She's Cursed by Blood

Victoria's POV

Flashback

I watched as my mother twisted her palms.

Murmurs rose and fell in the dining room while the men had been sitting for hours now.

"Sweetheart, take them the fresh pot of coffee," said mother.

I walked towards the edge of the dining room while feeling disgusted with the cloud of cigarette smoke hovering over the table.

I wish this scent would fade away, yet it's impossible knowing that it was held captive by the closed windows and drapes.

"Wolves are conquering everything," said my father, stopping abruptly when he saw me in the doorway.

"Would anyone like more coffee?" I asked, holding up the sterling pot.

Some men looked down, but others coughed.

"Young lass you're turning into a beautiful butterfly," said a friend of my fathers from the village.

"And I heard that you're talented."

"Indeed, she is!" father said. "She has a very unique style and she's exceptionally smart," he added with a wink making me blush uncontrollably.

"So, she takes after her mother then," joked one of the men and everyone laughed.

"Aye, tell me little girl," said the man who sat at the far end of the table before sipping on his coffee and staring back at me.

"What do you think of this king who hated witches and humans to death?"

"Well," interrupted by my father quickly.

"That's not really conversation for a young girl, now, is it?"

"It will be conversation for everyone, Victor, young and old," said the man who look depress and heartbroken.

"Besides," he said, smiling bitterly.

"It's not as if the king didn't announce it all throughout the villages? Knowing that we are hunted and killed, can we still consider letting are children die unaware." My father shifted in his chair.

"What do I think about the king?" I paused, avoiding eye contact with my father.

"I think King Luke and his son Lukas are bullies, I think we should show them that they shouldn't be allowed to come and take what they pleased and-"

"That's enough, princess. Leave the pot of coffee and join your mother in the kitchen."

"But it's true!" I pressed. "It's not right."

"Enough!" said my father.

So, without pressing the arguments, I returned to the kitchen, stopping short to eavesdrop.

"Don't encourage her, Clad. The girl is so headstrong, it scares me to death," father said.

"Well," the man replied, "now we see how she takes after her father, don't we? You've raised a real warrior."

My father was silent.

The gathering ended and the men left the house at alternating intervals, some through the front door and some through the back.

End flashback

"Mother, look at the moon, it can mirror the same harrowing emotion that I have within me right now." I gripped the window while having different thoughts and some hopeful ideas.

I felt numb, yet I am trap within my own sorrow. I am denying the truth and acted like everything wasn't real.

"Father, can you see me right now? Can you see your princess crying? Maybe you'll laugh at me knowing that I am not strong and I wasn't even ready to see the moon like this," I murmured before staring at my hands.

My hands are now painted with pain, a dark red paint that I wasn't able to clean yet.

------

Flashback

"She looks pretty," I said standing at the side

of my grandma's coffin and I felt my father's fingers tapping on my shoulder.

"Father, does she know I'm here?"

"She does," father said, putting his arms around me.

"She's watching from above." I looked up toward the moon and then back to my father.

"Remember when you have a firefly, and we let it flew? And remember during summer, when we flew the kite?" I nodded, because I remember that winter night. I tried to save this little firefly knowing that it was cold outside and it might die.

I also remember the joy I had when my father teleported both of us into the mountains and we played kite. Even though it takes too much of his energy when he is teleporting, he still won't think twice, knowing it can make me happy.

"The summer came and I yelled to you that it was time to let the firefly go. And the wind came and I yelled to you that it was time to let the kite flew. The string started unwinding, and the wooden spool spun through your hands, remember? The kite went higher and higher. I had forgotten to tie the string to the spool. Do you remember what happened?"

"The kite disappeared up into the sky," I replied.

"Exactly, that's what happens when people die. Their spirit flies up into the sky," my father said.

"Maybe Grandma found the kite and the firefly," I eagerly muttered, and he nodded.

"Maybe," he murmured before combing my hair with his fingers.

End Flashback

I bitterly laughed, "So you've found grandma as well with my kite and firefly, right?" I asked almost a whisper.

But I don't know why, but something crawls within my heart.

I am suppressing my screams, yet my heart was already broken and screaming from within.

I can feel my head throbbing but it chanted words, persuading me to do what my heart's desire.

Vengeance!

That's what I need, for hatred to embrace my whole being.

-------

Flashback

"Hold still!" I complained.

"I had an itch," said my father, grinning from ear to ear.

"You did not, you're just trying to make this difficult," I teased, trying to capture his bright blue eyes.

"I'm testing you. Real painters must be able to capture the moment," he said.

"But if you don't hold still, your eyes will be crooked," I said, shading the side of his face with a light shade of gray.

"They're crooked anyway," he said, crossing his eyes, which made me laugh.

Then he wiggled his eyebrows so I rolled my eyes.

But we both halted when we heard footsteps approaching.

"Elder!" My father moved his eyes towards the new visitor with his stoic eyes.

"Why are you here Josiah?" he asked.

"E-Elder the King's warriors are approaching-"

"Then get ready and chant for barriers," my father replied, not letting the man finish his words.

But my forehead knotted when the man is still anxious.

"E-Elder the barrier was taken down," my eyes grew wide and my father looked worried and shocked.

"What? How can that happened-"

"The king and his warriors are not alone," he murmured in a low tone then my father balled his fist.

"Who is with them?" My father asked but I can sense that he already knew.

"O-Our own comrades Elder," he said before bowing his head and I can even hear him sobbed.

"B-But father I thought the king hated our kind but why-" He tapped my shoulders not letting me finish my sentence before smiling bitterly.

His eyes lost their shine and I felt heartbroken just seeing him like that.

"They are blinded by his promises and after this battle if we fail. Then they are the next prey. The king only uses them to outnumber our tribe, promising other witches that he will spare them, but in the end. He ought to eliminate our kind not sparing young or old and women or men," he said with his voice laced with pain and exhaustion.

End flashback

"Mother don't you think your hands are cold?" I questioned my mother who had her eyes wide open staring at the abyss.

Her mouth hangs open and seeing her like this made my heart twist in pain.

"If only I can go with you in the sky." I held her hands before kissing them.

I don't care about the red paint that made me looked a total mess.

I just want to feel her, to feel them.

"I am sorry mother; you don't need to worry about me now. So, p-please close your eyes. I can protect myself now. There won't be beast that would hurt me," I whispered kissing her forehead and using my palm to help her close her eyes.

Then my eyes darted towards my father who had his eyes closed.

I moved towards him and smile.

"Your eyes aren't crook; I will always paint your memory within me. And I promise you father, that I would use their blood to paint you a portrait." I gripped his tattered clothes.

Promising and chanting my promises.

"Father, I won't let them eliminate our tribe. So, don't worry anymore. Now, I will let you go, I'll finally let the string of my pain and emotion unwinding. But I won't forget your smile, your jokes, your teachings and your love. Father you watch me from where you are now. Watch how I'll make them remember our tribe."

His cold hands are unmoving, I wish I could feel him clutching on my hands.

I wish I could still feel warmth from his kisses.

I wish for my father to open his eyes.

I wish my mother would come and hug me from behind.

And I wish to hear them laugh and tease each other.

Yet, I am left with their bodies covered with mud and thick red paint with its metallic smell.

"Ignis," I coldly said.

Watching how little fires appeared eating the things that comes on its way.

They're skin are warm again yet, their hearts are still frozen and cold. No pulse and just pale body.

Please say hi to grandma for me.

Goodbye father, I won't be able to see you smile again and might not be able to hear your jokes but my heart will remember. I'll remember how you became a great father to me," I said as my tears made its appearance known.

"Mother, I would probably miss your cooking, and it's a shame that I wasn't able to ask you to teach me. And maybe I'll miss your scolding as well with your loud mouth."

The fire dance around, and slowly it approached my mother, seeing her slowly eaten by flame made my eyes shed more tears.

Mother...

I'm sorry...

If you didn't insist saving me, I won't be able to see you like this. I might as well join you in peace.

But you pushed me towards life, making me face different questions.

How can I live now?

How can I survive?

Why me?

The sun is bright while birds chirped merrily. My heart enjoyed peace yet, my mind is in haze.

Time has come, as my eyes roamed around the palace. I can see how this place had stand firm together with its ruler. For some reasons, they are savage beast but enjoying their lives as royalty.

But truly, the royals are gifted with power and wealth. Everything screamed sumptuous and I am left with my mouth gaping wide.

I realize that the structure of this place is rather ominous. The entrance was made of one sheet of thick, solid metal and it was sealed shut.

Then laughing to myself, I realize that I look like a small pup with eyes gleaming in eagerness. Though I know the reason why, because the scene is too much for me and hell! Goddess would know how hard I tried to suppress my mouth from screaming in excitement.

Gulping down my nervousness, I stepped away from the balcony and moved deeper into the building.

There were fewer portraits of people and most images were of wolves tearing into others during battles.

And all of these show histories that the royals valued the most. But one portrait is quite different because among all, it is the only one who shows obscene image.

A beast-man mounting a topless female and her face contorted in a way that made me shiver.

Blushing, I blink my eyes and tried to erase my dirty thoughts or move my attention away from the dirty ideas and focus in other things such as observing the place and taking in the little details that I feel fascinated about.

And with too much effort, I made sure that I have the chance to savor this experience.

Then I scan the surroundings trying to understand everything within my mind.

But what really caught my eyes and attention are the walls with some beautiful swirls and traditional symbols carved on them. It made them look magnificent. Like a piece of art that adds an intimidating yet mysterious theme. And it drives question within my mind.

What does the symbol mean?

Why would the royals choose this kind of design?

I raise my hand and let my fingers trace the carvings and to my joy I felt a little calm.

"I can see your fascination with the carvings. And I didn't expect that a famous healer like you would set his eyes glued to these arts," a baritone voice said from behind me, which made me jump in fright.

Goddess!

"I-I'm sorry I just-"

"You don't need to apologized healer, you came here for our king and we are more than thankful for that," he murmured before I heard his footsteps moves a little closer to my comfort.

I felt my nerves are running wild inside my head. Then again, I remembered why I am in a state of haze awhile ago.

Because I didn't expect that my life would pushed me towards this situation, where I need to face this kind of stage, a stage with hungry eyes watching my every move, calculating if they can pounce at me and make me submit.

So, with trembling hands, I grip my satchel harder. Praying that he won't smell my fear and he won't smell my secrets.

"That carvings, symbolize a wolf's creed, a creed for its other half, more of a promise. A promise that he will protect, own and love his or her beloved. And these carvings are important for us, the same with the idea of mates. Because wolves would need their mates to survive," he mumbled in a hopeful tone.

And even though I can't see him, still I can sense the hint of his smile plastered on his lips.

And I'm right about it, because when he finally made his way in front of me. My sight is greeted with his dreamy eyes as if he is in bliss just thinking about mates, as well with the sight of his lips stretched into a wide smile.

To be honest, his face is something that women in my village would scream for. But there's something sinister behind his eyes.

Wolves are dangerous, they are beautiful creature but they can't change the fact that the abyss embraced them from within.

And this man is not only hiding his nakedness behind his luxurious clothes.

Because the fact that his monster is crawling behind his skin is something that can make a human fear him.

He's a devil hunter! And standing in front of him is not something that I would be proud of and if I would choose? Then I would rather work with my herbs in my own garden.

I'll rather soil my hands or cure ordinary people who needs my medicine than try my best to please this inhumane beast.

"I am aware with that Beta," I said before bowing my head in submission.

This man is the second in command, the man who can ask his warriors to put my head in a stake or pull my head away from my neck with just a snap of his fingers.

And I need to be more cautious of my actions. I can't let him sense my lies and sense that I am not someone he can trust.

"Quit the formalities healer, I heard that you are someone who is capable to heal either human or wolf." I bit my inside cheeks in frustration.

I am just a low-profile healer but I didn't expect that my name would spread like a wildfire and now because of that, I had to risk myself to come and show myself after receiving a letter from this man.

Shit!

I've been hiding and keeping my personality in private but now here I am, letting a new set of powerful eyes scan my skin almost seeing through my facade.

"Words are just words, and not seeing me do the deed won't guarantee that I am really a healer with a good healing talent," I answered him without raising my head to meet his scrutinizing eyes.

"Then that's the reason why you are here, you should show us through actions." I sighed; this is what I'm afraid of.

And why do I need to prove myself to them?

Why should I heal their king?

A king who treated humans as slaves, and a king who tolerates abuse especially when it involves humans.

Everyone is afraid of him. His name sends terror and he is a mystery that everyone is afraid to solve.

The king was a man hiding behind this palace. I haven't seen him yet, but the elders in our village spread stories about him. How he had these deep, Prussian blue eyes that could make you uncomfortable.

"Healer-"

Seeing me unmoved, his forehead knotted into frown.

"I know you are aware about our king's condition-"

"Yes, I am Beta, but I am a mere human, and his highness won't definitely trust me. And I am not sure if I can able to heal him. Yes, I can heal wolves but their status and their wounds are not to be compared with his highnesses-"

"The king is not wounded or ill healer Louise," he said in a tone that made my ears perks up waiting for his next words but I just hope I didn't and I just hope I refuse to hear him out, because hearing his next words signed me a ticket to the idea that I can't escape this situation anymore.

"He turned feral." My mind froze and fails to process his words for it is too much to handle.

He turned a what?

But being feral means his wolf gains more control over the body than his human.

But it only happens when his wolf loses its patience, patience in finding his fated one and patience to mate.

I felt shiver run over my spine. I only encountered two wolves who turned feral and it was one of my secrets. I've been putting efforts to heal them yet there are only two ways.

First, find his beloved and second find a suitable mate that the wolf finds appealing to its taste.

But these feral wolves are hard to deal with, because they can kill you in a blink of an eye or go for a hunt which is unpredictable.

They are bloodthirsty beast that their instinct heightens. They become more possessive and abusive.

I've seen their eyes turns red in rage and blood only satisfies their thirst.

When that moment, their tongues touches blood, their human soul resurface but still feral don't have control over their wolves.

And what more if the King of wolves, who is more powerful, turned into a vicious beast?

Then it would be chaos, risky, and unsafe.

Hell!

"Aye, I know it's frightening, but..."

Yes, it was!

So how can he push me to do the act when all along he knew that it was risky?

"It is not a secret that one of my warriors turned feral and suddenly he came back with news that he was healed. And you know what he told me?" I swallow hard knowing where this conversation would lead to.

"But he's just a regular wolf and his mate helped him regain-"

"Our king is more important than your words or even you healer," he snapped at me, with his eyes glowing silver making me gulp.

"You only have two choices Louise. Heal him and walk out alive or die," he said ending with a snarl.

I can't believe that he can change his mood right away. And I can't deny that he indeed, has power over his people.

Thus, I can sense his dominant side surfacing and if I continue to refuse him then I would really face death.

But either I accept his offer then the king won't heal, definitely! I would still face death.

And If I run away from here, my peaceful life would be chaotic and they won't stop chasing me.

"I-I'm sorry Beta but I am just confused. Why me? I mean, I am just a mere ordinary lad. And not even compared to the best healer here in the palace," I said making sure I don't utter words that can trigger his wolf again.

And I am succeeding because finally I can see the cloud silver in his eyes fades not a second later.

"He abused and killed all the healers that tried to help him. His wolf is more feral which is out of control. He even refused help, he either kills a woman healer or either abused them wanting to mate with them." I gasp, how cruel!

I started to feel sweats forming on my forehead.

"T-Then this is not only because I am a healer, right? T-This is because I am a male healer, that's why you choose me." He nodded and that made me gritted my teeth.

I can hear warning bells inside my head and it all scream for me to escape.

"Male healer won't call for his beast-"

"I-I'm sorry Beta but I can't do this, yes I am male healer and it's unfair for you to only choose me for that reason! And how can you be assured that he will heal? Again, I'm sorry but we both know and everyone knows that only his mate can heal him or his chosen one." I gave him a small smile, and I can see the desperation written all over his face.

But I can't, I really can't do it.

"I can only give you these supplements and herbs that I have to help him suppress his beast. With these, he won't need blood to satisfy his thirst. But these supplements would only satisfy his beast for the meantime-"

I am halted in my mid-sentence when suddenly something pierces the silence.

"No! Please n-no!" I heard a scream which made my eyes grew wide. That scream is from a woman who might be wounded.

Even the Beta seems uncomfortable and with my instinct, I can't stop myself from running after the noise.

Shit!

I am a healer and hearing someone is being harmed made my senses go wild.

"N-No please your highness," she said while whimpering and I can sense that she's turning weak with her voice getting weaker but when I am now facing the large door where the noises came from, my body halted and my knees almost lost its balance.

What the hell is happening to me?

I fix myself and with my new courage I ought to push the door open, but someone pull me back and made me face him.

"Are you out of your mind healer? The room belongs to the king. And you are about to sign your ticket towards death-"

"And what should I do? I am a healer Beta and a healer won't let this situation happen without doing his or her duty," I determinedly said making his mouth hang open.

No! I can't let this happen.

I can't let it happen again.

I am now a healer, a healer that saves life and not someone who stands back while someone was being harmed.

"H-Highness please spares me," the woman cried out and that gave me more reason to be strong.

And without the Beta's permission I forcefully push the door open, which created a loud bang.

But when the sight greeted me, my mind turned blank.

I saw blood splattered on the floor but what made me confused was the fact that the woman was smiling facing me with the evil glint on her eyes.

W-What is happening?

I can see her nakedness and with her smile on her lips I can say that she enjoyed everything.

"Look my king, someone wants to join our show," she seductively said while scanning my body before biting her lower lip.

W-Wait what?

"Lucas! We're sorry for intruding. He is the new healer and he isn't aware about the-"

The Beta talks too fast that I didn't catch up his other words.

While on the other hand, I bow my head in shame not expecting that I would be in this situation. An embarrassing situation to be exact!

"Beta," I gasped in shock, the king had finally let out a word after a long pause but his voice is satin like and laced with coldness and power.

I can feel something within me stirred which made me take a step back.

"Don't," he muttered and I blinked a multiple time while staring at the marbled floor, daring it to swallow me alive.

"There's lassie around here that smell delectable Beta." His words came out deep, throaty and frightening and it made me wanted to sprint away from this place.

"I can smell my beloved; I can smell her sweet scent. My queen is here Beta! I should mark her! I should have her!" he screamed with desperation and ending his words with a growl that gave me a hint that he is losing the battle of control to his wolf.

He can't keep his wolf at bay and it's dangerous.

But his possessive nature is terrifying. Maybe his wolf is in daze thinking that his mate is somewhere close in the palace.

"L-Lucas your eyes, they're turning r-red," Beta announced and without thinking I raised my head out of curiosity.

Peeking on his appearance I can see his lips are dark red with some hint of smudges of blood on them, his strong jaw also tightened trying to control himself but I can see that he is failing.

I tried to sneak a peek on his eyes but I didn't expect that he is also staring at me and when our eyes met his Prussian blue eyes turned dark red with the hint of golden rings.

Feral, he is turning into one.

"Mate," I heard him snarl which made me gasped with realization.

Taking a step back, those dark eyes darted. He seemed to mirror the same determination that is now creeping within me, him being determined to own me.

And I, being determined to run which he seems to read my mind because I can see how he started to lose his control. His fangs elongated and that's my cue.

Hell! I need to run.

Goddess! Shit I need to escape.

Escape that I would rather choose, than letting him snatch the little sanity that I have within me and I can't risk everything that I have for him.

With those thoughts I had mustered strength to push my feet harder, running a little faster.

"Chase him!"

I won't let you have me king, never.

If risking my last secret can make me escape this situation then I would.

"Aperta Portal," I whispered in the wind and when I turned my gaze towards him.

I saw how his eyes grew wide, seeing how my body slowly fades.

And realizing what is happening, he stops from chasing me and gritted his teeth.

But I can see hatred written in his eyes as he mouthed for the last time the word that made me feel something crawling within me.

"Mine."

I won't let you, never!

Flashback

My mother packed an equally large bag for me. It dwarfed my small, thin frame and I had to carry it with both hands, bending backward to lift if off the floor. I didn't complain of the weight or ask for help.

The sound of breaking glass is heard as well with the other neighbors wailed echoing through their houses in quick intervals.

I found my mother in the dining room, smashing all of her herbs and other tools on the floor.

Her face glistened with sweat, and her golden ringlets fell loose over her eyes.

"Mama," I cried, running toward the broken tools and shards that littered the floor.

But I was pulled back before I could even touch the glass.

"Mother, why did you break them? We put our efforts in making them but why?" I asked.

She stopped and stared at the tools in her hand.

"Because I love them so much and I can't bare seeing them being smashed and ruined by others." She threw another tool to the floor not even pausing to see it break before reaching for another.

My tears are now visible and unintentionally a sobbed came out from my mouth.

"Don't cry, darling. Well I won't smash everything. Here is my book it would be yours," she whispered with her eyes looking at me in happiness.

"B-But I am still young, I can't have this-"

"Talent doesn't come with age. It is your heart who will carry the courage to use what's within."

---

I smile bitterly, remembering a memory from my past.

I had been traveling, seeking for a place that I can consider home.

And it leads me here.

But right now, winter had the village in its jaws.

The repeater had frostbite. The tips of his fingers were puckered, jet black. Gray bulbous lumps appeared on the end of his nose.

I can see villagers wrapped themselves in every piece of clothing and rags they could find. They even tied their feet in old fishing nets that had washed ashore. Everyone bickered inside their tents, getting on each other's nerves.

In this village, poverty is their fearful nemesis.

This village is found at the far end of the palace, no wolf and just humans which gave me opportunity to blend in. But these humans, are individuals who tried to escaped from the wolf king's grip

Yet, running away made them face a new hell.

Poverty...

Small children began dying. I took my food to a starving boy. He was already dead, his tiny hands outstretched, waiting for a piece of bread so I gave it to him. I came here and learned that they don't have a healer to cure them.

Then I walk towards this girl who looked anxious.

"What is it?" I asked. My eyes scanned the snow.

"Shh..." She pulled me closer and pointed.

I saw a huge owl lay in the snow. Its white feathers blended so well that at first I didn't see it. Its body looked to be nearly two feet long. The large Raptor had tiny brown speckles on its head and trunk.

"Is he sleeping?" she asked.

"I think it's dead," I replied while gripping my mother's book harder. I took a stick with my free hand and poked at the wing. The owl didn't move.

"Yes, it's dead."

"Do you think we should eat him?" she asked again.

At first, I was shocked. Then I imagined the plump body, roasting in our barrel, like a chicken. I poked at it again. I grabbed its wing and pulled. It was heavy, but slid across the snow.

"This owl is enormous." The thought of a dead owl in my hand brings a lot of forgotten memories.

"But I'm so hungry," the girl cried.

I was hungry too. So were the few people in the village. I leaned over the owl and pushed its wings against its belly. It was stiff. Its face looked sharp, menacing. I didn't know if I could put it against my body. I looked at the girl and she nodded, with her eyes wide.

I glanced around.

"Unbutton my coat," I said and her little hands set to work.

I lifted the dead raptor and held it against my chest. Shivers of revulsion rolled through my body.

"Hurry, button me up." She buttoned my coat and smile.

Some humans help and escorted us safely back to our tents. They didn't ask for anything. They were happy to help someone, to succeed at something, even if they weren't to benefit. We'd been trying to touch the sky from the bottom of the ocean. I realized that if we boosted one another, maybe we'd get a little closer.

The girl's mother plucked the owl. We all crowded around the makeshift stove to smell it cook.

"It smells like a duck, don't you think?" said the little boy.

"Let's pretend its duck," A woman murmured.

After how many minutes waiting,

Our hands gripped one piece of meat that the woman divided to fit the number of starving bellies of humans.

I raised the meat towards my mouth, thinking it was my mother's food.

The taste of warm meat was heavenly. It didn't matter that it was a bit tough; the experience lasted longer because we had to chew. We imagined we were at a royal banquet

"Can't you just taste the gooseberry marinade?" sighed one of the elderly human.

"This is wonderful. Thanks to you Lily," said the woman towards the little girl who was with me a while ago.

"Thank her! She helped me bring the owl," the girl said and everyone smiled at me.

And it gave me a sense of home.

End Flashback

"Victoria, you're home." I raised my head and numbly nodded as a reply to her.

"We've been waiting for you, Lord Edward announced that the king is asking our help to find his mate," she said softly and almost a whisper.

"Why would he need us? We are assassins Lily, we are force to be here and we do serve them with all our might! And now he is asking us to do the opposite? I won't do such thing. I won't stoop so low and acts like a dog sniffing for the king's mate location." I heard her sighed before I felt her sat beside me.

"But the king is calling for everyone to find his mate, and even Lord Edward needs to follow his orders. Yet, I don't understand why his mate would escape from him-though I heard that his mate was a man maybe he was afraid and confused? Maybe he's afraid about the expectations and his duties. Or maybe he learned about the idea of producing heir and him being a male is a big no-"

"And maybe he learned that he was mated to a murderer," I added making her turned her head towards me.

"Oh," she mumbled.

I raised my cup filled with tonic to my mouth.

I just felt so weak and I need this to regain my strength.

"You are judging him too much Tori. Aren't you happy and satisfied? That with him being the king, he had made different positive changes." My gripped on the cup of tonic tightened.

"And seeing these would change his father's mistake?" I asked making her silent.

"Lily, do you remember how he served as his father's second command and watched every chaotic event unfolding in front of him while doing nothing? You remember how we starved? How our families and friends were murdered and how we are physically abused? We are trained to be their dogs! Trained to kill! And you think after everything he would still have a heart?" She sighed, and I just put my cup on the table and stare at the green liquid inside.

"But we need to follow orders Tori," she said in her worried voice.

"I know Lily, and I am doing this for your mate, for Edward who helped and raised us." She smiled, and I nodded.

"Tell me are you afraid?"

My eyes found hers and I just shook my head.

"No, if you're pertaining about my identity then I'm not, because I have hidden myself for so long." She sighed and avoided her eyes from me.

"Are you aware that the king's mate was a witch?" I only nodded while I can see her troubled expression as well with sadness.

"Maybe the king would finally spare your kind Tori, maybe after having his mate he would realize that-"

"He won't, because if his mate was really one of my kin then it won't stop until he had the time to have the king's head on his hands."

"B-But-"

"I don't need his acceptance Lily because I can still use my mask." I said before raising the little red satin fabric from my lap and used them to cover my eyes.

"W-Wait... Why are you covering your eyes again, Tori? How can you find your mate if you will cover them?" she said and I bet she's on it again, pulling her hair because of frustration.

And even my eyes can only see blurry silhouettes; my heart won't have any thoughts of changing this or the things that I'm used to.

Darkness had been my long-time friend and I grew attached to it.

I've been used to this and can still move around using my other senses.

I can still listen to the elements around me. They whisper to my ears and guiding me towards my heart and mind's desire.

And having this was an opportunity to hide, an opportunity to hide my hatred and identity.

And mate?

"I don't need one," I coldly said.

"But it won't be long and you might find him Tori, just like the king and the others-"

"I don't need mate Lily," I stopped her before taking one bottle from my cabinet and without even pausing I open the lid and move it close to my mouth swallowing its content.

The bitter taste of the liquid embraces my being.

And I felt my doubts fading away.

"You've masked your scent again," she said with disappointment and I know that she wanted to make me like her. Being able to find a mate and able to live a normal life.

Yet, it won't be easy for me.

"I need them Lily," I replied but not long after,

I felt liquid trickling on the side of my lips.

And I felt trembling fingers wiping the liquid away from my skin.

"But drinking this would affect your health! You are turning weak Tori! You consumed too much poison from those herbs that you're taking. Are you not afraid finding yourself-?"

"Find myself dead? I don't care Lily as long as I was able to succeed the last promise I had for my kind." I heard her sobbing and it was like a dagger stabbing my heart.

It's painful to hear her cry but I need to do these.

"But do you think your father would be happy seeing his daughter spitting blood for taking so much poison just to be able to mask her identity and scent?"

I smiled, because even if he won't, I would still do this.

They chatted in low voices. My arms began to shake, trying to hold on.

Hurry...

I hung there, my hands began to sweat. I was losing my grip.

Leave...

A deep burning washed through the fibers of my muscles. Their conversation continued.

Please...

I bit my lip,

Move...

A wolf howled which serves a sign that the warriors are gathered outside.

My mother pulled me up while my eyes are still staring at my father's figure that's standing in front of our window.

And suddenly we heard a scream,

while my father grips the window seal in hatred.

I stared at the scene outside the window where there are wolves baring their teeth. Dried blood caked their teeth with their eyes painted in dark rubies.

My father turned to faced me and smile.

"Run Victoria and never look back."