Chapter 61: The Witch's Training

Aurora

I shifted back into my human form and approached the gray-eyed woman.

“You’re really Eleanora Winchester? ~The~ Eleanora Winchester who raised my mother?” I couldn’t help the excitement in my voice. She was the one person who might have the answers I needed.

She smiled. “Yes, my dear. I am. And I’ve heard that you’ve awakened your powers, though they still seem weak. That’s why I’m here—to train you and help you become the future queen of lycans.”

Eleanora’s voice was melodious and almost mesmerizing in its sincerity. It was the kind of voice that held you captive under its sway.

“How can I be sure that you’re not some impostor? A witch the hunters sent after me?” I asked, uncertainty taking over.

“You have every right to be wary of me, but please believe that I’m here for your sake and your sake alone.” She seemed genuine, earnest even, but could I trust her?

~“Yes. She isn’t a threat to either of us,”~ Rhea said, and we both relaxed a bit.

“Can you really teach me how to control my powers?” I asked.

“Of course, my child. The enemy is still at large, and you need to know how to properly defend yourself.”

“What do you mean? The hunters? I scared them off last night. They won’t be coming back,” I assured her.

“Don’t be too sure about that, Aurora. You were lucky last night, but that hunter is nowhere near beaten. He’s determined to exterminate your kind for good.”

“My kind?” I echoed.

“Royals.”

I reeled slightly at her pronouncement. This was what we’d suspected, but hearing it confirmed…

“How are you so certain?” I asked her.

“I’m a witch, Aurora. And gossip travels quickly among my kind.” She winked at me, then rolled up her sleeves. “So, have you mastered any elements so far?”

“Elements?” I had to ask. What did she mean by that?

“As a royal, you have the power to control the elements. Earth, wind, fire, and water. Once you’ve mastered all four, you’ll be the most powerful wolf in all creation,” she explained.

~“That explains the purple flames and what you did to Tallulah,”~ Rhea chimed in.

“Does this mean I’ll be able to walk on water and stuff like that?” I asked Eleanora, excited at the prospect of being able to do awesome stuff.

She laughed. “Well, I’m not sure about walking ~on~ water, but you’ll be able to bend it to your will.”

“This is so exciting! When do we start?” I asked as I jumped to my feet, ready to begin my training.

“Well, before the physical training can begin, there’s an even more important thing you must do.”

“And what is that?” I asked.

“You must train your heart.”

“My heart?” I asked, uncertain if I had heard correctly.

“Yes, my child. Both your heart and your wolf’s,” she said, rising. “Have your powers only surfaced when you’re deeply distressed, sad, or angry?”

I nodded, remembering the first time I’d caused those flames to appear. Wolfgang had left a bouquet of roses on my doorstep, and I’d accidentally set them on fire.

“Your powers are triggered by your emotions. So, to master your abilities, you must have control of your heart,” she said, those gray eyes looking straight into mine.

“Okay. I’ll work at keeping my emotions in check,” I said, and she smiled.

“Very good. And judging by the size and shape of that mark, I assume you have an alpha mate, yes?”

She laughed as I instinctively covered Wolfgang’s mark with my hand.

“This mark means nothing,” I said, looking down at the ground. It really didn’t. Wolfgang didn’t love me. He didn’t want me as his mate.

“What’s wrong, my child?” Eleanora asked.

“It’s a long story. Let’s just say we weren’t meant to be mated.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that. The Moon Goddess fates each soulmate for a reason, and you two are no exception.”

She caressed my cheek tenderly, in a motherly way that reminded me of Montana. “I know that the two of you have encountered differences—”

“How could you possibly know that?” I asked.

Avoiding my question, she said, “I’m sure you both will get through this. You are the future queen of the lycans, and he is the strongest alpha. You’re destined to rule together.”

“But how can I trust him? He’s hurt me so much already, and I’m afraid that if I give him that power once more, he’ll destroy me.”

She lifted my chin, forcing me to look her in the eye. “Give it time, and have faith,” she said with a tender smile.

Then Eleanora’s expression turned menacing, and I heard thunder rumbling in the distance. “Now, speaking of that alpha, where is he? I need to have a word with him about the way he’s been treating my girl.”

I guided her through the woods and back to the leader’s house, where we found ourselves surrounded by warrior wolves growling at us, ready to pounce.

“Aurora! Are you alright?” Wolfgang rushed ahead of the warriors, sweat covering his brow, huffing as if he’d been running.

“Of course,” I said, somewhat taken aback. “What’s the meaning of all this? Tell your warriors to stand down.”

“You were missing for hours and a seeker caught the scent of a witch.” His eyes drifted toward Eleanora, and he moved to stand between us, as if blocking me from a potential attack. “Who is this woman?”

“There’s no need to be so defensive, Wolfgang. She means no harm to us,” I said.

“What do you mean, there’s no need to be defensive? She’s a witch! We were attacked last night by witches, and now one shows up here? Of course, I’m gonna be defensive, especially if my mate is in danger!”

“I’m not in danger, you big idiot! You and your warriors need to stand down now!” I said, trying to nudge him aside. He was as immovable as a boulder.

“Now, pups,” Eleanora said, “this is no way to treat one of your elders. Please, show some respect.”

At the sound of her voice, every warrior present—including Wolfgang—dropped to their knees in submission. I looked around, stunned at the sight.

“How did you…?” I asked.

“A little something I picked up while raising your mom.” With a wave of her hand, all the wolves lifted their heads. “She was a very rebellious pup.”

Wolfgang was ready to pounce at her, but I pushed him back.

“She means no threat to us!” I told him. “She’s Eleanora—~the~ Eleanora we’ve been looking for. She’s come to help me control my powers.”

“The witch who raised your mother?” he asked.

I nodded. Eleanora stepped forward, eyeing Wolfgang.

“I would say it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Alpha, but I’ve heard you’ve been a bully to my Aurora,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I…uh…I…I…” Wolfgang stuttered.

I put a hand on his arm to silence him. It wouldn’t do for him to seem so weak before a witch, especially with so many witnesses.

“Eleanora, now isn’t the time or place for that,” I said sternly.

“I’m just kidding, dear. Can’t an old lady joke?” she asked, patting his cheek and walking toward the mansion. “Come on, kiddos. I don’t have all day. There’s a lot to talk about!”