Chapter 3

Calla's Pov

I burnt my breakfast.

I’d not just burnt it. No…i’d also set the entire pan on fire with a burst of magic that I had not meant to summon. My mother grabbed the extinguisher and put the fire out while I just stood there.

We stood there in silence, watching white foam drip onto the tile. "That's the third time this week," Mom said finally.

I clenched my fists and sparks danced between my fingers. “I’m trying.”

"I know." She set the extinguisher down, but she wouldn't look at me. "But trying isn't enough anymore, is it?"

The sparks died. My mom had been like that since the rejection. Since I'd torn away the one thing she'd wanted most….being the motherinlaw to the Alpha. I also wanted a pair of tooth grills but she had refused. I guess we can;t all have what we want in life.

My mom grabbed a towel and started wiping foam off the counter. "We need to talk."

Those four words, nothing good ever followed them. "I don't want to hear it." I headed for the door.

"Calla Miranda Thorne, sit down." she commanded.

I stopped. She only used my full name when things were serious. When I'd shifted for the first time and accidentally destroyed the garden shed and also when Grandmother died. I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the foam still dripping from the stove.

Mom joined me. She looked older than she had two weeks ago. She looked so tired. The Luna of our pack, reduced to cleaning up her daughter's magical accidents at seven in the morning.

"I got a call yesterday," she said. "From Ravenbane Academy."

It was the boarding college and academy for supernaturals. I didn't want to go there, I’ve never had. I loved my day school with the humans in it.

"They have a spot for you. You'd start next week." she carried on, ignoring the shock on my face.

"Mom, no. I'm not going." I stood up. The chair scraped against the floor. "You can't send me away."

"I'm not sending you away. I'm protecting you." She pulled out her phone and slid it across the table. "Look."

I didn't want to, but I picked it up anyway. I was everywhere. Every werewolf in the four corners of the world knew about the rejection. The humans did too, but to them it was just me rejecting a really hot guy.

I scrolled through photos someone had taken at the ceremony. Me on my knees, my face twisted in pain. Luca collapsed across from me, his mark bleeding black. 

"There are threats too," Mom said quietly. "People who think you disrespected the Moon Goddess. People who think you should be punished."

“What?” 

"And there are others who see you as some kind of symbol. Freedom from forced bonds and choice over destiny." Mom took her phone back. "You've become famous, Calla. That's dangerous for someone who can't control her magic."

As if on cue, sparks jumped from my fingertips. I shoved my hands under the table. "I'm getting better."

"You shifted three times yesterday. Once in the grocery store."

It was true. I had, and right in the cereal aisle. My wolf had surged forward so fast I barely made it outside before fur replaced skin. A kid had seen my eyes change and started crying.

"The bond breaking destabilized you," Mom continued. "Your wolf and your magic are fighting each other. You need help, I can't give you here."

"So send me away. That's your solution?" I heard my voice crack and swallowed. "I embarrass you that much?"

"You don't embarrass me." But she wouldn't meet my eyes when she said it. I embarrassed her. I embarrassed the whole pack. The Luna's daughter, rejecting her mate in front of everyone, and making a spectacle.

"Ravenbane has wards," Mom said. "Powerful ones. They've taught hybrid students for decades. Witch-wolves, vampire-fae, everything in between and they can help you control both sides."

"I don't need—"

"You set the kitchen on fire making eggs!" Her voice rose. Finally, she was showing some emotion. "You shifted in public. Twice. Your magic sparks every time you feel something. What happens when you get really angry? What happens when someone pushes you too far?"

"Ravenbane has rules," Mom continued, calmer now. "No fated bonds. Students can't be recognized mates and you'll never have to face this situation again."

"Because I'll be locked away." I finished.

"Because you'll be safe." She reached across the table, and stopped before touching my hand. "Please, Calla. Let me protect you."

The please did it. My mother didn't beg. Didn't ask. She ordered, she commanded, she led. Hearing that word from her mouth made something break inside me.

"When?" I asked eventually, coming to terms with my fate. 

"Saturday. In five days."

"That's not enough time." I whined.

"It's what we have." She stood up, and started cleaning again. The conversation was over. "I'll help you start packing tonight. They have a uniform requirement and the protection wards are strong. You won't be able to leave campus without permission."

Prison.. She was sending me to a magical prison.