Page 22 of Curses and Casualties
Amara’s eyes darken with old pain as she listens, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “It is one of the darkest chapters in our history,” she says. “And something we desperately need to put behind us. So use that hurt, that anger to fuel what we must do.”
I use my free hand to wipe away that stray tear that’s streaking down my cheek. “I’ll do whatever it takes,” I say, feeling for the first time since that fateful day in the Soulcave that this really is my fight and not just something that’s happening around me. “This needs to end.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that,” she says. “Because your involvement is precisely why I wanted to speak with you all this morning. If you’re ever going to make this work and restore the balance, Georgia needs to be more attuned to her wolf.”
Ryan shifts uncomfortably next to me, the muscles in his jaw clenching. He knows, just as I do, that my connection with Luna has been tenuous, at best. Due to the curse that was put on those scrolls she and Kane retrieved before their vessels expired, she’s been trapped in her spirit form, unable to break free unless it’s a matter of life and death. All previous efforts to connect with herhave resulted nothing but more frustration. What we are now is the closest we’ve ever been.
“We were of the understanding that Luna would remain trapped as she is until we complete the Soul Bond ritual and break the curse,” Ryan interjects, his voice tinged with frustration. “Is there another way? Can we help her sooner?”
“There might be a possibility,” Amara begins slowly, each word measured. “It concerns me that we don’t know much about this curse, or the exact method needed to break it. And this is too important to leave to chance. I feel it’s important we travel to speak with the Úlfhéðnar.” She says it like, ulf-head-nar. “They are ancient and fierce wolves. More connected to the old magic than even I am.”
At the mention of the Úlfhéðnar, I feel Luna stir within me—not with her usual sluggish, trapped movements, but with something that feels almost like... hope?
Ancient ones,she whispers, her voice stronger than it’s been in days.They remember the old ways. Before curses. Before chains.
“The Úlfhéðnar?” Scarlett asks. “As in those giant wolves who rarely take on their human form? I always thought they were just campfire stories meant to scare kids. Are they even real?”
“Yes,” Amara confirms, her gaze steady. “They are guardians of some of the most ancient and powerful magic known to our kind. Their isolation has preserved many ancient rites that the modern world has forgotten. If anyone can help Georgia strengthen her bond with Luna and break the curse sooner, it’s them.”
“But how do we even approach them?” Ryan asks, worry creasing his brow. “If they’re as isolated and wary as the old tales suggest, they won’t exactly welcome us with open arms.”
Amara’s eyes soften. “That’s where the challenge lies. The Úlfhéðnar don’t trust easily, especially not outsiders. But Dariusand I have enough of a relationship with them that we could possibly broker a meeting. It will require careful negotiation and undeniable proof that your intentions are pure, and that Georgia’s plight aligns with their values.”
“And if it doesn’t?” I ask, the uncertainty making my voice quiver slightly.
Amara leans forward, her silver eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “Then we find another way,” she says firmly. “But let’s not borrow trouble from tomorrow. Today, we have a plan, and it holds promise. Now, finish your breakfast. We’ll meet in the foyer in an hour. Even through the portal, it’ll take at least a day’s travel to reach Úlfhéðnar territory so come prepared. Warm clothes, sturdy boots, and anything you might need for camping in harsh conditions. I’ll have someone show you to a storeroom with all the supplies you’ll need.”
Before Amara can stand up from the table, I feel a sudden jolt of panic. “Wait,” I say, my voice rising slightly. “We can’t leave. Not right away, anyway. I’m supposed to be meeting my brother. He’ll worry if I don’t show up, perhaps even stake out my apartment looking for me. I’m concerned he’ll get caught in the crossfire.”
“Does he know what you are?” Darius asks.
“No, he doesn’t,” I reply, the weight of my secrets feeling heavier than ever. “He thinks I’m heading off on a geological dig. We were to meet so he could give me some money to get by.”
Darius nods thoughtfully, stroking his chin. “It’s important to keep those we love safe, especially from a world they don’t understand. Let’s arrange for your brother to get a message from you so he knows you’re safe. Perhaps some funding came through last minute, so you don’t need his help.”
Amara nods in agreement. “Indeed, ensuring your brother remains out of the supernatural fray is crucial. We can haveone of the witches from the Sanctuary craft a message that will not only assure him of your safety but also convince him of the sudden change in plans. Something like... an emergency grant from the Geological Survey came through, fully funding your expedition, and you had to leave immediately to join the team?”
“OK,” I say, letting out a heavy breath. “If you think that’s what’s best then that’s what we’ll do. I just don’t want him in any danger.”
“I completely understand,” she says, looking around the table. “Are there any other messages you’d like passed along to loved ones? I get that sense there’s worry about those left behind.” Her eyes land on Ryan, who presses his lip into a thin line before he nods.
“I need to check on my twin, Owen,” he starts. “He’s the pack doctor, and I’m worried they got to him before he could get somewhere safe.”
Amara nods her understanding then turns her expectant gaze to Scarlett.
“My dad. Caspian,” she adds, her voice soft as her eyes drop to her open palm. “He helped us escape, and I have no idea if he’s in danger too.”
Amara and Darius exchange a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, Darius speaks up. “I can send my people out to get messages to whoever you need,” he says. “We’ll make sure everyone is safe, and I’ll personally oversee the communication to your family members to ensure no harm comes their way.”
Ryan’s shoulders relax ever so slightly. “Thank you,” he murmurs, and I feel his relief flooding through our bond. He’s been doing his best to disguise his concern for his twin, but I could feel it tingling at the edges of our connection, a quiet storm of worry.
“Yes, thank you,” I say as Darius starts to note down the details of who needs to be contacted. “This means a lot to all of us.”
Darius gives me a nod, and I notice Ethan shift uncomfortably in his seat. His eyes are fixed on the table, a flicker of something—loneliness, perhaps?—crossing his face.
“Ethan?” I ask gently. “Is there anyone you need Darius to check on?”
He looks up, surprise briefly replacing the sadness in his eyes. “No, I’m... I’m fine. I don’t have any family left.”
