Page 73 of My Fated Mate

"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.

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