The Cursed Lycan

Chapter 1: The War, The Prince, The Curse

Chapter 1: The War, The Prince, The Curse

"Why must you fight?" King Constantine growled and continued to swipe at his foe, finally snapping his jaws in a desperate attempt at his throat.

King Matheus replied with a snarl of his own, "You're asking me that? Who started this war?"

"I started it and I shall finish it!" Constantine launched himself forward, tackling Matheus to the ground. The pair rolled around, sharp claws slicing through muscle and fur. The fighting had slowed around them as everyone became engrossed in the battle their Kings were having in the center of the battlefield.

The lycans sprang apart, circling each other and frothing at the mouth. Their lycans and wolves created a wall around them, blocking all exits. Blood spilled on the ground with the death hanging thick in the air. The King Lycans growled once again, rushing at each other. Matheus finally activated his ability, the one Constantine had been unable to determine, despite the number of spies sent undercover within Matheus' rank. Matheus slowed time just enough to take advantage of a hole in Constantine's stance, closing his teeth around Constantine's neck. Matheus ripped out Constantine's throat and shoved his dying body away him where he collapsed to the ground.

Matheus spat out Constantine's neck from his mouth and howled at the sky, the lycans and wolves of both nations joining in. No more blood would be shed, as the two nations fell under King Matheus' rule. They began attending to their wounded and their dead. Matheus was flanked by his Beta, Nathaniel as they watched the kingdom around them patch themselves up. Neither saw a dark shadow escape from the dead body of Constantine and float into the sky. If they had listened closely, they would've heard a soft cackle that disappeared under the Blood Moon.

~~

The clicks of the locks aways caused Sophie's pulse to quicken. It started the countdown.

"We love you, darling," Eleanor called through the door, echoed by Steven. "We'll see you this evening, alright?"

"I love you guys too," Sophie sagged against the door, careful of the stripped metal. Footsteps retreated from the door and Sophie swallowed. She knew they meant well, but she was always felt like they did this just because they were unsure of what to do next. And maybe because they couldn't find a tower to lock her in.

An involuntary growl escaped her lips. Sophie clapped a hand over her mouth before removing it and sighing. The growls grew louder as her bones started snapping and fur sprouted all over her body. The shadow of the bars over the window grew longer as the sun rose over the horizon. The growl turned into a howl with the scraping of claws against metal scared the surrounding animals from their homes.

~~

"Again?" Mason rubbed a hand over his face after setting down his fork.

"Yes again. But this will be your last one," Annabelle continued to cut her sausage patty. Mason looked up excitedly, but Annabelle held up a hand. "This will be your last one because after this you will be getting a Chosen Mate."

"What? No," Mason shoved back from the table, standing defiantly. "Amelia and Max—"

"Found their mates, son," Matheus stood calmly, placing a hand on Mason's shoulder. "But you are the eldest and I want to retire."

"By three minutes," Mason mumbled.

"And that means you have a responsibility, to our kingdom, to our lycans, to our wolves, and to our family," Matheus pulled Mason into a hug.

"You've been practicing that."

"Guilty," Matheus laughed as he pulled away. "But come, finish breakfast."