Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 135

We arrive at the Starry Hearth, and Gale, the wind fae, shows us to our rooms. Her gaze lingers on my wolf ears and tail, no longer concealed now that the Mystic Council's reign has ended, but she doesn’t say anything. Instead, she just smiles and nods. Leaving Janie and Xander to rest, we arrange for food to be brought up to them.

Mister Kal decides to stay with us downstairs and sits on a window’s ledge, and wags his tail as he peers out to watch the Felderians bustling about in and out of the stores.

‘You all must be hungry from all your travels,’ Gale smiles, ‘Surely you would all like to order something to eat?’ she inquires.

‘I’ll have the Mean Mega Monstrous Meaton Meal,’ Warrick and I simultaneously declare, sharing a smile at our shared choice. Imogen selects the Sorcerer's Sizzling Stir-Fry. Gale nods and gracefully departs to fulfil our orders.

I playfully engage with Pixel as we wait for our meals. Then as they float over to our table, we suddenly hear cries of joy penetrate the air, drawing our attention to the window. We peer over Mister Kal to witness the freed Felderians being enveloped in the loving embrace of their long-lost loved ones and sharing how they were freed.

'I'm so happy they're finally free,' Imogen expresses, her heart brimming with warmth and joy.

I smile and nod, watching loved ones reunite, but then my smile fades to a frown. ‘We still have the book, though, from the high tower. Maybe tonight we can have a campfire and burn it together?’ I propose.

‘It can’t remain here in Felderia. It’s too risky if it falls into the wrong hands, and Gretchen would still want it as long as she knows it still exists. We will destroy it tonight when Xander and Janie feel up to it,’ Warrick says.

We all nod and agree.

As nightfall arrives. Xander and Janie walk down the stairs holding hands and sit at our table. They look refreshed and energised.

‘Thanks for making sure we had meals brought up to us,’ Janie says with gratitude.

Imogen inquires, 'Did you both sleep well?'

Janie nods, her eyes reflecting a sense of rejuvenation. 'Yes, we woke not too long ago and decided to take a refreshing bath before coming down to join you.'

‘While you were both resting,’ I say to Janie and Xander. ‘We think it would be a good idea if we made a campfire and destroyed the book together from the high tower, so Gretchen or anyone else who means harm cannot learn the spells from it?’ I tell them.

‘We should do it now,’ Xander nods and stands.

We create a fire within the circle of boulders nearby but far enough away to have privacy from prying eyes.

As the fire crackles and shadows flicker and dance around us, I drop the book into the fire. We watch, standing together, but as each moment passes, we realise that the book is not burning.

‘Stars, Hexes and Spells,’ Xander exclaims angrily.

‘Lifto Levitatous,’ Janie says.

The book hovers into the air, away from the fire. We all circle and inspect it, all holding the same thoughts.

‘It’s still completely intact. Not even the slightest burn,’ Janie says.

‘What does this mean, then?’ Imogen asks.

‘It means it can’t be destroyed,’ Xander says, frustrated.

‘What do we do then?’ I ask.

‘If it can’t be destroyed, then maybe,’ Xander trails off.

‘Then maybe it should return to your world with you?’ Warrick suggests and finishes Warrick’s thought.

‘If that’s the next safest option, then I guess we could do that?’ I say and stare at Janie for her confirmation.

‘We can keep it hidden at Grammy’s house?’ she suggests.

‘That sounds ideal,’ Xander agrees.

I take the book hovering in the air and place it in my satchel.

But Suddenly, I fall to my knees as pain sears throughout my body.

‘Rose!’ Warrick says, kneeling before me. ‘What is it?’ he asks.

‘It hurts my whole body,’ I tell him. My head flicks up, and my eyes widen at the moon as the pain intensifies.

‘This has happened a couple of times now,’ Janie says with worry to Warrick. ‘Her body tries to shift on its own, but it’s too painful for her. She only partly shifts before returning to her human state, except her ears and tail always remain,’ she explains.

‘I can help you shift, Rose,’ he says with a serious and concerned look.

I shake my head, ‘No, I told you I don’t want to be a wolf. I don’t want this,’ I tell him.

‘Each time your body tries to shift, and you fight against it. It will only make the pain worse each time,’ he explains.

I scream out in pain as it worsens again. My legs feel as though they are about to snap. Then a horrid pain shoots up my spine, causing me to scream again.

‘Help her!’ Imogen shouts at Warrick.

‘I can lessen the pain so you can shift,’ Warrick says.

‘H-how,’ I ask, and my right arm snaps. I scream, but the pain is replaced with warm shooting sparks as Warrick pulls me onto his lap.

‘The mate bond, letting me hold you. My touch, it will help,’ he assures me.

I nod, ‘Please stop the pain,’ I beg him.

‘I will,’ he says and holds me close. He looks up at Imogen and Janie. ‘Help me undress her so she can shift easier,’ he says to them.

Orelious and Xander nod at each other with knowing looks to give me privacy and walk out of the circle of boulders and wait behind one.

Warrick continues caressing my face as Janie and Imogen help remove my dress and undergarments. They step back and sit down, watching silently in awe and trepidation.

As more bones within my body began to fracture, I marvel at the minimal pain caused by Warrick's touch. I gazed at my arms, observing the mystical transformation as a deep furry violet hue spread over my skin. My hands and feet change into paws, and my face contorts, reshaping itself. Finally, with a resounding snap, my spine completes the final part of my transformation.

As my heart pounds rapidly, a primal roar bursts forth from the depths of my soul, echoing across the expanse of our surroundings—my new form igniting a surge of untamed wildness and unbridled freedom that courses through my veins. I have never, in all my days, felt more alive than in this very moment.

Next chapter is the first chapter of book Three:

Book Three

Subtitled

Hexes and Howls