A Curse

Alpha Kaidon's POV

"Alpha, I think we've found the source of the mysterious disease that has afflicted our pack," my brother, Beta Drake said.

I set aside the documents I was reviewing and gave him my full attention.

"Really? Go on," I asked.

"My men and I embarked on an investigation like you suggested and we discovered that there is an unauthorized presence in our pack who we believe is responsible for the outbreak," he answered.

I leaned forward, my interest piqued.

"Who is this person and why are they linked to this outbreak?" I asked.

Beta Drake's expression turned somber, causing me to worry.

"The person in question is a witch, Alpha."

My eyes narrowed and I could feel the rage coursing through my veins.

"How did a witch manage to infiltrate our pack without being detected? How did this happen?" I asked, my blood boiling.

"I'm not sure about that, Alpha. She probably got help from the inside but I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to risk their lives by aiding a witch," Beta Drake said.

"Bring her to me," I said to Beta Drake.

He nodded and turned to leave but before he could reach the door, I stopped him.

"Do you know how long she has been hiding in our pack?" I asked him.

"Not really but from what my men and I gathered, Ravenna has been here for a couple of months, let's say two months," he replied.

Thinking about what he said, I realized that the outbreak had indeed begun around the time of Ravenna's arrival. My long-laid conviction has been proven right; witches bring misfortunes and their presence spells trouble.

"Okay then, why don't you bring Ravenna in? It is high time Ravenna and I had a...talk," I said, my voice dripping with malice.

Beta Drake nodded and finally left the room without a second interruption. I sat back in my seat with clenched jaws, trying to suppress my anger. The mere mention of witches could start up a fire in my heart.

For years, I've resented them, which makes me eliminate them whenever I had the chance. But the fact that one had been hiding under my nose for so long without my knowledge made me question my effectiveness as the Alpha of the Moonstone Pack.

As I sat there seething in anger, I heard the door open and I looked up to see Beta Drake escorting a woman into the room. She was tall, with long grey hair and piercing grey eyes that seemed to bore into my very soul.

"Ravenna..." I said getting up from my seat.

"Alpha Kaidon," she replied with a smile on her face.

How could she smile despite knowing what her fate would be eventually? I thought

"I can see you're the reason behind the strange disease in my pack," I said.

"Yes I am. I'm simply getting revenge for the death of my people whom you've cruelly murdered in cold blood in the last years," she said, the smile still etched on her face.

"And I must say, it was quite fun to watch your people suffer and die just the way my people did," she added with a smile before I could even speak.

Her smile only fueled my anger and I knew she knew that.

"You'll pay for what you've done. I promise," I said, snarling.

For a minute, she was quiet, as if she was scared of what I was going to do to her. But to my surprise, she suddenly burst into laughter, causing me and Beta Drake to exchange glances in confusion.

"Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, Alpha. I'm scared of what you're going to do to me," she said, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"Oh you should be, Ravenna. You should be cause I'll make you regret ever stepping your foot into my pack," I said, clenching my fists.

Without another word said, I ordered Beta Drake to take her back to the dungeon until I decided her fate. Later that evening, I held a meeting with the elders of the pack and we decided on a date for the execution.

"We shouldn't permit the witch to see the rise of another day. Why don't we execute her tomorrow afternoon?" Elder Loin said.

All the other elders nodded on agreement and I had no choice but to agree with them. I had the guards set up the execution stand. She was to be executed by hanging and then her body was to be cremated.

I ordered the Messengers to go around and spread the news about the execution so that everyone would witness the execution of the pack's greatest enemy.

The afternoon of the following day, all of those who had not been afflicted with the disease yet, attended the execution. Ravenna was brought out from the dungeon and was placed on the execution stand.

"Everyone, we're all gathered today to witness the execution of Moonstone's worst enemy, a witch. We all know how witches bring misfortunes and should not be spared. Before we execute her, let's find out if she has any last words," I said before turning to face Ravenna with a smirk on my face.

"Of course, I have something to say. In fact, I have a gift for you, Alpha Kaidon," she said.

Without waiting for me to ask, she continued,

"A curse actually, one that would change your life forever."

"Oh please, you think a curse can harm me. I am the strongest wolf and the Alpha of the pack," I said, my voice scornful.

A smile broke out on her face as she said,

"You'll meet your demise in the hands of your fated mate. You'll both fall deeply in love but she will strike without knowing your true bond. Only after eliminating you will she realize that you were meant to be."

As she spoke, the skies darkened and a loud thunderclap shook the air.