Chapter 2 Chapter 2

His words slam into me like a thunder - strike, jolting my cursed existence to its core.

He doesn't crave my fortune.

He hungers for the very essence that keeps me trapped in this endless cycle-a werewolf's immortality.

I dared to hope this lifetime would shatter the curse, but I'm just a means to his end.​

Lucian stands over me, cold as the grave, his hand on mine.

My body, torn open. Yet he's unfazed, as if the curse coursing through my veins is nothing but a cure - all for his precious Vanessa.​

I tremble, fighting against the agony that threatens to consume me, my immortality struggling to heal the wounds faster than they're inflicted. And still, he rambles on.​

"Vanessa's suffering is a howl in the night I can't ignore. I've chased every lead, faced every dead - end. Her pain echoes in my bones, a constant reminder of what's at stake."​

"She's my destined bond, the other half of my soul. Losing her? It's like the moon going dark forever. I made a vow, and I'll break every rule to keep it."​

"Your immortality-it's the key. Your body can endure this, Natalie. It has to. Because she's worth every piece of you I take."​

He kept me conscious through the butchery, let me feel every slice, every pull. T

hree years of false affection, all to position me as the sacrifice for his true love. How could a werewolf, bound by the unspoken codes of our kind, stoop so low?

I scream, losing it for the first time in front of him, hurling every curse I can think of.

Sure, death's old news to me. It's just another Tuesday.

But this? This betrayal cuts deeper than any scalpel.

I'd rather he'd been after my money than this.

The pain-physical and emotional-has me losing my grip on reality. My body's convulsing, limbs twisting in ways that aren't human. Alpha Lucian pins me down, still talking, still trying to "comfort" me with words that sound like they're from a sociopath's playbook.

"Natalie, just hang in there! You've died a million times, right? You've felt every kind of pain. This is just another one. You'll get through it."

"I know you're looking for a way to end your immortality. I'm helping you out here, and you're helping me. Win-win, right?"

"You save Vanessa, and I'll end this crazy eternal life for you. I'll keep loving you, Natalie. I'll always remember you. You'll live on in Vanessa, in a way."

I stare at him, the pain so intense I bite through my tongue, spitting blood.

Alpha Lucian panics, thinking I might bite it off entirely. Without hesitation, he shoves his hand into my mouth, letting me clamp down on it.

"Don't be scared, Natalie. I'm right here. Just hold on. The healers said no anesthesia would keep your organs in top shape for the transplant. That's why it hurts so bad. It'll be over soon."

For a split second, his tender act makes me feel like I'm in a delivery room, giving birth to our kid or something.

But it's all a lie. I know it better than anyone.

I let out a hollow laugh, my trust shattered.

I wrench my head up, eyes blazing with centuries of pent - up fury.

"You think stealing my immortal essence is a simple fix?every drop of my blood carries a curse older than the moon itself. When you feed my life to her, you're not just playing with fate-you're unleashing a darkness that will devour you, her, and everything you hold dear. Stop this madness now!"