Chapter 18: Lynsandra’s Curse
Elias, August, and Julian stood in the mansion’s lobby, their eyes fixed on the stairs as they watched Lynsandra leave without looking back.
"And... off she goes." Elias clicked his tongue, one hand on his hip as he turned to August. "Hey, were you really invited to that launch? Or did you forge that invitation?"
"I am not like you, Elias Hale," August said, finally peeling his gaze away from the stairs. "The metro expansion is a consortium project, and they need another big-name hospital involved."
He paused, eyes shifting to Julian. "I didn’t initially plan to attend, but I heard he would be there as well. I was curious about what had changed his mind, so I agreed at the last minute."
In the world of wolves, August was an Alpha, leading the West Silver Claw Pack. Outside of that, he was a renowned doctor who ran a chain of private hospitals catering to society’s elite—the so-called one percent.
Julian snapped his gaze toward them, meeting both their stares.
"I would like to hear your response to that offer," Julian said directly to August, referring to the business. "It’s a huge opportunity to expand your reach."
Elias jumped in, casually draping an arm over August’s shoulder and leaning closer.
"He will," he said confidently. "That’s not a problem for the Alpha of the Silver Claw—so long as you pack your things tonight and leave."
"..." August frowned, glancing at the arm on his shoulder before brushing it away with mild disgust.
"Then forget it," Julian replied quickly, eyes shifting to Elias. "I’m not that desperate."
With that, Julian turned on his heel to retire for the night. He barely took a step before catching sight of Gareth from the corner of his eye. Julian paused briefly, acknowledged him with a glance, then continued on his way.
Gareth, who was frozen on his spot, gulped. "What’s that for?"
"Ah... that arrogant jerk," Elias clicked his tongue, withdrawing his arm. "Does he think just because there’s a rule saying we can’t kill each other, he thinks I can’t break his limbs?"
He smirked, casting August a mocking glance. "There’s no rule saying I can’t hurt him, right? As long as he doesn’t die."
"Stop talking to me," August replied flatly as he turned away. "Do as you please, just be prepared to take responsibility for it."
Elias shrugged and chuckled, only for his attention to land on Gareth. The moment their eyes met, Gareth’s shoulders tensed.
"Truly, this harem is a rainbow of horrible colors," Elias muttered with a laugh as he walked away. "A vampire, a human, a half-breed fool, and a beta. Oh—and a priest! Makes me think she’s insulting me by lumping me in with them."
Gareth pressed his lips into a thin line, watching Elias ramble as he disappeared down the corridor.
"Even I’m shocked I made it this far," Gareth muttered, glancing up the stairs. After a moment, he shook his head and retreated to his room—his current safe haven.
*****
Meanwhile, Lynsandra’s steps were even—neither rushed nor slow—as she made her way to her room.
But the moment the door clicked shut behind her, she collapsed to her knees.
"Hah..." she panted, clutching her throbbing head as though it might burst. Her body trembled, skin feverish, as if everything inside her was burning.
[You are rushing your death.]
Her wolf’s voice surfaced suddenly, prompting a weak chuckle from Lynsandra.
"So you’re talking to me now?" she muttered. "Why? Afraid to die with me?"
[You know your body can’t withstand that much power, Lizzie.]
She ignored the voice—one that surfaced only when it pleased—though she understood the reasoning behind it. She had severed her bond with her wolf years ago when she left the Royal Pack. Her wolf was against it, but she didn’t care.
Oh, stubborn Lynsandra.
When she eventually crawled back to her father—the Alpha King—and begged for another chance, she spent an entire year proving her worth. One of those trials was reclaiming her connection to her wolf.
After all, a wolfless wolf was no better than an omega or a rogue. She had needed her wolf back.
But the reunion was bitter.
She hadn’t regained her wolf without consequence.
And that consequence was... her life.
Each time she wielded power she couldn’t fully control, her lifespan bled away. Tonight, she had unleashed an aura strong enough for Alphas like Elias and August to feel. Naturally, it came at a cost.
Lynsandra coughed softly. Then again, but this time, harder. She covered her mouth, coughing until blood stained her palm.
[The next full moon is approaching, Lizzie. You cannot continue resisting the curse. However... they could ease your pain.]
She stared at the blood in her hand before slowly closing her fist, jaw clenched.
"Shut up," she whispered. "Just... shut it. Or I will."
[You can’t keep running away, Lynsandra. You already built the harem. Use it as you were meant to. You do not have much time.]
The voice faded as her wolf sank back into the slumber Lynsandra forced upon her. They had never gotten along. Perhaps because her wolf sounded more like a mother than a companion.
Lynsandra ran trembling fingers through her hair, still slumped against the floor weakly.
"Use it as I should..." she murmured, exhaling heavily as her thoughts drifted to the harem. "Damn it."
The harem had never been part of her plan. She had spoken those words to Victor in anger, but she could have hurt him in countless other ways. With or without a harem, suitors from across Lunareth would seek her hand.
Her options were endless, but she didn’t need just anyone. Not with this curse, and not in this condition.
She needed someone who could mate with her and give her a child.
A new life, one that could carry the burden of her curse and power in her stead before those things took her own. Yet the very condition behind it twisted her gut and made her sick. It reminded her of Victor, of how he had once called an unborn pup "just a pup."
Worse, it made her feel helpless, powerless, and no different from him or everything she despised.
Lynsandra exhaled slowly. "Damn this cursed life."
