovery right now. But I hope we can become true friends eventually. Just... I can't be your combat partner anymore. I'm really sorry..."

"Don't apologize," I said softly. "In your position, I might make the same choice. Thank you for being honest."

"As for the rumors..." Violet's lips curved into a forced smile. "Everyone believes it was a training equipment malfunction that caused the electrical accident. That's all. This truth exists only between us."

A nurse entered, politely reminding us that visiting hours were ending soon.

"I'll go now," I said, standing up. "Take care, and I'll see you back at the academy when you're recovered."

Violet only nodded silently in response.

---

I returned to find Audrey sitting on the windowsill, smoking. I wrinkled my nose, grabbing the air freshener and spraying it liberally around the room.

"You know how bad these are for your lungs, right?"

Audrey waved dismissively. "Whatever will be, will be. Don't forget I'm from bear lineage—naturally short-lived compared to you wolves."

"Quit the habit and you might live a few more years," I sighed, shaking my head.

"Change is too much trouble. I'll just enjoy the present," she said with a grin, flicking the cigarette butt out the window before snapping it shut. "Seriously though, you visited Violet at the hospital? How is she?"

"Yes, I went," I said, avoiding her gaze and keeping my answer brief. "She's recovering well, seems to have no memory of the incident. Doctors say she might never remember, which is probably for the best. Some experiences are better forgotten."

"Makes sense. I'm glad she's recovering so quickly though. Can you imagine what it feels like to be hit with that much electricity?" Audrey suddenly pretended to be electrocuted, exaggeratedly convulsing and shaking.

I sat heavily on my bed, my expression serious. "Please, this isn't something to joke about, Audrey. That accident nearly killed her."

The smile gradually faded from Audrey's face as she noticed my somber expression. "Sorry... just trying to lighten the mood. Sometimes I forget where to draw the line."

Silence spread through the room as we each became lost in our thoughts about the Violet incident.

"Hey, I have an idea," Audrey suddenly perked up, jumping to her feet.

I looked up at her wearily.

"What we need is a distraction," her eyes sparkled with excitement. "A glamorous, grand academy ball that will make everyone forget their troubles! What mood can survive on a dance floor?"