Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 113

As the weight of my guilt settles upon my shoulders, I gaze at Warrick. My voice tinged with genuine sincerity and remorse. 'Warrick, I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you sooner. I'm sorry I judged you and thought you to be a monster.'

'It's not your fault, Rose,' he replies, his voice filled with compassion. He reaches out, gently pulling the hood of my cloak over my head, concealing my furry ears, before taking my hand and leading me away from the tall growing crops of vegetables and back towards the heart of the village.

'Wait here a moment. I just have to ask the ursin for a favour,' Warrick said, gesturing for me to stay put as he enters the Elemental Forge. I watch as he approaches an armoured bear, diligently sharpening a sword. These bear-like beings, I assume, are the ursins. Intrigued, I observed their interaction, witnessing the initial reluctance of the ursin to fulfil Warrick's request. However, Warrick's persistence prevails as he produces a pouch filled with gleaming gold coins, pouring them into the ursin’s waiting hands. The sight of such wealth elicits a profuse nod from the armoured bear, who now readily accepted Warrick's order.

Curiosity piqued, and I can't help but ask Warrick about the origin of the gold coins.

His smirk hints at a mischievous thought as he replies, 'I briefly considered pickpocketing Xander, I won't lie. But that night, after I revealed my true intentions to you when you decided I was a monster for wanting to kill the council, I went to my abandoned pack house. It was a sombre sight, overgrown with weeds and decaying walls that were once my home. Amidst the ruins, I found my hidden stash of gold, along with the heirloom my mother gave me. When I returned, I kept them hidden in the bottom of your bag. I have much more than what I paid the ursin,’ he adds.

‘I’m sorry about your home,’ I say to him sympathetically.

‘Me too,’ he sighs, ‘but it’s not my home anymore. My home will be you in your world if I survive my quest of wiping out the council,’ he says.

Concern forms across my face as I contemplate his safety. 'But what if you don't go after the council?' I ask, fearing the perils that await him.

Warrick's eyes meet mine, unwavering in their determination. 'It's not a choice, Rose. I have to do it,' he declares firmly. 'I may have been magically bound in the witching woods for years, but innocent Felderians have also suffered the same fate in the crystal mines for just as long. They need to be freed. They have homes and loved ones to return to. I have to help them.'

Janie's voice pierces through the air, filled with concern and remorse. She swiftly approaches me on her broomstick, leaping off and embracing me tightly. 'I'm sorry, Rose. I told Xander off for what he said to you. We've all been looking for you. Xander feels guilty about his words and wants to apologize,' she explains, her voice brimming with sincerity.

Imogen rushes towards us, cradling Mister Kal in her arms, her eyes filled with relief. Orelious follows behind her. Setting Mister Kal down gently, she also wraps her arms around me. 'If it's any consolation, I did try to kick Xander in his jewels for what he said, but he shadow-stepped and disappeared before my foot could make contact,' she reveals with a mischievous grin.

Janie chimes in, confirming the attempted kick. 'It's true,' she affirms, a playful chuckle escaping her lips.

Suddenly, Xander emerges from the shadows, scratching his head and casting his gaze downward. He locks eyes with Warrick, whose jaw tightens in response.

Xander sighs, his voice laced with remorse. 'Rose, I spoke out of line. I thought my words, though harsh, would be helpful. But clearly, they had the opposite effect of what I intended,' he admits sincerely.

I meet Xander's gaze with a determined look in my eyes. 'Xander, it's not just me you need to apologize to. It's Warrick. I know the truth now, and you have it all wrong,' I assert, my voice steady and resolute. 'You need to listen to what he has to say and apologize to him. I know you used to be friends, and that's why you feel so betrayed by his actions against Gretchen and the council. But he was right all along.'

Xander stares at me, stunned but confused.

‘I want you to go to the Starry Hearth tavern, order some faerywines, nymphs nectar, or whatever other fancy fairy brews they make, and hear Warrick out.’ I turn my attention briefly to Imogen, speaking over her shoulder. 'Orelious, I want you to go with them to ensure they don't decide to kill each other,' I instruct him firmly.

Orelious scoffs, his defiance evident. 'I don't take orders from a wolf,' he retorts.

Imogen faces him directly, her eyes unwavering. 'No, but you take them from me. I need you to do this,' she implores him, her voice softening.

'If it pleases you?' Orelious concedes, his eyes gazing at her with the adoration of a love-struck puppy.

'It would,' she replies with a small smile.

'Very well then,' Orelious straightens himself with resolve. 'You heard your mates,' he addresses Xander and Warrick. 'To the tavern, now,' he commands.

Reluctantly, Xander follows Warrick's lead, and together they enter the Starry Hearth Tavern.

Imogen, Janie and Mister Kal follow me to a wooden bench seat outside the familiar haven store, where I divulge the newfound information Warrick shared with me.

Imogen's voice breaks the solemn silence, her eyes filled with empathy, 'So, all this time, Warrick has been unjustly imprisoned in the witching woods?'

‘Yeah,’ I reply in a low sad tone.

‘That’s horrible,’ Imogen frowns.

‘What happens now?’ Janie asks me.

A passing male elf, his cart brimming with luscious fruits that release a sweet, tantalizing aroma, catches my attention. I bite my lip and gaze towards the Starry Hearth Tavern. There have been no sounds of calamity so far, which is a good sign. I haven’t mentioned to Janie and Imogen about Warrick’s plea of him wanting to return to our world and be by my side, even if it means us just remaining as friends forever or until I’m ever ready for the concept of him and I being together. I know he wants the latter, but I can’t give him that, not right now, anyway. He did, however, agree that if all I can give him is friendship, he would have to learn to accept it. It’s also a decision I can’t take lightly, agreeing for him to return to my world with me. Not only that but if I were to agree, would Xander approve and allow him through the portal? It’s too much to think about right now.

I turn my head and stare at Janie. ‘I’m not sure what happens now. I do hope the rift between Xander and Warrick will be mended, though.’

‘Me too,’ Janie replies.