20. ELOWEN

Chapter 20

ELOWEN

Sunlight streams through the gaps in the trees, dappling the forest floor in a mosaic of light and shadow.

The air is crisp and cool, carrying the sweet scent of pine and damp earth.

It's a beautiful morning, a big difference from the turmoil within me.

Ever since that night, under the full moon's glow, a thick tension hangs between Thorne and me.

We avoid each other's gaze, and our interactions are stilted and awkward.

The memory of our passionate encounter hangs heavy in the air, unspoken words and desires swirling around us like a storm waiting to unleash its fury.

I know I should feel… something.

Relief? Contentment?

But instead, I'm filled with a hollowness—a gnawing sense of unease.

The Mendshore Bloom may have temporarily mended our bond, but it hasn't addressed the deeper issues—the mistrust, the hurt, and the vast chasm that separates us.

Thorne, bless his Alpha heart, has taken it upon himself to "educate" me about my supposed powers.

The idea of him, Mr. Stoic and Brooding, trying to explain the intricacies of magic is almost comical.

"As my fated mate," he begins one morning, "you possess certain abilities…"

I stifle a groan.

Fated mate? Right now, the only thing I feel fated for is a lifetime of awkward silences and stolen glances.

"These abilities," Thorne continues, clearing his throat, "can be used for healing, for protection…"

His voice trails off as I raise an eyebrow. "Or?"

He hesitates, then mutters something about "offensive maneuvers" that sounds suspiciously like battle tactics. The last thing I need is another lesson in wolf warfare.

"Thanks, but no thanks, Alpha Thorne," I interrupt him, my voice surprisingly firm. "I think I'll find another instructor."

Thorne opens his mouth to protest, but before he can speak, a booming laugh cuts through the air.

Kain emerges from the trees, his mate, Lela, at his side.

"Well, well," he drawls, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like someone's not too keen on their grumpy teacher."

Thorne throws him a withering glare, but I can't help but smile.

Kain, despite his initial annoyance, has become a surprising source of comfort. He's patient, understanding, and most importantly, he doesn't take himself too seriously.

"Actually," I say, stepping towards Kain and Lela, "I was wondering if you or Lela might be willing to teach me about my powers."

Lela, a slender she-wolf with eyes like molten gold, beams at me. "Of course, Elowen!" she exclaims. "I'd be delighted to help you explore your abilities."

Thorne's jaw clenches, but he remains silent. Clearly, the idea of me learning from Kain doesn't sit well with him.

A small, mischievous part of me enjoys this. Maybe a little jealousy is just what Thorne needs.

The following days turn into a whirlwind of discovery.

Under Lela's gentle guidance, I begin to explore the depths of my connection to the forest. I learn to sense the flow of energy beneath the earth, to manipulate the growth of plants, and even to create small illusions.

It's exhilarating, a heady rush of power that leaves me breathless.

One afternoon, Lela leads me to a secluded clearing bathed in sunlight. Birds chirp merrily in the branches above, and the air hums with a soft energy.

"Close your eyes, Elowen," Lela instructs, her voice gentle. "Focus on the feeling of the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair. Feel the life force pulsing through the earth beneath your feet."

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath.

The world around me sharpens, the sounds and smells are more vivid than ever. I can feel the sun's warmth soaking into my skin, the gentle caress of the breeze on my face.

There's a low rumble beneath the ground, a heartbeat of the earth itself.

Following Lela's instructions, I reach out with my mind, searching for a connection to this vibrant energy.

At first, there's nothing but a confusing jumble of sensations. But then, slowly, a spark ignites. A warm glow radiates from within me, pulsing with the earth's energy.

"Now, try to focus that energy," Lela whispers. "Imagine it flowing through your arms, out to your fingertips."

Tentatively, I do as she instructs. The warmth intensifies, tingling my fingers.

On a whim, I picture a small flower, a delicate violet that I'd seen earlier. Focusing the tingling energy, I direct it towards the barren patch of dirt at my feet.

A moment passes, filled with nervous anticipation. Then I gasp. A tiny green sprout breaks through the soil, unfurling into a perfect miniature violet. Its petals are a vibrant purple, shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

Lela lets out a delighted squeal, clapping her paws together. "You did it, Elowen! You actually did it!"

I stare at the flower in disbelief, a surge of pride washing over me. I created this with my own power. It's a small thing, but it's a start.

Suddenly, a booming voice cuts through the air. "Well, well, well," Kain declares, emerging from behind a tree with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Looks like our new wolf is a fast learner."

Lela rolls her eyes playfully. "Of course, she is, silly. Don't underestimate Elowen."

Kain raises his paws in mock surrender. "Never, Lela, never. I wouldn't dream of it." He turns to me, a playful grin splitting his face. "Although, I must admit, I was expecting something a little more… explosive for your first try."

I narrow my eyes at him. "Oh, really? And what exactly were you expecting, Mr. Silver Moon Alpha?"

He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Maybe a small fireball? A dazzling light show? Something to really impress the ladies, or should I say, she-wolves?"

Lela swats him playfully on the nose, sending him stumbling back with a laugh. "Don't tease her, Kain. She's just starting out."

I can't help but laugh along with them, the tension momentarily forgotten.

Being around Kain and Lela is a refreshing change from Thorne's constant brooding demeanor.

They remind me that even amidst the darkness, there's still room for laughter and a little bit of playful teasing.

"Alright, alright," Kain concedes, raising his paws in surrender. "Truce. But just you wait, Elowen. I have a feeling you're capable of much more than a simple flower."

His words spark a flicker of excitement within me.

He's right. I may be a rejected wolf, but I have these powers now. And I'm determined to learn everything I can about them.

The days that follow are a whirlwind of training and exploration.

Lela teaches me to tap into the forest's healing energy, to mend small wounds and soothe aches. I practice creating illusions, conjuring shimmering butterflies and playful wisps of smoke that dance in the air.

With each passing day, I grow more confident in my abilities. The forest no longer feels like a strange, hostile environment. It feels like a source of power, a connection that runs deep within me.

One evening, as I stand beneath the canopy of ancient trees, bathed in the moon's soft glow, I close my eyes and reach out with my senses.

This time, I focus not on the earth's life force but on the energy of the forest itself—the whispering wind, the chirping crickets, the rustling leaves.

As I concentrate, a tingling sensation spreads through me, a symphony of sounds and emotions that swirl around me. And then, something incredible happens. I feel it—the very essence of the forest—a living, breathing entity with its own consciousness.

A sense of awe washes over me. I am a part of this place, connected to it in a way I never thought possible. A tear of joy and wonder rolls down my cheek.

Suddenly, a deep growl cuts through the stillness. I spin around, my heart pounding, to see Thorne standing at the edge of the clearing. His azure eyes are ablaze.

"What are you doing?" he snaps, his voice laced with a raw emotion that sends shivers down my spine.

"I'm connecting with the forest. Can't you feel it?"

He hesitates, then steps closer, his gaze sweeping the clearing. He seems to sense something in the air, a shift in the very fabric of the forest.

"This is dangerous," he growls, his voice low and threatening. "You shouldn't be meddling with things you don't understand."

"I'm not meddling," I retort. "I—whatever! Leave me alone."

I sigh, trying not to roll my eyes as I walk away from him. I know he is always watching, especially since I started training. I can feel his presence everywhere I am.

But I'm not going to allow him to meddle in my life.

Frustration bubbles within me as I turn away. I know Thorne means well in his own gruff way, but his protection often borders on suffocating.

He seems to think I'm a fragile flower needing constant shelter. He is oblivious to the growing strength and confidence blossoming within me.

Ever since I began training with Lela, I can feel Thorne's watchful gaze following me wherever I go. It's a constant pressure, a reminder of the tangled web of emotions that binds us.

Part of me appreciates his concern, but another part craves independence, the freedom to explore my abilities without his hovering presence.

One afternoon, I am practicing with Lela in a secluded clearing. We're working on my ability to manipulate light, attempting to create a small orb of shimmering energy. Suddenly, Kain materializes from behind a tree, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Well," he drawls, his voice dripping with amusement. "Look who's playing apprentice again."

Lela rolls her eyes playfully. "Don't tease her, Kain. It takes practice."

Kain raises his paws in mock surrender. "Never underestimate the power of a good teacher, Lela. Perhaps I could offer some… alternative instruction." He throws me a sly wink.

I can't help but crack a smile at his antics. Despite his initial annoyance at my presence in the Shadow Pack, Kain has grown on me.

"Perhaps another time, Kain," I reply, focusing my energy on the task at hand. The orb of light flickers to life, a pale blue ball hovering precariously in my palm.

Suddenly, Kain surges forward, his face inches from mine. My breath hitches in my throat, and the orb sputters and fades in surprise.

"What are you doing?" Lela gasps, her eyes wide with alarm.

He places his hands on his lips, mouthing that I should play along.

I frown, look towards Lela and she smirks, nodding her head. I sigh and nod, acting like I'm moving closer to Kain to kiss him.

Then, a primal growl shatters the clearing. Thorne emerges from the trees, his eyes blazing with fury. He lunges at Kain, a low growl ripping from his throat. The clearing erupts in chaos as a full-blown brawl erupts.

Thorne fights with a savage intensity, his movements fueled by a primal rage. Kain, though the instigator, is caught off guard by Thorne's actions.

He struggles to defend himself. Lela throws herself between them, barking orders that are lost in the whirlwind of fur and snarls.

I stand frozen, watching in horror as Thorne pummels Kain into the ground. His growls echo through the clearing. "She's mine!" he roars. "She's not yours to claim!"

The sight of Thorne's violence sends a wave of nausea washing over me. The man I thought I was falling for, the man I craved a connection with, is consumed by jealousy and is beating my friend into a pulp.

Suddenly, I find my voice. "Stop it!" I scream. "Both of you, stop it!"

A few more punches are thrown, but the fighting ceases as Thorne turns to me. His chest is heaving, and his eyes blaze with emotions. The sight of the raw vulnerability beneath his anger awakens a pang of sympathy within me.

"Elowen," he rasps, "Don't you…"

"Don't I what, Thorne?" I challenge, my voice shaking. "You had your chance, and you rejected me."

His eyes flicker with pain, the fight momentarily forgotten. "But that was…" he hesitates, searching for the right words. "That was a mistake. A misunderstanding."

"Was it?" I ask, my voice laced with a bitterness I can't quite control. "Or was it simply more convenient to push me away when things got complicated?"

Thorne opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. His gaze falls to the ground, shame etched across his features.

My heart aches for him, for the mess we've created. But the hurt runs too deep, the wounds still too raw. I'm not a possession to be claimed or discarded at his whim.

Taking a deep breath, I turn to Lela, who stands beside a bruised and bewildered Kain. Lela looks relieved when Kain shakes it off.

"Elowen," Thorne begins again, his voice hoarse, "I… I understand if you're angry. But please, give me a chance to make things right. Let me teach you about your powers."

The desperation in his plea tugs at something deep within me. But reason asserts itself. "You had your chance. It's time for me to learn from someone else."

"How… how long are you going to keep tormenting me like this, Elowen? I—"

The raw vulnerability in his eyes stabs at my heart, but I hold my ground. Maybe it's stubbornness, or maybe it's a desperate need to regain some control over my life. Whatever it is, I don't back down.

Thorne hangs his head in defeat, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Without another word, he turns and disappears into the dense foliage.

Should I just give in to him? I can't keep handling all this pain. I'm torturing both of us.

I turn to look at Kain.

"Maybe… I should let Thorne teach me from now on."