Healed by the Cursed

Heart racing, Aria Valen stood at the border of the Moonstone Pack. The aroma of fresh earth and pine trees filled her breath; rather than comfort, it brought back memories of the dread and loneliness she had experienced all those years before. Five long years had passed since she escaped, forsaken by the one individual who had vowed to safeguard her. Ari had departed in the middle of the night, unable to handle the humiliation, and her mate, Kade Thorne, the Alpha of the pack, had turned down her public support. She had come back now. However, she was no longer the terrified girl she once was. Though she had become stronger—gained some semblance of authority as a Moon Priestess—the memory of Kade's rejection still tormented her, making her feel small, frail, and undeserving. Trying to calm herself, she breathed deeply. She had returned just to save him. Doubt ate at the back of her mind, though. Could she accomplish this? After all, was she able to confront him? Walking ahead, her eyes downcast, she avoided the stares of pack members who were looking at her with mistrust and curiosity. She could hear their judgements and whispers, but she lacked the power to challenge them. Not yet could she confront the pack's displeasure. She was here only for Kade. Her legs shaking with each step, she arrived at the pack territory gates. Once so full of life and activity, the pack's memories now felt far away. Everything seemed strange, like a dream she couldn't quite recall. There was no turning back, though. Kade needed her. The beta, Riona, came to her first. The icy look in her eyes—the methodical manner she examined Aria—gave her pause. The welcome lacked warmth, but it also lacked clear hostility. Riona was a pragmatic lady who ignored the past. She was just worried about what Aria could accomplish right now. Riona stated coldly, her voice showing no emotion, "You've returned." Kade is unwell. He's on hold. Aria's heart squeezed in her chest as she nodded. She had never been good at facing people, especially those who had once been close to her. Riona was not an exception. The woman reminded Aria of all she had left behind, yet she could not force herself to be furious. She was too terrified of what she could discover in Kade's room. Walking across the pack area together, they found the familiar sights and smells only served to make Aria feel more out of place. All of it suddenly felt like a distant memory: the training fields where she had previously attempted to prove herself and the common spaces where laughter had once filled the air. She no longer fit here, and the idea made her stomach turn. Aria's heart raced with worry when they at last arrived at Kade's quarters. An inexplicable link had always drawn her to him. Even now, standing just outside his door, she could feel it pulling at her heart. But what was behind that door? Was he still the Alpha she had previously adored? Or had time and rejection utterly transformed him? Riona pushed the door open after knocking gently. Inside, Kade's appearance left her breathless. Once robust, proud, and confident, the guy now appeared frail, nearly defeated. Once vibrant and ferocious, his golden eyes were dull; his body was thin, lifelessly drained. He glanced up as they came in; for a little time, their eyes connected. Aria's breath caught, and she could sense the years of agony flooding back. Aria Kade's voice was just a whisper, hoarse. Sitting up hurt him; the attempt appeared to sap any last power he had. I didn't expect you to arrive. For a time, Aria stood motionless, the sentences she had practiced in her brain seeming suddenly difficult to utter. She had come to save him, to heal him, but seeing him like this... seeing him defenseless, it caused something inside her to shatter. "I... I came to assist," she answered, terrified. Though she despised how feeble she sounded, there was no denying it. She was not the certain lady she had wished to become. She remained the girl, crushed beneath rejection's weight. As his lips twisted into a harsh smile, Kade's eyes were brimming with regret. Your help is not required. I rejected you… I hurt you. Though the remarks hurt Aria's heart, she stayed quiet. What could she possibly express? His rejection of her in front of the whole pack had torn her apart. Deep and terrible, the suffering of that era lingered. She had spent so many years telling herself she was stronger than the suffering. Aria gently stated, "I don't care about that." I am here to help you. Nothing else matters. Sitting next to Kade, Aria's hands trembled as she reached out to him. Faint but clear, the tie between them persisted; the link she had previously thought unbreakable. Ready to heal him, she could feel the magic of her priestess power inside her reacting to his presence. But when her hands grazed his body, a flood of emotion crashed over her. The suffering of the past mixed with the overwhelming sense of obligation. She was unsure if the move was for him or for her personal gain. She wanted to show him she was more than the girl he rejected. But another part of her just wanted to fix him, to right things. Her power flowing into Kade's body allowed her to feel the darkness the curse had sown inside him, gradually stealing his life. A cruel, evil, twisted power, Aria understood she would have to confront it directly if she were to save him. Still, much as she worked hard, her doubts started to show. Could she handle any harm affecting him? Could she overcome her fears? As Aria continued to fix Kade, a cold, unsettling chill spread around the room. She stopped moving; her senses grew sharper. There was something wrong. She could not shake the feeling that someone—or something—was watching them. Just as the ache began to fade, a tremendous bang echoed throughout the packhouse. Aria's heart raced in her chest. Beside her, Kade breathed heavily, his breath quickening. What is happening? She murmured quietly, nearly inaudibly. "I don't know," Kade whispered gently, his body tense. "Still, we are not safe." Someone is coming.