The Alpha's Prize
Chapter 32: The pain

I opened my eyes and straightened myself as a wayward tear slid down my cheek. “Ok, I'll give youmy wolf in exchange for the cure.” I choked out, my voice cracking with each word.

Helena stood there, staring at me with a calculating gaze and dumbfounded that I agreed to herterms. “You understand that if you go through with this, you will lose her forever, and there is alsothe chance of you not surviving the separation, especially since she is a part of your soul. Are youtruly willing to pay that price?” She asked, with a questioning brow raised.

I thought over that question, really giving thought to this and wondering if this is what I trulywanted to do. I didn't know how I would live without her; my wolf was the other half of me, she waswhat made me feel beautiful, and if I agreed to this, I would have to let her go. My wolf softlywhined before emitting an emotion of peace and calmness.

I straightened myself. “Yes, I will pay the price,” I said assuredly.

Her features softened a little, and she stared into my eyes, a look of admiration on her smooth face.“Come with me.” She said and spun on her heels, walking towards the overgrown willow tree. Weapproached the tree, giving me a better view; the leaves were bright and beautiful—the bark,healthy and robust. Helena stepped up to the tree, placing her hand onto the bark and drug herfingers down the cracks.

Suddenly, the tree opened, splitting in half, and things felt like they were moving in slow motion as Iwatched the tree part, making an opening for us to enter through.

Helena looked back at me. “Follow behind me.” She said sternly.

I hesitantly followed her into the tree; things were bright at first, until we crossed the threshold andthen, things dulled, the light now dim around us. As we entered, I noticed everything around us wasthe same, except the trees were now full of life and blossoming. Animals of all kinds filled the areawith their presence, and the ground was covered in lush, green grass. I was amazed and also a bitconfused, the forest we had just been in was so gloomy and depressing, but now, it was prosperingand tranquil.

A small, blue cabin was just ahead of us, surrounded by various flowers, some foreign to me.However, I noticed a small patch of flowers that I had seen before as I glanced around. They werethe ones I saw in my dream; I began to wonder if these strange, yellow flowers had something to dowith Cain.

Helena and I walked into the cabin; it was simple, plain and cozy, definitely not what I expected for awitch's home, but it was lovely. The place was decorated in neutral colours, wooden furniture andnumerous plants. There was also a white cat, roaming around and my wolf panted in my head,feeling playful suddenly.

We walked into the kitchen, and Helena pointed towards a long, oak table. “Lie down on the table.”She said in a dry tone.

I stopped and stared between her and the table. “Why?” I asked curiously.

She was standing at the counter, rummaging through different bottles, that were neatly lined up.Helena turned to me, now holding a pouch and a small glass bottle that contained a yellow powderinside it. “So we can begin the process. You know, for the price you agreed to pay or are youwasting my time?” Helena questioned in an angry and agitated tone.

I crossed my arms over my chest, not allowing this woman to intimidate me. “I am not wasting yourtime, I meant what I said, and I always stay true to my word. Also, I'm not doing anything until I havethe cure. No cure, no deal.” I retorted, standing my ground. I wasn't going to be played for a fool,allowing Helena to take my wolf before I've even had the chance to see the cure.

She huffed and rolled her eyes before slamming the pouch and bottle that she held in her handsonto the table. “Here is your cure.” Helena said plainly, “Once you have held up your end of thebargain, I will then tell you how to use it. Now, get on the table or leave.”

I looked down at the items; I couldn't see what was in the pouch, only the yellow powder containedin the bottle. I looked back up to Helena before closing my eyes and sucking in a deep breath. “Ok,let's get this shit over with,” I said in a rush before I could change my mind. I climbed onto the tableand laid down on my back.

Helena leaned over me and stared into my eyes almost sympathetically. “The spell won't take verylong to initiate, but it will hurt for a moment. This is your last opportunity to back out.” She warnedme.

My chest felt heavy at the thought of losing my wolf, but we both agreed that this was what wewanted and we were prepared to give our lives for our mate. My wolf chuffed, telling me she wasready and sent me vibes of love. I closed my eyes and focused on her. “I love you, and I will neverforget you,” I whispered to my wolf, and she whined happily in exchange.

I nodded my head, holding back the tears. “There's no backing out; I'm ready,” I told her confidently.She sighed and then nodded in understanding. Helena pressed her hands to my chest and closedher eyes, but before she could continue, I gripped her wrist. “Wait, I want to know what you aregoing to do with her?” I asked.

Helena raised a brow. “That's none of your business.” Her tone was clipped, and it was clear shedidn’t want me to know, which pissed me off, as I felt that I had the right to know what wouldhappen to my wolf. However, I was on limited time and needed to get this cure back to Cain.

I narrowed my eyes, needing a better answer than that from her. “Just tell me she will be alright?” Idemanded of her, needing to be sure that no harm would come to her.

She didn't respond, just gave me a curt nod, and then closed her eyes again. Next, Helena pressedher palms into my chest, making it hard for me to breathe; she began to mumble to herself, words Icouldn't understand. Then, she started to speak louder and faster, putting more pressure on mychest, causing a burning ache. My chest felt heavy as I gasped for air, and I was now experiencing asharp pain that radiated throughout my whole body.

I closed my eyes as tears began to pool. I could feel myself being separated from my wolf as shehowled and whined in my head. The physical pain I was feeling was nothing compared to theemotional pain, and before I knew it, a wave of electricity surged through my body, and I felt asthough my heart had been ripped from my chest before everything went dark.

My body ached like I had been drug through sharp, jagged rocks by a speeding car. I felt weak anddrained like I hadn't slept in years. Then, finally, my eyes began to flutter open, and Helena wasstanding over me, watching me with a curious and calculating gaze. She reared back a little as Iopened my eyes more, and I wrinkled my nose as my head began to pound furiously, blurring myvision. Helena leaned back, still watching me closely, before walking over to the counter. She cameback a moment later with a glass bottle filled with some kind of green liquid.

Helena held the bottle out. “Here, drink this; it will help with the aches and pains.” She told me.

I stared at the glass, scrunching my face up in distaste at the foreign content. “What the fuck isthat?” I asked in a disgusted tone.

She groaned. “It's a concoction of mine; it will help. Drink it or don't, it's your choice, and I couldcare less if you do or not.” Her tone was riddled with annoyance and impatience.

I hesitantly took the glass from her, eyeing it like it was the black plague. I sniffed the liquid, and thesmell was dreadful, like dirty feet. Then, mustering up as much courage as I could, I downed theliquid, drinking all of it in one gulp. My stomach turned, and I felt like I was going to throw up, butafter a moment, the feeling faded. I slowly started to feel better, my body no longer feeling beaten,the headache easing off and feeling a little more energetic now.

I was amazed that it worked and so fast, too. “That was disgusting, but it helped. Thank you.” I toldher, appreciation in my tone.

Helena took the glass from me and just nodded, then left the room. I laid there on the table, and asthe pain subsided, it finally hit me that my wolf was gone. I could no longer feel or hear her; now,there was nothing but absolute silence. My throat tightened, and tears welled in my eyes as therealization hit me that my wolf really was gone. How would I explain this to everyone? Would theyjudge me? Turn against me? Would Cain no longer want to be with me? Would we no longer bemates? But most of all, how would I live the rest of my life without her?

A million thoughts ran through my head, and my chest began to heave at the anxiety buildingwithin me. I took a deep breath, trying to silence the never-ending, dark thoughts that swirled in myhead. Then, Helena came back into the room, causing me to jump, not expecting her to appear outof fucking, thin air. Thankfully, her reappearance was a distraction.

I tried sitting up, sick of laying down, but my muscles said otherwise, giving out when I was onlyhalfway up. The aches I felt throughout my body made me realize just how different things weregoing to be for me now, the difference in strength, agility and pain tolerance, as well as the abilityto heal rapidly. I propped myself onto my elbows and glanced to Helena, who was watching mecuriously.

I wrinkled my nose at her. “What?” I asked in a snappy manner, not meaning for the words to comeout as they did.

Helena cocked a brow before narrowing her eyes on me. “Watch your tone with me, missy and I'vejust never seen or heard of someone surviving this.” She informed me, making me wonder why Ihad.

I nodded slowly. “Oh, I see,” I said, unsure of what to say.

I decided to try and sit up again, pushing myself up slowly. Finally, I got myself up and into a sittingposition, feeling somewhat exhausted, just from that simple task. I threw my legs over the edge ofthe table and carefully placed my feet onto the floor. My legs wobbled under my own weight, and Ileaned against the table for support.

Helena was standing there, watching me with a smile on her face. “What?” I asked in a softer tonethis time

She shook her head. “Never met someone who was so strong-willed and stubborn,” Helena said,letting out a hearty chuckle.

I rolled my eyes at her words, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “Can you please showme how the cure works? So, I can get going; I am a little pressed for time.” I told her, irritated,wanting to leave this place and get back to the packhouse.

Helena walked over to me, her dress flowing behind her and grabbed the items. She held up thebottle with the yellow powder and shook it lightly. “This here is the powder of a rare flower, theflower of life and death.” Helena then grabbed the black pouch and pulled out a small rock that wasa light blue. “This is a moon rock; it holds the power and essence of the moon goddess. First, youneed to take the powder and rub it thoroughly onto the person's chest. Then, place the rock ontothe center of their chest and whisper the words, death be no more and life come forth. The cursewill then be lifted but be warned if you don't do it right, the curse will consume your mate as well asyou.” She said in a menacing and severe tone.

I repeated her words over and over in my head, doing my best not to forget one single detail.Finally, I nodded my head. “Ok, thank you.” I took the items from her and started to make my waytowards the door when Helena called out my name, stopping me in my tracks. “Freja.” She calledout, “Good luck.” She said meaningfully.

Pursing my lips, I gave her a curt nod before exiting the cabin. I walked outside and made my waytowards the opening of the trees. I crossed the threshold, walking back into the forest of thedamned, where everything was once again looking gloomy and dark. Crossing the barrier had wornme out, feeling as though it had drained me of energy. Once I was on the other side, I lookedaround for Gunnar but couldn't see him anywhere. Worry took hold of me that something hadhappened to him, and now, I was useless to help him.

Suddenly, he appeared out of nowhere, throwing his fists around like a maniac and punching theair. I stood there, a broad smile on my face, as I watched him fight nothing and continue to hollerhis war cry. Then, he abruptly stopped, realizing there was nothing there anymore before his gazelanded on me. Gunnar rushed over to me and engulfed me in a big bear hug, almost bursting mylungs in the process.

He pulled back and gripped my arms tightly. “Where the fuck were you? I was worried sick aboutyou, that something had happened to you.” Little did he know that something had happened to me,something I wasn't sure if I was ready to share with him as the pain of my actions began to eat awayat me.

I snorted, attempting to brush him off. “I was with the witch; her name is Helena, and I got the cure.So, we need to get going; we don't have much time left.” I said in a rush.

Gunnar furrowed his brows. “Something is different about you; what happened?” He asked in ademanding tone, and I knew if I lied to him, he would know, and we wouldn't be going anywhere,anytime soon.

I gulped harshly, afraid of his reaction. “Well, I got the cure, and there was a price to pay,” I saidquietly, not able to look him in the eyes.

His nostrils flared, and his jaw became rigid. “What was the price, Freja?”

I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath. “My wolf,” I whispered, my chest tightening at themention of my wolf.

I opened my eyes only to watch as his face fell. Gunnar blinked rapidly, processing my words, “Comeagain?”

I exhaled heavily. “The price for the cure was my wolf. I gave the witch my wolf in exchange for thecure. Now, can we please get going? I really don't want to talk about it.”

Gunnar was silent as he stared at me with an enigmatic gaze. I clenched my jaw, anticipating hisnext move, but he surprised me, and instead of yelling at me or berating me, Gunnar pulled me intohim and held me close.

He huffed, “Freja, you're a fucking idiot for that doing. However, I understand why you did it, and Iwould have done the same thing for someone I love. Also, what you did, takes a lot of courage andstrength, something that most would not have the guts to do. I'm sorry you had to lose her.”Gunnar said sympathetically.

His words resonated with me, causing my chest to tighten and my eyes to sting. I reared back andlooked up at him, giving him a small smile, beyond grateful that he was being so understanding.Gunnar released my arms and stepped back. “That being said, you are not off the hook for makingsuch a dangerous decision.” He scolded me. “Alright, let's go, we have quite a journey ahead of us,and we are losing daylight. Are you sure you will be ok?” Gunnar asked, concern in his tone.

My body and head still hurt, not as much, but this was going to be a challenge for me, especiallywhen I was feeling so weak right now. I nodded my head. “Yes, I'll be fine.” I told him, not wantinghim to fuss over me, “Just might have to take a few extra stops to rest.” I shrugged before plasteringon my best smile.

His gaze narrowed on me as he tried to determine if I was lying or not. Gunnar breathed heavily."Ok." He said hesitantly before turning on his heels and heading in the direction we had initiallycome from in the beginning.

I almost couldn't believe I had the cure, everyone told me I wouldn't get it, that it was unattainable,but I proved them all wrong. However, the price I paid was devastating, losing something dear tome, but we were saving our mate in return, and I had to respect my wolf's wishes

We had been walking for a few hours now, and the exhaustion was starting to take hold of me asmy body screamed in agony. I needed to rest, or else I wouldn't be going any further and wouldprobably collapse right here on the ground.

I stopped and bent over, placing my hands on my knees. Gunnar halted and turned back to me.“Are you ok? What's wrong?” He hurriedly asked,

I waved him off. “I'm alright; 1 just need to stop for a bit and rest,” I told him.

He looked away from me and frantically glanced around before taking off into the trees. A momentlater, he returned with a big ass log and placed it on the ground, next to a tree. Gunnar gripped myelbow and stood me up straight, then helped me to walk over to the tree. I sat down on the log andrested my back against the tree, feeling almost instant relief as I did.

Gunnar bent down, so he was at eye level with me. “Stay here and get some rest. I'm going to lookfor some food and water. If you need me, just yell; I'll stay within earshot.” He told me, then leanedin and kissed my forehead. The big buffoon could be the most understanding and caring personwhen he wanted to, especially when I needed it most.

I smiled lazily at him, feeling super relaxed. "Ok, be careful.”

He nodded his head and then sprinted off into the distance. I closed my eyes and hoped to get afew minutes of sleep while he was gone. However, just as my eyes fluttered shut, I heard thesnapping of twigs and the sound of shuffling feet coming from behind me. I peered around the treebut saw nothing; there were no voices or other sounds. I continued to listen, not letting my guarddown, and another twig snapped, sounding closer this time. I shakily stood up from the log andglanced around, looking for the culprit. My heart was beating erratically now as my chest rose andfell heavily, knowing if a threat was nearby that I was useless now in defending myself.Unexpectantly, something tapped my shoulder, and I whipped around to see who or what it was,only to be greeted with a fist that aimed for my face. I went to duck, but I was too slow, and thenext thing I knew, my ass was knocked onto the ground. Feeling the full force of the hit

I clutched my face with my hands, feeling the full force of the hit, and blood began to pour out ofmy nose from the impact. I groaned from the pain and continued to lay on the ground, trying toregain myself. I could only hope that Gunnar was close by or had heard the commotion because ifnot, I was screwed.

I moved my hands to look at who had struck me, only to be utterly shocked at the face that wasglaring down at me, a look of pure hatred masking their features, Erik.