Chapter 78 Ella Was Hypnotized
Morgana stormed into her lavish bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her. The ornate mirrors and polished furniture reflected her fuming expression as she paced the room, her heels clicking angrily against the floor. She couldn’t stop thinking about Valen and Ella. The thought of a werewolf stealing Valen away from her made her blood boil.
She stopped and stared at herself in the mirror. She was beautiful, powerful, everything Valen could ever want. "How dare she?" Morgana spat, glaring at her reflection in the gilded mirror. "A mere werewolf waltzes in and claims what’s mine under the guise of some predestined mate bond? No.This can’t happen. I won’t allow it."
She stopped and placed her hands on the dresser, leaning forward as if trying to convince her reflection of her resolve. Valen had humiliated her, dismissed her as if she were nothing. And it was all because of Ella. Her lips curled into a bitter smile.
Morgana began pacing again, her mind racing, as she runs her hands through her hair. She needed a plan, something that would not just remove Ella from the picture but ensure she could never return.
"Well, let’s see how strong this bond of theirs really is," she muttered. “If the gods won’t fix this mistake, then I will.” She said firmly, her mind racing.
Suddenly, her steps slowed, and a sly, almost mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Perfect," she whispered, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Ella jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest. She sat up in bed, clutching the blanket tightly and looking around her dimly lit room. Her room was quiet, Everything seemed normal, but something felt... wrong.
“Lila?” she called out softly to her wolf.
I’m here, Lila responded, but her voice was faint, almost strained. “Something’s off,” she replied weakly.
Ella frowned. Lila’s voice was sounded like she was struggling with something. “What do you mean?”
Before Lila could answer, Ella swung her legs over the side of the bed, her bare feet touching the cool floor. Before she could take another breath, a strange sensation washed over her. Ella felt a strange pull. It wasn’t physical, but it was strong. Her body moved on its own, her legs carrying her toward the door.
“Lila, what’s happening?” Ella asked, panic creeping into her voice.
I don’t know, Lila answered, her voice growing weaker. It feels like... like someone’s controlling us.
Ella tried to resist, but she couldn't, her body ignored her command. She stood and began walking toward the door, her movements stiff and unnatural.
“No! Stop! Stop! Stop!” she shouted, but her legs carried her forward.
She walked down the hallway, past the empty rooms of the manor, and out into the chilly night. The cold air hit her skin, but it didn’t slow her down. Her feet moved on their own, and the more she tried to stop, the stronger the pull became.
The manor faded into the distance as she walked further into the night. The moonlight lit her path, but the eerie silence of the field only made her feel more vulnerable.
“Who’s doing this?” Ella demanded, her voice trembling.
I’m trying to figure that out, Lila replied, her frustration clear. Though Ella could feel her wolf struggling with something unseen.
The moonlight lit Ella’s path as she walked further from the manor, her bare feet stepping onto the rough, uneven ground. The silence around her was unnerving, broken only by the occasional chirp of crickets.
Then, without warning, Ella’s body began to shift. Her bones cracked, her muscles stretched, and her skin gave way to fur. She cried out in shock as the transformation overtook her.
“Lila, stop this!” Ella shouted in her mind. “You’re not ready for this!”
It’s not me! Lila growled. I’m being forced, just like you!
In her wolf form, Lila bolted into the open field. Her paws dug into the dirt as she ran, her claws leaving deep marks in the earth. She could feel Lila’s exhaustion, the strain of the transformation taking a toll on her already weakened wolf.
“This isn’t normal,” Ella said, her voice echoing in her mind. “What’s happening to us? . “What’s the goal here?”
I don’t know, Lila replied,her voice shaky.But I don’t like it. This force... it’s strong. And it’s targeting us.
Ella ran in circles, unable to stop her movements. Her wolf instincts screamed for control, but the mysterious force was unrelenting. Her heart raced as she tried to make sense of it all.
“Lila, can’t you fight it?” Ella pleaded.
I’m trying! Lila snapped. But but I don't have enough strength to!
After what felt like an eternity, the forced running ceased. Ella’s body began to shift back into her human form, leaving her trembling and exhausted on the cold ground. She collapsed onto her knees, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
“I’m sorry, Lila,” Ella whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. “Whoever is doing this... they’re targeting me, and you’re being dragged into it.”
We’re not separate, Lila said weakly. If they’re after you, they’re after me too.
Ella felt a wave of guilt wash over her. “I should be stronger. I don’t understand what the moon goddess meant about your recovery being tied to Valen, but I’m failing you.”
It’s not your fault, Lila replied softly. We’ll figure this out. We just need to be careful.
Ella nodded, though she felt anything but confident. The cold air bit at her skin, and she realized she was naked. Her clothes had been destroyed during the transformation, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.
“We need to get back,” she told Lila. “Before anyone sees us.”
Using the shadows for cover, Ella made her way back to the manor. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions and fears. Who was behind this? What did they want? And how could she protect herself—and Lila—from further attacks?
As she stepped into the manor, the warmth of the interior was a stark contrast to the chill outside. She was about to head toward her room when she froze. Valen stood in the hallway,leaning against the wall. his piercing eyes locking onto her disheveled naked form.
He took in her appearance—her dirt-streaked face, her tangled hair, her trembling body. His expression hardened, his jaw tightening.
“Where are you coming from?” he asked, his voice cold and sharp.
Ella’s breath caught in her throat. She couldn’t answer, couldn’t think of a lie fast enough. The weight of his gaze bore down on her, and the silence between them grew heavier with each passing second.