Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 148

Chapter 148 The Choice to Hunt 

Ava laughed hard at Ysabel’s words. She truly was an exceptional woman. With a playful blink, Ava said. “Well, this is wonderful. Of all people, it was you, Ms. Severn, who picked up my distress signal. When I saw those men walking toward me, I kept telling myself it was no big deal, but I was still terrified.” 

Ysabel nodded calmly. “A pack of wolves spotting a helpless little lamb will, of course, scare the lamb. But once that lamb grows strong enough, what does it matter if the wolves come again? Ms. Morren, do you want to be the hunter, or the one who submits?” 

At that moment, a long–suppressed impulse surged inside Ava. She met Ysabel’s sharp, penetrating gaze and said firmly, “Compared to submission, I’d rather be the hunter. My fate belongs in my own hands.” 

Seeing the resolve in Ava’s eyes, Ysabel felt a flicker of recognition. The girl reminded her of herself when she was young–only this one was far luckier. 

“Then, Ms. Morren,” Ysabel asked, “are you ready to face the hardships that come with growth?” 

“Of course,” Ava replied without hesitation. “Ever since I was seven years old, I’ve been determined to take control of my own life. No matter how hard the road is, I am the master of my destiny. I am the one who gives my life its power.” 

Ysabel studied her in silence, her gaze deep and unreadable. “Then congratulations, Ms. Morren. You’ve passed my test. I came here specifically for you. In truth, besides being asked to come, I also wanted to see for myself whether you were worth it.” 

She continued, “One of my husbands, Theodore Jones, may not claim to be the strongest wood elemental power user alive, but he stands among the very best. You are the only woman in ten thousand years to awaken wood elemental power, and the only one still living. Your existence will rewrite the history of women. Would you be willing to become his apprentice?” 

Ava’s heart surged at those words. She forced herself to suppress the excitement bubbling inside her and looked at Ysabel with composed restraint. “Is this Mr. Jones‘ own wish,” she asked carefully, “or is it something others are hoping for?” 

She truly was a girl who knew how to keep her composure. Her first concern wasn’t the honor itself, but their genuine intentions. 

Ysabel’s impression of Ava rose sharply. Lowering her gaze, she met Ava’s eyes. “You care about that?” 

Ava smiled faintly and nodded. “Yes. I understand my own situation very well, and I also know my family might try to find me a powerful teacher. But a bond between mentor and apprentice should be based on mutual willingness. I don’t want my future teacher to take me on just because of my family, or out of obligation, or to save dignity.” 

She went on evenly, “If a choice goes against the heart, then even if we became mentor and apprentice, a relationship mixed with too many other considerations could lead to problems later on. I don’t like that. Of course, I respect Mr. Jones deeply. He’s an outstanding and highly respected wood elemental power user.” 

A smile spread through Ysabel’s eyes, and she let out a soft laugh. “You’re even more composed than I imagined. For someone so young, you’re remarkably steady. You’ve truly surprised me. Though he didn’t come today, I’m certain that when he meets you, he’ll like you very much.” 

1/2 

16:50 Thu, Jan 15 G MI 

Chapter 148 The Choice to Hunt 

313 

Finished 

She added, “You’re right. Someone did approach him, but we didn’t agree right away. Your situation is simply too extraordinary, and we were curious. So I volunteered to come and see for myself. Ava, to be honest, if you hadn’t passed my test just now, I would never have agreed on his behalf. Even if your great- uncle had come personally, it would have made no difference.” 

Her tone softened. “Child, you’re an exceptional young woman. I like you very much.” 

Only then did Ava break into a bright smile, blinking playfully. “In that case, I suppose I should thank this face of mine.” 

Ysabel laughed openly. “You little rascal, teasing me now? But honestly, you really are beautiful. I’m a shameless admirer of good looks. I like girls who are pretty and clear–headed–it’s a pleasure just to look at them.” 

The two of them chatted as if no one else existed, clearly getting along effortlessly. Their two strikingly different yet equally stunning faces side by side hit the onlookers with the force of an exploding planet. Someone quickly activated their Holoband to record photos and videos. This scene was destined to become a legendary moment that people would talk about for years to come. 

Ryan crossed his arms, his expression so sour it was almost comical, his molars grinding. “Guarding against men isn’t enough. Now I have to watch out for women too.” 

Keith never took his eyes off Ava. Even though Ysabel had gotten there first, it was obvious Ava was happy- and that was enough for him. 

“As long as she’s happy,” he said calmly. “Besides, even without Ysabel, she wouldn’t necessarily have chosen you anyway.” 

290 

W