The Curse

Chapter 29
Nalani remained seated beside Karyan, her hand still clasped in his, feeling comfortable without realizing it. Her eyes widened as she listened to Karyan tell the story of her parents’ past.

“My mother sacrificed herself, accepted Deegon, to investigate my father’s death. No one knew. Not even Bertold, who had been close to her since childhood. It’s hard to believe that my father was betrayed by his own right hand.”

“I can imagine Lorelei’s feelings,” Nalani said softly. “Her heart must be broken. But how did she uncover the betrayal?”

“Deegon had a secret box that he hid in a hole in the stables. My mother managed to follow him when he went to get some poison to kill someone.”

“Who?”

“She never got the chance, but it could have been Arald, who was her most vocal opponent. My mother ignored Bertold’s suggestion to bring the accusation to the council of elders, as it would only cause a split. During those six years, Deegon managed to gather a number of loyal followers.”

Nalani shivered involuntarily. This was probably a horrible reality for Lorelei, knowing with certainty about the murder of her loved one.

Feeling Nalani tremble, Karyan tightened her grip on Nalani’s hand.

“And... how did Lorelei curse her into that creature?”

“My mother’s magic was stronger than she knew. It became a protective force when she was threatened. She faced Deegon, making him panic and angry. He turned into a wolf and attacked her with his claws, which were laced with poison. My mother’s magic created the curse. He became helpless and turned into a monster. But my mother...” Karyan’s voice shook slightly. “She was clawed by one of Deegon’s claws. My mother eventually died from the poison.”

“Oh, no,” Nalani gasped. “But Alpha... I got the impression they didn't know Deegon turned into a monster.”

Karyan shook his head. “No, Nalani. He left before Bertold found my mother. All of Mond thought my mother had eliminated him with her magic before she herself died. All of Deegon’s clothes and some of his limbs were scattered about the place.

“Then, how did you know?”

“Karina saw everything, she told me about it. However we intended to bury my mother at the edge of the forest, where she often sat and talked with my father. But...” Karyan’s voice broke again. “The next day, when the elders went to retrieve the coffin from her resting place, her body was gone, replaced by a marble statue that looked so much like her, so beautiful.
It emitted a magical glow. Bertold said that the fairies had taken her body to Sivandell, where her ancestors were.”

Nalani’s heart ached for Karyan. She could see the depth of his loss and the lingering pain.

Gently, she squeezed his hand, providing silent support.

A moment later there was the sound of horses in the distance, and the sound of crowds welcoming those who came.

There were screams and cries.
Karyan got up. “Radoff has come with the victims,” he said. “I hope they are still alive.” His hand still did not let go of Nalani’s. “Come with me, Nalani,” he said.

“You can see how badly they’re hurt, then tell Bertold to get ready to handle them.”

“All right,” Nalani agreed. “Let’s go.”

When the two arrived in front of the castle, where the victims were temporarily laid out, Nalani shuddered. The state of the two victims was no better than the previous victims. It was fortunate that they were still alive.

“Why would anyone still go to the forest after I announced my ban?” Karyan shouted. “What are these two going into the forest for?”

“Their children are hungry and their supplies have run out,” said one of the others. “They had to go, it wasn’t too far and they thought it was safe so they didn’t need a guard. But turns out....”

“Can you really obey me?” Karyan raised his tone in frustration. “If you’re hungry, tell me. I’ll bring out all the food supplies in the castle. And if you have to go to the forest, tell me. I will have guards escort you!”

Karyan signaled Radoff to take the two wounded to Bertold’s residence. Nalani was about to follow him, but once again Karyan grabbed her hand. "Thank you for accompanying me," Karyan whispered and then hurried over to the guards.

As her hand was released, Nalani felt a strange loss in her heart.
***

The moon shone in the sky, casting a silver glow over the forest as Lorelei moved silently between the castle walls.

Her heart was pounding, but she tried to push her fear away. She knew this confrontation was inevitable, that Deegon’s treachery had to be exposed.

The night air was thick and hot as she approached the stables where Deegon had hidden his secret.

Lorelei stopped at the edge of the meadow behind the castle, where the horses were left to graze.

She watched as Deegon emerged from the shadows, a small bottle in his hand.

Her eyes narrowed, recognizing the glint of poison. This was the second time she had seen Deegon pick up the vial.

Cautiously, she stepped forward, her voice broke the silence.

“Deegon,” she called with a cold and commanding tone.

Deegon spun around, shock an anger on his face. “Lorelei,” he sneered, quickly hiding the bottle behind his back. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question,” she replied, stepping closer. “But I already know the answer. You killed Kahn. You betrayed him, and now you plan to kill Arald.”

Deegon’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them was visible for Lorelei. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, but I do,” Lorelei said, her voice grew stronger. “I’ve seen the poison. I know about your secret stash. Did you really think you could get away with it forever?”

Deegon’s lips curled into a snarl, and in an instant, he transformed into his wolf form, lunging at Lorelei with claws outstretched.

Lorelei stood her ground, her eyes shone like the night’s start in the dark sky.

She raised her hand, and a shimmering magical barrier formed around her, deflecting Deegon’s attack.

“You cannot defeat me, Deegon,” she said, her voice echoed with the reflected power. “I will not let you destroy this herd.”

Deegon howled in anger, his claws scraped against the magic barrier. “You fool, Lorelei! You think your magic can protect you forever?”

Lorelei’s expression hardened, and she began to chant, her words resonated with ancient power. The air around them crackled with energy, and Deegon’s growls grew more frantic as he realized the true extent of Lorelei’s abilities.

“You will pay for your treachery,” Lorelei declared, her voice seeming to have an echo. “I curse you, Deegon, to live as the monster you truly are. You will never harm another soul again.”

As she spoke the final words of the curse, a blinding light enveloped Deegon. He writhed in pain, his form changed and morphed.

Lorelei’s magic coursed through him, transforming him into a grotesque creature, a terrifying blend of wolf and human.

His eyes, once filled with cunning, now glowed a wild red light.

Deegon let out a tortured roar, and with a final surge of strength, he slashed at Lorelei with his poisonous claws.

The barrier wavered, and Lorelei stumbled backwards, searing pain radiating throughout her body.

“Your curse won’t save you,” Deegon growled, his voice twisted and hoarse.

But Lorelei stood her ground again, even as the poison coursed through her veins.

“I don’t need saving,” she whispered. “I’m doing this for my son. For Karyan.”

With one last defiant look, Lorelei collapsed, her body slumping to the ground.

Deegon, who had now completely transformed into a beast, fled into the forest, leaving behind the tattered remains of his clothes and the pieces of his former body.

***