Page 90 of Moon Cursed

“Echidnas are female monsters who live in the demigod dominion. They give birth to other monsters, and their ancestor is a goddess too—the mother of monsters,” I explained. “They’re horrible, nasty things, but their droppings make great fertilizer. Demigod farmers use it to grow crops at three times the normal speed.

“Lizela stole a horse-drawn echidna manure cart when she fled across dominions and wound up in Incepe Din, so there you go. They discovered that you could combine wolfsbane and vampire blood and grow it in that manure to create a more... targeted poison,” I said clearly. “It’s dangerous for us because it’s wolfsbane, but because the vampire blood drains it of life, it can’t spread through our bodies and kill us. It only kills the spot where its injected.”

“The vocal cords,” he whispered. “But if you injected it into a werewolf’s heart, it would kill us.”

I tipped my head. “It’s wolfsbane, Nyx, so of course it will. That’s exactly why they made it. All of that silver bullet shit is a myth, but a bullet to the heart that was coated with this?” My fingers skittered over the horrifying fungus. “That would do the trick. Any werewolves that attacked Incepe Din wouldn’t live long enough to regret it.”

“So...why, then?” Nyx slowly dropped down next to me. “Why waste time taking their voices away from them when you’ve got your hands on a murder weapon that they’ll never see coming?”

It struck me hearing Nyx refer to the alphas asthem. He meant it. He was on my side.

“For three reasons. One: We’re wolves and wolves don’t fight with guns or bullets. Two: These mushrooms are all we have of our secret weapon, and every missed shot would be an unforgiveable waste. And three: Because the alphas don’t fear anything or anyone because why would they? Anyone challenges them, they can just command them to turn around and walk away.

“Death won’t get rid of that arrogance. War won’t beat the false sense of superiority out of them. The only thing that will cow those fucking pricks is to turn them into what they look down on the most—omegas.”

Nyx didn’t say anything, but he didn’t argue with me either. Shrewd eyes swept over the small clearing. He was tense like he was desperate to shift and claw these mushrooms up soil and root, but he held back.

“Why are these the only ones we have? Is there not enough time to grow more?”

I shook my head. “There isn’t any more echidna manure. Lucia tried to grow it without the droppings, but it turns out that’s a key part. Echidnas are descendants of gods who hate the gods. That hatred is etched into their very souls, and apparently their shit.” I shrugged. “I said once that an alpha’s command is a gift from a god and you need a god to take it away. Turns out echidnas are close enough.”

“I see.” Nyx nodded slow. “I just have one more question, Daze, and that’s does this need to happen?” He met my eyes. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating for mercy, but if I’m thinking like the alpha I am, I know I’m still dangerous without my voice, because I don’t need my voice to shove a whole log down someone’s throat.

“Why not kill them, Daze?” Nyx dropped without a lick of hesitation or consequences. “Or expel them if you don’t want to make martyrs out of them. Or—my personal favorite—kill them and then expel their corpses.”

I chuckled softly. “Killing them would make them martyrs. I’ll be the mad, bloodthirsty queen priestess who executed the brave heroes fighting to take back our school. No,” I growled. “After what they did to Paxton, Edric, Ava, and Zarina, they don’t get to be remembered as heroes. I want them sobbing and snotting their hearts out while they skuttle out of here with their tails between their legs back to a world that treats them the same horrible way they’ve treated every other wolf their whole lives.

“Oh no, Nyx,” I hissed through clenched teeth. “They don’t get to die because that would be too quick. Too kind. They’re going to live with the shame and humiliation of having the whole world at their fingertips, and then having it all ripped away by one little spoiled, pampered princess priestess. Only when they’re begging and mewling at my feet, willing to give me anything and follow me anywhere to get their voices back... that’s when I’ll cut off their fucking heads.”

I came to, finally noticing the huge eyes staring at me. “Hmm. Did that freak you out? Edric says I invent new levels of sadism when I’m plotting revenge.”

“You do... and it’s hot,” he growled, blowing my eyes wide. “Dammit, woman, you made me come in my pants and I’m not wearing pants!”

I glanced down and squealed, covering my giggle when I saw he wasn’t exaggerating.

“Come on.” Nyx took my hand and helped me up. “We can’t do anything until the morning, so let’s get away from these horrible things. Can you shift?”

I lost my smile, shaking my head.

“Then lean on me.”

Nyx wrapped me up in his arms, beginning the long trek back to the little frond hut.

I appreciated the lengthy silent walk because it gave me the time I needed to make up my mind.

“Sorry for the rough accommodations,” he said, helping me down onto the bed. “I wanted to take you off the grounds entirely but who knows if we’d be any safer beyond the gates. Not all the comments on Nia’s video were supportive... or kind... or sane.” Nyx looked back toward the door. “You rest some more while I hunt down some food for us. Won’t be much but I make a delicious spit-roasted rabbit.”

A gentle grip on his wrist stopped him. “Before you go running off to be a rabbit’s worst nightmare, I was wondering if we should do it now or later? Because if you’re not that bothered about candles and shit, we can do it now.”

Confusion, then understanding broke on his handsome face with blown brows and wide eyes. “Wait, are you for real? You want me even with this?” Nyx motioned to his covered forehead. “What could be least sexy than a guy with prick stamped on his face with rainbow bubble letters?”

“I don’t know, I think it’s plenty sexy,” I purred. “With your long hair, diamond stud, and that black bandana, you’re like a hot, roguish pirate.”

“I see,” he said, rocking back on his heels. “Well... this changes everything.”

Nyx’s lips crashed on mine.

We went at each other like wild animals—devouring each other’s mouths.

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