I laughed, the sound lifting my spirits as I listened to updates about my friends. Whatever had gone down between Chiara and Bianca was a mystery for now, but I knew I’d get the full story soon enough.
“And how’s your mate been doing?” I asked, genuinely curious in a way I hadn’t been before.
Carlo’s mate was sweet and a bit shy, a gentle soul with a kind heart. Where I once felt a dull ache at the thought of Carlo and his mate, now there was only warmth. Carlo deserved someone who would be a good Luna, someone who could stand beside him with strength and compassion. I didn’t know much about her, but seeing Carlo happy was all that mattered.
“She’s actually made some friends in your old pack,” Carlo replied, sounding a bit surprised himself. “She misses home, sure, but she’s been doing well there.”
“Good to hear.” I chuckled, imagining him busy with all his responsibilities. “Seems like you’ve got your hands full, Alpha Carlo. Tell everyone I’ll be back soon. Goodnight, Carlo.”
“We all miss you. Keep in touch, yeah? Goodnight, Ella,” he answered, his words carrying warmth and care.
The next day, we launched into our training. Last night had been a rare moment of calm, but today marked the real work. Emiliano, who had seemed so easygoing, revealed the true Fae Lord within: powerful, passionate, with an intensity that had survived even his son’s betrayal. Everything about him hinted at fire-his fierce spirit, his quick temper, even his coppery hair that seemed kissed by flame.
Leonardo had filled Emiliano in on my practice from last night, on how I managed to control the magic surging within me. Emiliano was thrilled, more so when he learned I could see and shape the threads of magic. Apparently, this type of manipulation was instinctual, a raw response rather than a deliberate act. Despite my efforts, though, I hadn’t been able to repeat the feat from the lake.
Leonardo joined us for every session, which was more distracting than helpful. By the third day, I was convinced my lake success had been a one-time fluke. I couldn’t rein in the flood of power; it was like trying to stop a tsunami with a plastic cup. I’d scorched several trees, accidentally destroyed Emiliano’s old truck, and even turned his house into a boiling sauna. It took Emiliano hours to cool the place down, with anything plastic or rubber practically melted.
“So, we’ve established that you can call on fire and draw power from the sun,” Emiliano muttered, pacing back and forth. “But your issue is pulling down a mountain when you only need an anthill.”
“I’ve tried everything, but nothing’s changed,” I groaned, dropping onto a charred log. The moment I sat, I realized my mistake-black soot covered me from head to toe, which Leonardo found all too hilarious.
“Plenty has changed, Isabella.” Emiliano shook his head, pulling his fiery hair back. “You’re skilled with the shape of your magic; it’s the force that’s causing you trouble. Practice is the answer. High Fae children spend decades mastering their magic, and most need even longer.”
“Not exactly the pep talk I was hoping for, Emiliano,” I grumbled, throwing my hands up in exasperation. Leonardo took a few steps back, that mischievous glint in his eyes only making me narrow my own.
“What you need isn’t encouragement-it’s training,” Emiliano shot back with a smirk, his gaze shifting between Leonardo and me, before scanning the forest.
We had been out here for hours, long enough for my fingers and toes to be thoroughly numb. Thankfully, the warmth of fire magic kept me from freezing entirely; I would’ve been an icicle by now if we’d been practicing water magic.
Emiliano had led us to the biggest clearing in the forest, far from the house to prevent any more…accidents. But my attention shifted when I noticed a thick plume of black smoke rising in the distance, exactly where Emiliano’s cabin was. A sense of dread crept over me, and I glanced at Emiliano.
“Are you sure you put out all the fires I started around your cabin?” I asked, pointing skyward.
His entire stance went rigid, his eyes darkening with a smoldering intensity that I felt deep in my chest. It was as though his fury was a tangible thing, crackling in the air. Leonardo, sensing it too, immediately stepped protectively in front of me.
“That fire wasn’t yours,” Emiliano said, his face deadly serious. “Looks like we’re out of time, Isabella. The Fae are here.”