My Stepsister, My Mate, My Curse

Eleanor Roy's POV

"Dad! Where are you?" I shouted, running through the house, searching for my father to tell him the shocking news.

He emerged from his workshop, looking at me in confusion. "I'm here, Eleanor. What's going on?"

I rushed to him, breathless, and handed him my phone so he could read the message I had received just ten minutes ago. His eyes widened, and he stared at the screen for a long moment, trying to absorb what he was seeing. Then he looked up at me in astonishment and said, "Is she serious?!"

I nodded, disappointment weighing heavily on me. "It looks like she's found the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with."

The sadness in his eyes mirrored my own, and a wave of depression washed over me. This meant my dream of reuniting my parents was officially over. I had to face reality...

I sighed and hugged my father. He wrapped his arms around me and said softly, "You should go, Eleanor."

I pulled away abruptly, my voice rising with emotion. "No, I won't go! She turned her back on us and decided to start a new life without us!"

Ten years ago, my mother had grown bored of our-what she called-"ordinary" life. She left me and Dad one night without warning and later sent him divorce papers. She refused any settlement and said she wanted to start over. Yet, that didn't stop her from texting me occasionally to ask how I was doing...

My dad always urged me not to ignore her-"She's still your mother," he'd say. Sometimes I listened to him, other times I didn't, depending on my mood. Still, I missed her. I missed the warmth of a family, the comfort of togetherness we once had. But all of that was meaningless now... She had sent me her wedding invitation.

My father wanted me to go, but I didn't. It hurt to imagine my mother walking down the aisle in a wedding dress-for another man.

"Eleanor, please," he said with a gentle smile. "She needs you. Be part of her happiness. Don't break her heart."

My throat tightened, and I whispered hoarsely, "Are you trying to get rid of me too?"

He chuckled, his voice soft and kind. "Of course not, sweetheart. I just don't want your mother's heart broken because you didn't show up."

Oh, Dad... Your heart is so big. You care more about her happiness than your own sorrow. You still love her, despite the wound she left behind.

I exhaled sharply. "I'll think about it," I muttered, then walked away toward my room.

Alright, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eleanor Roy. I'm seventeen years and ten months old. In just two more months, I'll be eighteen and finally able to start living independently. My dream is to study medicine and become a pediatrician.

I'm not an animal lover, but if you asked me what I hate most in this world, the answer would be dogs. Actually, I don't hate them-I fear them. If you gave me a choice between being locked in a room with an angry, horned demon or a teacup-sized dog, I'd choose the demon without hesitation. I have a phobia of dogs-any kind, whether tame or wild.

This all stems from an incident that happened when I was six, a year before my parents' divorce...

I was playing in the garden with my friend, as usual, when a rabid dog escaped from the dog catchers and came charging at us like a lion ready to pounce. My friend saw it first and, in a moment of pure selfishness, turned and ran, leaving behind nothing but a cloud of dust. I hadn't even seen the dog yet, so when it attacked me from behind, I was completely unprepared. I screamed and cried as its teeth sank into my shoulder. It was a neighbor who came running at the sound and managed to pull the dog off me. Since that day, dogs and I have walked separate paths entirely.

Anyway, back to the story.

I only have one friend-Courtney. She's a wild spirit who loves shopping, makeup, and dating older guys. I have no idea what she sees in them, but whatever. Unlike me, Courtney adores dogs, which is why I never visit her at home.

My dad, Wendy Roy, is a mechanic at one of the local car factories. He's really good at what he does, and everyone loves him because he's kind and easy to talk to. My mom, Maria, is a beautiful and ambitious woman. She used to be obsessed with Dad, but over the years, her passion for him faded, and she decided to leave him and live life on her own terms.

That night, I lay in bed after changing into my pajamas, staring blankly at the ceiling. "Should I go to the wedding?" I murmured aloud.

I tried to recall any memory of my childhood with my mother, but unfortunately, nothing vivid came to mind.

"I was too young. It's not my fault," I whispered again, speaking to myself.

I got up and headed to the kitchen to make dinner for Dad and me. When he returned from his workshop, we sat together at the table, eating in silence-just like always.

After a while, my father broke the silence, asking eagerly, "Have you made your decision?"

He seemed eager to hear my answer, but I shook my head.

"Dad, I need some time," I replied with a huff. He chuckled and said, "I know, but you'll have to decide soon so you can start preparing for the wedding."

I gave him a sly look and said, "You just want to get rid of me!"

He looked a bit flustered and stammered, "Of course not, you silly girl! I just-"

I cut him off with a sigh, "Alright, Dad. I'll go. But only for you."

He smiled softly and patted my head. "Good girl, my little one."

---

Two days later...

I packed my bags, and Dad helped me gather everything I needed. He advised me not to argue with Mom and to be kind to Grandma.

Oh-did I forget to mention? Mom lives with Grandma in her hometown. I bet the old lady was the one who insisted I be invited!

"Be nice to your mother and her soon-to-be husband, okay?" Dad said gently, though I could hear the pain he tried to hide behind his words.

"Sure," I replied dully. "I'll be nice to the trees, the birds, even to the watermelons if I must."

He laughed and ruffled my hair fondly.

"Have fun, and take lots of pictures!" he shouted, waving as I disappeared among the travelers. I smiled softly... How I love you, Dad.

---

On the plane...

I sat down, buckled my seatbelt, and tried to calm my racing heart. At last, I was on my way to see my mother-after ten years apart.

"Don't overthink it, Elinor. Just enjoy the trip," I muttered to myself.

The flight attendants were kind and checked on me several times. A middle-aged woman sat beside me, and we chatted for a while before I drifted off into a deep sleep...

I only woke up to the voice of one of the attendants, informing me that we had landed and it was time to disembark. I took a deep breath, thanked her, and grabbed my backpack.

I was the last passenger to exit the plane and step into the arrivals hall. I piled my bags onto a trolley and pushed it forward, scanning the crowd for a sign with my name, just as Mom had told me. Apparently, Grandma was supposed to pick me up.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Of course, Mom couldn't even bother to come herself. What a mother!

At last, my gaze landed on a sign that read: "Elin Roy."

I muttered under my breath in irritation-how I loathe it when my name is shortened like that.

I approached the sign, only to find a woman in her mid-sixties wearing youthful clothes, with short hair and familiar features... Grandma, of course! Just like Mom-always trying to look younger than they really are.

"Elin! There you are! My little girl, you've grown so much!" she exclaimed with excitement as soon as she saw me, pulling me into a tight hug. I returned it half-heartedly.

"Hello, Grandma... I hope you're well."

She pulled back proudly, striking a pose. "I'm perfectly fine, as you can see!"

I offered a faint smile and followed her out of the hall, pushing the trolley ahead of me.

We reached her old car, and she opened the trunk. I placed my luggage inside and shut it, then walked around to the passenger seat and climbed in as she started the engine.

"Your mother was really excited to see you, but something urgent came up and she couldn't make it," Grandma said as we drove through the narrow streets.

I rolled my eyes discreetly and replied in a falsely sweet tone, "It's fine. I'm not mad at her."

She laughed, "You're such an understanding child, little Elin."

If only she knew I was just following Dad's orders, you old bat...

After a while, I asked curiously, "Who is Mom's fiancé?"

"Harold Chandler. He's wonderful! You'll love him the moment you meet him."

I muttered under my breath, "Highly unlikely..."

She didn't hear me, of course, and turned to ask, "Did you say something?"

"No, nothing!" I shook my head quickly, flustered. Curse this habit of mine!

We continued driving through the clean, charming streets of the town. It was beautiful-especially for a small city. I smiled at the scenery and began asking Grandma about everything I saw, and she answered cheerfully.

After a short drive, we arrived at her two-story home. She parked the car in front, and I gazed at the place with childlike awe... A neat garden with trimmed grass, a large apple tree shading the gate, and a low white fence that gave the house a cozy, welcoming feel.

I stepped out of the car and took a moment to take it all in before waiting for Grandma to catch up. She walked toward the gate, and I followed.

She opened the gate and motioned for me to go first, which I did reluctantly.

But the moment I stepped onto the threshold-I froze.

A small dog was lying near the front door, as if waiting for Grandma. The moment he saw her, he stood up, barked twice, and ran toward us.

My heart started pounding wildly. I couldn't breathe.

The dog dashed toward us-he was small, but to me, he looked the size of a skyscraper!

When there were only two steps left between us, I let out a blood-curdling scream...

Then everything went black.

Eleanor Roy's POV

A sharp, pungent smell pulled me back to consciousness. I slowly opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling.

When I tried to sit up, a gentle hand stopped me. I turned my head to find my grandmother beside me, worry etched across her face.

"Eli, sweetheart, are you alright?"

How could I be alright with your damn dog around?

"Yes, don't worry," I mumbled with a barely visible smile.

"I'm sorry-I forgot you're afraid of dogs," she said, pouring me a glass of water.

"It's fine. Maybe you thought I'd gotten over it." I sipped slowly.

My grandmother lowered her gaze in guilt, then spoke:

"Maria... she was very sick. She suffered a lot these past few years... She almost died."

I gasped silently as she continued,

"Her chances of survival were nearly nonexistent-but she made it."

"Why didn't you tell me?! Not me, not even Dad?!" I exploded in anger, tears streaming down my face.

"Eli..." My grandmother tried to calm me, but I pushed her away.

I stormed off to the bathroom. I splashed my face with cold water and stared into the mirror.

"Pull yourself together, Eleanor... for your father's sake."

I returned to the living room, only to find a man speaking with my grandmother. I raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

Before I could say a word, two arms wrapped around me. I turned slowly... golden hair, a familiar scent-my mother.

"Oh, my baby..." she sobbed against my shoulder.

I hugged her back-reluctantly. I refused to show my anger in front of this strange man.

"You've grown so much, Eleanor..." she whispered.

"And you... haven't changed a bit."

She still looked young... as if time had forgotten her.

A soft cough interrupted the moment. We turned to the man, who smiled and said,

"Your daughter is beautiful... she looks just like you."

Was that a compliment or an insult?

I responded with a faint smile and shook his hand reluctantly.

"Harold Richard. Call me Harry."

"Eleanor Roy."

My mother clapped her hands with excitement.

"Now my family is complete!"

I'm not part of your family, Mom. Dad is the only family I have.

"Dominic and Rio will be thrilled to have a sister!" my grandmother added.

Sons?

How do they feel about this marriage?

We sat together. I tried to look interested, but all I really wanted was to sleep.

Suddenly, Grandma said,

"Maria, you didn't see how Eleanor fainted today because of Peter!"

My mother gasped.

"You're still afraid of dogs?!"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"That's alright-everyone has their fears," my mother said gently, while my grandmother added with obvious disapproval:

"Fainting over Peter?"

"You see a small pup; I see a beast ready to trample me!" I replied, clearly annoyed.

Grandma let out an awkward laugh.

"Harry, why don't you help her?"

He smiled and said,

"Of course."

I quickly interjected,

"Thanks, but that won't be necessary."

"Eleanor," he said seriously, "if you don't overcome this fear, it'll destroy you someday."

What an exaggeration, man!

I ignored him and turned to my grandmother.

"Can you keep him away?"

"He'll be staying at my friend's house for as long as you're here."

Sorry... and not sorry!

My mother suddenly said,

"We're meeting Harry's sons tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, at the new compound," he replied, wrapping his arm around her.

I averted my gaze... the image of my father filled my heart with sorrow.

"Elinor, are you coming with us?"

"To where?"

"To Harold's house."

Better than staying behind to hear Grandma's endless complaints.

"Sure, I'll come."

---

| The Next Day |

Harry drove us out of the city. My mother sat beside him while I sat in the back, listening to a song by my favorite band, Little Mix.

I tuned out their conversation. Why should I care?

In the end, I'm just the unwanted daughter...

We took a road surrounded by trees. I decided to enjoy the day as much as I could.

I sent my father a message letting him know I'd arrived. He called right after and asked about the city, my mother, and my grandmother...

I responded guardedly, especially when he asked about my mother's new husband. The sadness in his voice was unmistakable.

Love? It strips people of their dignity. I don't want it in my life.

The car turned onto a dirt road cutting through the forest. After a while, I asked Harry impatiently, "When will we get there?"

He smiled. "Soon. Be patient, little one."

His paternal tone irritated me. He was a stranger... who had stolen my mother.

Soon, the compound buildings came into view.

We entered a small neighborhood nestled in the heart of the forest. I looked out the window at the modern houses, curious how people lived so far from the city. I saw children playing and women chatting outside their homes.

"What do you think of the neighborhood, Maria?" Harry asked with a smile.

She answered shyly, "It's beautiful and peaceful."

I stared at them in boredom.

What a pair of old lovebirds!

Harry drove up to a sleek, single-story white house with large windows you could practically see right through.

Wow... what happened to privacy, people?!

He parked in front of the garage without pulling in and invited us to step out.

I got out of the car and looked around. Quiet. Picturesque.

But seriously-why in the middle of a forest?

Before we could walk further, residents began emerging to greet Harry-men, women, children. The crowd pressed in so tightly I instinctively stuck close to my mother.

Harry introduced us. They stared at us with suspicion... Had they never seen a woman and her daughter before?

From the crowd, a young man approached-probably a year or two older than me. He shook Harry's hand with clear indifference.

"This is Maria, my future wife, and her daughter, Elinor," Harry said. "And this is my youngest son, Rio."

Rio shook my mother's hand, then mine.

"Nice to meet you both."

"Likewise," my mother replied.

After the crowd dispersed, we entered the house. It was beautiful inside-spacious and bright-though it offered no trace of privacy.

We sat on the sofas in the back living room. Everything was white.

Even the furniture!

Haven't they heard of color?!

A woman came in and served us cold lemonade.

I sat between my mother and Harry, feeling like some invisible barrier.

The devil on my shoulder whispered temptations, but I ignored him.

"When's the wedding?" Rio asked casually.

"In three weeks. Preparations begin tomorrow," Harry said, smiling at my mother.

I rolled my eyes and took a sip of the lemonade...

Delicious.

They discussed many things. I chimed in here and there, but mostly I spent the time inspecting the furniture despite its dull palette.

"Rio, where's your brother? I told him we were coming," Harry asked seriously.

Rio hesitated, then replied, "He's busy with some things. He'll be here later... Paola!"

"Is lunch ready?"

"Yes, sir."

I began to wonder... What exactly did Harry do for a living? Businessman? Or something more... intriguing?

We had lunch, and the tension eased somewhat. Paola and her daughter offered to help us, and the girl introduced herself. She said we were the same age and suggested we become friends.

I didn't mind.

Just before we finished lunch, a young man in his mid-twenties walked in. We saw him clearly through the window before he arrived.

Awkward!

"Dominic!" Harry called out.

The young man stopped and looked at us coldly.

"Come meet your new mother and her daughter," Harry said kindly.

But Dominic said nothing. He simply stared.

My mother offered a tense smile and said,

"Hello..."

He ignored her and turned away.

Hell no!

"Hey!" I snapped. "Show some respect to your elders, you arrogant jerk!"

He kept walking.

I ignored my mother's protests and stepped in front of him.

He looked at me coolly, and I said,

"You don't get to treat my mom or dad like that! Didn't anyone teach you respect?!"

He replied with icy calm,

"Ants should step aside when larger creatures pass... so they don't get crushed."

Then he shoved me aside like I was nothing and walked off.

That jerk! Did he just call me tiny?!

---

The days passed, and I got to know Paola's daughter, as well as a pair of twins who lived near my grandmother's house-Sasha and Suzy Green. Sasha was obsessed with the supernatural, and Suzy sometimes joined her. Then there was Scarla-quiet and sensible-who was the reason we all met.

Despite my reservations, I found myself enjoying their company.

As for the wedding preparations, everything went smoothly. Rio and I helped out, and a light friendship formed between us-unlike Dominic, who outright refused to lend a hand.

My father kept calling regularly, but he never asked about the wedding, and I didn't tell him... I didn't want to hurt him any more than he already was.

With Dominic, things stayed tense. Every interaction between us crackled with hostility.

I still can't believe he called me short! I'm 165 cm! That's average!

But with his towering height, he probably thinks I'm a dwarf. Idiot.

After the wedding, I'll be staying with Grandma for a month, and I'll celebrate my birthday here-far from my dad.

I don't like it, but he promised me an amazing gift!

---

Harry's family... is strange.

They have an unspoken hierarchy. Dominic runs everything, and everyone obeys him despite his age.

Some work in cooking and cleaning, while others act like royalty.

I noticed the system bit by bit, especially while walking around with Scarla.

The residents' gazes were cold, and some of the kids even harassed us. Once, they tried to hit Scarla-until a guy named Ralph, Dominic's friend, stepped in. He was the opposite of Dominic: kind, funny, and easy to be around.

As for my mom, she seems oblivious to the tension. She treats everyone kindly, even though most don't seem to like her much.

They act like anxious immigrants... I'm not sure why.

Do the authorities even know they built an entire neighborhood in the middle of the forest? Are they afraid of being evicted?

Maybe... who knows?!

Eleanor Roy's POV

"Thank you, Eleanor, for being here for me," my mother murmured through her tears after slipping into her wedding dress.

"Mom!" I whined, "Don't cry, you'll ruin your makeup!"

She laughed and wiped her tears away, then said, "You're right, little one."

Rio walked into the room and whistled in admiration the moment he laid eyes on her.

"You look like an angel, Maria! I bet Dad's going to faint the second he sees you," he said playfully, making my mom's cheeks flush with shy laughter. We all giggled.

"Let's go-we shouldn't keep Dad waiting any longer," Rio said as he offered his arm to my mother, who held her bouquet with careful grace.

"You look absolutely stunning, Maria!" my grandmother exclaimed, her eyes glistening with tears.

Mom smiled bashfully and whispered, "Thank you, Mom."

Everyone left, leaving me behind, staring after them. I fought the urge to let my tears fall.

"Hold it together, Eleanor... just hold it together," I whispered to calm myself.

I smoothed down my pink bridesmaid's dress and glanced at the bouquet I'd been given.

From today onward, Mom would be someone outside of our lives-lost to us forever. There was no getting her back. We had to move forward without her.

Taking a deep breath, I hugged the bouquet to my chest and walked after them with steady steps...

---

As we entered the long aisle leading to the altar-where Harry stood next to the priest and his son, Dominic-I was caught off guard to see him there.

Most of the guests were from Harry's side of the family. On my mother's side, it was only Grandma, myself, and the twins' family.

Flower petals floated around us as we walked, creating a magical scene.

I smiled when I saw Harry staring at my mother, awestruck.

"Close your mouth, old man!" I muttered with a grin.

Mom stood before him, her head lowered in modesty.

I was right behind her-face-to-face with Dominic, who glared at me with a furrowed brow.

I returned the glare and, in a swift move, stuck my tongue out at him.

I saw his jaw clench in annoyance before he turned his face away.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the priest declared with a warm smile.

Harry wasted no time.

I turned my head away, my heart tightening.

"Be happy for your mother, Eleanor-even if it hurts you."

Music filled the air, and couples began to dance.

I sat with Scarla, sipping juice and watching the others.

"Aren't you going to dance?" Scarla asked.

I shrugged indifferently. "Nah, I'd rather sit."

"Same here," she agreed.

Even Grandma was dancing with Ralph.

Paula sat not far from us, chatting with a few ladies.

Rio approached with a raised brow.

"Eleanor, Scarla-why aren't you dancing?"

We replied in unison, "We're fine just like this!"

He chuckled at our answer, then extended his hand toward me with a mischievous smile.

"Come on, Eleanor-give your brother the honor of the first dance!"

I rolled my eyes. "You're such a smooth talker, Rio."

Before he could protest, I grabbed Scarla's arm and shoved her toward him. She stumbled into him with a small gasp.

Rio just shrugged and took Scarla's hand, leading her to the dance floor. Her face was crimson. I burst into laughter.

---

After three songs, Grandma approached me excitedly.

"Little Ellie, why don't you sing for us? I remember you telling me about your band when you were fourteen."

I hesitated, flustered. "Uh... Grandma, that was a long time ago."

But she wouldn't take no for an answer. She grabbed my arm and dragged me toward the stage.

"Damn, she's strong!"

The moment we stepped up, the singer stopped mid-verse, and murmurs of confusion spread through the crowd. But silence fell once they saw the reason.

"Ahem... Sorry to interrupt," Grandma announced cheerfully, "but Eleanor would like to sing a song for the newlyweds!"

I found myself trembling. She handed me the microphone, and I swallowed hard as I took it.

Inhaling deeply, I turned to the band and quickly discussed the melody.

Grandma stepped down and joined the crowd, her face glowing.

I took a step forward, lifted my gaze to the guests, and was met with encouraging looks.

"One... two... three..."

I began to sing. As the melody played, I lost myself in the rhythm and sang with passion. I forgot everything else.

Half an hour later, I finished the final song to a storm of applause.

Mom rushed over and hugged me tightly, full of gratitude. Even Harry gave me a warm embrace.

The twins, Scarla, and Rio also came up to express their admiration.

As everyone gathered around me, my eyes locked with Dominic's across the room. He was watching me silently.

"Eleanor, what are you staring at?" Suzy interrupted my gaze.

"Ah-sorry, what were you saying?"

"Nothing important," she replied with a sly tone.

I sighed, trying to calm the heat in my cheeks, and returned to enjoying the rest of the evening...

---

Harry and Mom had left about half an hour ago for their honeymoon, which would last about a month.

I was supposed to go back with Grandma, but she got caught up with something, leaving me to wander around alone.

I sat beneath a large tree, watching the workers clean up the remnants of the celebration. A deep sadness settled over me-my mother had left our family forever and now belonged to another man. A tear escaped my eye, and I quickly wiped it away.

"Don't cry, Elinor... for your father's sake, don't cry..."

"Crying over mommy's departure?" came Dominic's mocking voice. I flinched. He was standing just a few steps away, watching me with amusement.

"Great. Just what I needed," I muttered to myself, trying to ignore him. But he sat down beside me anyway.

"You're not happy about the marriage, are you?" he asked.

"I don't think my answer matters anymore."

He let out a short laugh. "True. It wouldn't matter at all. But if we had worked together earlier, we might've stopped it."

I glared at him. "You're so selfish!" Then I added, "It's your father's happiness. You should be glad for him!"

"And let him betray my mother's memory-his late... wife?" He hesitated, then said,

"People should remain loyal to those they love, even after death."

"The living need love more than the dead. That doesn't mean we forget those who left us," I replied with a melancholic tone, then sighed.

"Father and I always hoped Mother would come back... but..." I stopped, lowering my gaze.

"Is your father dead?" he asked suddenly.

"What? No!" I exclaimed. "Don't you ever put my father and death in the same sentence!"

"He's human-a mortal creature. And-"

"I know that, you idiot! I just don't like thinking about it," I snapped in a low voice, shifting uncomfortably...

My father is all I have left. I can't bear the thought of losing him-not to death, and not to another woman...

Dominic nodded in reluctant understanding and murmured a half-hearted apology. We sat in silence for a few minutes before I suddenly jumped to my feet and faced him. He looked up at me, confused.

"Don't you dare!" I warned. I took a deep breath and continued under his questioning gaze,

"Don't you ever hurt my mother in any way-understood? If a single tear falls from her eyes because of you, I swear I'll kill you!"

He burst into mocking laughter, holding his stomach dramatically.

"Oh my God, the ant is threatening me!"

My cheeks flushed, my mouth dropped open, and I shouted,

"Don't you dare underestimate me, you-"

A dog's bark cut me off. I turned toward the sound and saw it wasn't far away. A large dog, panting heavily, crouched low...

Its eyes were fixed on me with unwavering intensity. My throat went dry, sweat broke out all over me, and my heart pounded wildly. Even my legs refused to hold me.

Dominic noticed my silence and asked,

"Or what?"

I was breathing fast and shallow. My chest rose and fell rhythmically, and I took a step back.

"Elinor, what's scaring you?" Dominic asked with concern, standing up behind me. At that moment, the dog began to move toward us.

I let out a scream that startled the birds from their nests. Without thinking, I leapt toward Dominic, wrapping my arms around his neck and burying my face between his neck and shoulder.

My movement was so sudden that he staggered before regaining balance. Then he grabbed my waist and said,

"Elinor, get off me!"

"No... Get that thing away from me!" I cried, my voice indistinguishable, clinging even tighter.

His body stiffened as I held onto him. With a swift hand gesture, he ordered the dog to leave-and it did. But even after it was gone, I couldn't move. I remained exactly as I was.

"Elinor, it's gone," he said softly near my ear. His voice brought a strange calm to me. My arms loosened, trembling, and I stepped back.

Shame and embarrassment flooded me, painting my face red. I pushed a few strands of hair behind my ear and lowered my head.

"Sorry... I have a phobia of dogs. Anyway... thank you," I murmured, then raised my head...

And froze. His eyes were glowing a brilliant gold, and his body trembled as if he were fighting off an invisible force. His features had changed-he seemed to be struggling with something inside himself.

Was he... possessed?

I instinctively stepped back, panic rising in my chest.

"Are you... okay?" I asked, my voice trembling.

He growled-low and chilling-then turned and stormed off without answering, disappearing in a blur, leaving me wide-eyed and speechless...

I scoffed bitterly and muttered loudly,

"Rude and cursed!"