Chapter 71

~Grace~

“Would you be quiet? This isn’t a joke you know,” I snapped, pushing Christopher down behind the bush I was hiding under.

He sighed, but crouched down next to me.

“Why do we need to sneak? You’re the one who said the entire clan was on their deathbeds, I doubt anyone is taking a midnight walk right now,” Christopher sighed.

I shot him a look.

I insisted that we waited until night to get the best chances of sneaking in, but that made it hard for us to see.

I hoped that we were afforded the same cover from the Lycans.

I squinted towards the castle. I couldn’t see any movement, and the only lights that were turned on were in the main hall, where most Lycans were being kept.

“It doesn’t affect everyone the same. Alex is still moving around, and if he sees you, he’ll tear your head off,” I hissed at Christopher.

His eyes widened, and he looked away.

That seemed to shut him up.

It wasn’t a lie, either.

I was still upset over having to let Christopher mark me in order to provide his help, and I hadn’t been as nice to him as I probably should have been.

I nudged him. “It looks clear. Let’s move.”

Standing up, I quickly made my way through the gates, Christopher on my heels.

I kept my eyes peeled on the windows and ears perked for any noise, but it really seemed like no one was here.

It was eerie, how lifeless and quiet it was.

Unease began to creep into my chest.

What if it was already too late? Had the Lycans…

No.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

I couldn't be thinking like that, I needed to focus on the mission right now.

We made it up the stairs. I pressed my back against the wall, and peered in through the door to see if anyone was in the hallway. There wasn’t.

I motioned with my head for Christopher to move in, and he slipped in through the door. He was surprisingly good at this, after I got him to shut up.

I wondered what experiences he’d had. He’s obviously had to sneak around before, but why…?

I slipped in after him.

“Where to, darling? You’re the one who knows this place,” Christopher whispered with a cheeky smile.

I rolled my eyes at him, and moved to take the lead, bumping his shoulder as I went past.

I didn’t look back to see his reaction. The main hall was just up ahead… We had to be extra careful now.

If there were Lycans anywhere in the castle, it was here.

I gave Christopher a sharp look.

“I’m serious. Don’t be seen. I won’t vouch for you.”

He only smiled back at me in response.

Moving into the hallway that connects to the main hall, I quickly checked for Lycans. The doors were open, but I couldn’t see in, yet. For now, no one moved.

I made a motion to Christopher to stay where he was, and I moved on ahead. If the Lycans saw me, there would be no big deal. I would just make sure that there was a clear path for Christopher before we moved in together.

Stepping through the open doors, I gasped.

It looked like a massacre.

What looked to be the entire Lycan clan lay on the ground here, most on makeshift beds, some not.

The Lycans who were taking care of the first sick Lycans now lay on the ground as well, shaking and pale.

I covered my mouth, my heart shattering. It was an awful sight to see.

Saving them was worth letting Christopher mark me, as much as I despised it.

I looked away. I couldn't bear to see them in this state any longer.

Christopher would have no issue getting in or being noticed, as there wasn’t a Lycan who was still conscious. I wondered how much time we had…

I moved out into the hallway and motioned for Christopher to come. He did, and he rounded the corner into the main hall and stopped.

“You weren’t kidding,” he breathed.

It seems even Christopher was moved by the sight.

He pressed his lips together, his brows furrowed. “What could knock out the entire clan like this…?”

It seemed like he was muttering more to himself than to me, so I didn’t say anything. I wasn’t sure how long I could stay in here, anyway. My stomach was starting to feel sick.

How was Alex doing, then? Was he just as sick as the Lycans in here? What about the Elder Lycan? Enzo?

My heart pounded faster, anxious for Christopher to hurry. The sooner he figured this out, the sooner this would all be over.

I stood behind him as he walked slowly around the room, a serious expression on his face. His hand was on his chin and his lips were pulled into a slight pout.

What is it? Did you find anything? I wanted to ask, but I held my tongue. If I distracted him, it would make the whole process take even longer.

Christopher began muttering under his breath, and I tried to listen, but it didn’t sound like it was in any language I knew.

Maybe it was an incantation?

He knelt down next to a Lycan woman, who shivered under the thin sheet she lay under, her eyes closed and skin clammy. I tensed.

What was he planning on doing? He wouldn’t try to wake her, would he?

I took a step forward, but Christopher merely moved his open palm above her body, as if feeling her aura or something.

Again, I bit my tongue, holding back my questions and just let him work.

He moved on to another Lycan and did the same thing.

I turned back toward the door. I couldn't stomach being in here anymore. Besides, someone should keep watch in case Alex comes down here.

I quietly make my way back toward the door and lean against the doorway, my back to the main hall.

This way, I had a clear view of both sides of the hallway and I could distract anyone coming.

I stood there for what felt like an eternity before I heard footsteps behind me.

Quickly, I turned around to see Christopher heading my direction, his eyes looking tired. Whatever he did, it must have taken a lot out of him.

Maybe it would stop his unnecessary quips and jokes.

“Well? What did you find?” I whispered, anxious to hear the news. “Is it something you can fix?”

Christopher ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah, I think so. It’s a very powerful curse, though. You were right about all of the Lycans’ lives being in danger. The sicker ones probably only have another 24 hours.”

I stared at him. I didn’t know what to say. 24 hours? That was so little time!

“But that’s not all,” Christopher continued. I tilted my head slightly, feeling more anxious than ever. Could things get any worse?

“I don’t know if you know why the curse was made…?”

I shook my head slowly.

“It is because trust within the clan was broken. Someone betrayed the Lycans.”

I nodded, but I didn’t feel any relief. I already knew that. Supposedly Liam’s mother betrayed the Lycans.

But wait… was she considered someone in the clan?

A door at the end of the hallway opened, and we both froze.

Alex appeared, looking pale and sickly. My heart sank.

I had to get Christopher out of here before Alex killed him!