Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 103

'So much pain,' Nagia murmurs, her hand lingering against my heart as if absorbing the weight of my sorrows. 'So much sadness,' she whispers, her voice a gentle breeze, as she slowly withdraws her hand. The water around me and the blossom fox spirals as Nagia uses the water to gracefully carry us to the lake's edge. Janie extends her hands, and the fox is magically placed in her arms, its presence offering a sense of solace.

Overwhelmed and trembling from the icy touch of the water, I collapse to the ground, my body drained yet exhilarated by the realisation that I have triumphed over the water nymph's test—a feat that few have achieved and survived to tell the tale. Warrick rushes to my side, enfolding me in his arms, his breath ragged with relief. Instinctively, I cling to him, finding comfort and security within the shelter of his embrace. I'm grateful to be alive and in his arms, at least this one last time.

A spiral of water ascends, enveloping the mournful Nagia, and she disappears into the depths of the lake. My attention turns to Warrick, my body still shivering from the lingering cold. The profound relief in his eyes is undeniable, and he holds me tightly against his chest, unwilling to let go. Gathering my wits, I push myself slightly away, wanting to regain my composure before I lose myself completely in his arms.

'The fox!' I exclaim, my hands pressing against Warrick's chest as I turn to see Janie cradling the trembling and majestic creature. Kneeling before me, Janie offers the fox, and I extend my hands to gently stroke its bark and plant-coated body, soothing its fears.

'It’s okay,’ I say softly. ‘We aren’t going to hurt you,’ I assure the fox. ‘I’m in a bit of a situation and need your help. Without one of your blooming flowers, my friend cannot make the potion I need to become human again,’ I explain, my voice filled with a plea.

The blossom fox grows calmer with each stroke, and Janie releases him, allowing him to sit contentedly before me. Mister Kal cautiously approaches, sniffing curiously, before returning to Xander's side. The fox gazes at me, its eyes filled with wisdom, before slowly turning around, revealing the cascading flowers that adorn its back and tail.

With utmost care, I pluck the one flower I require, which glows with an intensity that pierces the surrounding darkness. Cupping it delicately in my hands, I feel its power pulsating through my fingertips. Everyone draws closer, their eyes filled with awe and fascination, captivated by the ethereal glow that casts shifting shadows and dancing light upon my face. Lost in the enchantment of the moment, none of us notices as the blossom fox silently slips away, vanishing into the depths of the witching woods.

Warrick remains kneeling behind me. I can strangely sense his stress and panic at the situation that I now hold the ingredient I desperately needed to find.

Xander's jubilant laughter fills the air, a mixture of relief and elation intertwining in his voice. His words, tinged with pure joy, break through the enchantment surrounding us. 'We've got the flower. We can return you all home,' he exclaims, his face alight with excitement.

Warrick stiffens behind me, moving his body slightly away from mine, but my shivering intensifies, and my clothes are also wet.

'You're freezing,' Warrick observes, concern lacing his voice.

Summoning my resolve, I rise to my feet, still clutching the precious flower as if my life depends on it—ironically, it does. 'I'll be fine,' I assure him, my voice filled with determination. 'I'll warm up as we return to camp.'

'Allow me to carry you,' he offers, pleading.

‘No, I told you I’ll be fine,’ I tell him and storm forward.

As we embark on the arduous journey back to our camp, the cold seeps deeper into my bones, intensifying my shivers until my legs buckle beneath me, and I collapse onto the ground. Without warning, I'm enveloped in a warm, tingling sensation as Warrick swiftly scoops me up, cradling me against his chest like a cherished child. His body radiates heat, and I can't deny the comfort it provides.

‘Warrick, I said I can walk,’ I growl at him.

I want to push myself from his hot, masculine hold, but I can’t risk damaging the flower.

'Rose,' Janie interjects, her voice filled with concern. 'You're hypothermic, and it's crucial that we raise your body temperature. Body warmth is the most effective method, and Warrick is doing just that. Unless you'd prefer Orelious or Xander to go shirtless and carry you?' she muses mischievously, a sly grin playing on her lips.

I narrow my eyes at Janie with annoyance and amusement. The idea of anyone other than Warrick carrying me in their arms feels entirely out of the question. Before I can voice my thoughts, Orelious steps forward, his voice resonating with a touch of humour and unwavering loyalty.

'I dare not lay my hands upon the flesh of any woman other than my beloved bloodflame,' Orelious declares, his gaze fixed on Imogen with an unwavering love.

Xander interjects, shaking his head. ‘Not going to happen… ever. However, I do have ember berries back at the camp. I bought them from the market. One ember berry alone will give you resistance to the cold temporarily. Felderians that travel through snow terrains of Felderia carry them all the time. Just at least let Warrick carry you till we return to our camp. Then you can eat an ember berry and be free of him,’ he says.

'Fine,' I concede, my teeth chattering. Annoyance still lingers. Warrick's smile widens at his victory, and he holds me even tighter, sheltering me from the biting cold as we resume our journey back to camp.

As consciousness slowly returns, I awaken to find myself cradled in Warrick's arms. The moon, still casting its ethereal glow upon the surroundings, hints that I must have drifted off to sleep during our trek back to camp. Surprisingly, I feel almost completely dry and feel the comfort of warmth with continued sparks that radiate through my body.

‘I fell asleep?’ I yawn with confusion.

Warrick's lips curl into a gentle smile, his eyes shining affectionately. ‘You did,’ he affirms, his voice tender. As I gaze into his eyes, I notice it’s the happiest I’ve seen him, and all because he got to hold me close as I slumbered. Regardless of the fact we’re fated mates, I find it strange. I couldn’t imagine Brad being thrilled about carrying me soaking wet against his chest throughout the hours of a cold night.