Amidst The Curse: The Heartless Lycan and His Deadly Mate

MAXIMUS

Beneath the silvery moonlight, amidst a forest alive with secrets, I stood locked in her gaze, a tempestuous storm churning within me. Her vulnerability and hope meant nothing to me; they were mere distractions.

"Will you... will you reject me now? N-Now that… that you know we are mates?" Her voice trembled with fear, a sensation I had no intention of indulging.

"Rejection is not the path I wish to tread," I muttered, my fingers brushing against hers almost mechanically. "Our bonds run deeper than mere choice."

The words tasted bitter on my tongue, a mockery of any sentiment that might have lingered.

"Then… w-what choice… remains?" Her eyes mirrored uncertainty, a weakness I had no interest in sharing.

"Death. Death is the grim solution that hovers, heavy as the night," I confessed, the words slipping out almost involuntarily.

"To sever the curse that claws at me, I must sever the thread that ties us." Emotions were an inconvenience, but I couldn't deny the weight pressing upon me.

Her gasp echoed in the air, her shock inconsequential to me. "Y-You… you can't mean..." Her voice faltered, unable to grasp the reality of my intentions.

I nodded, my gaze cold and unmoved as I confirmed the unthinkable.

"To save myself from the unending curse, to break free from the chains that bind me, I must be the one to end your life. I need to kill you with my own hands."

The words held no remorse; they were simply the course of action.

A shiver coursed down her spine, and I recognized the moon as a silent observer of our impossible situation.

“And there’s nothing you can do about it but to accept.”

In that moment, destiny hung in the balance, an entwining of love and doom beneath the ancient trees.

The mingling of heart's desires and the stark reality of our predicament left us both ensnared in a dance of emotions neither of us had invited or cared for.

…..

It is often said that there exist three types of love.

The type that is worth taking a life for.

The type that you would give your life for.

And the type you strive for in order to thrive.

Unfortunately, a wretched spirit like mine was never fated to encounter any form of love in my life story. I feel completely devoid of any emotions in my heart, and the mere sound of love annoys and frustrates me to no end.

It fills me with intense rage and causes severe discomfort in my stomach, as if I were about to vomit.

Is it possible for individuals to experience love, even though it has the capacity to devastate them in an instant?

Love has no place in this world, and that is precisely my intention when I ascend to the throne as the ruler of the Lycans.

I intend to establish a realm devoid of romance or any similar emotions. Engaging in such behavior would be prohibited, and the consequence would be loss of life.

I was completely destroyed by love. It had shattered me into minuscule fragments.

The agony is overpowering and engulfs you like an eternal, furious inferno that scorches but does not extinguish, leaving you haunted for the remainder of your existence.

That’s how fucked up it is.

I was an anomaly of the natural world. During my upbringing, I witnessed the tragic demise of my mates while holding them in my embrace, at the hands of my ferocious and merciless creature.

For the past three years, ever since I reached the age of twenty, I have been involved in a series of killings alongside my mates.

Now, at the age of twenty-three, this dark chapter of my life continues. I was afflicted by a previously unknown curse, which transformed me completely into a monstrous being.

During each occurrence of the full moon, I transform into a formidable being, embodying the essence of a Lycan creature.

In this state, I relentlessly pursue a prey, someone I share a bond with, akin to a predator stalking its prey. I would revert to my usual self only once I had slain and consumed her heart.

It was absolutely terrifying as I remained fully aware of my actions, and the echoes of her screams, cries, and wails haunted my mind incessantly.

The horrifying images of their brutal demises haunted me persistently. The memory of tearing her skin and extracting her eyes continued to haunt my thoughts, serving as a constant reminder of my role as a murderer.

I would morph into a merciless creature, obliterating my mate who had ignited the affection within me during each complete lunar cycle.

The Moon Goddess… she was aware of my affliction and still, she continued to unite me with a mate. And I detested her because of this.

The arrival of those stunning ladies in my life feels like a revitalizing breeze and a summer tempest, illuminating my world and bringing a sense of normalcy.

However, their presence is fleeting, lasting less than a year, as I inevitably eliminate them, no matter where they may seek refuge.

Every year, during the span of three full moon nights, I would find myself confined and bound within the depths of a cavern, enduring the most excruciating agony I have ever known.

As my physical form undergoes a metamorphosis, I am overtaken by the primal power of my Lycan creature. Waves of searing agony surge through me, engulfing my senses.

However, somehow, I will find a means to escape and locate that special creature whom I must eliminate in order to restore my usual state. To break the curse that ties me with torment and agony.

Living like this is an absolute nightmare, and as I took the lives of three destined mates, I realized the immense strength that now courses through me.

However, I've also transformed into an uncontrollable inferno that consumes everything in its path without mercy.

I have transformed into a merciless entity devoid of any trace of empathy.

‘A monster.’

The word ‘love’ became a haunting sound in my ears, as I recalled witnessing the demise of couples simply sharing kiss in front of me.

I reside within the sinister shadows of my soul. I lack the ability to experience the same emotions as others. Even intimacy failed to provide any solace for me.

Even my own parents… they are afraid of me and have had a hard time being near me, but it’s fine with me as I've never desired to be with anyone either.

I despise being in the presence of others as it reminds me of the isolation I experience as someone who has taken lives.

The way other gaze upon me serves as a constant reminder of my heartlessness and wickedness.

My sole contribution to the kingdom was in the midst of battle, where I utilized my extraordinary abilities to vanquish our adversaries, sparing the warriors from exerting themselves excessively.

However, they were always filled with fear whenever they witnessed the brutal way in which I slaughtered our adversaries, causing their lifeless forms to become a disturbing sight.

Once again, another brand-new year had arrived, and the impending arrival of the full moon was drawing near.

As the new year arrived, I found myself confronted with the most agonizing memory of my life. It was during that time that I encountered a beautiful, pure-hearted girl who ignited an intense and overpowering love within me.

Regrettably, I became the cause of her tragic demise.

My existence… means danger.

I am constantly avoided by everyone, and now the parents in the realm keep their daughters hidden from me because if the connection of the mate bond ever occurs between me and any of them, then her fate is sealed.

I was a doomed existence that should have never come to be.

Maximus Ravenscroft, the prince of the Gold Obsidian Kingdom, known for my Lycan heritage. I'm currently twenty-three years old and will be celebrating my twenty-fourth birthday this year, which only means I'll be entering the fourth year of this dreadful existence.

Yet, I'm still curious about which woman or what kind of she-wolf will have her turn next.

Clouded with my thoughts, I was startled by a sudden knock on my door, causing me to quickly turn and direct my attention towards it.

“Max… My dear son, we kindly request your presence at the palace.” My mom's voice faltered, filled with fear. I can't hold her responsible; my problem with anger goes beyond what's considered normal.

“Can you tell me the reason first?” I responded abruptly, inwardly scolding myself for being too brusque with my mother.

I can recall a time when I was still a normal werewolf, and those two decades held such cherished memories for me.

However, they now haunt me as I realize they have all vanished. I would never revert to my previous state. I had become an outcast, instilling fear in the hearts of all.

“Max, we called upon a mighty wizard who vowed to discover a solution to free you from the curse.” She provided a concise explanation, her voice trembling to indicate her anxiety.

“Again?” I nonchalantly shrugged, and suddenly I could perceive the sound of her hasty footsteps fading away while I got out of bed. It seems like she is trying to escape from my presence.

As the sun rose, I completed my tidying tasks and casually threw on a coat to cover my previous attire of shorts and a top. Then, I stepped outside.

Numerous enchanters had arrived and departed, offering their futile recommendations. All of their efforts were in vain.

‘Okay, let's find out what this one has to express.’

I really hope I can control my anger and not resort to violence, as it seems like these fraudulent illusionists are attempting to swindle money from my father.

As soon as I exited my room, the guards in the hallway promptly bowed, their legs trembling instinctively with each step I took towards them, unable to meet my gaze.

Disregarding their presence, I proceeded to descend to the lower level, where the palace was situated.

Someone graciously opened the door for me, and as I entered, a palpable tension filled the air. Both older individuals and my parents were in attendance.

In the center of the room, the sorcerer dressed in crimson robes sat on the ground, surrounded by his mystical implements and belongings.

Silently, I confidently walked towards the seat next to my father, gracefully taking my place. This action made everyone in the room nervous and anxious.

My dad coughed lightly before starting.

“Go ahead, please.” He motioned towards the sorcerer, who acknowledged with a nod before directing their gaze towards me.

He seemed like an older gentleman with a snowy beard. His eyes gleamed crimson, reminiscent of a wild creature, while an assortment of rings adorned his fingers. I'm at a loss for words to portray him differently.

He appeared distinct compared to the other guests. And he seemed reminiscent of a timeless shape-changer.

Perhaps he possesses the truth.

“Lycan prince… Unlike other sorcerers or magicians, your parents didn't reach out to me. I have journeyed a great distance to reveal the truth to you before my demise.” As he started speaking, I couldn't help but scoff, questioning the relevance of his words.

“Just do the job. Enough with the blabbering as it doesn't concern me whether you arrived alone or were summoned. Just complete whatever task led you to this place and depart before my patience wears thin!” I lost my temper, and he responded with a faint smile.

“There exist three types of love, yet the most powerful is the one that compels you to live for it, as you both possess the strength to endure death and the possibility of never crossing paths again. You'll encounter her in the near future, and she'll be the person you've been waiting for.”

A smile spread across his face as he looked deeply into my eyes, but I quickly became annoyed. I was extremely annoyed by what he just said.

Who gives any importance to love anyway?

“Love? Is that all? Well, you can leave immediately before I take actions that will cause remorse for everyone involved!” I snarled while my heart became burdened with rage and repulsion.

He recently brought up the concept of love, something I despise completely, and now he could be in serious danger if he doesn't disappear from my presence.

I am indifferent to whatever else he may have to express. All he has to offer here is incoherent babble and complete absurdity.

“Lycan prince, I am unable to provide any additional information. But you must be aware that she possesses the power to captivate you...” He continued speaking, but stopped abruptly before uttering the final word, his gaze fixated on the anger reflected in my eyes.

He flashed a smile in my direction, then turned to my father and mother, before gathering his things and departing.

“Wow! So, tell me, is this the garbage that led me to this place”? I asked my mother a question, and she suddenly became silent.

“Do you not believe that he was implying that your future mate will be the one to end the curse?”

As my father stumbled, I instinctively reacted and swung my hand towards his face with a forceful blow.

However, one of the guards swiftly intervened, shielding him from the impact. To my surprise, my father collapsed as my punch landed on his chest.

All eyes were fixed, wide with astonishment, and I too was taken aback by my own actions. Does that imply that I may have caused the death of my father?

“You're well aware that it's inappropriate to speak to me like that in person!” I let out a low growl, my hand falling to my side as I stared at the motionless form of the guard.

A fiery sensation consumed my being as the malevolent wolf within me threatened to seize control. The term ‘mate’ was an absolute horror for me, and I absolutely despise hearing it.

In sheer terror, my father exclaimed, “Maximus! You nearly caused my demise!”

I was overwhelmed with a pang of remorse, particularly as my mother burst into tears.

Suddenly, a cluster of young ladies rushed into the grand palace. However, the moment they laid eyes on my presence within, they swiftly retreated in haste.

“Then… I believe it's about time to come to terms with departing from this pack. This is not where I fit in. I have taken many lives, and the consequence is to be exiled, something you couldn't do because you were also intimidated by me. Right?”

As I spat these words, no one spoke and they just looked at me with fearful eyes.

“Father, please ensure that I am prohibited from entering this place before I cause harm to any more individuals. Now is the moment to dwell amidst the werewolf community instead.”

As I inhaled, a broad grin spread across their countenances.

The extent to which everyone desired my absence from their lives and the Kingdom, despite my status as the rightful successor to the throne, was truly remarkable.

Honestly, it seems like I was never meant to be with my own kind because I am completely a special kind. A monster.