Page 5 of Destined to the Lycan
“Will I find the culprit?”
“It is a potential path,” she conceded, a glimmer of approval flashing through her unusual eyes.
This only seemed to further support my suspicions that she could read my mind. As I was an emotional wreck right now, it wasn’t ideal. I could simply take comfort in the fact that she didn’t seem displeased with how I was handling things so far.
“And if I fail to catch them, how bad will things be for me?”
She hesitated for a long time. For a split second, I wondered if she had not heard the question. Then I realized her eyeshad slightly gone out of focus. The Weaver was undoubtedly prodding the complex network of the future before answering.
“There are too many potential outcomes from one extreme to the next. The choices you make while you attempt to find the cure will help narrow down the likely outcomes,” she finally said in a non-committal fashion.
I opened my mouth to prod further, but the look on her face made it clear she considered the topic settled, and that it was time for me to move on.
I cleared my throat and shifted uneasily on the wooden chair.
“So what must I do to acquire that cure?” I asked in a subdued tone.
Once again, a strange expression flashed over her features. For a reason I couldn’t explain, my back instantly stiffened. I would hate her answer.
“You must receive an even greater poison to kill the one spreading inside of you.”
I nearly jumped out of my seat, my entire body jerking as if under the impact of a physical blow.
“WHAT?! A greater poison will kill me even faster!” I exclaimed in a self-evident tone.
“Not exactly,” she said calmly. “What you need is to be bitten by the snake tail of the Cursed Demon Wolf.”
I gaped at her as if she had lost her mind.
Seemingly unfazed by my horrified expression, the Weaver continued explaining in a conversational tone. “The venom will first attack the poison that’s eating you from within. Only once it has been eradicated will the venom start harming you. When it does, you will need a second bite from the fangs of the sick wolf. This time, the saliva will neutralize the venom.”
“That’s suicide!” I exclaimed. “The Cursed Demon Wolf is rabid! By all accounts, he kills on sight anything foolish enoughto come within range. And you expect me to voluntarily subject myself to his bite, not once but twice?!”
She bowed her head in concession. “Ranael is indeed rabid because of the curse. But he’s also Marchosias’ son. Demon wolves are protectors. It is in their DNA. In Ranael’s case, you are correct that he will attack anyone he randomly encounters because his madness rules him. However, if he is summoned, his protective instincts will take over.”
I blinked while struggling to accept her words.
“Do I understand correctly that summoning him will nullify his curse?” I asked disbelievingly.
She shook her head, confusing me even more. “It will notnullifyit, only temporarily pause his feral side. You must invoke his protection while summoning him. He will be bound by it. But once he comes, you must hurry. The protective bond will only last so long before madness takes him again.”
I nodded slowly, realizing that he would effectively be subjected to the same constraints as any other summoned demon. And then, my eyes suddenly widened as a thought struck me.
“Wait, aren’t demon wolves also bound by truth?” I asked.
A discreet smile stretched her lips. “Yes. Demon wolves will always answer any question truthfully. But remember, you have little time. Do not waste it on futilities. Secure a safe bite from Ranael quickly.”
“But how do I even summon him? I only have a very basic knowledge of the arcane,” I said sheepishly. “Anything related to candle magic I master, but summoning is definitely not one of them.”
“Fear not, child. I will show you the ritual,” she replied with a dismissive gesture.
I licked my lips nervously. “All right, thank you. How do I find him? I’ve heard of the legend of the Cursed Demon Wolf, but not much else.”
“Retain the services of a guide in Wolfmoon Mountain,” Cliona said firmly. “The Howl Inn is an excellent place to find one. But be warned that the journey is perilous. So pick your guide wisely. Once you’ve been bitten by the snake tail, you will need your guide to take you back to safety.”
I swallowed hard and nodded slowly. “How will I know when I’m ready for the second bite?”
“The capillaries under your skin will start turning black,” the Weaver said with an almost malicious glimmer in her purple eyes.
