The Alphas prize

I opened my eyes and straightened myself as a wayward tear slid down my cheek. “Ok, I’ll give you my wolf in exchange for the cure.” I choked out, my voice cracking with each word.

Helena stood there, staring at me with a calculating gaze and dumbfounded that I agreed to her terms. “You understand that if you go through with this, you will lose her forever, and there is also the chance of you not surviving the separation, especially since she is a part of your soul. Are you truly willing to pay that price?” She asked, with a questioning brow raised.

I thought over that question, really giving thought to this and wondering if this is what I truly wanted to do. I didn’t know how I would live without her; my wolf was the other half of me, she was what made me feel beautiful, and if I agreed to this, I would have to let her go. My wolf softly whined before emitting an emotion of peace and calmness.

I straightened myself. “Yes, I will pay the price,” I said assuredly.

Her features softened a little, and she stared into my eyes, a look of admiration on her smooth face. “Come with me.” She said and spun on her heels, walking towards the overgrown willow tree. We approached the tree, giving me a better view; the leaves were bright and beautiful—the bark, healthy and robust. Helena stepped up to the tree, placing her hand onto the bark and drug her fingers down the cracks.

Suddenly, the tree opened, splitting in half, and things felt like they were moving in slow motion as I watched the tree part, making an opening for us to enter through.

Helena looked back at me. “Follow behind me.” She said sternly.

I hesitantly followed her into the tree; things were bright at first, until we crossed the threshold and then, things dulled, the light now dim around us. As we entered, I noticed everything around us was the same, except the trees were now full of life and blossoming. Animals of all kinds filled the area with their presence, and the ground was covered in lush, green grass. I was amazed and also a bit confused, the forest we had just been in was so gloomy and depressing, but now, it was prospering and tranquil.

A small, blue cabin was just ahead of us, surrounded by various flowers, some foreign to me. However, I noticed a small patch of flowers that I had seen before as I glanced around. They were the ones I saw in my dream; I began to wonder if these strange, yellow flowers had something to do with Cain.

Helena and I walked into the cabin; it was simple, plain and cozy, definitely not what I expected for a witch’s home, but it was lovely. The place was decorated in neutral colours, wooden furniture and numerous plants. There was also a white cat, roaming around and my wolf panted in my head, feeling playful suddenly.

We walked into the kitchen, and Helena pointed towards a long, oak table. “Lie down on the table.” She said in a dry tone.

I stopped and stared between her and the table. “Why?” I asked curiously.

She was standing at the counter, rummaging through different bottles, that were neatly lined up. Helena turned to me, now holding a pouch and a small glass bottle that contained a yellow powder inside it. “So we can begin the process. You know, for the price you agreed to pay or are you wasting my time?” Helena questioned in an angry and agitated tone.

I crossed my arms over my chest, not allowing this woman to intimidate me. “I am not wasting your time, I meant what I said, and I always stay true to my word. Also, I’m not doing anything until I have the cure. No cure, no deal.” I retorted, standing my ground. I wasn’t going to be played for a fool, allowing Helena to take my wolf before I’ve even had the chance to see the cure.

She huffed and rolled her eyes before slamming the pouch and bottle that she held in her hands onto the table. “Here is your cure.” Helena said plainly, “Once you have held up your end of the bargain, I will then tell you how to use it. Now, get on the table or leave.”

I looked down at the items; I couldn’t see what was in the pouch, only the yellow powder contained in the bottle. I looked back up to Helena before closing my eyes and sucking in a deep breath. “Ok, let’s get this shit over with,” I said in a rush before I could change my mind. I climbed onto the table and laid down on my back.

Helena leaned over me and stared into my eyes almost sympathetically. “The spell won’t take very long to initiate, but it will hurt for a moment. This is your last opportunity to back out.” She warned me.

My chest felt heavy at the thought of losing my wolf, but we both agreed that this was what we wanted and we were prepared to give our lives for our mate. My wolf chuffed, telling me she was ready and sent me vibes of love. I closed my eyes and focused on her. “I love you, and I will never forget you,” I whispered to my wolf, and she whined happily in exchange.

back the tears. “There’s no backing out; I’m ready,” I told her

my chest and closed her eyes, but before she could continue, I gripped her wrist.

know, which pissed me off, as I felt that I had the right to know what would happen to my

than that from her. “Just tell me she will be alright?” I demanded of her, needing to be sure

breathe; she began to mumble to herself, words I couldn’t understand. Then, she started to speak louder and faster, putting more pressure on my chest, causing a burning ache. My chest felt heavy as

was nothing compared to the emotional pain, and before I knew it, a wave of electricity surged through my body, and I felt as though my heart had been ripped from my chest before everything went dark.

Helena was standing over me, watching me with a curious and calculating gaze. She reared back a little as

this; it will help with the aches and pains.” She

face up in distaste at the foreign content. “What the fuck is that?” I asked in

or don’t, it’s your choice, and I could care less if you do or not.” Her tone was riddled with annoyance and impatience.

dreadful, like dirty feet. Then, mustering up as much courage as I could, I downed the liquid, drinking all of it in one gulp. My stomach turned, and I felt like I was going to throw up, but after a moment, the feeling faded. I slowly started to feel better, my body

and so fast, too. “That was disgusting, but it helped. Thank you.” I

absolute silence. My throat tightened, and tears welled in my eyes as the realization hit me that my wolf really was gone. How would I explain this to everyone? Would they judge me? Turn against me? Would Cain no longer want to be with me? Would

to heave at the anxiety building within me. I took a deep breath, trying to silence the never-ending, dark thoughts that swirled in my head. Then, Helena came back into the room, causing me to jump, not expecting her to

me realize just how different things were going to be for me now, the difference in strength, agility and pain tolerance, as well as the ability to heal rapidly. I propped myself onto

a snappy manner, not meaning for the words to come out

a brow before narrowing her eyes on me. “Watch your tone with me, missy and I’ve just never seen

nodded slowly. “Oh, I see,” I said,

that simple task. I threw my legs over the edge of the table and carefully placed my feet onto the floor. My legs wobbled under

there, watching me with a smile on her face. “What?” I asked in a softer

who was so strong-willed and stubborn,” Helena

rolled my eyes at her words, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “Can you please show me how the cure works? So, I can get going; I am a little pressed for time.” I told her, irritated, wanting to leave this place and get back

small rock that was a light blue. “This is a moon rock; it holds the power and essence of the moon goddess. First, you need to take the powder and rub it thoroughly onto the person's chest. Then, place the rock onto the center of their chest and whisper

head. “Ok, thank you.” I took the items from her and started to make my way towards the door when Helena called out my name, stopping me in my tracks. “Freja.” She called out, “Good luck.” She

opening of the trees. I crossed the threshold, walking back into the forest of the damned, where everything was once again looking gloomy and dark. Crossing the barrier had worn me out, feeling as though it had

face, as I watched him fight nothing and continue to holler his war cry. Then, he abruptly stopped, realizing there was nothing there anymore before his gaze landed on me. Gunnar rushed over to me and engulfed me

about you, that something had happened to you.” Little did he know that something had happened to me, something I wasn’t sure if I was ready to share with him as the pain of my actions began to eat away

attempting to brush him off. “I was with the witch; her name is Helena, and I got the cure. So, we need

I knew if I lied to him, he would know, and we wouldn’t be going

there was a price to pay,” I said quietly, not able to look him in the

became rigid. “What was