Chapter 36 The Sigil’s Curse
The symbol on Sharon's wrist continued to light brightly. As they made their way back to the packhouse, if anything, it pulsed louder, creating tiny shadows in the wan moonlight. Although Sharon made an effort to ignore the unsettling sensation that was growing in her chest, the mark continued to throb, a constant agony that would not go away.
As they entered his office, Rever said in a clipped tone, "We need the shaman." Reaching across his desk, he picked up a satellite phone and punched in a number.
Sharon encircled herself with her arms as she stood near the window. "What happens if this... fails to come off? What if it's irreversible?
As he waited for the call to connect, Rever's eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened. It's not irreversible. We will work things out.
With frustration rising to the surface, she shook her head. "You're unaware of that. Rever, Pier did something to me. He is aware of details about me that I am not even aware of. What if? Her tone faltered. "What if he is correct?"
A deep, gravelly voice sounded across the speaker before Rever could answer the phone. "Why is this so urgent, Alpha Rever?"
"I need you here right now," Rever declared. It has to do with Sharon. A mark or symbol is present. I believe it to be cursed.
The shaman on the other end paused for a long moment before responding. "I'll head out right away. Keep her in your line of sight.
After hanging up, Rever turned to face Sharon. "He will arrive in the morning. I won't leave your side until then.
The worry imprinted on his face prevented her from arguing, pushing him away, and handling this alone. Rather, she sat down on the couch's edge and nodded.
The pain in Sharon's wrist had progressed up her arm by the time the shaman showed here, and she could feel a weight covering her whole body. The shaman walked toward her in the living room, his sharp eyes intently examining her.
"Show me," he replied in a quiet, authoritative voice.
Sharon reached out and showed the glowing mark. As the shaman drew in closer, his fingertips hovering over the sigil without making contact with it, his countenance clouded.
"This isn't just any curse," he whispered. "There is a connection to the prophecy."
With a strong voice, Rever took a step forward. "What is meant by that? How can we shatter it?
The shaman's eyes moved to him, heavy and solemn. She is bound to her fate by this mark. It's a lighthouse, not simply a curse. She is Pier's designated target. He will track her down wherever she goes.
Sharon's breathing became labored. "A lighthouse? You're implying that he will always be aware of my location?
The shaman gave a solemn nod. "Yes, unless the mark is eliminated."
At his sides, Rever's hands tensed. "How can we get rid of it?"
The shaman's forehead furrowed as he hesitated. It can be removed, although doing so is risky. Her spirit, her essence, is connected to the symbol. It might kill her if we're not careful.”
Sharon slumped into the closest chair because her legs felt weak. "So, what choices do I have? Just put up with this and let Pier pursue me indefinitely?
With hesitation in his voice, the shaman stated, "There is another way." We can lessen the curse if we know where it came from. Although Pier's magic is old, it can still be broken. You must learn the truth about your past if you wish to stop him.
Sharon felt her heart sink. "My history?"
The shaman gave a nod. "Your real lineage. There are the answers.
Sharon remained by herself in her room for hours, gazing at the bright mark on her wrist. She could still sense the tension emanating from Rever, who had insisted on remaining outside her door. She didn't know how to make him feel less guilty because he held himself responsible for what had occurred.
A sudden sensation of vertigo broke the flow of her thoughts. Her eyesight swimming, she clutched the side of the bed. She was chilled to her very core by a chilly voice that reverberated in her head.
"Shannon, you can't fight fate."
Her head jerked up, and she was in a strange, dark place. Pier's eyes were shining with ill intent as he stood in front of her.
Her voice trembled as she shouted, "Get out of my head."
Pier's scornful and vicious laughter reverberated all about her. "Oh, Sharon, this is only the start." We are now bound by the symbol. I will always be a part of you.
Her body refused to move when she attempted to lunge at him. His presence was oppressive as he moved closer.
He said, "You can't hide, but you can run." You will soon realize who you truly are.
The vision dimmed before she could react, and she found herself back in her room. She fought to catch her breath, and her chest heaved. The pain was nearly intolerable, and the sigil on her wrist blazed brighter than before.
With panicked eyes, Rever rushed into the room. "What took place?"
With tears running down her cheeks, Sharon gripped her wrist. "He was present. in my mind. He will not give up.
In three short steps, Rever crossed the room and knelt next to her. "I'll keep you safe, Sharon. whatever it takes.
Her voice was hardly more than a whisper when she looked him in the eye. "What if there is no way to save me?"
He tightened his hold on her hand. "You can. You will, too. I refuse to let Pier prevail.
However, Sharon couldn't get rid of the sense that time was running out as the mark pulsed menacingly. The struggle against Pier was a struggle against fate itself, not just for existence.