Page 47 of Born of Blood and Thorns

The curse still loomed, an uncrossable chasm between us. Lore's stubborn pride refused to acknowledge what was written on both our hearts.

I gazed at him, praying he would finally relent and trust in this… whatever blossomed between us. His expression shuttered, leaving me alone in the cold. Without a word, he turned his back and retreated into the castle, taking my hopes with him.

I sank to my knees, cursing the cruel fate that destined us to be eternally torn. No matter how desperately I yearned for his acceptance, Lore remained determined to keep me at bay. When would he realize that only together could we prevail against the darkness? For now, he chose to barricade himself behind empty denials… leaving my soul to wither in despair.

The stillness of the castle grated on me as I restlessly paced its empty halls. Ever since Lore rejected me again, bitterness festered in my heart. I needed to act, not wallow in despair.

I made my way to the dusty library. Surely, among the leather-bound tomes and faded scrolls, some clue to lifting this accursed curse waited to be discovered. I had combed through everything and found nothing new.

I lit a single candle and began my search, methodically combing each shelf. Most texts were nonsensical ramblings or ancient histories. Tucked away behind a sheaf of crumbling papers, I uncovered a small journal bound in cracked leather.

Trembling, I opened it to the first page. Uneven scrawl filled the yellowed parchment:

Prophecy of the Moon Seer, Era of the Dragon Kings.

My pulse quickened. This must be a record from Lore's time before the curse fell. I read on with bated breath:

When crimson blood stains the silver moon, the end shall come. Only the sacrifice of the cursed true love will end the stagnation of the land...

The rest was obscured by age. I swore violently, nearly hurling the fragile book across the room. Even this scrap of prophecy spoke, hinting at a grisly sacrifice.

Had the moon goddess foreseen Lore and I, star-crossed lovers doomed to tragedy? Was our tale destined to end in blood?

"What have you found there?"

I whirled, the journal tumbling from my fingers. Lore prowled closer, sunlight streaming through the high windows to halo his brooding form. His eyes narrowed, fixating on the open page at my feet.

"Nothing of consequence," I lied hastily, scooping up the book. Too late—Lore gripped my wrist, emerald eyes blazing.

"Do not attempt to deceive me. I can scent your excitement." His tone held both menace and desperate longing. "What revelations lurk inside that book?"

I hesitated but knew I owed him the truth, however dark. "It speaks of a sacrifice… of cursed and the cursed beloved. How to break the curse." My voice dropped to a pained whisper. "I think it means us."

I steeled my heart, hoping he wouldn't say his true love was still out there, and all my fears returned. I sucked in a sharp breath and prepared to be crushed. Lore only watched me instead.

Lore stood rigid, his gaze fixed on the book in my hand but said nothing.

Somewhere in the tangled threads of our fate, hope lingered. We would find it together… or burn trying.

Lore released me as though scalded, anguish etched on his proud face. "You should not have come here," he rasped. "Now we are both damned."

"What do you mean?" I asked. "How am I damned?"

Lore stared at me for a long moment, his features reflecting a whirlwind of emotions. "We both are."

I pressed my lips together before lifting an eyebrow. "A little more clarity would be nice," I muttered.

"In order for the curse to be lifted, a sacrifice has to be made," he said.

"What kind of sacrifice?" I demanded, crossing my arms as I lifted my chin, trying to act as if his severe, deadly tone didn't frighten me a little.

"The kind that ends in death."

I flinched as understanding crashed over me. The prophecy from the book—spoke of our fate.

Lore watched me with infinite sorrow in his eyes. "I thought by keeping my distance, I could spare you. It is too late. You are cursed as I am now."

"Tell me," I begged and demanded, feeling his weight as he stood beside me. Instinctively, I moved closer, seeking him out.

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