Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 68

Under the moon's silver glow, we continue our journey through the night, our figures silhouette against the starry sky. My restless spirit yearns for release, and I am compelled to let out another heartfelt howl.

But before the sound can escape my lips, Xander abruptly brings his majestic Glowhorn-stag to a halt. The sudden cessation jolts me, and I look toward him, finding his gaze locked on me with annoyance and exhaustion.

'Will you please, for the love of the stars, stop howling!' Xander's voice cuts through the night air, carrying a hint of exasperation. His words echo in the stillness, stirring Janie from her slumber.

Startled, Janie blinks her eyes open, her dishevelled hair cascading around her shoulders like a waterfall of strands. Confusion and concern knit her brow as she takes in the scene before her.

'Is everything okay?' Janie mumbles, her voice laden with sleep-induced grogginess.

'I'm surprised Rose's howls didn't wake you, my love,' Xander says with a wry smile, tenderly caressing Janie's cheek as he passes the water pouch with his free hand. 'She howls as though she wants to be put out of her misery.'

'I do not, Xander!' I retort a mixture of frustration and hurt lacing my voice. I bite my lip, lowering my head as a sense of vulnerability washes over me. 'I can't help it, you know. The glow of the moon beckons me to do so,' I add softly, my words barely more than a whisper carried on the night breeze.

Breaking the tension, I guide my stag closer to Xander's, gazing at Janie with genuine concern. 'Are you alright?' I ask, my voice filled with genuine warmth and worry.

'She just needs some rest and to eat to regain her strength,' Xander interjects, his tone gentler as he offers an explanation. 'It's normal to weaken like she did after casting such powerful spells.'

'I wasn't talking to you, Xander,' I assert, my voice tinged with anger. 'Janie can speak for herself, you know.'

The air grows heavy with tension as Xander, and I lock eyes, our silent battle consuming the space between us. But before the standoff can escalate further, Janie, the voice of reason, steps in, her tone laced with weariness.

'Guys, can you please stop fighting? You both need to give it a rest,' Janie lectures, her voice carrying a pearl of wisdom beyond her years. She reaches into her bag, retrieving a handful of biscuits to nibble on, hoping to quell the tension that threatens to fracture our bond.

Reluctantly, Xander and I break our glares, looking away in opposite directions. Xander flicks his reins, signalling his Glowhorn-stag to continue its gallop along the dark and eerie path. The silence hangs thickly in the air, heavy with unspoken words.

As the hours' pass, the atmosphere around us undergoes a remarkable transformation. The once-dark and eerie surroundings give way to a scene of ethereal serenity. Trees adorned with the lushest green foliage tower above us, their branches illuminated by the soft glow of countless fireflies. Tiny, flickering lights dance in the air, emitted by enchanting glow bugs that flit and flutter through the long grass. Mystical creatures, timid and bold, make their way through the enchanted area, forming a blur of elegance and grace.

'We will camp over here for the rest of the night,' Xander announces, leading us into a clearing adorned with a distinguished campfire that bears the marks of previous adventurers who have sought solace here. With ease, we dismount from our friendly Glowhorn-stags and retrieve our belongings from the saddlebag compartments.

'Inferno Flamo,' Janie whispers, her voice infused with magic. In response to her incantation, flames erupt from the wood, casting a warm glow illuminating the surrounding area, revealing the traces of ash and stones left behind by countless campfires past.

'Janie, I could have lit the fire. You need to rest and let your magic accrue,' Xander frowns, concern etching lines on his forehead.

'Don't be such a worry-wart. I'll be fine,' Janie reassures him, her voice filled with determination.

She settles by the crackling fire, and with gentle grace, Mister Kal curls up in her lap, seeking warmth and comfort. Xander retrieves a thin woollen blanket, draping it over their huddled figures. It doesn't take long for sleep to claim their weary forms. I smile softly as I observe Janie, her head resting upon Xander's shoulder, a faint smile gracing her lips.

Imogen, grasping her own blanket, joins me and settles beside me against the tree opposite Xander, Janie, and Mister Kal. We sit in companionable silence, our gazes fixed upon the crackling fire as it casts dancing shadows across the ground and tree branches. The Glowhorn-stags, their antlers now dimmed, graze the grass with gentle nods before finding their cosy spots and settling down to slumber.

I break off a piece of bread and pass it to Imogen, who nods her thanks and begins to eat it with measured grace. Meanwhile, I nibble on my portion, savouring the simple sustenance. As I do, my hand brushes against the pocket of my cloak, and a realisation dawns upon me—I had forgotten to leave my mobile phone behind—a modern relic in this realm of enchantment. A wave of caution washes over me as I ponder whether Xander should discover its presence.

As long as Xander doesn’t know I brought it with me to Felderia, then it shouldn’t be a big deal.

Imogen's peaceful slumber provides the perfect veil of solitude, granting me a moment to myself. With quiet resolve, I unlock the screen of my phone, its glow piercing through the darkness like a tiny beacon. My trembling fingers navigate to the messages, and I scroll back, delving into a realm of emotions I had sought to leave behind.

'Goodnight, beautiful. Can't wait to see you Monday xx,' Brad's words materialise on the screen, and a tremor passes through my lips as I recall the flutter of butterflies that danced within me upon receiving his text.

'Good morning, beautiful. I hope you slept well?' Sadness lingers over me as I recall all his sweet words that I now miss.

The next message displays a selfie of Brad, a playful invitation intertwining with his image. 'Can't wait to see you at the academy tomorrow, but if you can't wait either, then maybe we could meet tonight?'

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I read my response, a playful yet cautious retort. 'In your dreams, Brad. I'll see you tomorrow.'

'Oh, I'll see you in my dreams tonight and in person tomorrow. You can count on that,' his reply echoes in my mind, accompanied by the winking emoji that once brought me warmth.

But as I continue to scroll, a knot tightens within me, and my breath catches in my throat. The next message leaves me choking back a cry that yearns to escape.

'I love you, Rose. I don't want anything to happen to you. I'd feel more comfortable knowing you were by my side in my bed, where I prefer you to be. Please think about it. I love you too much to argue, and I want us to be happy. I'm sorry I care so much about you. I love you.'