THE CURSED ALPHA AND HIS WITCH

THE BEAST STIRRING

Kaylan woke up the following morning feeling burdened in her heart. The terrible roar lingered in her mind, unable to be forgotten. What is the possible significance of this? The kingdom had always seen Prince Sutton as an enigma. Some believed he was a monster, while others insisted he was hexed. Regardless of the truth, Kaylan believed that eventually her life would intersect with his.

She put on her cloak and went to the kitchen where Lina was up, stirring something in a pot. Kaylan's stomach churned nervously despite the fragrant smell of herbs and spices in the air.

"Early start for you," Lina remarked without lifting her gaze.

"I was unable to fall asleep," Kaylan said while seated at the table. "Lina, what information do you have about Prince Sutton?"

Lina stopped, her spoon coming to a halt in the pot. "Why are you inquiring?" she asked cautiously.

Kaylan raised her shoulders nonchalantly, attempting to appear relaxed. Last night, I heard a sound... a loud roar. I believe it originated from the palace.

Lina looked at her, with an expression that couldn't be deciphered. Kaylan, it is preferable to avoid discussing him. The prince differs from us. "He poses a threat.

"Kaylan frowned. “But if he’s cursed, maybe we could help him. Maybe—”

“Stop.” Lina’s voice was sharp, cutting through Kaylan’s words. “You don’t understand. There are things in this world even witches can’t fix. Some fates are worse than death, and Sutton’s fate is one of them.

”Kaylan looked down at her hands. “What if that fate is tied to mine?”

Lina’s eyes flickered with something—fear, maybe. “You need to stay away from the palace. That roar you heard was a warning. Prince Sutton isn’t your concern. Focus on finding the bracelet.

”Kaylan stood, unable to sit still any longer. “I’m going to the river again. Maybe I missed it last time.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Amelia’s voice came from behind them. She stood in the doorway, her eyes cold. “Until that bracelet is found, you’re not leaving this house. If the wrong person finds it, you won’t be safe anywhere.

”Kaylan opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it. Arguing with Amelia was pointless. Instead, she clenched her jaw and stormed back to her room.

At the outskirts of the village, Charlie and Ivan were seated by the riverbank, observing the water's edge with their eyes.

"I informed you that it has disappeared, Charlie," Ivan stated while kicking a pebble into the water. "We have searched all over.

"Charlie nibbled on her own lip. I understand, but if Kaylan doesn't retrieve her bracelet, there will be consequences. "I sense it.

"Ivan let out a sigh and reclined on the grass. "I regret having grabbed it.

"Charlie's expression turned into a frown. "Ivan, you were unaware." You were simply feeling curious. However, we must now proceed with caution. It is impossible for anyone to know that we discovered it. Not even Kaylan could do it.

Confusion caused Ivan's eyes to widen. "However, is it not belonging to her?"

Charlie gave a nod. Yes, however, there is something peculiar regarding that bracelet. It is not just a simple accessory. It possesses power. In my opinion... I believe it's related to the prince.

Ivan lifted himself into a sitting position. "Who is the prince?" However, he is-

Charlie concluded by saying, "It's a monster." "Indeed, I am aware." That is the reason why we must exercise caution. If someone discovers we have it, they could believe we are connected to... magic.

Ivan trembled. "I prefer not to engage with magic."

"I don't either," Charlie said softly, "but we have no other option."

Kaylan sat by her window that night, gazing at the palace far away. The moon was low in the sky, creating long shadows over the village. She couldn't get the roar, the prince, or the strange attraction she felt for him out of her mind.

Out of nowhere, a sudden knock on her door shattered the stillness. Lina made her entrance with a gentler expression than usual.

Sitting on the edge of Kaylan's bed, she informed, "I thought you might be interested to know that the king's knights will pass through the village tomorrow."

Kaylan lifted one eyebrow. What is the reason?

"Lina whispered about rumors," she said, her voice lowering. "There are rumors circulating that the prince's situation is getting worse." They are looking for... an individual."

Kaylan felt her heart jump. "Someone similar to... me?"

Initially, Lina remained silent, yet her lack of response conveyed a lot.

Lina added, "Perhaps they are seeking a healer who has the ability to manipulate magic. "If they discover your true identity—"

"They will not," Kaylan interjected, her tone strong. "I will not allow them to do it.

"Lina nodded, though she still appeared unsettled. "Tomorrow, make sure to be cautious." Remain indoors. Avoid bringing focus to yourself.

"I promise," Kaylan said, though she had a feeling that something was on the way. Something she couldn't escape from.

The cat didn't want to be outside so it scratched at the door until someone let it back in.

That evening, Kaylan struggled to fall asleep, moving around restlessly in bed. The village was peaceful, except for the sporadic hoot of an owl. However, something didn't seem right. The atmosphere was heavy with unease, resembling a hidden storm on the horizon.

Out of nowhere, there was a sudden loud noise coming from outside. Kaylan leaped out of bed and rushed to the window, feeling her heart beat rapidly in her chest.

In the distance, she observed torches flickering in the darkness, approaching the village.

She gasped as she understood the situation.

The knights of the king had reached.

However, they were not merely traveling by. They were in search of someone and she knew what they were in search for, the healer.

The loud bang on the door made her heart jump out of her chest as she froze. “They're here.” She whispered.