CHAPTER 9: CURSED

Gavern worked in silence, his small chamber lit only by the flickering glow of a single candle. The scent of herbs and oils hung heavy in the air as he pored over ancient texts, each page more horrific than the last. His hands moved with practiced precision, grinding ingredients into a fine paste, but his thoughts were anything but steady.

Kael's condition had worsened. It was no longer just the uncontrollable rage or the red gleam in his eyes. The Keeper's curse had begun carving its mark deeper, not just into Kael's body but into his very soul.

Gavern paused, his gaze falling on a weathered page that described the symptoms in chilling detail. He read the words again:

"The Keeper's mark transforms its host into a weapon of destruction, their humanity stripped away as the curse consumes them. To sever the curse, one must confront the Keeper—an act of unparalleled peril."

Gavern's hands trembled. He had always known his work came with risks, but this... this was something far beyond his expertise.

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway, pulling Gavern from his thoughts. He quickly pushed the scrolls aside and stood just as the door creaked open.

Kael entered, his frame dominating the doorway. Shadows danced across his face, accentuating the crimson hue of his eyes. This wasn't the Kael Gavern once knew. This was something else. Something darker.

"We need to talk," Kael said, his voice low and strained, though a sinister edge lurked beneath his tone.

Gavern nodded, motioning for him to enter. "Close the door behind you."

Kael stepped inside, his presence heavy and unyielding. He didn't sit, didn't relax. His eyes bore into Gavern, demanding answers.

"Enough with the secrets," Kael said. "You know what's happening to me. You've known for weeks. Now I want to let you know—" He paused, a wicked grin spreading across his face, his eyes gleaming unnaturally. "I love my new self." His laugh was chilling.

Gavern's stomach dropped. This wasn't the man he had served. This was the curse speaking, poisoning Kael's mind.

"You're being consumed by the curse, Kael," Gavern said, his voice steady but firm. "It's turning you into something you're not. I've been preparing an antidote, and—"

"I'm not taking any antidote," Kael snapped, his grin widening as flames seemed to flicker in his eyes. "Why would I want to? This power… I like it."

"You don't understand what's at stake," Gavern pressed, pulling a leather-bound book from his shelf and opening it to a marked page. The image of a man with glowing red eyes stared back at them, surrounded by ominous arcane symbols. "This is what you're becoming. The Keeper's curse is ancient and devastating. If we don't act, it will consume you entirely."

Kael scoffed, pacing the room. "Hmmm... marked by a curse. So what?" His voice was filled with mockery, but there was a flicker of doubt beneath his bravado.

"The Keeper," Gavern said, "is a being of immense power tied to the cursed lineage you've become entangled with. When the wound from the Heiress wasn't allowed to heal properly, and the golden arrow struck you, their energies intertwined and created this curse. Breaking it won't be easy, but—"

"I don't want an antidote!" Kael snapped, his voice filled with a rage that sent chills through Gavern. For a brief moment, Gavern thought he saw Kael's fangs lengthen.

"Kael, listen to me," Gavern said, desperation creeping into his voice. "If you don't confront the Keeper and break this curse, you won't like the outcome. It will destroy you."

Kael stormed out of the chamber without another word, slamming the door behind him.

Aiya was arranging flowers in her shop when the bell rang. The innkeeper's messenger stood at the entrance, panting from exertion.

"Miss Aiya," he said, bowing slightly. "The innkeeper requests your presence immediately."

"Grandma, I'll be back soon," Aiya said, placing the flowers down.

"Be careful, child," her grandmother called after her.

Moments later, Kael entered the flower shop. His crimson eyes scanned the room, his presence suffocating.

"Good afternoon, son," Aiya's grandmother greeted warmly, her smile faltering as she caught a glimpse of his glowing eyes.

"I need roses," Kael said curtly, his tone betraying his impatience.

The old woman tilted her head. "Your eyes, son. Don't you need help for them?"

Kael froze, his grin twisting into something far darker. He moved in a blur, faster than humanly possible, closing the distance between them. His fangs bared, and a growl rumbled deep in his chest.

But the old woman was prepared. With a swiftness that defied her age, she struck his rib with her walking stick, the impact forcing Kael to stumble back.

Kael glared at her, his eyes burning with fury. "So, you know who I am."

The old woman's eyes glowed amber, a radiant light emanating from her. "You are cursed," she said, her voice steady. "And if nothing is done, your soul will belong to the Keeper."

Kael's laughter was chilling, his voice dripping with malice. "Oh, the Keeper's curse. I love it. With this power, I'll destroy my enemies."

In a flash, he lunged at her again, his claws tearing into her left arm. The old woman cried out in pain but retaliated, creating a protective barrier around herself and sending four silver spears hurtling toward Kael.

The spears struck him, each one embedding itself into his body. He staggered, blood dripping from his mouth. With a pained groan, he teleported away.

Kael reappeared in his chamber, collapsing onto the floor. The silver spears burned as he pulled them out, his body convulsing with pain. His skin turned a sickly green, and his groans echoed through the castle.

Dren burst into the room, his eyes widening at the sight. "Kael!"

Kael's head snapped toward him, his fangs bared. In a burst of speed, he lunged at Dren, forcing him into a desperate fight for survival.

Their swords clashed, the sound reverberating through the castle halls. Dren fought tirelessly, careful not to harm Kael but determined to protect himself.

"Kael! Stop!" Dren shouted, dodging another swing. "This isn't you!"

Kael faltered, his movements slowing as his body began to shut down. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Gavern arrived moments later, his expression grim. He examined Kael's motionless form and the silver spears scattered on the ground. "These spears… they're from the caves of Shivon. The work of an ancient healer, Shi."

"What does that mean?" Dren asked.

"It means we're running out of time," Gavern replied.

Kael remained unconscious for three days. Gavern brewed potent herbs, carefully tending to his wounds. When Kael finally woke, his skin was no longer green, but his pallor was deathly pale.

"Kael," Dren said, relieved. "You're awake."

Kael's voice was hoarse. "How long?"

"Three days," Dren replied.

Kael scoffed, forcing himself out of bed. Despite his weakened state, he moved with purpose. "Prepare the horses," he ordered. "We ride to Dereven tomorrow."