"Your soul?"

Khalia furrowed her brows, her heart skipped as his face grew slightly grim.

"Whats that-"

"I knew you were awake!"

Khalia was mindful of the southern lilt in the speaker. Poking her head through the opening door, Caleesi grinned. Khalia felt the broad smile that took her over her face and she spread her arms for the teen. Barreling in Caleesi nudged Diem out the way, ignoring his grunts and curses.

"I'm so sorry, I should have went with you."

Khalia spoke into her shoulder, body slightly shaking as she tightened her grip. Caleesi chuckled, though Khalia felt her tears with each tremor. Glancing at Diem, he brought a finger to his lips.

"We'll talk later."

"No, I'm sorry, I should've never left Cruel-Mane or trusted that rat. Alpha Gian should have let me finish! And that Theo! That man was a fucking monster. I'm glad he's dead!"

They held each other for a moment longer until a loud jingle caught her attention. The brown and black blob wagged its tail erratically entering the room, this time with an annoyed looking Mavi.

"Diesel! My boy! Omg, it's been ages, I'm sorry Parasita tried to kill you! It feels like forever since I saw you. Such a good boy!"

Moving out the way Caleesi ushered Diesel to the bed, and he hopped up without resistance. Tongue ready to go as he licked Khalia's hands and arms, excitement bubbling into whines and yips.

"He said you're forgiven."

Diem chimed. Khalia raised her brow then pouted, ruffling Diesel's floppy ears.

"You're going to have to teach me that."

There's a lot of things I'd happily teach you." He whispered it softly, a raunchy smile growing.

"Ew, stop you sadist. She's injured and just became Fated less. You're like a dog in heat."

Helping Diesel off the bed Caleesi frowned at Diem's unashamed expression. Mavi chuckled lowly and stepped to her bedside.

"While I would love to stay and direct those teachings I must tend to a brewing issue back in my coven. Now..."

Bringing her hand over the bracelet, Mavi flicked her wrist, and a lavender hue enclosed around the jewelry, causing it to hover in the air. Wonder sparkled in Khalia's eyes as she caught whiffs of licorice within the magic.

"This is a temporary fix. This was the best we could do with little time. This is a sigil. It's what's keeping you and your beast sane. No sigil no sanity. Do not take this off. Ever. I don't care if you wipe your ass with this hand. Never take this off. Are we clear?"

Mutely, she nodded.

"Good! You're such an attentive listener. I bet you follow directions even better."

Mavi clasped her hands around Khalia's floating one, a suggestive grin on her face. Immediately heat traveled to her groin and provocative images of them flashed across her mind. Gasping, Khalia slowly slid her hand from Mavi. Touching her neck she checked a black studded collar.

"Oh! Look at that? The scars on your cheek grew darker. Are you blushing? Maybe that was too much for our first time. We'll keep it vanilla."

"Mavi! Focus!"

Diem moaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Yea Mavi, Diem already called dibs. They have a date."

Caleesi spoke the last word with air quotes walking towards the door. It was then Khalia saw raw cuts and purple bruises that mapped over her knuckles.

"Hurry up guys, that piece of shit is getting dethroned and we're missing it!"

Whistling, Diesels perk up and he trotted after the girl. Smiling, a sliver of her heart broke at the betrayal.

" Any who, I added extra links in case you need to build a stronger sigil. Surely, you'll meet a few who dabble in arcane magic. That is, I'm assuming your still on the quest for your humanity?"

It was a question that needed no hesitancy.

"It's all I want. I'd do anything to get it back."

"Ah. Be careful who you whisper such confessions around. It's a lot different out there. Many love an easy reward. Unfortunately, my current skillset isn't at that level. But-"

Rubbing her hands together they watched a white card appear from her palm. Gold lettering began writing itself upon the card. A jolt of energy started buzzing through Khalia's body. Is this what kids felt when magicians pulled coins from behind unexpected ears?

"This is the address for my cousin, Beatrice. She's like me, minus the fun but triple the sex. Years ago, she met a sorcerer who specializes in this field. With any luck if she isn't too busy, you'll be back normal in no time! Alright, I seriously must be off. Take care! Diem make sure nothing happens to my princess!"

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Khalia winced at the booming growl that left him. Mavi laughed, high in spirits.

"Lycans. Predictable and possessive."

"Don't you have men's souls to go fuck and steal?"

"Why Diem! I don't steal, I lure. What happens after...we'll call an act of fate. Goodbye my friends! The next favor will be double the fee!"

Waving, Mavi left out the door taking the exuberant energy with her, leaving the room empty. Sighing, Khalia faced Diem. A rosy, red color covered his face, and he pulled at his pants to loosen them. It was Khalia's turn to give a lewd grin.

"Oh? What's the matter? Was that too much for you? I found the pink ball gag to be cute. It matched the cuffs she added."

Khalia teased, laughing as the hue became beat red. Gripping the bed sheet she threw it off her. Slowly she removed the IV out of her vein, letting it dangle. Diem suddenly ran to her bed, picking up the needle and wrapping it gingerly around the pole.

"Trolls blood. The starfish of the supernal realm. Can't waste this."

"Trolls blood? Aht, whatever I'm not even going to ask."

He watched her shudder as the cool air kissed her warm body. Hair stood on end and her nipples became erect. Moaning, he turned his back to her and readjusted his pants. Sweats would have been better.

"Please don't be weird, you've seen me naked. Even gave me a piggyback ride remember?"

Getting up, she crossed over to where the bag rested. Rummaging through she chewed on her bottom lip, quirking a brow at the clothing choices. Nothing matched. She held up black skirt, glaring as she found no pants, or shorts.

Well, I know who packed my bag.

"Who could forget? You left a snail trail on my back. I thought about licking it off but it was hard to reach."

Fumbling the clothes Khalia scowled, feeling the heat once more.

"I swear you irk the shit outta me."

"That's a problem because I'd rather fuck the-"

Diem never finished his vulgarity as Khalia covered his mouth with her hand.

"Dethronement Ceremony. Milo and Elaina. Focus. I'll be out in a sec."

Pushing back, she forced him out the door, just as he licked her palm. Scoffing, she smiled softly.

"...Thank you, Diem."

*~*~*

If someone were to ask Milo what day it was, he'd tell them Elaina. Same if they were to ask the time...it'll always be Elaina. His eyes never wavered from her weary face nor the white patch over her eye. The quiver of her chapped lips, the wrinkle of her nose, the unyielding strain that pooled off her. If there were nightmares, he couldn't blame her.

Seeing her in that cellar, nude and badly beaten replayed uninterrupted in his head. An infection in his heart. One he likened to shame. Reaching out for her hand he encased it in his own, massaging circles on the back.

"Elaina..."

Her name hung forbidden in the air. Since waking from his own deep slumber he made a habit of checking in on the women. Khalia more sparingly as her visitor count rose at unexpected times and her guard dog was exceptionally clingy. The moment they gave him the all clear, he lollygagged to where he's been ever since: Elaina's bedside.

A deep sigh rattled the phlegm in his lungs, and he coughed into his shoulder. The noise made her move an arm but nothing else to delude the state of her consciousness.

"I'm sorry Elaina. If I had...hadn't been...things should have turned out differently. You shouldn't be here, like this. You're to passionate to be bedridden...too essential to be stuck here."

Thinking back on their many meetings Milo pulled his trusty friends from his pocket. The box stained with blood, he flicked the lid open and close. A shaky breath escaped, and a sinking feeling weighed down his stomach. The urge to shed tears came and went. His mind not yet aware of the reason but his heart-

Rising, the chair squeaked as he pushed it back. Next to her hand he placed the cigs down. Hovering, Milo wished for a photographic memory. Instead, he settled to remember the curvature of her brows, the subtle beauty mark on her neck, and the lovely face that annoyed him for weeks.

Leaning down he dithered then pressed his lips tenderly to her forehead. Pulling away he watched the tension leave her, a slight saltiness on his lips.

"Take care, Elaina."

Ignoring the sting in his eyes Milo abruptly went for the door. Throwing it open he recoiled, coming face to face with Khalia and Diem. They stumbled over each other as they backed away. Sheepishly they word-vomited apologies and excuses. Sighing he waved them off, walking with them down the empty hall.

*~*~*

Cruel-Mane was a ghost town when they exited the clinic. Shop signs read 'Closed' and windows were shuddered by blinds. A dim hum tickled Khalia's ear. Gradually rising into unknown whispers that reached their crescendo in front the Main House. There, the town was alive.

Residents shoulder to shoulder in the road, some, on top shoulders, while filling every balcony. Teens and young adults occupied the rooftops with their friends. A look of uncertain swath on their faces. Each and all looked on towards the gated entrance into Cruel-Mane.

"In review, because of your brazen transgressions, treason against Cruel-Mane, and making my Fated and I look like damn fools..."

Standing on tip toe, Khalia tried to get a better look, frowning as Gian's frame disappeared in the masses. Jumping, she quickly stopped, as the skirt she wore billowed up with the draft. Glancing around for an opening she stopped when the strong scent of peppermint and pine washed over her.

Warm hands gripped her hips and something round pressed firmly at the back of her thighs. Khalia watched the ground move further away as she rose in the air before being plopped down on a set of broad shoulders. She recognized the head of hair instant, resting her hands atop the pillow soft mess. Scanning the heads, she recognized a group that stood close together.

Their skin looked aglow and the clothing that adorn their bodies, brought out their unique personalities. The kids laughed as they chased each other, running through their parents legs. Next to them, a familiar stout man stood slightly obscured under a business awning. She tensed when she found his eyes already on her. He looked on indifferently, before raising his hand and mouthing something with a smile. Hesitantly, she raised her own and gave Tomas a nod.

Nyla and Gian stood at the crossroads facing the way out of Cruel-Mane. A feeble and gaunt Chase, hunched over, wobbled in front of them. The purple robes were gone, replaced with blood-stained shirt and shorts. Squinting she could make out red patches and gashed where his skin was exposed.

"Beta Chase, you are hereby stripped of your duties at Beta. You are banished from Cruel-Mane and will be executed if spotted in territory. May the Fates provide you mercy on your new journey. You have a minute to leave our sight."

A collection of gasp and murmurs rang out. Faint clapping echoed around but nothing compared to the hoots and howls coming from the daycare rooftop. Many in the crowd, Khalia included, watched Caleesi jump up and down. Her smile, broad and cocky while she waved her middle fingers in Chases direction.

"WOOHOOO! Fuck you! You dirty stick bug! Don't come back! I hope I see you first if you do!"

An older woman, Khalia assumed to be Mama Edith, yanked her arm to pull her down but Caleesi shook her off, too caught up in the moment. Grinning, Khalia laughed. Bring her hands up she hesitated to join in. A firm squeeze to her thighs found her staring down at Diem.

"Remember, celebrate the small victories. Just like I'm celebrating your ass on my shoulders."

His statement left her perplexed and she rolled her eyes at the latter.

"You and your audacity."

Sticking her pinkies in her mouth she whistled, loud and passionate, before chucking up her middle fingers. Diem howled, the haunting sound sparking a domino effect as the crowd followed suit. Scratching his head, Milo wrinkled his brows at them, before walking through the crowd.

"Where the hell's my truck?"