Chapter 1 CURSED

As I raced down the hallway towards Kya's ward, panic gripped me, making it feel like my soul was slipping away. I had been nearly finished with my shift at Mrs. Candra's shop when I got an urgent call from Kya's doctor.

"Miss, I'm sorry, but you can't go in right now; the doctor is with her," a nurse informed me, blocking my path.

"Please, tell me she's going to be okay," I pleaded, clutching her arm.

"I'm sorry, but I can't say for sure. We need to wait for the doctor. You know Kya needs a heart transplant as soon as possible. She's been suffering for too long," the nurse said before walking away, leaving me standing there, shattered. How could life be so cruel? Kya was only four, the last bit of family I had left after our parents' tragic accident two years ago.

I quickly wiped away my tears as the doctor emerged from the ward. Rushing to him, I clung to a sliver of hope.

"Doctor, how is she?" I asked, desperation lacing my voice.

"Please follow me to my office, Miss Caddle," he replied, leading the way. Inside his office, the air felt heavy with unspoken words.

"Kya needs the surgery urgently. Without it, her condition will only worsen," he stated bluntly.

"Sir, you know I want nothing more than to see Kya healthy, but I don't have the money for a heart transplant. I can barely manage our current bills," I explained, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.

"I'm sorry, Miss Caddle, but medication alone won't save her. She needs specialized care. I recommend transferring her to a hospital that can provide the necessary treatment," he said, handing me a slip of paper.

"No, please, don't give up on us," I begged, dropping to my knees. "Give me another month to find the money."

"I've explained before that I don't have the resources for a heart transplant or a cardiologist. My facility is too small. I only agreed to treat Kya because of my general medical knowledge, but she needs specialists now. Keeping her here longer might endanger her life. Please, take her to the hospital on this list," he urged gently before leaving me alone with my despair.

Tears streamed down my face as I knelt there, overwhelmed by helplessness. First, my parents, then Kya's, who had taken me in from the orphanage, and now Kya herself-I was losing everyone I loved. But I couldn't afford to break down. Kya needed me to be strong.

I composed myself and returned to her room. She looked so small and frail, her pale face barely visible against the hospital sheets. She opened her eyes as I approached, forcing a smile to mask my fear.

"Hey, sweetie, how are you feeling?" I asked softly.

"Clara?" she murmured, removing her oxygen mask and struggling to sit up.

"Hey, take it easy," I said, rushing to support her. I propped her up with a pillow, trying to make her comfortable.

"Where have you been all day?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, tinged with hurt.

"Did you miss me?" I teased gently, but her frown spoke volumes-she was upset that I hadn't been there.

"I want to go home; I don't like it here. It hurts, Clara," she confessed, her words piercing my heart. I choked back a sob, knowing I couldn't grant her wish.

"You need to stay here to get better," I explained, my voice thick with emotion.

"No, I want to go home," she insisted, tears welling in her eyes. I quickly replaced her oxygen mask, trying to hide my own tears.

"Why don't you rest and talk through your mask? I promise we'll go home as soon as you're well," I assured her, stroking her hair.

"Okay," she mumbled, her resolve crumbling.

"That's my girl," I said, kissing her forehead. "Are you hungry?"

"Not really. I don't feel like eating much," she admitted.

"What would you like? I'll get it for you," I offered.

"Ice cream, vanilla flavor," she replied, brightening a little.

"Kya, you know you can only have sorbet, frozen yogurt, or gelato," I reminded her gently.

"Fine, frozen yogurt then," she conceded.

"I'll be right back," I promised, heading to the nearby ice cream parlor. As I left the hospital, my phone buzzed. It was my boss from the grocery store.

"Clara! Where are you? You were supposed to work tonight!" he yelled, nearly deafening me.

"Sir, I informed you that I couldn't work overnight. My sister is very ill, and she needs me," I explained, struggling to stay calm.

"Did I give you permission to leave? You're supposed to be here!" he barked before hanging up. I sighed, frustration mounting. I bought the frozen yogurt and returned to the hospital, fearing I'd be fired.

Back at Kya's ward, I found her waiting eagerly. Her face lit up when I handed her the cup.

"Thank you, Clara," she said, smiling.

"How about we wash your hair tomorrow?" I suggested, trying to keep her spirits up.

"Are we going somewhere?" she asked, hopeful.

"I'll take you wherever you want, as long as the doctor approves," I said, brushing her hair lovingly. I had promised our parents I'd take care of her, but I felt like I was failing.

After reading her a story, she fell asleep. I kissed her forehead and quietly slipped out, asking a nurse to keep an eye on her. I handed the nurse some money, grateful for her understanding.

As I left for Mrs. Morgan's house, a sense of dread settled over me. Life had been relentlessly cruel, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was cursed.

---

**Damion's POV**

I couldn't believe she did that. She's really pushing my patience. I just need to get one more woman to sign this damn contract, and I'll be free from her control over my life.

"Off to your hunt?" Kenzo's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Want to tag along?" I asked, half-joking.

"Nah, that's between you and that invisible goddess you keep talking about. By the way, is she beautiful?" Kenzo teased.

I turned to face him, catching his teasing smile even in the dim light. I smirked, amused by his audacity. If only the goddess could hear one of her own questioning her beauty with such casual lust.

"I wouldn't ask that if I were you," I warned, changing out of my suit. Businessman by day, soul recruiter by night-a twisted duality she had thrust upon me, but tonight would be the end of it.

"Why not?" Kenzo persisted, his tone still lighthearted.

"You don't want to see the goddess angry," I said, buttoning my shirt and grabbing a jacket.

"You can stay, Buddy. I think I can handle this one alone," I said to the large black wolf beside Kenzo.

"Bye, Damion. Have fun. And for the record, I'm not afraid of any goddess-well, except the moon goddess, because she's-"

"Shut up, Kenzo," I interrupted, rolling my eyes as I left the room. Let's get this over with.