Her Immortal Destiny

Deceived

Misty POV

I was uncertain about Wyatt, my guard was up around him. Why would fate play this cruel trick on me? Was it trying to test me further? I could easily read most people, but he was perplexing. Why did he allow me to accompany him? It felt insane to go with him, knowing it could be a trap. Yet, I couldn't shake this strange feeling that even though he was my enemy, he wouldn't harm me.

As we entered the office of the wolf king, an overwhelming aura of evil surrounded us. Wyatt, however, seemed unfazed. It shouldn't surprise me, considering his involvement with the black market. Evil was familiar to him. It truly puzzled me. I had always heard that his coven was responsible for the brutal killings within my own, but they also protected the curse. So why was he dealing in the black market? What was his motive?

I would have expected him to focus all efforts on keeping the cursed child safe from the werewolf king. Or perhaps he simply didn't care about their safety, as long as the curse remained unbroken. Could the man who initially seemed caring actually be heartless? Was he just an exceptional actor?

My goal was to end the curse, which meant the end of the cursed child's life. However, we did not wish for them to suffer. We wanted them to find peace and understand why their life had to be sacrificed.

"I assume your arrival means you accept the contract I've given you," the werewolf king spoke to Wyatt.

"I will do it, but this is a one-time thing. I don't work for anyone other than myself," Wyatt replied. "Also, I request that my partner and I have the opportunity to explore your estate today. Since you've asked us to enhance your security, we need to understand what you currently have in place. We need to personally assess the strength of any magic, so ours doesn't interfere but only strengthens it."

I had no idea what exactly Wyatt was hired to do, but I am sure it was nothing good. "Very well," the King responded, his voice deep and commanding, as Wyatt placed a file on the worn wooden desk. "Once we are done inspecting, I require fifty percent up front," Wyatt explained. I could hear the faint sound of footsteps approaching, and a guard walked over to us. "Very well," the King said, his voice tinged with impatience. The guard motioned for us to leave, and we were escorted out. The meeting was short and unsettling, leaving me with no real knowledge of what was going on. But one thing was certain now: Wyatt had met with the King when my coven members spotted him at the inn.

The estate loomed before us, massive and foreboding. Dark magic radiated around it, a tangible presence. The air was heavy with the scent of ancient power. The King employed those who dabbled in forbidden magic, a fact that did not surprise me. He had strong protection, and his desire for more meant he was expecting my kind.

The estate was also heavily guarded, with warriors stationed at every corner. I had never seen such a display of protection; it was clear that the King wanted to remain untouched. As we walked through, I noticed various trinkets from different eras, displayed as if to boast about his long life. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The King feared death, and his immortality was not just about control; it was born out of a deep-seated fear of nonexistence.

Immortality was not as desirable as it seemed. It could be a lonely existence, devoid of the peace that comes with passing on. As an immortal, I didn't hate my condition, but I couldn't understand why someone would choose it willingly. Life, with its inherent aging process, held a preciousness that was unmatched. And because of that, memories held even greater importance.

As we approached the heavily fortified room, a sharp, piercing pain shot through my mind, like daggers slicing through my thoughts. I desperately tried to hide my discomfort, but Wyatt's reassuring grip on my arm steadied me, silently acknowledging the pain. Gradually, the agony dissipated, leaving me bewildered by its intensity. It was undoubtedly a premonition, a warning tied to the cursed clearly within that room.

Once Wyatt sensed my recovery, he released his grip, and my breath caught in my throat as my eyes fell upon a display case. Inside, I recognized several personal belongings of my fallen coven members, stored like trophies. Were these werewolves the ones responsible for their deaths? But why would my mother falsely accuse Wyatt's coven? Confusion clouded my thoughts as we pressed forward.

Strangely, I could feel the lingering power of my own coven, as if we had aided in these defenses. Nothing made sense. Were we unknowingly supporting the werewolf king in some way? And for what reason? Our journey continued, leading us to what appeared to be a laboratory. Within its confines, werewolves and a witch toiled away. The unmistakable trace of the cursed one's blood permeated the air. I studied their work intently, realizing they were using the cursed blood to create something. Wyatt spoke up, subtly probing for information. "It seems you're making good progress. I've heard rumors of the king's desire to enhance the powers and abilities of all beings, particularly witches, with the cursed child's blood." The guard, unfazed, responded, "Indeed, it's a work in progress. I'm sure you'll be interested in acquiring the final product." Once again, the potent presence of my coven's unique power surged through me, confirming my suspicions. We were indeed involved, but why? Why would we support the spreading of this curse? I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

Could it be that my coven members were being held captive against their will? But if that were true, wouldn't their power appear diminished? Confusion clouded my understanding of our intentions. Was Wyatt telling the truth? Could it really be my own family that I should distrust? Were they deceiving me?

The weight of our purpose weighed heavily upon me. Did we truly seek to destroy the curse, or were we secretly hoping to benefit from it first? And what about the innocent lives affected by this curse? Were we inadvertently contributing to their suffering?

As we continued our journey, my focus shifted from the surroundings to uncovering the truth. Doubt lingered in my mind. Could this all be an elaborate setup? Wyatt insinuated my coven's involvement, but could power truly manipulate perception to such an extent?

Finally, we arrived back at the werewolf king's office. Wyatt's words hung in the air, promising to return in three days to fulfill a request. An envelope exchanged hands, sealing our fate. We were then ushered out, leaving me bewildered and uncertain.

The ride back to town was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by the rhythmic clip-clop of the horse's hooves on the cobblestone road. I stepped off the wagon, feeling disoriented and lost. Wyatt's commanding voice broke through my confusion, asking me to come to his room for a conversation.

"I can't right now," I confessed, my voice tinged with the weight of uncertainty. "I need time.”

"You are in pain, Misty," Wyatt responded, his voice filled with concern. "At least tell me you will lock yourself in your room. You can't hide what your coven has taken from you. Just say the words, and I will free you."

"That's impossible," I replied, my voice tinged with frustration. "It was placed by my mother. She stands at the top of my coven. You would have to be equal, if not above her."

Wyatt smirked, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "They really have kept you in the dark, haven't they? Your mother is weak, Misty. Her power is the product of stealing from those who follow her. She fears your power because you hold the truth and may even hold the key to keeping balance in your mind. You, Misty, are far stronger and more powerful than your mother. Not just that, she did not teach you about my coven. She wanted you to fall into trouble, to see us as enemies. But I am Endora's grandson. I am one of the most powerful members of my coven. I am very much capable of freeing you, but only if that is what you wish."

Overwhelmed, I turned away from Wyatt and took a moment to gather my thoughts. The weight of the situation bore down on me, making it hard to breathe. In the distance, I spotted two members of my coven, their eyes lingering on me before quickly diverting their gaze as if they had seen something they shouldn't have. I couldn't risk them thinking I was working with Wyatt, my supposed enemy. It was strange how I didn't even consider the consequences I may face of my mother discovering my conversation with him. No, my concern was solely for Wyatt's safety. I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to him, even if I had no intention of staying near him.

I made my way to my room and closed the door, feeling the weight of confusion pressing against my temples. It wasn't long before a sharp knock echoed through the room, interrupting my thoughts. Summer's urgent voice pierced through the door, demanding my attention. I reluctantly opened the door, allowing her entry.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she snapped, her words laced with frustration. "Being seen with a warlock from Endora's coven is only fueling everyone's doubts. Are you trying to destroy our reputation, or worse, get us killed?"

I sighed, massaging my throbbing temples. "I'm simply using him for information," I explained wearily. "You've heard the saying, 'keep your enemies close,' right?"

Summer huffed, her disapproval evident on her face. "You're keeping him too close," she retorted.

I shook my head, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. "As the one in charge, you have no right to question me. You're supposed to follow my lead, whether you like it or not."

She rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Whatever. We have a promising lead, a possible way to get closer to the cursed child. We're going to act on it tonight. Your mother has already been alerted."

"Very well," I said, my voice firm. "Gather everyone and let's discuss your findings. Be prepared within the hour and meet me at my door."

Summer nodded and left, her footsteps fading away. As I stood alone in my room, the doubts crept in. Wyatt's words echoed in my mind. Did I truly want to earn their respect, or should I show them that I was done being manipulated? Maybe they should fear me instead. I didn't need their respect; I just needed them to understand that I was someone not to be f****d with.

I let out a heavy sigh, my shoulders slumping as I reluctantly sacrificed what little free time I had to prepare for yet another departure. The air felt heavy and suffocating, mirroring the weight of my mistrust. Suspicion lingered in my mind, infiltrating every thought. I couldn't trust my own family, nor could I bring myself to trust Wyatt. It was painfully evident that I had been deceived, but by whom, I still couldn't say. I couldn't blindly place my faith in Wyatt, even though today's journey had opened my eyes to certain truths. Doubt gnawed at me, refusing to confirm whether it was all staged or genuine.

Furthermore, the lack of respect I received from those who should have seen me as their leader was disconcerting. I had anticipated some resistance to working with me, but the way Summer spoke to me was completely unacceptable. The words hung in the air like a sour taste, leaving me unsettled. From this moment forward, I resolved to work solely for myself. While I still acknowledged the existence of the curse, I would delve into thorough research, no longer blindly following the path laid before me.

My purpose, above all else, was to maintain balance. That was my calling, my duty. Even if it meant standing against my own family in the end, the past twenty-four hours had made it abundantly clear that I needed to stay true to myself. I was through with being deceived, through with being looked down upon.

Once ready, my coven members arrived and they all came in. They took their seats, their eyes fixed on me as I spoke. "I want to make it clear, I am the lead," I asserted, my voice firm and commanding. "Any contact to our coven will be done so by me. Anyone who chooses to go behind my back moving forward will be dismissed. I don't care if I am the only one remaining."

With that said, I continued, "That being said, please inform me of this supposed plan. You may have alerted the head of our coven, but I will only give permission to act on anything once I have all the details." They nodded in understanding, their expressions serious and focused.

"The werewolf king seems to be doing some business with the neighboring packs," Falcon, one of the Warlocks in our group, explained. "It is said they have been delivering what is believed to be an experimental medicine. We have received Intel that several prisoners from a nearby pack will be escorted to a location outside of the king's estate. We managed to get the location. They are apparently using the prisoners as test subjects. We are going to go and try to see exactly what happens to them, as it is believed this all may be linked to the cursed one's blood. The head of the coven has requested we attack if possible and obtain whatever it is they are testing."

Curiosity piqued, I questioned Falcon, "How did you obtain this knowledge?" He replied, "I've been tracking one of the king's guards who stays near the town."

"Very well," I replied, my mind already formulating a plan. "When is this to occur?" I asked, to which Falcon responded, "11pm."

"Okay, we will go then. Please prepare. Falcon, I trust you have already mapped out the location?" I inquired. "I have, as well as a decent area for us to hide until ready to attack," he explained.

"Then stay here and go over that with me while everyone prepares," I instructed, gesturing towards the map he had pulled out. As the others filed out of the room.

We’ll monitor and maybe even strike, but I won’t give anything to my mother until I grasp the truth.