Zodiac Academy: New Gen

Kale Chapter Eleven

I walked out of the restaurant as quickly as possible without making it look like I was in a hurry. I opened Azuras door, got her in the car, and looked around just in case Elara was still there. I couldn't see her anywhere. I climb into my truck and head back to the Academy, hoping that is where she went. "I knew she shouldn't have trusted Tarin," I say, keeping my eyes on the road, looking for Elara. "She has to learn it for herself, babe. There isn't anything you can do," Azura says while staying vigilant. "I know, but still. She has been gone for so long that she no longer knows who they are." I say as I pick my speed up.

We pulled into campus within 2 minutes of driving. I started to drive slowly, hoping Elara would be walking slowly; unless using her speed, she wouldn't have gotten far. We drive through all the roads on campus but cannot seem to find her. "Maybe she ran home?" Azura asks, looking at me. "I just don't think she would have; the dads would have had a million questions for her!" I say, looking back at her. We drive back for another few minutes before I almost give up and head home.

"Over there!" Azura shouts as she points to the tree line where Elara has emerged. Her face is tear-stained, and she looks defeated. I open my door and climb out, standing on the side, "Elara!" I yell her way. She shoots her eyes over and starts slowly walking towards us. Without a word, she climbs into the back of my truck and buckles her seatbelt.

"Elara, I...." I start, but she cuts me off, "Please just drive." She says, looking down at her hands. Azura looks over at me, nodding to put the car in drive. I look back through the review mirror to see Elara. I see a tear stream down her cheek as she wipes it and looks out the window. "Elara, I'm so sorry," I say as we exit the magic bubble surrounding the academy. "It's fine, Kale, not your fault." She says, meeting my eyes in the mirror. Azura reaches her hand to the backseat to grab Elaras; they continue to hold it without saying a word.

I almost forgot what Elara was like before the voices, and this moment brought me back to it. I give her a soft smile and start speeding off towards home.

We pull into the driveway a few minutes later. I hop out and open Azura and Elara's doors. As I am going to shut the door and walk with Azura to the house, I see Elara turn towards the street and stare. "El, are you coming in?" I ask, breaking her out of her trance. "Huh, yeah, " she says, turning back towards me.

I will do whatever it takes to keep Elara away from Tarin and Rygar, even if I lose everything.