Tamed by the Lycan Prince

29- RESEARCH

CHAPTER FOUR

-ANTONIO-

The library was dimly lit, casting long shadows between the grand mahogany shelves that were densely packed with ancient tomes. Antonio moved through the rows with a sense of purpose, his usually bright eyes now hard and focused. He knew he had to learn more about werewolves, Wolf's Bane, fated mates.

He spent hours engrossed in his studies, barely stopping for food and water. The tomes were full of folklore and firsthand accounts of interactions with werewolves, their pack structure, their mating rituals. Antonio's gaze lingered over the section on ancient treaties between the Lycan kingdom and wolf packs, outlining a fragile peace that was constantly being tested.

His heart hammered as he read about Wolf's Bane. It was rare and hard to find, known for having profound effects on werewolves. It could be used to poison them.

The librarian, an elderly man known as Thaddeus, happened upon Antonio with a stack of well-worn books beside him. Thaddeus had served the royal family for years and recognized the earnest determination in Antonio's eyes, having seen it many times in the king and queen themselves.

"Prince Antonio," Thaddeus greeted, inclining his head slightly. "You seem engrossed. If you don't mind me asking, what are you reading about?"

"Thaddeus," Antonio acknowledged, his gaze never leaving the ancient manuscript in front of him. "I am reading about werewolves, their history, culture and...Wolf's Bane."

The librarian's eyes widened faintly at his words. Thaddeus had witnessed many princes and princesses grow, guiding them through their studies. But never had he seen a royal so intensely engrossed in a subject that was usually kept at arm's length.

"I see," he uttered softly, taking a moment to assess the young prince. "A curious topic. One not often studied by those destined for the throne. What have you chosen Wolf's Bane?"

Antonio hesitated for a moment, then looked at Thaddeus with a determined gaze. "I believe it's important," he said quietly. "It's a substance that can harm werewolves greatly, and yet, our kingdom rarely speaks about it."

Thaddeus nodded, his wise eyes reflecting his understanding. "It's indeed a subject not often dwelled upon," he admitted. "Wolf's Bane is dangerous, but its knowledge is crucial lest we use it blindly."

"Can you tell me more about it, Thaddeus?" Antonio asked, his gaze earnest and pleading. He set aside the manuscript he was reading and focused fully on the old librarian.

Thaddeus drew in a deep breath, contemplating for a moment before he began, "Wolf's Bane, as you've rightly said, is a substance capable of causing great harm to werewolves. It's essentially a poison that affects their nervous system terribly. Contact with the skin can cause pain, while ingestion can lead to more severe reactions."

Antonio was fully focused, taking in every word. "Will it hinder a werewolf's ability to use their heightened senses?"

"Indeed," Thaddeus nodded, "While under its effect, their enhanced senses, strength, and speed dwindle drastically. They become weakened, more akin to a human in their capabilities. But the severity varies with the dosage and how it is administered."

Antonio absorbed the information, his face tightening with each word. The knowledge was heavy, laden with implications he couldn't ignore.

"And what about fated mates? Can it prevent two mates from sensing each other?" Antonio ventured hesitantly.

Thaddeus paused, his gaze softening as he considered the young prince. "A complex subject indeed," he said at last. "But yes, it can interfere. It's toxin has been said to block the the bond, making it impossible for mates to sense each other's presence, emotions, even their pain."