The Cursed Alpha's Mate

Chapter 10: The Witch’s Bargain

The flickering candlelight danced across Selene’s face, casting shadows that made her smile seem even more sinister. Luna’s heart pounded like a war drum, but she kept her gaze steady, refusing to show fear. She had come here for answers, and she wouldn’t leave without them.

Kael’s presence behind her was a silent anchor, his protective energy a shield against the dark aura Selene exuded. Aric stood by the door, tense and ready to react at a moment’s notice, his hand resting on the dagger strapped to his belt.

Selene rose from her bone-carved throne, her movements fluid, like a serpent uncoiling. She approached Luna slowly, her bare feet making no sound on the cold stone floor. Her eyes, black as ink, glittered with amusement and something darker—curiosity.

“You’re braver than you look,” Selene murmured, circling Luna like a predator sizing up its prey. “Most would cower in fear before me. But not you. There’s fire in you… even if you don’t know it yet.”

Luna clenched her fists, her voice firm despite the chill creeping up her spine. “I didn’t come here to be analyzed. I need to know what this is.” She yanked up her sleeve, revealing the dark mark that had now spread, its tendrils reaching toward her elbow like creeping vines.

Selene’s eyes narrowed, the playful gleam fading. She reached out, her long, slender fingers hovering just above Luna’s skin without touching. The air grew colder, the space between them charged with something ancient and powerful.

“This mark isn’t just a curse,” Selene whispered, her voice softer now, laced with intrigue. “It’s a brand—a beacon. Whoever placed it on you didn’t just want to hurt you. They wanted to claim you.”

Luna’s breath hitched. “Claim me?”

Kael stepped forward, his growl low and dangerous. “What does that mean?”

Selene turned to face him, arching a delicate brow. “It means your little mate is more valuable than you realize, Alpha. This mark is a tether, a link to dark magic older than your pack’s history. And if left unchecked, it will consume her.”

Luna swallowed hard, her mind racing. “Can you remove it?”

Selene smiled again, but this time it was colder. “Nothing is ever that simple, dear.” She walked back to her throne, lazily draping herself across it. “I can help you. But magic like this requires a price.”

Kael’s fists clenched at his sides. “Name it.”

Selene’s eyes gleamed with wicked delight. “Ah, but that’s the fun part. I don’t want gold or jewels. I deal in things far more precious—secrets, promises, and… sacrifices.”

Luna’s chest tightened. “What kind of sacrifice?”

Selene leaned forward, her smile sharp enough to cut. “Blood.”

The word hung in the air like a blade.

Kael stepped in front of Luna, his body tense with fury. “No deal.”

Selene laughed softly. “Relax, Alpha. I don’t want her blood.” She tilted her head, her gaze sliding to Kael like a blade slipping into a sheath. “I want yours.”

The room fell into stunned silence.

Kael didn’t flinch. “Take it.”

“No!” Luna’s voice rang out, her heart racing. She moved to stand beside Kael, her hand gripping his arm. “There has to be another way.”

Selene’s dark eyes softened slightly, a flicker of something—amusement? Pity?—crossing her face. “Such devotion. But blood binds stronger than words. His blood will give me what I need to break the mark’s hold. Unless, of course, you’d prefer to let it spread. Eventually, it will reach your heart.”

Luna’s fear morphed into anger. She hated feeling powerless, hated that Kael was always the one getting hurt for her. But Kael simply nodded, his jaw set with determination.

“If my blood is the price, you’ll have it,” he said quietly.

Selene rose again, her smile satisfied. “Good. Follow me.”

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They descended into the tower’s lower chambers, the air growing colder with each step. The walls were lined with ancient symbols, their meanings lost to time but humming with residual power. In the center of the room was an altar carved from obsidian, its surface stained with dark patches Luna prayed weren’t blood.

Selene gestured for Kael to sit. He did without hesitation, his golden eyes meeting Luna’s with unspoken words. It’s okay. I’m okay.

Selene produced a dagger—elegant, with a black blade etched with runes. “This will hurt,” she said almost cheerfully, before slicing a clean, deep cut across Kael’s palm. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t make a sound. Blood welled up, dark and rich, and Selene collected it in a small, crystal vial.

Then she turned to Luna. “Now, give me your arm.”

Luna hesitated, but Kael’s nod gave her the courage to step forward. Selene uncorked the vial, whispering words in a language Luna didn’t understand. The liquid glowed faintly, and Selene poured it over Luna’s mark.

The pain was instant. It felt like fire racing through her veins, searing her from the inside out. She screamed, falling to her knees as visions flashed before her eyes—dark forests, glowing eyes, whispers in the shadows.

Kael was there in an instant, holding her, his voice distant but grounding.

And then, just as suddenly, it stopped.

Luna gasped, the pain fading as quickly as it had come. She looked at her arm. The mark was gone.

But the room was filled with an eerie silence. Selene watched them, her expression unreadable.

“It’s done,” she said softly. “But breaking the mark has awakened something inside you, Luna. Powers that were hidden… until now.”

Luna’s heart raced. “What does that mean?”

Selene smiled, dark and knowing. “It means your real journey has just begun.”