The fire at the Hale mansion had changed Elias's life forever. The loss of his home, along with the revelation of his powers as a white wolf, marked the beginning of a phase of preparation and rigorous training for both him and Cora. The tragedy had pushed them to confront their destiny and accept their responsibilities as protectors of a legacy on the brink of extinction.
From the moment the smoke cleared and the flames were extinguished, Talia knew that Beacon Hills would no longer be a safe haven for them. They needed time to heal, both physically and emotionally, and above all, they had to prepare for the threats to come. Their lineage's enemies would no longer see them as a vulnerable and disorganized group. Now, Talia was determined that the Hale family would rise from the ashes stronger than ever, and Elias, with his transformation, was the key to achieving that.
In the weeks following the fire, Elias and Cora did not return to school. Instead, they followed a strict training regimen with Derek and Talia, who taught them to control their abilities, hone their instincts, and understand the legacy coursing through their veins. It was a grueling and demanding process, and although the pain from the loss of their home still haunted them, both accepted the challenge with determination.
The first day of training was particularly intense. Talia took them deep into the woods, a place where the dense foliage and solitude would allow them to focus without distractions. There, they began with the basics: breath control, channeling energy, and tuning their senses.
—We need each of you to learn to identify and channel your own energy —Talia explained, her tone calm but firm—. Elias, you especially must understand the difference between your human form and your white wolf form. This power is part of you, but it also has its own drive, and you must be able to master it.
Elias nodded, aware of the enormous responsibility resting on him. He remembered every detail of that night when he transformed; the power he felt coursing through his body had been overwhelming, almost uncontrollable. Now more than ever, he knew that mastering that power was crucial if he wanted to protect his family and prevent another tragedy.
Cora, for her part, was determined not to fall behind. Although she didn't possess the direct lineage of Lycaon like Elias, she was a pure-blood Hale with fierce instincts and unwavering willpower. Derek, who had been her mentor during training, guided her in controlling her strength and moving with agility and precision.
—It's not just about strength, Cora —Derek told her as they practiced hand-to-hand combat—. Speed, cunning, and the ability to anticipate the enemy are equally important.
Cora absorbed each lesson with a dedication that even surprised Derek. There was something in her that reflected the determination and anger of someone who had lost much, and she was willing to fight with everything she had to protect what remained of her family.
Meanwhile, Peter lay in a coma at a nearby hospital. The injuries he sustained during the fire had been severe, and although Talia visited him regularly, the family knew that the chances of him waking up soon were slim. For Elias, Peter was a complex figure; he had always been Talia's intriguing and somewhat mysterious brother, and the idea that he was trapped in a state of unconsciousness was a constant in his mind. Even though he knew he had to focus on his training, Peter's image and the memory of the fire continued to haunt his dreams.
As the months passed, both Cora and Elias focused on perfecting their skills and studying for an exam that would allow them to advance to the second year of high school, despite their absence from school. The decision to leave school for training had been difficult, but with Talia and Derek's help, they found a way to continue their studies, preparing to take the exam intensively.
Talia contacted a specialized tutor in Beacon Hills, who provided them with all the necessary study materials. It was a grueling pace, as they had to divide their time between physical training and academics. Every night, Elias stayed up late reviewing his notes while Cora, who had already overcome her own challenges with studying, helped him prepare.
—This is more exhausting than any training session in the woods —Elias joked one night, laughing softly as he tried to understand a math problem.
—At least you don't have to worry about the exam scratching your face —Cora quipped, nudging him with a book.
Finally, after weeks of preparation and with Talia's constant support, they both passed the exam, securing their advancement to the second year. Although the experience had been challenging, it had also brought them closer together, reinforcing the bond they shared since childhood.
Elias's physical training had progressed considerably, and soon he found himself able to transform into the white wolf at will. The first few times, the change left him exhausted, and each transformation reminded him of the intensity of the power he carried within. However, over time, he began to understand that connection better. The force that transformed him into a white wolf was not just an uncontrollable impulse; it was an extension of himself, a physical representation of his lineage.
During a session in the woods, Elias successfully completed a transformation into the white wolf with a precision and calm that even surprised Talia. His white fur gleamed under the moonlight, and his eyes reflected a determination he had never felt before. Talia watched her pupil with a mix of pride and sadness, aware that Elias was destined to face great challenges in the future.
—This is just the beginning, Elias. Life will test you time and again —Talia said, placing a hand on his shoulder as he returned to his human form—. But I trust you will know how to handle it.
Elias looked at her and nodded. He knew that the power he carried was not only a privilege but a responsibility. And although the path ahead was uncertain, he was determined to protect those he loved and keep the Hale legacy alive.
Finally, the first day of the second year of high school arrived, and Elias and Cora prepared to return to Beacon Hills High School. With their training and studies, both felt ready, not just for the academic challenges but also for any threats they might encounter. The fire had changed their lives and strengthened their resolve to fight together and defend what remained of their family.
That morning, as they walked toward the school entrance, Elias and Cora exchanged a glance that held a silent promise. They had been through difficult and painful times, but the bond they shared was stronger than any obstacle.
—We're finally back to school —Cora murmured, a small smile forming on her lips.
Elias looked at her, sharing her smile.
—Yeah, and this time, we're here to stay… and to start anew.
They both crossed the school door, knowing that although the future was uncertain, they were ready for whatever came their way.