Chapter 22 - Elora’s POV (Part 1)
1072 Words
Elora felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension as she walked alongside Luna Lucinda, weaving through the bustling streets filled with shops. The sun cast a warm glow on the pavement, illuminating the lively atmosphere around them.
“Look at this place!” Lucinda exclaimed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm as she pointed to a boutique. “We simply must go in there. I’ve been dying to find some new outfits.”
Elora smiled and agreed that the boutique looked promising.
As they stepped into the shop, the air was fragrant with the scent of fresh fabric and the sweet notes of blooming flowers. The walls were adorned with the cutest clothes.
While Lucinda perused the racks, Elora found herself lost in thought. The triplets had given her a credit card to use after Lucinda invited her to spend the week with her while they had a meeting with the new Alpha Mitchell, and the other alpha’s. But she couldn’t bring herself to spend their money. It felt wrong somehow as if she would be taking advantage of their generosity. She had saved up a small amount from her own earnings, and she decided she would use that instead.
Lucinda turned, her expression warm and understanding. “Oh, Elora, they wouldn’t offer if they didn’t want you to enjoy yourself.” She must have read her mind. “Besides, it’s a gift—a way for them to show how much they appreciate you being part of their lives. You deserve to indulge a little!”
Elora felt a blush creep up her cheeks. “I just don’t want to take advantage of their kindness.”
“Trust me, dear. You’re not like that, and they see it. It’s one of the things they admire most about you.” Lucinda moved closer, her voice softening. “I’ve been in your shoes before, and I assure you that they genuinely care about you. You have a special place in their hearts.”
Elora was confused by her last comment. She had no place in their hearts. They were just trying to make up for all the years of bullying.
As Lucinda continued to sort through the racks of clothes, Elora's mind drifted back to the night before the Alpha ceremony. It was a night that had left her both uneasy and curious. She hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that Lucinda was different, something more than the confident, kind-hearted woman who had welcomed her into her life.
The Alpha ceremony had been filled with excitement and tension. The new Alpha Mitchell was preparing to take his place, and there was a shift in the air that had made Elora feel on edge. She had spent most of the evening quietly observing, but Lucinda’s presence had been a constant pull in her mind. Her gaze seemed to hold a secret, something beyond what Elora could comprehend.
“Lucinda…” Elora approached her companion, then whispered, her voice barely audible. “Are you a witch?”
Lucinda had paused, her green eyes gleaming in the dim light, before she threw her head back and laughed softly. The sound was musical, a laugh full of warmth and understanding.
“I wondered when you’d ask.” Lucinda’s smile was gentle, yet knowing. “Yes, Elora, I am. But don’t be frightened. It’s not as mysterious or ominous as it sounds. And I am not surprised you know. All foxes are good at sensing witches.”
“Wait…fox… how did you?” Elora stuttered to put a sentence together, caught off guard by Lucinda’s statement.
Lucinda turned and looked at Elora amused. “You’re a werefox,” Lucinda said, her tone soft yet unyielding.
Elora’s breath caught in her throat. It wasn’t a question, but a statement. How could she know? How could Lucinda, someone who had only recently entered her life, know something so deeply personal, something Elora had kept hidden for years?
“Wh-what?” Elora had stammered, the words tumbling out of her mouth.
Lucinda had placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You don’t need to be surprised. I’ve read your soul, Elora. I can see the truth within you—what you are, what you’ve been hiding, and what you will become.”
Elora had felt a strange shiver run down her spine at the mention of Lucinda reading her soul. It wasn’t as if she didn’t trust Lucinda; it was just that the very concept of someone seeing inside her, into the parts of herself she kept hidden, was both terrifying and exhilarating.
“How do you do that?” Elora asked, her voice almost breathless.
Lucinda had smiled kindly, her eyes glowing with a soft warmth. “I can read the souls of all living creatures,” she explained. “Not just werewolves, not just witches. All of you, Elora. And every creature has a unique essence. I see it. I feel it.”
Elora had wanted to say more, to ask so many questions, but the moment had passed. Lucinda was now holding up a dress to her body in front of the mirror. The woman had a way of making everything seem so simple and matter-of-fact.
Lucinda put the dress back and continued to guide her through the racks, holding up different outfits. “What do you think of this one?” she asked, presenting a dusty rose sundress.
Elora’s breath caught in her throat. “It’s beautiful!”
“Try it on! You’ll look stunning in it.” Lucinda smiled, her enthusiasm contagious.
“I meant it would look beautiful on you!” Elora said, thinking the witch was asking her opinion on whether it would look good on herself.
“I insist.” The witch handed her the dress and led her to the dressing room.
Elora stepped into the dress, and the fabric felt like a gentle caress against her skin. Looking in the mirror, she couldn’t help but admire the way the dress accentuated her figure. She stepped back into the main area, she caught Lucinda’s approving smile, and Elora couldn’t help but feel a rush of support and encouragement from the Luna Witch.
“You look stunning, Elora!” Lucinda exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “You simply must get it!”
“I think I will,” Elora replied, allowing herself a moment of indulgence that she had rarely allowed herself.
- Writer
