Elara's POV
The wine glass shattered against the marble floor three seconds before my entire life did the same.
I stared at the crimson liquid spreading across the white stone like blood, my heart hammering in my chest for reasons I couldn't explain. Around me, the grand ballroom of Thornwood estate buzzed with laughter and music, but something felt wrong.
"Elara, darling, are you alright?" My fiancé Caspian appeared at my side, his hand warm on my lower back. Tall, handsome, perfect Caspian with his charming smile and expensive suit. In one month, I would marry him and unite our two powerful magical families.
"I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile. "Just nervous about tonight."
Tonight was my twenty-third birthday—the night I would receive my full magical powers. Every witch got their complete magic on this day, and I'd been waiting for it my whole life.
Ash pressed against my leg, a shadow-wolf familiar who'd been with me since I was seven. His dark fur felt solid and real, reminding me to breathe. At least he was always here.
"Nothing to be nervous about," Caspian said smoothly. "You're a Thornwood. Magic is in your blood."
He kissed my cheek and disappeared into the crowd of magical nobility filling our home. Silks and jewels sparkled everywhere. Important people. Powerful people. All here to watch me ascend.
So why did my stomach twist with dread?
Something's wrong, Ash's voice whispered in my mind through our familiar bond. I smell deception.
I glanced down at him. His golden eyes were fixed on someone across the room—my younger sister Vivienne, laughing too loudly in her emerald dress, her hand on Caspian's arm.
"They're just talking," I murmured, but Ash growled low in his throat.
Vivienne caught my eye and smiled. It didn't reach her eyes.
My mother's best friend, Lady Chen, touched my shoulder. "Your mother would be so proud, Elara. Twenty-three years old and about to become one of the most powerful witches in the realm."
If only Mother were here to see it. She'd died when I was twelve, leaving me to navigate this world alone. Well, not completely alone. I had Ash.
"It's time!" My father's voice boomed across the ballroom. Lord Aldric Thornwood stood on the raised platform where the ceremony would take place, his silver hair gleaming under the chandelier lights. "Everyone, take your positions!"
My pulse quickened. This was it.
The crowd parted as I walked toward the platform, Ash at my heels. Hundreds of eyes watched me. Judging. Waiting. The heir to the Thornwood legacy was about to claim her birthright.
Caspian stood on my father's right side. Vivienne on his left. Both smiling.
That same wrong feeling crashed over me again, stronger this time.
Don't do this, Ash urged. Please, Elara. Something is—
"Come, daughter," Father said, extending his hand.
I climbed the steps, my legs feeling like water. The ancient magic circle carved into the platform's floor began to glow beneath my feet. This circle had been used for generations of Thornwood power ceremonies.
"Elara Thornwood," Father intoned, his voice echoing with magical authority. "On this, the night of your twenty-third year, you will receive the full power of your bloodline. Do you accept this gift?"
"I do," I whispered.
He placed his hands on my shoulders. Magic hummed in the air, making my skin tingle. I closed my eyes, waiting for the rush of power I'd dreamed about for years.
But Father's grip suddenly tightened. Painful.
My eyes snapped open.
Father's expression had changed. Cold. Hard. Not looking at me but through me.
"What—" I started.
Caspian grabbed my wrist. His touch burned like ice.
"Now!" he commanded.
Vivienne's hands slammed onto my other arm. Dark magic exploded from both of them, wrapping around me like chains. The crowd gasped, but no one moved. No one helped.
"Caspian?" I couldn't understand what was happening. "Vivienne, what are you—"
Pain. Horrible, burning pain as something began pulling at my core. My magic. They were taking my magic!
I screamed.
Ash lunged at Caspian, teeth bared, but invisible bonds seized him mid-leap. He crashed to the floor, struggling against magic too strong to break.
"Stop fighting, Elara," Caspian said calmly, like we were discussing the weather. "This will go easier if you don't resist."
"Why?" The word came out as a sob. "I love you!"
Vivienne laughed. Actually laughed. "He never loved you, sister. He loved your power. Your position. And I loved him."
The dark ritual intensified. I felt my magic being ripped away, piece by piece, like having my soul torn out. I collapsed to my knees, but Caspian and Vivienne held me upright, their spell glowing brighter.
"Help me!" I begged the crowd. These were people I'd known my whole life. "Please!"
But they all stood frozen, watching. Some looked horrified. Others satisfied. None moved.
"Elara Thornwood," Father's voice rang out, "has been found practicing forbidden magic. This ritual is necessary to prevent her from becoming a danger to us all."
"That's a lie!" I screamed. "Father, please!"
But Lord Aldric Thornwood turned his back on me.
The last of my magic drained away. I felt it leave like water through my fingers—all the power I'd been born with, all the potential I'd carried, gone. Empty. Hollow. Nothing.
Caspian released me and I crumpled to the floor, gasping.
"Take her familiar," Vivienne said coldly. "Destroy the bond."
"NO!" I reached for Ash, but I was too weak to move.
Then Caspian leaned close, his breath hot against my ear, and whispered four words that shattered what remained of my heart:
"I never needed you."