We met with my mom after we got back and explained everything. She was earth-shattering furious. Her body glowed with power at her fury. My dad had to work hard to calm her down.
Once, she was calm again. They asked her to talk with Ember. Since I couldn’t do it yet. I knew the pendant was supposed to work, but I didn’t entirely trust it yet. I needed answers for Ember before I spoke with her. Yes, it was cowardly in a way. I just couldn’t bring myself to see her again. My wolf would act and I wouldn’t be able to stop him. One hour wasn’t going to be enough.
When we met and had this conversation, I needed answers so we could both make decisions on our own. With enough information to make them know as much as possible.
My mother agreed to do that. All 3 of us along with a handful of warriors will be going to the coven immediately. We needed answers and soon. I didn’t know if this cure would kill me if it got the chance. And I didn’t want to keep Ember in limbo for forever.
My fathers had already sent out orders and we were ready to leave within the hour. Mom was giving my fathers kisses and she shed many tears. Her conversation with Ember went well. Ember agreed to stay a month, but would have to travel back to her kingdom after that. She would come back if need be.
We decided to run to the coven in wolf form. My fathers and I had to go slower, because our warriors were not hybrids. They were either Lycan or Werewolf, but not both. That was only our bloodline. It was not forbidden, but the Goddess was only deemed to mate within the species, with the exception of our family.
It only took a few hours to reach the coven. They welcomed us warmly. They called for their coven leaders to hear us out. We were taken to a small house built of wood. Witches were overly frugal with their resources. Their powers require energy from their being. They are not rich and famous. Mostly, they live in the shadows, keeping their existence quiet. Their laws were followed or the breaker no longer lived.
Sometimes their reactions were extreme, but otherwise, they were a peaceful group. Not all witch tribes are this way, but this one is. Hence, why were we surprised to receive their request for assistance? They lost many witches in an attempt to take the women down.
“You honor us Ryder King of Lycans, Jace Second King, and Prince Hybrid Alexander.” The old man and two old women bowed before us.
“The honor is our Lightshift Coven. We are honored by your acceptance.” Dad Ryder answered the man. “Our business here is on behalf of our son, the prince.”
They motioned for us to take a seat. We did so quickly.
Dad Jace got right to it. “During our mission to help your coven with the black witches, our son was cursed. As you have been made aware, the leader of their group has been killed. Her death poses a new problem as she is the bestower of this curse.”
“What curse have you been stricken with my prince?” One of the women asked.
“My mate bond has been cursed. Death shall befall me if I go near her. My bond is weak as we only recently discovered one another. She is a Dragon and therefore cannot feel the bond. It has not been sealed,” I explained.
Their faces were stricken with worry and concern. They began speaking to one another in a different language. Their words felt harsh and full of frustration.
Standing, the silent old woman with them motioned for her to approach. I nodded, giving her permission. She moved forward and placed her hand over my heart as our seer had done. Again, I felt the warmth followed by the darkness squeeze on my heart. She sat in silence as her eyes were closed. She was whispering words I didn’t recognize. Waiting for an answer.
Several minutes continued on. They felt as though it took forever, but I knew that I was being impatient. My mind was full of questions, but I dared not voice any of them. I needed their answer first. The woman abruptly pulled her hand away and spoke.
“When the life of a dragon and the strength of your bloodline align with one another, then the curse will be broken.”
Her words infuriated me. I hated riddles. Everything was a riddle with the witches.
“What does that mean?”
Standing, the woman backed off and our warriors moved forward. My aura was on full display. They could feel my frustration.
“I do not know, Prince Alexander. Spells can whisper things to us. That was all I got from it. None here can break your curse. The destruction of the curse is held within those words” She was looking down and away from me. Her body was ridged and I could tell she was uncomfortable.
“Prince Alexander, please understand, we are witches, not beings capable of anything. When one witch casts a spell, it is not easy, if impossible, to undo it for another. Spells are unique. Curses are just black magic. We do not mean to offend. We must speak the truth.”
Dad Ryder put his hand on my shoulder to get me to stand down. I calmed down just a little. Pulling in my fury. They didn’t do anything wrong and I was not going to harm them, because I was angry with their answer. They were truthful, they had no reason to lie. Having spent some time around us, they knew the dangers of keeping mates away from each other. My situation was more serious as I had to contend with my wolf and my beast. They are one.
Thanking them for their assistance, we left. Being as it had been a long day, they offered us a place to stay for the night. We would leave at first light in the morning. I could feel sleep was evading me. Instead of doing anything, I lay there and let my thoughts consume me.