The path away from Bloodstone Keep was treacherous, winding through dense forests and rocky terrain. The night sky stretched endlessly above, a void of stars and light. Every step Elara took felt heavier, her limbs weighed down not just by exhaustion but by the knowledge of what she now carried.
Kael walked a few paces behind her, his presence a silent reassurance. He didn't press her with questions, sensing that she needed the silence to process what had happened.
The curse is mine now, Elara thought, her hand brushing against the silver dagger tucked into her belt. Its cold weight was a reminder of the choice she had made.
But it wasn't just the dagger that reminded her. The wolf inside her stirred uneasily, its presence stronger now than ever before. It wasn't the mindless, feral force she had felt earlier—it was something else, something darker and more calculating.
"Elara," Kael's voice broke through her thoughts, gentle but firm. "We should rest. You've been pushing yourself too hard."
She stopped, realizing she hadn't even noticed the ache in her legs or the sharp chill of the wind. Nodding, she turned to him. "You're right. Let's find some shelter."
---
A Fragile Truce
They found a small clearing sheltered by overhanging rocks, a natural refuge from the elements. Kael set to work gathering firewood while Elara sat on a fallen log, staring into the darkness.
"Here," Kael said after a while, handing her a piece of dried meat from his pack.
She took it with a murmured thanks, though she wasn't hungry. Her stomach churned with unease, her thoughts spiraling.
"You saved him," Kael said suddenly, breaking the silence.
Elara looked up, startled. "What?"
"Alaric," he clarified, sitting down across from her. "You gave him peace. It wasn't easy, but you did it."
She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't save him. I just… ended his suffering. And now, I've taken his place."
Kael frowned, leaning forward. "You're not him, Elara. You won't let the curse consume you the way it did him."
She laughed bitterly. "You don't know that. I can already feel it, Kael. It's inside me, whispering, waiting."
"Then we'll fight it," he said firmly. "Together."
His unwavering determination caught her off guard. For the first time since they left the keep, she felt a flicker of hope.
---
The Wolf Awakens
Later that night, as the fire crackled and Kael dozed off, Elara found herself unable to sleep. She stared at the silver dagger, turning it over in her hands.
What have I done? she wondered.
The wolf stirred within her, its presence growing stronger. It wasn't just a shadow anymore—it felt alive, its energy pulsing in time with her heartbeat.
And then, she heard it. A voice, low and guttural, echoing in her mind.
You think you can control me? Foolish girl. You're mine now.
Elara gasped, dropping the dagger. Her breath came in short, panicked bursts as she clutched her head.
"No," she whispered. "You're wrong. I control you."
The voice laughed, a cruel and mocking sound. We'll see how long that lasts.
Pain shot through her chest, and she doubled over, her vision blurring. Her hands curled into claws, her nails elongating slightly.
"Elara!" Kael's voice jolted her out of the haze.
She looked up to see him crouched in front of her, his eyes filled with concern. "What's happening?" he asked.
"I… I don't know," she said, her voice shaking. "It's stronger than before. It's like it's trying to take over."
Kael grabbed her shoulders, his grip steadying her. "Listen to me. You're stronger than this. You've already resisted it once. You can do it again."
His words anchored her, and she focused on her breathing, pushing the wolf back with sheer force of will. Slowly, the pain subsided, and her hands returned to normal.
"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael nodded, his expression serious. "We need to figure out how to deal with this. Before it gets worse."
---
A Glimpse of the Past
The next morning, they continued their journey, heading toward a nearby village where they hoped to find information or aid.
As they walked, Kael spoke hesitantly. "There's something I've been meaning to ask."
Elara glanced at him, wary. "What is it?"
"Alaric mentioned your bloodline," he said. "The Draytons. What did he mean by that?"
Elara hesitated, her steps slowing. She had never spoken of her family's past, not even to Kael. But now, she realized she couldn't avoid it any longer.
"My family has always been… different," she began, her voice measured. "The Draytons have a long history, going back centuries. We were cursed long before Alaric's time. The wolf has always been a part of us."
Kael frowned. "So the curse didn't start with him?"
She shook her head. "No. Alaric was just… another victim. The curse has been passed down through our bloodline, growing stronger with each generation."
"Then why didn't it consume you before now?" Kael asked.
"I don't know," she admitted. "Maybe it was dormant. Or maybe it was waiting for the right moment."
Her words hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the darkness they faced.
---
A Village on Edge
By nightfall, they reached the village, a small, isolated settlement nestled in the shadow of the mountains. The streets were quiet, the air thick with unease.
As they approached, an older man stepped forward, his face lined with worry. "Who are you, and what business do you have here?"
"We mean no harm," Kael said quickly. "We're just passing through."
The man's eyes narrowed, his gaze lingering on Elara. "You carry the curse," he said, his voice low.
Elara stiffened. "How do you know that?"
"The signs are clear," he replied grimly. "Your kind brings trouble wherever you go. You should leave before it's too late."
Kael stepped forward, his hand resting on his sword. "She's not here to cause trouble. We just need help."
The man hesitated, his expression conflicted. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. But don't think we'll tolerate any… incidents."
He gestured for them to follow, leading them to a small, dimly lit inn.
As they settled into their room, Kael turned to Elara. "We're not going to find help here, are we?"
"No," she said quietly. "But we might find answers."