Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 114

Orelious steps out of the tavern alone and approaches us.

‘How did it go?’ I ask him.

Orelious sighs, weariness tainting his voice. 'Xander is in a state of shock, drowning his regrets in nymph nectar. He seems remorseful for his part in Warrick's unjust imprisonment, seeking forgiveness. Warrick refuses to accept his apology but did state all that matters was Xander hearing the truth. I think it will be fine if you want to go in there,’ he tells us.

Janie looks over her shoulder. ‘I want to browse inside the Familiar Haven first,’ she says.

‘Let’s go,’ Imogen beams and runs inside.

Curious of all the mystical creatures watching us from their hutches and cages. I decide to enter as well. Majestic birds hang from ceiling cages, their vibrant plumage catching the light. I read the signs attached to the cages, uncovering the names of these magnificent creatures—shimmerwings, glimmer finches, and bloomchirps.

Moving deeper into the haven, my eyes alight upon the familiar flufflehorns and whiskerwisps nestled in hutches. Their endearing presence warms my heart. Yet, there are also adorable creatures I've never encountered before—fableflames and glimkins—awakening my sense of awe and fascination. Large jars filled with zapperflies and other captivating butterflies grace the shelves. Some glow and others change different bright colours.

In the corner of the window, nestled within a sizeable nest, I spot a tiny dragon—the same one I had glimpsed on a previous occasion. The sight of this diminutive creature fills me with delight. ‘Aren’t you just cute!’ I beam, approaching and with a gentle touch, I press my finger against its adorable nose. Its puppy-like eyes close, and a plume of smoke escapes from the sides of its mouth, a sign of contentment. Its scaly skin displays an exquisite array of pastel colours, transitioning from purple along its back to shades of blue, green, and pink along its stomach. The dragon attempts to fly toward me, its wings fluttering, only to be halted by an unnoticed chain around its leg. It begins to whimper, tugging at my heartstrings.

Sensing Warrick's presence before I see him, I catch a whiff of his scent and feel the warmth of his body behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, our eyes meet in a shared sadness. I notice his attire—a brown tunic adorned with delicate gold embroidery, likely acquired from the nearby Enchanted Apparel store. The garment fits him perfectly and accentuates his strong physique and muscular build.

'He reminds me of you, bound in the witching woods. He's so sad,' I say softly, redirecting my gaze to the little dragon.

Warrick moves closer, standing beside me, and affectionately pets the dragon under its chin. A deep, resonant purr emanates from the small creature, surprising us with its volume. 'He's a pixeleon dragon—a rare and costly find. Most wouldn't be able to afford such a treasure,' Warrick explains.

Suddenly, I sneeze, startling the pixeleon from my hand, causing it to vanish before my eyes. Confusion clouds my expression as I search for its whereabouts, only to notice the chain still swaying in motion. Slowly, the pixeleon reappears, its pastel colours shifting back into view.

‘He can camouflage?’ I ask Warrick.

‘Yes, making it harder and rare to catch one,’ he says.

‘Like the Blossom Fox, draped in forestry and flowers,’ I reply with a smile.

‘Yes,’ he says and scratches the back of his head, a hint of nervousness evident as he bites his bottom lip. He averts his gaze momentarily before locking eyes with me once more. 'Would you like it? The pixeleon,' he offers.

'I would like to see it free, just as I wish to see you free,' I respond, barely above a whisper.

Warrick freezes, his gaze fixed upon me, understanding dawning in his eyes as I continue to pet the pixeleon. He realises I was referring to seeing him free of Felderia and its troubles. Free of the mystic council and the burden of me being his mate, and him not having to have his heart longing and waiting for something that may never happen.

Silently, Warrick walks toward the witch who presides over the store. Her attention focused on casting a spell upon her broom. As Warrick approaches, the broom awakens, sweeping the strands of hay scattered across the floor.

Looking a little glum and tipsy, Xander enters the store and approaches Janie and Imogen, who are trying clothing for familiars on Mister Kal, who sits on a wooden pedestal. He doesn’t seem too impressed and must be telepathically speaking to Janie as she verbally laughs and replies to him.

'Fine, how about something more traditional then?' Janie suggests, removing the tuxedo shirt from Mister Kal. With a sense of excitement, she peruses the rack of items, aided by Imogen, who pulls out a black cloak adorned with golden stars. Janie's face lights up as she discovers a witch's hat, perfectly suited for a feline. Together, they dress Mister Kal in the ensemble, and he turns to face himself in the mirror, purring contentedly and clearly delighted with his new attire.

'Alright, we'll get this outfit,' Janie declares, addressing Mister Kal.

As I feel Warrick's warmth approaching from behind, I turn to find him cradling the pixeleon in his hands, completely free from the confining chain. He passes the creature to me, and it crawls onto my hand, making its way up my arm to perch comfortably on my shoulder. Its tiny claws gently grasp my clothing, ensuring balance and security.

A smile adorns my face as I gaze at the pixeleon, now snugly settled on my shoulder. 'You're even more beautiful when you smile,' Warrick says. 'I hope it's something I'll get to see every day,' he adds, his words laced with endearment.

Blushing, I meet his gaze shyly, uncertain of how to respond. 'Thank you, Warrick, for the pixeleon and the compliment,' I reply, my smile warm and genuine.

Xander settles the bill for Mister Kal's fashionable ensemble. With a newfound confidence, Mister Kal struts out of the store as if on a catwalk during a glamorous fashion show or a red-carpet event. Chuckles escape our lips as we follow behind him, the sun setting and my stomach yearning for a satisfying meal.

Entering the lively Starry Hearth tavern, we approach a table. Imogen effortlessly slides onto the bench seat, with Xander joining her, while Orelious and Janie quickly settle beside each other, leaving a vacant seat at each end. Although Xander now knows the truth about Warrick, a subtle tension lingers in the air, prompting me to take the seat next to Xander, leaving Warrick to sit beside Orelious.