(Dandeline's POV)
Evil will never sustain its followers in the end.
Hrista was arrested when found confused near the cliff. Seeing her weep beside the edge, the message was sent to my instinct. I did not argue with the second thought of jumping down the cliff and there he was! "HESSUEL, YOU STUPID CABBAGE!" I might die worrying about this dog!
I could not see him clearly due to the tears that flew with the wind. Chasing the time, I enchanted the mist into fluffy clouds, nevertheless, the sound of his fall was similar to the most terrifying thud I ever heard. I did catch him... however, 'twas too late. Blood rushed out his mouth and head.
Back on the cliff, they bound Hrista and she's surprisingly cooperative. Some of the Omegas offered first aid for Hessuel, but instead of staying in the castle, I decided to bring him home after the Moon Goddess's healing. After that incident, I am certain no one will be complacent as long as the silver wolves are there.
Changing his bloody clothes with the help of my twins, I saw the bite mark on his shoulder. It was a mystery that Hrista had a fresh bite mark when she was arrested. It can't be... I underestimated Hrista or maybe it was a mistake to be merciful to her! I caressed his chest and watched him sleep while anxiously waiting for him to wake up.
The same goes for Hedwelch. He's keeping an eye on Danteleon as they return to playing with the dogs and Acro again. I do not have the effects of the mate bond with him, but I think my love for him is independent now. Of all the questions I have, 'will he unlove me?' is all that overshadows my optimistic mindset!
☪ ✧ ✧
Matheo's family finally knocked on our door, visiting my family for the continuation of the investigation. "Hessuel is still unconscious since the day of the incident," I said during our discussion. They asked permission to hear Danteleon's statement. I made him sit properly beside me while Maestrelia presided over the interrogation.
She's holding a box of candies and will only share some with Danteleon if the intention was satisfied. Apparently, she is like a small detective and incredibly smart by saying, "Tell us everything you know and what happened when you came with Ms. Hrista. Did she batter you? Why would she take you there?" in a friendly manner.
Danteleon, free from the pressure of adults, cooperatively answers, "Will you give me 10 candies if I answer correctly?"
All he thinks about are the candies! Maestrelia patiently responds, "Yes. Tell us the story before we eat and play."
"Whoa! Uuuh, Ms. Hrista told me she will show me something in her house. A boy was waiting for us there and we played chess. No one battered me. Hmmm, maybe you're talking about the game. The boy said that every chess piece eaten in my army will be painful. Sooo~ I ate his pieces before that happened! It tastes like wood. The boy got mad and I fell asleep."
"... I don't understand your story. No candies for you."
"But that was what happened!"
"Why did you sleep on him when he was mad?"
"I felt tired and in pain."
"Why? Could it be that the boy had eaten your pieces?"
"Yes! I ate his pieces before he could win, I told you."
"You didn't. Who was that boy?"
"I don't know."
"What does he look like?"
"A boy."
"..."
"... He has... hair?"
"But then why would he play with you?"
"He said we should play while waiting for mom~"
Startled, I and the adults exchanged glances. Maestrelia summarizes the arrangement of the statement for further clarification and correction.
"Can I have candies now, please?" Danteleon nagged until Maestrelia concluded on sharing the candies. I told them to play upstairs and they obey—including the pets, as we discuss in this tiny living room.
"Basically," Matheo analyzes, "they used your child to ensnare you. He was found battered because of the magical chess game. While the Omegas found only him and Hrista, Danteleon said there was another one with them. This mysterious boy disappeared before the Omegas came. From some perspective, that boy framed Hrista."
"... What about Afvshaganifs? Where is he?" I questioned while caressing Five.
"Him? He submits the enchanters to the supreme mages, is what I know."
"I did not receive a subpoena. I at least deserve to be there."
"Someone must keep an eye on Hessuel and that is you. Hrista confided that she conspired with the enchanters she met when she was here on Earth. Whoever took them into the world of werewolves leads to one and the previous guilty person of the same transgression."
"Do you have the same hunch?" Lanasia asked. "Although I feel bad for accusing him. He was so helpful for five years."
Afvshaganifs. He might not be the real reason for chaos... but he paved the way for the werewolves to it ever since the beginning. He would throw a provision on the battlefield and watch the beasts fight for it or against each other. He was aggrandizing the contentions that can be pacified. And now, we all unite with the presumption that he cooperated with Hrista and the enchanters.
"The boy."
"We also need to hear Hessuel's statement. If he has not recovered yet, then we'll return next time."
"No need," Zaeramil said and we followed his glance at the doorway.
"Hessuel?" I stood up. He's only holding the doorknob without turning around. "Where are you going?" His shoulders flinch when I speak. Making my move to him, he slightly freaked out and escaped the house. "Hey, wait!"
I hurried to chase him only to find out that he pauses on the veranda, gripping his head in pain. "Hessuel, don't leave your bed yet! You're not well—!"
"Don't come any closer!" I was flustered when he pushed me to the bench! He waves his hands. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean it— although I just did... but no! I'll be alright on my own! You've done so much to help me. I will leave now."
"Where are you going?"
"I’ll go home now." He walks onward and halts after a few steps. "Uhm, Ms. Dandeline, what is this place?"
"Your home."
Ignorantly, he stares at the dome house. "T-This? Yes, it does look like our dome garden. But seriously, I have to go! Uncle Cor might be worrying right now."
"Are you being serious right now? Can't you remember what happened to you?"
"I... actually... What happened?"
At first, I didn't want to believe it. Even Lanasia beside me is flabbergasted. I grab his shirt and drag him back inside.
"I-I'm sorry! I'll try to remember it some other time—!"
"Shoosh!"
"Dandeline! You should be gentle with your patient!"
"Look at this!" I faced him in the living room. "Behold it! This is your home. You mortgaged your previous house to build this for your children. Can't you remember?"
"I mortgaged that!?"
"..." I shook my head in disappointment. "You must've bumped your head too much." Thoughtlessly, I grab his head with the intention to bump him again on the floor, and everyone panics by pacifying me.
"Calm down—!"
"I am calmed!!"
"Ms. Dandeline, my head hurts!"
"He's having amnesia! Take it easy!"
Snapped out by reality, I calmed and acted properly. His silent but brisk breathing is his motion that caught my attention too. Cold sweat is gradually appearing on his face. "Alright. Hopefully, your condition will not stay but I require you to stay here and take your time to recover while we talk about it."
"But you all smell so... tasty," he confesses like a hungry wolf in the den.
When his eyes are becoming sharp, I hold his hand and take him to our room. "If that is what you're feeling, then it's best for you to isolate yourself here, no? Instead of going outside."
Out of the blue, he grabs my throat and pins me down to the bed. Then he bites my shoulder, gnawing my skin while grabbing the bed sheet.
"Dandeline!"
"Stay there. I'll be fine. He's resisting." I hug him despite my flinches from feeling his fangs in my flesh. "Bite me whenever you feel like devouring. Don't do it to others, just me, and I'll be fine with it."
He releases my shoulder and whispers, "... Why?"
"Because I love you, of course."
"What?" He propped his hands on the bed.
"Hessuel, you are my mate. This is our home. We have children."
"What!? Does it mean we've done more than just... kissing?" His blood rushes in his face and it's funny to watch him act like a first-timer. But no, I don't want to start all over again!
"Yes, we did. So it's best for you to stay here, where your memories surround you until they remind you again of who you are. Or we can trigger those memories if you want to," I proposed. He's leaving glances on my lips and I glance at the doorway where the visitors are watching. "Out." Magically, the door closed.
...
...
After a half hour of rewriting spells, it resulted in a floral bracelet enchanted to alter his sense of smell. "I remember now~ I have a flower business to continue Uncle Cor's legacy and sustain Hedwelch and Danteleon. But I... still can't remember you, Ms. Dandeline. Do we have endearments? Baby? Sweetheart? Cheesy cake?"
Something tickles when he mentioned 'baby'! I straightly peck a kiss on his lips and that startles him. "You will remember me sooner. Don't pressure it."
"... Wow. What have I done to have you?"
I giggled. His glance drops to my hand and he gently fidgets the ring.
"I can feel your emotion and... it's heavy in the chest. I'm sorry if I can't remember you yet. I'll figure out a way."
The heaviness in the chest? He's linked to Hrista, not me. Of course, Hrista is in bondage right now, and it aches to see him bound with the wench. She doesn't want to be miserable alone, huh? "Hessuel... do you need anything else?" I asked.
"I'm... hungry."
"Of course. You were asleep for 2 days," I said. He was attempting to say another word but he bided it. I told the twins to entertain their father. For the first time in a while, I prepared food for him— eventually, not just for him but for all people under this dome roof! "I need to prioritize Hessuel's healing," I said to my friend while chopping, "to restore his memories and cut his bond with Hrista."
"Speaking of," Lanasia pulls out a potion bottle, "this potion was found impure. It has a mixture of a spell that cutteth the bond of mated partakers. Apparently, the caster fired arrows randomly in the sky to victimize a great number but particularly there is only one target, and 'twas you."
Boosted with perversity, I grilled the meat with intense fire. Lanasia panics for me again. In the end, the food is served deliciously.
After the visitors ate for free, they left with a kind offer of help. Without them knowing, I left the house too to the world of Linevr where Hrista is imprisoned. The hills of my sandals echo in every step I make in this locked-in dungeon. The flowers on every corner glow, they light the way.
5 Omegas are guarding her cell in their beast form and Hrista is in her human inside, cold and lonely. Without words, I enter her cage with my spellbook uprising above my tattooed palm. My eyes roll automatically when she says, "Now I know why the air suddenly stinks..." Releasing the weight in my sigh helps to maintain the balance of my wise and kind hormones—
"You smell yourself," I still responded. "Let's make this quick. Who was the boy in your house when you took Danteleon there?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Immediately after that nonsense datum, I summon an enchast underneath her.
"What are you doing!?"
The letters of the spell rose up around her, then this became my second time meeting this spell which sealed the memories of the victim. "Oh, I see." The caster evidently concealed Hrista's memories with them. I did the same manner of temporarily releasing that spell before although it is forbidden. The letters shattered, and Hrista grovels as she chases her breath louder and louder until a tear drops.
"What...? What have I done...?"
I scowled for a second. "Now you can remember who framed you up. Tell me."
"He used me...! The Captain... He used me!!"
"Yes, I know 'twas Afvshaganifs. I only want to hear it from you. What was the whole plan?"
"H-He invoked me to an offer. He promised to give me Hessuel in exchange for my cooperation. But no, I already decided to let go... I have nothing to do with this! It was not my fault! The Captain should be the one in here!"
"I think you are here because you accepted his offer. You had the choice. It is also your fault."
"I'm so sorry... Please get me out of here. Exile me far from werewolves... I don't want to be among you anymore!! Please help me, my Alpha... Save me— Aaah!!" Her mark on her neck was bleeding and it was spreading contusion when I saw it. Hessuel left a mark on her? He has her's too! What kind of headache do these two cause me! Or perhaps a heartbreak!
"Shut up, Hrista. Stop playing the victim! None has touched you ever since you were thrown here! And no. Why should I save the one who stole my mate?"
"You did!! You abandoned him! I was there when you were not and when you dared to come back, I became nothing to him... You never loved him in the first place. You only do it because of your mate bond!!"
Guilty. I strangled the enchast on her and lifted her above the ground. "I had enough of your existence," I uttered in hostility... because I was guilty of her words. In a second, I dropped her back on the ground and scurried out of her cage. "Please take her to a better room where she can stop wailing."
["Moon Priestess, this is the instruction of the Alphas."]
["We can listen to it the whole day."]
They said, and I said while massaging my forehead, "That is not my problem."
["We can address your concern to the Alphas. What is it?"]
"She's bonded with the silver wolf—" or will it make sense if I tell them? This is my personal problem, and they have a bad perspective of silver wolves. Until now, they all believe Hessuel attacked them by will as long as he cannot provide his statement. "Never mind. I'll figure this out," I continued and hurried back home through the wardrobe passage.
"Hedwelch? Danteleon?" To my surprise, the house is a mess. My dogs are barking from afar and Four, my Labrador, is in the indoor garden, calling my attention. I wipe away the messes on my way and slow down in the garden because of broken glasses and vases. "Four! What happened!? Where are they—'' He doesn't have time to explain, instead, he pulls my dress to the woods across our backyard.
Inside the tree house, "Mom~!" Danteleon waved through the window.
"What happened in the house!?"
Hedwelch appeared beside him and said, "Dad is playing monster! He's over there!" He pointed east where the noise of the dogs were.
"Give me the blanket there!"
Hedwelch obeys right away. I followed Four's lead after I caught the blanket. The trees have scratches from claws, some are cut down by inhuman force. Down the way, Hessuel has been scratching his claws on every tree as he gnashes his fangs. My dogs are barking at him here on top. I slid down to approach him but before I could say a word, he attacked with his claws.
Since my prediction was proven right, I shield myself first behind my enchast and throw the blanket on him. It moves on its own to cover him and tame him down.
"Hessuel, what's wrong!?"
He's ripping the blanket and I enchant it back to normal again and again every time he resists. "Where is she!? Take me to her... I have to save her!!"
"Save her? you mean Hrista?"
"She needs me... I need to see her..."
I heard him say, as clear as the shattering of my heart. He calms when I amplify the tightness of the blanket. This is only the effect of mate bond, I convince myself. "Hessuel, Hrista is not in trouble. She only wants you to save her to get out of prison after the crime she committed and that is selfish! Selfish enough to use you! So don't fight for it, it's not worth it."
"... B-But I... can't ignore her."
I enter under the blanket too. "Don't think about her—"
"I've been trying and I'm done! I want to end this." He knocked his knuckles hard on his chest. "This is too heavy... Take this away...! I can't get it out of me! I can't shut her up in my head!"
"H-Hess—"
"They will keep using me. I am only a weapon no matter what. I will keep hurting everyone no matter what. Just leave me! Get lost! I only need her... not you. No—!" and he taps his forehead, "Not her. I don't want her. Just— Get out from me!"
What's running into his mind!? He's tearing his scalp with his claws, so I grab his wrists and embrace him tight to my chest. Hushing until he quiets down. "You are my mate, a father of twins, and a successful businessman in the future. You are everything to me so stop thinking you are only a material to be used."
"Dan... I have more flaws than you think. You are the most powerful woman in your profession. If you settle for me, you settle for less... so don't."
"Remember when I told you I felt such a burden to you? You never made me feel that way. I hope I did not make you feel that way... I love you, down beneath the pit of thorns."
"..."
I simply dried my tears on his hair. The emotions of Hrista linked to him are the reason for his suffering and it tears down all of my strength. Moreover, the mark on his shoulder is swelling. That must be painful. "What can I do to make you feel better?"
"Kiss me." He lifts his face and he looks determined. "I need to clear my mind."
No further ado, I touch his cheeks and kiss him an enchanting kiss that cools him off. Then he sinks his face into my breasts again. I caress his hair like a dog. "Can you remember now?"
"Everything." He told me everything that happened to him from the moment Elibur excused him. The discussion was only interrupted when Danteleon tossed the blanket.
"Booh!"
The mischievous twins—who think that every time is playtime—enter under the blanket too, laughing. I enchant the blanket to float while they ride and I took Hessuel home. All disasters left were fixed and erased.
Analyzing the problem, I put Hessuel into a deep sleep and opened his stomach to find the residue of the flesh he swallowed. I expect to fail and hate it when it does. I closed his stomach and read the curse instead. This curse stimulates his appetite like a pure beast, ready to devour any flesh but there is an exemption.
Hrista.
Due to the effects of the flesh, she can control Hessuel and make him do everything she pleases. The audacity to vent out her manipulative love! I have no power to remove this curse from him not only because the caster is as powerful as an Eldar, but also because the digested flesh has contaminated his organs, and removing it is equal to the bursting of his organs. For short, death.
So many traumas, enchantments, and predicaments have damaged the health of his mentality. Putting him to sleep is all I can do, in the end, I can't help him. I could save him if I still have the power of an Eldar yet I only have the title now. I spend the initial of the night wiping my hopeless tears in front of the lamp.
"Mom?"
"Oh, Hedwelch. Why are you still awake?"
He's sleepy when he says "I can't sleep with lights."
"I'm sorry," I squinted at their dark room, "You must be sensitive to lights."
"Why are you crying?"
I smile at him first and I gently pull his hand for a warm hug. "... Because your dad is sick. I need to find a doctor who can heal him," I explained, aligned with his level of knowledge.
"But dad recently met with a doctor."
"He needs another."
"You're going to leave?"
"Yes, and while I'm not around, you will be the head of the family. You will take care of Danteleon."
"No."
"With prizes if you'd done it well."
"Okay."
He fell asleep in my arms. It was difficult to leave since they are clingy, and they tend to feel homesick at home. So, I left early in the morning with a note to the people who can help me.
...
...
(Hessuel's POV)
Save me... my Alpha... Help me...! I need you... Please come to me... Dump her! Push her away! You don't need her... I am whom you need... Love me... Love me hard... my Grace... Hessuel... Hessuel...
"Dad~!"
The palpitation of my heart has run a thousand miles when I snap out of that nightmare! "Leon...?" He's in my bed, swinging it playfully.
"You've been groaning in your sleep."
"Danteleon, what are you doing!?" Hedwelch arrived at the room in a rage.
"Nothiiing!"
"I told you not to disturb dad!!"
"But I'm hungryyy!"
He pulls Danteleon with him out of the room. I am already disturbed by their argument. It's my fault too for waking up late. My head doesn't hurt anymore, but traces of Hrista's manipulation are still in here. I sniffed the flower on the bracelet that was Dandeline's tie and carefully left the room.
I scurried back when I smell something appetizing—afraid to attack anyone until I realized that this smell isn't driving me wild. I squinted to the kitchen and found the three of them there.
"Madam Ophelia? Why are you... cooking?"
"Who else will? The mother of these little devils is looking for the solution to your curse. I received a letter from her in fact," she explains but what I understand is Dandeline is busy again.
She should've let me come with her. This isn't her problem alone. We multiplied more problems because we share each other's problems now! All I did was rest and wait after lunch with Ophelia. Someone came but it wasn't her. Lanasia visits me alone to hear my side during the incident.
"Where is Dandeline?"
"She's looking for magic to lift the curse in me."
"What? Where?"
"I'd like to know, too."
"Didn't she tell you she's less powerful now? It's a long story but during the incident, she had to give up her power to save herself from the ambush! The curse upon you is strong. She can create spells on her own to lift the curse but she did not because her power is gone! If she's looking for the cure, then she came to someone who can do it, as powerful as an Eldar!"
Ophelia guesses, "The Captain? He's always the last standing Eldar."
I stretch my fingers and exhale. "She didn't tell me. I need to go after her," I said and walked away.
"They're probably in the middle of the sea right now," Lanasia said.
"I don't mind."
"Are you going to confront the Captain? He's an Eldar!"
"Yes, that's a good reason but not a valid reason if he's taking possession of Dandeline, the reason why she isn't home yet."
"... Alright, then I'm coming with you."
"I can offer help, too," Ophelia committed.
"We're going to the sea!?"
"I wanna come, dad!!"
The little devils persist whilst swinging on my arms.
"Yes, we're all going, so be excited~"