Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 158

The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride 

Chapter 158 Meeting Her Mentor 

(13 

Finished 

Yara’s hand rested lightly on Ava’s back. Her eyes drifted beyond the girl, drawn to Patrick’s grave. For a fleeting moment, it felt as if time had folded–she could see him again, a young man full of life, standing there, looking at her with that familiar, gentle smile… 

Ava’s apprenticeship ceremony was scheduled for the third day following her coming–of–age celebration. 

That morning, Jonathan and Margaret drove Ava to Jones Residence. 

After about thirty minutes, their hovercar landed at the gates of Jones Residence. 

Ysabel had taken the day off and waited at home with Theodore for the Morren family to arrive. 

Jonathan stepped inside first and exchanged a few words with them before Margaret joined him. 

Ysabel nudged her husband. “Theodore, this is the girl I mentioned–Ava. Her wood elemental power is very different from yours.” 

Then she turned to Ava. “Ava, come over here.” 

Ava walked forward and stopped before them, waiting for guidance.. 

Theodore was nothing like what Ava had imagined. His features were refined and delicate–almost androgynous–but there was no hint of femininity. He was half a head taller than Ysabel, slim and upright, and even standing next to Ysabel, his presence remained commanding. 

He scrutinized the girl in front of him. She seemed calm and obedient. When his wife mentioned again how her elemental power diverged from the norm, Theodore became alert. His voice was low and resonant, warm yet magnetic, contrasting sharply with his appearance. 

“Ava, right? Show me your wood elemental power.” 

Ava raised her hand. A tiny green plant swayed gently, bathed in a soft emerald light, brushing its leaves lightly against her palm. 

Theodore leaned in to examine it closely. Ava held her breath, tension knotting in her chest. She had no idea whether Theodore would approve–or even accept her as his apprentice. 

Sensing her anxiety, the plant’s limbs twitched. It seemed to sense her worry, then suddenly shot forward and smacked Theodore across the face. 

It had never done that before. Ava jumped back, and the others were equally shocked. Ysabel couldn’t contain her laughter. “Well, Theodore? I told you her power isn’t like yours!” 

The tap was gentle, causing no pain. Theodore seemed unfazed. The stern lines around his eyes and brow softened, replaced by a genuine smile. “This little one’s got personality.” 

He straightened and regarded Ava again, his warmth more evident now, “What was it like when you first awakened your power?” 

1/2 

16:53 Thu, Jan 15 

Chapter 158 Meeting Her Mentor 

Relieved by his tone, Ava exhaled quietly. He wasn’t angry. 

(13 

Finished 

“At first, it had only two tiny leaves, like a seedling breaking through the soil. It wasn’t as human–like as it is now. Over the past few years, I realized it almost understands people–it behaves like its own life–form.” 

A faint smile appeared on Theodore’s lips. “It is a life–form. Your wood elemental power has mutated. Such mutations are extremely rare. In the past ten thousand years of wood elemental users, only a handful developed this. We usually call it a companion plant.” 

Ava blinked, joy spreading across her face. 

“Your companion plant and you are connected–mind to mind. The bond is strong, and the link between you is remarkable. Honestly, I’m curious to see what it will become in the future.” Theodore smiled genuinely. He hadn’t expected Ava to bring him such a surprise. 

“Looks like you’re impressed with her, Theodore,” Ysabel said, reading her husband effortlessly and grinning. 

Theodore didn’t deny it, but he composed himself and addressed Ava. “You’re a very promising seedling. Honestly, I might not be the ideal mentor. You were born in the wrong era. Among today’s wood users, none possess a companion life–form. The last was Julian Clark. Unfortunately, you never had the chance to meet him. 

“If you want me as your mentor, I’d be glad to accept you. But if you aim higher, I can introduce you to elders stronger than me. I’m sure they would be just as excited to meet you.” 

His tone was simple and sincere–an elder recognizing true talent, unable to hide his pleasure. 

Ava quickly calculated. In the current era, Theodore wasn’t the top wood user; three others outranked him, old enough to be her great–uncle’s peers or even older. 

She met Theodore’s gaze. “I’ve always believed that fate matters between mentor and apprentice. Though we just met, I respect your heart, Mr. Jones. I would be honored to learn from you, and I trust you’ll be an exceptional mentor.” 

1 

290 

2/2