CURSED BY MOON, BOUNDED BY BLOOD
chapter 19
Grimalkin
Rose. She’s watching, scheming. The moment Lily began to remember, her little mirror started singing. And let me tell you, she’s not pleased.
Patrick’s face darkens, his protective instincts flaring. He moves closer to Lily, shielding her instinctively.
patrick
(to Lily)
We have to go. Now.
lily
(pulling away, her voice hardening)
No. I’m done running. If she’s watching, let her see. I’m not afraid of her.
Grimalkin
(chuckling)
Brave words, cub. But are you ready for what comes next?
Lily’s glowing eyes narrow as she steps toward Grimalkin. Her voice is steady, but there’s a sharp edge to it now
lily
What aren’t you telling me?
Grimalkin
(slyly)
Only that your dear sister is weaving a spell as we speak. A spell to bind your heart and soul. To unmake you once and for all.
Patrick curses under his breath, his jaw clenching.
patrick
(to Grimalkin)
Where is she?
Grimalkin
(teasingly)
Now, now, Alpha. You know better than to demand answers.
Patrick growls, his wolf instincts surfacing as his eyes flash with golden light. Grimalkin’s expression remains amused, even as the tension in the grove thickens.
Grimalkin
(sighing dramatically)
Fine. The lair lies beyond the Vale of Wraiths. But getting there... well, that’s another matter entirely.
patrick
(startled)
No. It’s too dangerous.
lily
(steeling herself)
I have to. If Rose is going to take my soul, she’ll have to face me first.
Patrick hesitates, his protective nature at war with his understanding of her strength. He nods reluctantly, his voice softening.
patrick
Then we go together.
Grimalkin
(amused)
How touching. But you’ll need more than love to survive what lies ahead.
The cat leaps onto a nearby rock, its tail flicking as it looks between them.
Grimalkin
The Vale is cursed, crawling with shadows that feed on doubt. If you falter, it will consume you.
lily
(steadily)
Then I won’t falter.
Patrick places a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, the world seems to hold its breath.
patrick
(softly)
Whatever happens, I won’t let her take you again.
Lily nods, her determination unwavering. Grimalkin leaps down, padding toward the edge of the grove.
Grimalkin
(purring)
Well then, cub and Alpha, let’s see how far love and courage take you.
They follow Grimalkin into the dark forest
The mirror shimmers, showing Lily and Patrick disappearing into the trees. Rose’s lips curl into a dangerous smile.
rosé
(softly)
Come to me, little sister. Let’s finish what we started.
The crystals around her pulse ominously as her dark magic swirls, the lair trembling with power. Michael stands frozen in the shadows, his face a mask of anguish as he watches the woman he loves prepare to destroy herself—and everyone else.
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