Marked by My Enemy Alpha

Chapter 16 – The Witch of the Northern Ridge

The forest of the North was nothing like the woods near the pack. It was older, darker—alive in ways that made the skin crawl. Every shadow moved, every gust of wind carried whispers.

Rylan walked beside her, silent and watchful. The mark on her wrist still burned faintly.

“You didn’t have to come,” she said.

He smirked. “And let my brother’s mate get herself killed? Not a chance.”

“I thought you didn’t care.”

“I don’t.” He glanced at her. “But he does. And whether I like it or not, that means something.”

They walked for hours until the trees thinned and a stone cottage appeared, wrapped in vines. Smoke rose from the chimney, and a strange hum filled the air.

The witch was waiting outside. Tall, with pale eyes that seemed to see through them both.

“I knew you’d come,” she said, voice like velvet. “The cursed Alpha and his Luna cannot escape fate.”

Aria stepped forward. “You can break it?”

The witch smiled faintly. “Break it? No. But I can show you the truth behind it.”

Rylan tensed. “What truth?”

She gestured for them to follow. Inside, the air was thick with herbs and old magic. Candles burned with blue flames. She moved to a large bowl carved from stone and poured water into it.

“The Blood Luna is no curse,” the witch said softly. “It is a creation—a mark forged by the Moon Goddess herself to bind the first wolves born from betrayal.”

Aria frowned. “Betrayal?”

“The first Alpha and his brother fought for the same Luna. When blood was spilled between them, the Goddess marked their line forever. Two bloodlines. One destiny. Every generation, the bond returns—to remind them that love and hate are two sides of the same soul.”

Rylan’s eyes darkened. “So we were never meant to be free.”

The witch’s smile faded. “Freedom has a cost. One of you must end the bond. Permanently.”

Aria’s breath caught. “End… as in die?”

The witch didn’t answer—she didn’t have to.

Outside, thunder rolled. The candles flickered out.

Rylan grabbed Aria’s arm. “We’re leaving.”

But before they could move, the witch’s voice echoed through the dark.

“Beware the Blood Eclipse. On that night, your hearts will choose… and one will not survive.”