BOUND TO THE CURSED ALPHA

“They say Alpha Zarius is cursed.” 

We were walking along the forest trail, carrying baskets filled with herbs. 

I expected a peaceful walk, or talks about our future. But, my lover Robbie had other plans. 

I sighed, “Robbie, don't.”

“Why not? Everyone knows the story.”

“That doesn’t make him less cruel.” I swallowed around the strange tension in my throat.

“Exactly. Do you know what he did last week?” His lips stopped near my ear, holding my elbow. 

I hated these stories. 

Not because I thought they were lies. 

Because I knew every word of it was true.

“He marked a female Alpha, but she wasn't the one. So he destroyed her pack and when she pleaded for mercy…”

My fingers tightened around the basket.

“I said don't.”

He ignored me completely, a playful glint dancing in his green eyes. 

“He buried her. Alive.”

He succeeded in making my skin crawl, awakening a fear I couldn't explain.

“...Stop. Please.” 

“They say wherever the Soulless Alpha goes…” Robbie continued with a grin, “...destruction follows.”

That was it. 

I had heard enough. I smacked his arm hard enough to push him away.

“Enough, Robbie!”

“Ow.” He rubbed the spot dramatically, though his grin never faded. 

“What was that for?”

“Because you scared me.” I scolded.

He laughed so hard. 

“You should've seen your face.”

I rolled my eyes. “It wasn't funny.”

“It was a little funny.” 

“It was not.”

He leaned closer with his beautiful and mischievous smile until his forehead rested against mine.

“Look at me.”

I refused.

“Evelise.”

I slowly lifted my gaze. “What?"

“Nothing in this world is taking you away from me.”

I looked away, staring down at the tangled roots at our feet.

“...You don't know that.”

“I do.” His voice softened, taking his hand in mine.

“If Alpha Zarius himself appeared, I'd stand in front of you.”

My eyes twinkled with admiration, Hearing him say those words boasted my chest with pride. 

“You would?” I asked, my voice filled with hopes.

“A hundred times.”

My body reacted, engulfing him in a never letting go hug.

“Oh, Robbie. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Evelise.”

After a heartwarming hug, we pulled away as he pinched my cheeks.

“Now, smile for me.” 

I smiled, shaking my head, hitting his arm playfully, “...Idiot.”

His easygoing grin returned, breaking the tension he'd just created.

He turned and started back down the path, but inside, I felt nothing close to amusement. 

Only a fear I could never explain.

One that had followed me for months.

Every mention of his name made my stomach twist. Every story left my hands trembling. 

As if somewhere… Those terrible people were slowly making their way toward me.

And I pray it was nothing but my imagination. 

“Here is your destination, Madam. I have carried out my duties as the Beta of this pack.” Robbie announced proudly when we reached the marketplace.

“What duties?” I couldn’t help but to giggle.

“The duty to escort my Alpha’s daughter.” He held his head high before giving me a bow.

“Now, If you excuse me, My Lady, I have more souls to save. Permission to leave.”

I laughed, “Granted, Sir.”

“Thank you.” Blowing a kiss at me, he ran away. 

Of course, he was late for the meeting with my father.

“Huff. That man.”

I also walked away. 

I had taken only a few steps but then a horse thundered into the square and the rider nearly fell from the saddle.

Blood covered his cloak as he stumbled to one knee, tears in his eyes

"Run! The Soulless Alpha has begun the hunt!”

Mothers grabbed their children. Merchants abandoned their stalls. Somewhere, a baby began crying

“They say Sapphire Blood crossed the eastern border this morning. They wiped out another pack.” 

My steps froze to the ground. Deep down, I knew one day they would arrive to conquer the whole Moon Whispers.

But, this was too soon.

“Didn't they conquer seven already?”

“They're looking for his mate.”

I stood frozen as the entire marketplace erupted into frightened murmurs. 

“No pack is safe. We should leave.”

“Leave where? There's nowhere he can't reach.”

“They say his Beta sends warnings before they arrive. So people have time to surrender.”

“And if they don't?” Someone dared to ask, the old merchant lowered his voice.

“They disappear.”

My eyes widened in horror. I couldn't breathe. This became too much.

“Ex-excuse me.”

I turned away before anyone noticed how pale I was becoming.

That evening, the village felt unusually quiet. The usual cheeriness was replaced with pure fear. 

Even the wind made people flinch. 

No music. No laughter. Even the stalls were closed early.

Father had ordered everyone to bar every window, to keep the women and children inside.

Mother lit twice as many candles.

Nobody admitted they were afraid.

But everyone was.

I lay beneath my blanket staring at the ceiling.

Sleep refused to come. Every time I closed my eyes darkness frightened me. 

My heart raced as though it remembered something my mind had been urging me to forget.

Hours passed, I remained motionless.

The moon climbed high.

Then—

Bang. Bang. Bang.

The village bell echoed through the night. Three bells.

Emergency call. 

I sat upright, watching the uproar being caused from the window before rushing out with my father.

“What happened?” 

Frightened voices filled the streets. Doors opened one after another.

People gathered around the Head Elder, whose face had turned ghostly white to find a member of our pack lying dead.

A rolled parchment rested in his limp hands.

“It came…” someone whispered, on the verge of crying, “The warning… It’s here.” 

Robbie unfolded the parchment.

No one breathed. Even the wind seemed to stop.

All eyes were on him, waiting to hear what nightmare had fallen on our heads.

His hands shook as he began reading:

“To every Alpha… every Elder...

       To every pack beneath the Moon Goddess...

Do not hide her. Do not lie to me. Do not test my patience.

If my mate is within your borders and you refuse to surrender her… Your pack will cease to exist.”

Gasps spread through the crowd, people retreated their steps. Everyone knew it was a message of death. 

Robbie slowly turned toward me. Our eyes met.  His voice nearly broke as he read the final line.

“...Wherever you are…”

His grip around the parchment tightened.

“...Come to me, my mate.”