The Curse Returns

The firelight shone across the gathering of wolves, casting long shadows over the ceremonial grounds. The air was busied with anticipation as Kael stood before the pack, his powerful presence commanding silence. His voice carried strength as he began the sacred words of the mate bonding ritual, his gaze fixed on Selene.

Selene stood across from him, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel every eye on her, but all she saw was her Alpha, her mate.

Kael's voice was steady, his tone reverent as he spoke the ancient words. "By the moon above and the earth below, I take you—"

But suddenly, the words stopped.

His lips moved, but no sound came out. Kael's hand flew to his throat, his eyes wide with panic. He stumbled back, clutching his chest as if the air had been stolen from his lungs.

"Kael!" Selene cried, rushing to him.

The crowd erupted in murmurs, their voices mixing confusion and fear.

"What's happening?" Aldric, his Beta, was at his side instantly, his hands gripping Kael's shoulders to steady him.

Kael tried to respond, but his voice was gone. He opened his mouth repeatedly, his frustration evident as he slammed his fist against the ground.

Selene's parents exchanged worried glances, their joy turned to dread. Her father pulled her mother closer, whispering, "This isn't normal. What if… what if he's rejecting her?"

"No," her mother said firmly, though her voice trembled. "He loves her. This isn't him."

Kael's mother, Liora, pushed through the crowd, her face pale. "Kael!" she called out, kneeling beside her son. "What's wrong? Look at me!"

But Kael couldn't hear her. His head tilted as if searching for the sound of her voice, but his eyes showed only confusion.

Liora turned her sharp gaze to Selene, her voice low but laced with accusation. "What did you do?"

Selene froze, her eyes wide. "I—I didn't—"

"He was fine before this!" Liora spat, rising to her feet. "Ever since you came into his life, things have been falling apart. My son was strong, unshakable, and now look at him!"

The whispers from the crowd grew louder.

"She's a curse," someone murmured.

"Maybe she was never meant to be his mate," another voice added.

Selene's chest tightened, her heart pounding against her rib cage as the words stung her ears. She turned to face Liora, her voice trembling but firm. "I would never hurt him. You know that."

Liora stepped closer, her eyes blazing with fury and grief. "All I know is that my son is suffering, and it started after you came into his life!" Selene's parent watched through the crowd, anger welling up in their heart as they heard Liora accuse their daughter. The father wanted to speak up when he heard.

"Enough!" Aldric's voice boomed, silencing the crowd. He looked at Liora, his jaw tight. "With all due respect, this isn't the time for accusations. We need to help him, not tear each other apart."

Before anyone could respond, an elderly woman stepped forward from the edge of the crowd. Her hunched frame seemed frail, but her eyes were sharp and filled with a knowing light. She carried an air of authority that silenced even the boldest whispers.

"It's not her," the old woman said, her voice raspy but firm. "The curse on him was set long before they were even born."

Liora froze, her face crumpling as the weight of the words hit her. "A curse?" she whispered.

The woman nodded, her gaze sweeping over the pack. "This has been coming for generations. The sins of the past have finally caught up to him. But the Moon Goddess is merciful, she has left a way to break it."

All eyes turned to the old woman, and then to Selene.

"What do you mean?" Selene asked, her voice barely audible.

The woman's gaze softened as it landed on her. "The answer lies with you, child. His fate is tied to yours. The Goddess chose you for him, not just as his mate, but as his salvation."

Selene's legs felt weak beneath her. She looked down at Kael, who was now slumped in Aldric's arms, his eyes filled with helplessness.

Liora's lip trembled, tears streaming down her face. She staggered toward Selene, surprising everyone as she fell to her knees. Her hands reached for Selene's, gripping them tightly. "Please," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Please save my son."

Selene stared at the woman who had just moments ago called her a curse. The desperation in Liora's eyes was undeniable. Despite everything, Selene felt her resolve harden. She wouldn't give up on Kael.

"I'll do whatever it takes," Selene said softly, her voice steady despite the tears threatening to fall.

The old woman nodded approvingly. "Then trust your instincts, child. The answers will reveal themselves in time. But you must act swiftly. The longer he remains like this, the harder it will be to bring him back."

The ceremony was dismissed as pack members whispered amongst themselves, their faces pale with fear and uncertainty.