Chapter 6: Ynez's curse

Raizel's POV

She was taken aback by my actions, but she was already in pain all over. We hid beneath a small table covered with a long tablecloth.

"Where are those two? I hope they're not fighting," Romaine said.

We heard her lock the door and listened to her footsteps. I didn't move yet, as I needed to make sure my sister had really left the room. I looked at her and could sense the intense pain she was experiencing.

It felt like I was being pricked with needles and struck by lightning. I also felt colder and colder. I couldn't understand what was wrong with her. I watched Ynez endure the pain.

I sighed and said, "You're freezing!"

She pushed me away, turned her back, and hugged herself, trembling from the intense cold. She lifted her shirt as if examining something. As it grew darker, I felt like my death was imminent.

"What's happening to you? Are you cursed or something?" I asked straightforwardly.

"And so? Can you even find the cure of this curse?" she shouts angrily. I wonder if she's serious. As the room brightens, she looks up.

I move the table and lift her up from the floor. I lay my wife down on the couch and do the same for myself. I hold her tightly, trying to warm her up. I prevent her from pushing me away.

"What's happening to you? You're as cold as a vampire! Stop struggling and cover yourself up, or you'll freeze to death."

She scoffs instead. "How foolish. You want me to die, don't you? Your efforts won't work on me, Raizel. Just leave me alone!" she yells.

She gathers her strength and pushes me off the couch. As I stand up, her glares indicate that she has lost her patience.

I can see how much she hates me; it's written all over her face, especially in her lifeless eyes. I lose my patience too.

"I can either let you be or I'll handle things my way," I cautioned.

Slowly, I unbuttoned my long sleeve one by one, but impatience got the best of me and I tore it off. Locking eyes with her, I made sure she understood my intention to warm her up. She spoke.

"I really hate you!" She asserted, meeting my gaze.

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her up, bringing my face closer to hers. "I'm not the only one who despises this situation. I detest you more than anything because you don't deserve to be the mother of my child, yet you have a kid. Don't push me further. You know I have no tolerance for someone like you," I remark, full of annoyance.

She bit my hand, sinking her fangs into my skin. I released her and she took the opportunity to stand up. Ynez slapped me firmly.

"Someone like me?! You have no clue what happened that night. I'm not someone like that, and I would never even consider having sex with you! Get out of my way!" she yelled and pushed me. She opens the window and jumps off. Ynez was hurt, I can feel that.

I shut my eyes and run my fingers through my hair in frustration. It's hard to believe I said those words when she's clearly struggling with the pain she's going through.

I need to understand why I said that. If that curse will end her suffering, then it's in our best interest. I have to ensure that neither her family nor mine can find the cure.

This is a better option than the bet she mentioned. For now, I'll pretend we agreed. They say it's safer to keep your enemies close. As I leave my room, I hear a commotion outside.

"Ynez! Ynez!" my mom shouts. I glance downstairs and see Ynez lying on the floor, bleeding. Mom is with her, checking on her. Then my sister comes out and looks at her.

"Mommy?" Raizen calls out. I think they're all in the kitchen. I head downstairs when my son grabs his phone and makes a call.

"Hey, uncle! It's me! Mom is not doing well. She's getting weaker. What should I do? The medicine I brought isn't working anymore!" he cries out. Who is that man?

He put his phone on speakerphone and we could hear the man's response to Raizen's words. "What?! Is this about your mom's curse or did someone hurt her? Are you still in England? Tell her to come home now! I will treat her here. Do it now, Raizen!" he urges.

Raizen was trembling and reached for something in his pocket. "Then tell auntie to summon us!" I was about to speak when Raizen and Ynez disappeared right in front of us.

Romaine and mom turned pale because of that. "Who is that man?!" Romaine shouts.

She tries to grab her nephew's phone, but the call has already ended. She can't open it because it's password-protected. They notice my presence. "What did you do?!" my sister shouts.

"I really don't want to hear it! I didn't do anything to her," I state. The force of a punch sends me crashing into the wall.

I turn to face my father-in-law. "You shouldn't speak to my daughter like that! Maybe she's right. Your marriage to her is nothing but hell for her!" he shouts. My family remains silent, finally acknowledging the truth.

Finally! "I can't believe you! Why can't you just accept the moon goddess's decision for you, huh? What did you see in that woman anyway? She's materialistic and sly!" mom yells.

She looks at her hands, stained with her daughter-in-law's blood. She appears angry and frustrated. I can tell that everyone despises us.

"Because she's the woman I love," I state firmly. Ynez's sister slaps my face and points her finger at me.

"King Raizel, she loves you more than anything in this world. You may not realize the extent of her sacrifices because you are too self-absorbed to see through her words. You have no idea the suffering she has caused my sister."

Yza's words were delivered with utmost seriousness, leaving everyone bewildered. As tears streamed down her face, she chose to leave the mansion without further explanation.

Ynez's family departed one by one, and we allowed them their space, understanding their pain. My family's disapproving stares were directed at me.

Dad's disappointment was palpable as he spoke, "Raizel, you have let us down. You are not prepared to lead or take on responsibilities. Henceforth, you are no longer the king. You cannot be a king if you do not understand how to be a father, a husband, or a real man. Leave before I take matters into my own hands."

I was shocked by what he said. They are willing to disown me because I choose to be true to my feelings? This is unjust! I am the one who will be a father and husband, not them!

"Dad, that's not fair! I feel like she's being treated more like a child of this family than I am! No! I don't want to hear this from you! Why won't you listen to me! Give Eleanor a chance!" I exclaimed.

I need to voice my thoughts, or else my family will keep controlling my decisions in life. I don't want them to continue controlling me.

My grandfather intervened to stop my dad from hitting me. "You didn't know what you were getting into, kid. If that's truly what you want, then you're free to do it. Ronaldo, you don't have to strip his title. Leave this house and live with your woman. Don't blame us if your marriage fails. Ynez hasn't signed the marriage contract yet."

My dad was surprised by his dad's decision. My grandfather shook his head and looked at me afterward. After they all walked away, I found myself alone.

I walked over to the window and pulled back the curtain. A burning sensation spread across my skin, making me groan. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I saw my mark burning to ashes.

I was left wondering, "What just happened?"

I muttered, "What the hell is happening?"

The tattoo and wedding ring on my finger disappear completely. Did both our families manipulate us? Did they lie to us? The next morning, I packed all my things and prepared to leave.

I shared the good news with Eleanor, who was happy to hear it. We decided to stay in my villa on the east side of our territory. None of my family members came out to see me off. "I don't care," I remarked.