The Twin Curse: Rebirth Of The Forsaken

"Move!" one of the guards shouted as he yanked Freya's arm.

The chains around her wrists clanked as they dragged her out of the west wing like an animal. Her feet scraped against the floor, but she didn't fight. What was the point?

She was already marked.

They didn't care if the chains hurt. They didn't care that she was shaking. They pulled her through the long hallway without a single word of kindness.

The heavy doors of the council hall opened.

Voices went silent.

Almost everyone from the pack was there. Elders. Warriors. Servants. Even children. All eyes turned to her.

The girl in chains.

The cursed one.

They dragged her to the center of the room. She could feel their stares burning into her skin. Like she was a monster.

The elders sat above the crowd, looking down at her from their high seats. They looked calm. Cold. Like they had been waiting for this moment.

The head elder stood up.

"You've always been a cursed child, Freya," he said loudly. "From the moment you were born under the blood moon, we knew trouble would follow."

His voice echoed in the room.

"Today, you turn eighteen. And we've decided-you will be exiled permanently."

Something inside her snapped. But she kept her head down. She bit her lip so hard she could taste blood. Tears stung her eyes, and no matter how hard she tried, they still fell.

"If you're ever seen near this palace again," the elder said, his voice like stone, "you won't like what happens."

Freya didn't answer. She couldn't. Her mouth was dry. Her heart was too heavy. She just stood there, chained and broken, waiting for the final words.

But then-

"Wait!" a loud voice boomed behind them.

She turned slowly, confused.

Her heart dropped.

It was Fenrir.

Her twin brother.

His voice shook the hall. People turned to look at him as he walked in like he owned the place. Behind him, two guards dragged someone between them.

Her eyes widened.

Lylah.

"No!" she cried out. She tried to run toward her, but the chains jerked her back. "Let her go! What are you doing?"

Lylah looked weak. Her hair was messy, her dress wrinkled. Her knees scraped the floor as the guards pushed her forward.

She was scared. Freya could see it in her eyes.

"What is this?" Freya shouted. "Why is she here?"

Fenrir walked closer, a small grin on his face. He didn't look at her like a brother should. He looked at her like a hunter who had caught his prey.

"Don't act so surprised, Freya," he said. "This is exactly where she needs to be."

Freya's stomach turned. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

Lylah was forced to her knees right beside her. Freya bent forward, the chains clinking again, and touched her arm.

"Lylah... are you okay?" she asked. "What happened? Why are you here?"

Lylah looked up at her, eyes wide and tired.

"I don't know, Freya," she said. "Your brother came to my house with guards. They dragged me... they didn't even explain why."

Freya looked up at Fenrir.

"What is the meaning of this?" she asked, voice shaking. "Why are you doing this?"

He laughed.

"Oh, come on. You're pretending now?" he said. "You're good at that."

He turned to face the elders.

"You all think she's only guilty of being cursed?" Fenrir said. "Well, think again. Freya has committed a sin much worse than that."

Gasps filled the room.

Even their parents looked confused.

"What do you mean, Fenrir?" their mother asked, standing up.

Fenrir didn't answer her. He just smiled and walked closer to Freya.

He was enjoying this.

He turned to the council and raised his voice so everyone could hear.

"My sister and Lylah have committed a sin far worse than exile. They've been practicing forbidden moon magic. Sorcery."

The crowd gasped.

"What?" Freya breathed. "That's not true!"

He kept going. "Freya learned it from Lylah. Everyone knows Lylah's bloodline is tied to ancient moon spirits. I saw them sneaking around at night. Whispering. I even found proof."

Guards came forward, holding objects in their hands.

"There," Fenrir pointed. "Broken stones marked with cursed runes. A hidden book beneath Freya's mattress. And this-" he held up a flower, glowing faintly, "a moon-blessed flower, hidden in Lylah's bag. It only blooms during dark rituals."

She shook her head. "No. That's not real. Lylah never-she never taught me anything. I would never do such a thing. I know it's forbidden. I would never."

Her father stood. "Really? Then how do you explain the evidence?"

She turned to her mother, praying she'd speak. But her mother looked away.

"Lylah," she whispered.

Lylah slowly stood, even with the guards beside her.

"Fenrir," she said, her voice sharp, "this is where your lust got you? You framed your own sister and me just because I refused you? You planted fake evidence, and now you're lying to all of them?"

"Silence!" one of the elders shouted. "You will not speak to the future Alpha like that!"

But Lylah didn't flinch. She looked the elder straight in the eye.

"This tribe... this so-called noble clan... is the most despicable I've ever known. You believe lies just because your precious prince told them."

Freya's father stepped forward, calm, cold.

"I don't care what you say. Forbidden magic is forbidden. The law is clear."

He looked at them both. His voice was final.

"I hereby sentence you to death. By stone."

The room erupted into whispers. Shock. Fear.

"What are you saying?!" Freya cried. "Dad-she didn't do anything! She's innocent!"

Two guards stepped forward and grabbed them. She struggled, screamed, kicked-but they didn't stop.

They dragged them to the sacred moonstone, the heart of the tribe.

The guards stepped away.

Her father's eyes locked on hers.

There was nothing in them. No love. No mercy. Just cold and hard like stone.

"Proceed," he said.

Freya froze.

"No-wait!" she screamed, panic rising in her throat. "Please! She's innocent! She didn't do anything!"

But no one listened.

The silence broke with a sharp, sickening sound.

Thud.

The first stone hit Lylah's shoulder.

She cried out in pain, her body jerking from the force.

Freya's heart stopped.

"No!" she screamed again, louder this time.

She didn't think-she moved.

The chains dragged against her skin as she stepped in front of Lylah.

Another stone flew.

This time, it hit Freya.

Right in the back.

Then another.

And another.

The crowd didn't stop. Stones came from all directions. Hard. Fast. Angry.

Each one felt like fire against her skin.

She clenched her teeth, trying not to scream. Her legs shook, but she didn't fall. She had to protect her. She had to.

"Stay down!" she whispered to Lylah behind her. "Don't move."

Another rock slammed into her side. Then her ribs. Her cheek.

Blood poured down her face, warm and thick. Her knees gave out, and she collapsed in front of Lylah, arms barely able to hold herself up.

But still-she didn't move away.

She couldn't let them hit Lylah again.

Her body felt heavy. Too heavy.

She could barely breathe. Her skin burned. Everything ached.

Then she felt Lylah fall beside her.

They lay opposite each other, their faces inches apart.

Blood dripped from Lylah's mouth.

She tried to say something. Her lips moved, but no sound came out.

Tears filled Freya's eyes, mixing with the blood on her face.

She reached out, barely able to lift her hand, and touched Lylah's fingers.

More stones hit. She didn't feel them anymore.

Her world was fading.

Her last thought was of her.

Of how she couldn't save her.

And then-darkness.

Everything went black.

Everything was cold.

Dark. Silent.

Freya opened her eyes, but all she saw was black. The kind of black that swallowed everything. She couldn't tell where she was. The air felt heavy, like it was pressing against her chest. Her breath came out in soft puffs, curling in front of her like smoke. It was freezing. She tried to take a step-nothing. Her legs wouldn't move.

Why couldn't she move?

"Lylah?" she called out, her voice shaky. "Lylah, where are you?"

Then she saw her.

Lylah was lying on the ground a few feet away. Her arms stretched out. Her face pale. Still.

"No!" Freya screamed. "Lylah!"

She pushed her body forward, tried to run to her, but her feet felt stuck. Like they were trapped in ice. Her arms wouldn't move either. She struggled. Fought. Nothing.

Tears spilled down her cheeks. She reached out, even if she couldn't move. "Please... please get up..."

Suddenly, light broke through the dark. A soft glow, like moonlight. She turned her head slowly.

A woman stepped out from the light.

She wasn't just glowing-she was the light. Her robe floated around her like mist. Her eyes held something deep-warmth, sadness... power. Her skin shimmered like stars.

She knelt in front of Freya, brushed her cheek with her fingers. Her touch was gentle. Warm.

"My poor child," she said softly. "How pitiful... They see your gifts as a curse. How foolish they are."

Freya looked at her, blinking through the tears. "Who... who are you?"

The woman smiled. "You already know."

"The Moon Goddess?" Freya whispered.

She nodded once.

"Please..." Freya's voice cracked. "Please save my friend. Save Lylah..."

The Goddess's eyes shifted to Lylah. "Your friend... She's such a lovely girl. Loyal. Brave."

"Please," Freya begged again. "She doesn't deserve this."

The Goddess looked at her again. Her smile was soft. "And neither do you."

She reached out, cupping Freya's face in her glowing hands.

"I'll give you two choices, dear one. Stay here in death ... or go back in time. Back to a time before this. But if you return, you must change your future. You must fight for a better life."

Freya stared at her, confused. "Go back? What do you mean? Am I... am I dead?"

She nodded. "Yes, child. But death isn't always the end. Sometimes, it's the door to something new."

Freya didn't even think. "I want to go back. Please. I want to save her. I want to save Lylah."

"Then you must change your fate," she said.

"Will I see her again?" Freya asked, her voice shaking.

The Goddess smiled brighter this time. "If you return... yes. You will see her. But this time, you must be brave. Or you'll meet the same end."

"But how?" Freya whispered. "How do I change fate?"

Her light started to fade.

"That, dear child... is up to you."

And then-

Everything went dark again.

***********************************

The scent of warm linen filled Freya's nose. A soft bed cradled her body. Her eyes flew open as she gasped for air.

Light poured in through the thin curtains. Gentle. Familiar. She turned her head slowly.

She was in her room-in the West Wing of the pack house.

And sitting across from her, on the bed... was Lylah.

Her bright eyes locked on Freya's. She looked just as shocked. Just as real.

"Lylah!" Freya cried out.

She sat up quickly, heart pounding, and threw herself into her friend's arms. She held her tightly, like she might disappear if she let go.

"Are you okay?" she whispered, afraid to pull away.

Lylah laughed softly and wrapped her arms around her. "I'm fine, Freya."

Freya leaned back, eyes wide. She couldn't stop staring at her face. "I... I thought I was dreaming. We were-"

"-stoned," Lylah said, finishing the sentence for her in a quiet voice.

Freya's hands shook. "We're back?" she asked. "We're really back?"

Lylah nodded once, slowly.

Freya searched her face. "You're reincarnated too? You came back to the past?"

Another nod.

She swallowed hard. "So you remember everything? What happened to us?"

Lylah's eyes turned serious. She gave her one more quiet nod.

Freya sank down onto the bed beside her. Her breath came out in short, shaking waves.

They had another chance.

But time wouldn't wait.

This time... she would do everything she could to change their fate.

Freya quickly grabbed Lylah's hands. They were warm. Real.

"What time is it?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Lylah looked at her, calm as ever. "It's the early hours of the day, Freya. We were given a second chance... but we're back to a month before our execution."

A chill ran through her. Her stomach turned. "Lylah..." she whispered, gripping her hands tighter, "do you know why my brother would frame us for something so terrible?"

Lylah gave her a small, sad smile. "Yes, I do."

Freya blinked, heart racing. "Why?"

"Your brother doesn't like you, Freya. He never has," she said softly. "And me... he's always wanted me as a mate, but I've refused him again and again."

Freya's mouth fell open.

Lylah went on, voice steady, like she had accepted it all long ago. "My closeness to you makes him angry. I'm the only one allowed into your room. That's why it was easy for him to frame me-saying I taught you forbidden magic."

Freya stared at her, every word sinking deep.

"We have to do something," she said, breathless.

Lylah nodded, her fingers tightening around hers.

Lylah stood up suddenly, her eyes scanning the room like she could feel something Freya couldn't.

"I feel something's not right, Freya," she said quietly. "I don't think your brother framed me just because of his feelings... there's more to it. I can feel it."

Freya looked up at her, confused. "What do you mean?"

Lylah turned back to her, her face serious. "I think there's something else behind all of this."

Freya frowned, heart thudding. "And to find that out," she said slowly, "we need to stop this curse rumor. If we can prove I'm not cursed, but actually gifted, everything could change."

Lylah nodded. "Exactly. You're older than your brother-even if you were born minutes apart, you're still the firstborn."

"In our clan," Freya continued, "being a girl doesn't stop you from becoming the next leader. Women have ruled before."

Lylah sat beside her again, her voice soft but firm. "And your brother... he doesn't seem like someone who wants the throne. At least, not openly. But still... something doesn't sit right."

Freya stayed quiet, thinking.

"But before we worry about all that," Lylah said gently, placing her hand over Freya's, "I'll try to convince your mom to let you out of here. Just for one day."

Freya's eyes widened. "One day?"

She smiled faintly. "In that one day, I want to find out something."

Freya stared at her, unsure where she was going with this.

"You have step-siblings, right?" Lylah asked. "And your dad has other mates?"

Freya nodded slowly.

"Something's not adding up, Freya. I want to know what it is."

Lylah turned to Freya, eyes serious, her voice low. "I know this is dangerous, Freya... but this is my plan."

Freya stared at her, her heart skipping a beat. "What is it?" she asked carefully.

Lylah pulled her aside, glanced at the door like someone might be listening, then looked Freya in the eyes. "I know it'll be a total mess to accuse the future Alpha of rape," she whispered, "but that's the only way we'll get everyone's attention."

Freya flinched. "What do you mean, Lylah?"

Her eyes softened, but her voice stayed steady. "Your brother... he likes me. You know that. And in our clan, even if he's only seventeen, he can still take a wife. As long as he can produce children."

Freya nodded slowly, her stomach twisting.

"But this time," she continued, "I'm going to comply. I'm going to agree to what he wants."

Freya's eyes widened. "What? Lylah-no. That's dangerous. You can't play with him like that."

Lylah gave her a small smile. "I already changed the future by saying yes. In our last life, it was my rejection that made him furious. That's why he framed us. This time... I'll give him what he wants. At first."

Freya couldn't breathe for a moment. Her hands were shaking. "But that gives him power over you. Over us."

Lylah nodded. "I know. But hear me out."

Freya bit her lip and listened.

"If I agree, he'll let his guard down," Lylah said. "He'll think he's winning. But once he does something wrong-once he pushes too far-I'll accuse him."

Freya's heart thudded hard in her chest. "Lylah... that could get you killed."

"Not right away," she said, voice calm. "Your parents will try to keep it quiet. They won't want the future Alpha's name dragged through the mud. They'll try to settle it indoors."

Freya blinked. "So... then what happens?"

Lylah smiled then. A wicked, clever smile. "Then the magic happens."

Freya frowned. "What magic?"

Lylah stepped closer. "I'll offer them a deal. I'll say I'll stay silent if they let you go. I'll trade my silence for your freedom."

Freya gasped. "What?!"

Lylah nodded. "Yes, Freya. Because if you're locked in this wing, we can't change anything. We'll be stuck like last time. But if you're free... we can act. We can move. Plan."

Freya backed up a little, her hands trembling. "But what if they say no? What if they hurt you?"

"I'm not afraid," Lylah said softly. "Because this time... we're not the same girls we were before. We remember. We know what's coming. And I don't care if they exile us. That's even better. We'll be outside, out of their control. And from there, we'll pull the strings."

Freya looked at her for a long time, searching her face. "Lylah... you're serious about this."

Lylah nodded. "One hundred percent."

Freya swallowed hard. "I... I don't want to lose you again."

"You won't," Lylah whispered. "We'll fight smarter this time."

"But you'll be alone with him," Freya said. "What if he-"

"I'll be fine. I'll never let him touch me. I'll just give him the illusion of winning. That's how you beat someone like him."

Freya slowly sank onto the bed, everything spinning.

"One day of freedom isn't enough, Freya," Lylah said softly, sitting beside her again. "You need to be out of here for good. So we can do what needs to be done."

Freya looked at her. "Are you really ready to do this?"

Lylah met her gaze without flinching. "I already have."

Lylah looked at Freya, her eyes calm but full of fire. "Freya... tomorrow is Lupa's Night."

Freya blinked. "Lupa's Night?"

Lylah nodded. "Yes. The grand festival. You know how your mom-your Luna-hosts it every year. It's a huge celebration. Alphas and nobles from other clans all come to honor the Luna and celebrate the power of the ruling bloodline."

Freya sat up straighter. "So... what about it?"

Lylah leaned closer, voice low. "That's when I'll pull the string."

"What string?" Freya asked, feeling lost again.

Lylah gave her a half-smile. "Your brother won't be able to escape it. He's more lustful than the adult men here, and during the festival... he always lets his guard down. He'll come for me. I know he will."

A cold chill ran down Freya's back. "Lylah... are you sure about this?"

"Yes," Lylah said without pause. "If I make my move during the festival, in front of so many guests, the elders and the visiting nobles... they won't be able to cover it up so easily. Even if your parents try."

Freya opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, a loud knock echoed on the door.

They both froze.

Their eyes met, and Lylah quickly wiped the look of seriousness off her face.

The door creaked open. A maid stepped in and gave a quick bow.

She glanced at Freya, then turned to Lylah. "Miss Lylah, Prince Fenrir asked me to call you. He's waiting."

Lylah smiled sweetly. "Tell him I'll be right there."

The maid nodded and left, closing the door behind her.

Freya turned to Lylah and grabbed her hand. "Don't go," she whispered. "Please, I don't think you should do this. It's too dangerous."

Lylah looked into her eyes, squeezing her hand gently. "Freya, I'll be fine. I promise."

"But-"

"Trust me, okay? Just wait for me here."

Freya swallowed hard. Her heart was racing. Her chest felt tight.

"Okay..." she said softly, letting go of Lylah's hand.

Lylah stood up, smoothing her dress. Before leaving, she looked at Freya one last time and smiled.

"I'll be back soon. And when I am, everything will begin."

Freya watched the door close behind her, her stomach twisted in knots. A part of her wanted to run after her, stop her... but another part knew there was no turning back now.

**********************************

Lylah walked slowly down the hallway, her footsteps echoing against the stone floor. The palace was quiet, but the silence felt heavy. Her heart beat faster the closer she got to Fenrir's chambers.

Just stay calm, she told herself.

When she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment. Then she knocked.

"Come in," his voice called from inside-smooth, calm... too calm.

Lylah opened the door and stepped in.

The smell of liquor hit her first-sharp, bitter, and thick in the air. The room was dimly lit by a few flickering candles. Prince Fenrir was sitting near a table, a bottle in one hand, his shirt loose, collar open. His eyes were half-lidded and red. He looked drunk. Very drunk.

"My lord," Lylah said, trying to keep her voice steady.

He looked at her and smiled.

But something about that smile made her stomach turn. It wasn't friendly. It wasn't safe. He stood up, swaying just a little, but he kept his balance. His eyes were fixed on her-watching her like a predator watches its prey.

He walked toward her slowly.

Lylah didn't move. She didn't want to show fear.

But then... he reached out and touched her arm.

His fingers were warm, rough, sliding slowly along her skin. She hadn't expected that. Her whole body tensed, and she took in a sharp breath. Her mind screamed to pull away, but she kept still.

"Why did you call for me?" she asked, her voice soft but firm.

He didn't answer right away.

Then he gave a low chuckle and suddenly pushed her back against the door. His body was close to hers, too close. She could feel the heat of his breath on her face. His hand stayed on her arm, firm now. She was trapped between him and the door.

"Well..." he murmured, eyes dark with something she didn't like. "I just wanted to talk."

But she knew this wasn't about talking.

Not at all.