Delanzhou: Wolf Blood and Moon Shadow

The first rays of sunlight spilled over the jagged peaks, painting the White Sage's grove in hues of amber and gold. The air shimmered faintly, as if the sacred ground itself was alive with ancient power.

William thoughtfully made a white cloak for Alice so that she could move around during the day.

Alice sat cross-legged at the center of a ritual circle, her silver hair loose and cascading over her shoulders. Despite her fragile appearance, there was a quiet strength in her gaze—a determination that had not wavered, even as the curse crept closer to her heart.

William stood at the edge of the circle, his hands clenched into fists. He felt helpless, a feeling he loathed more than anything. For all his strength and skill, there was nothing he could do but watch and hope.

The White Sage moved with deliberate precision, placing crystals and bowls of herbs around the circle's perimeter. She chanted softly in a language William didn't recognize, her voice blending with the gentle rustle of the wind. When she finished, she turned to William.

"You must be ready," she said. "This ritual will draw out the curse, but it will fight back. If it senses weakness, it will seize the opportunity to corrupt everything—including me. Your role is to anchor Alice. Keep her mind and spirit strong while I work."

William nodded, his jaw tight. "What happens if it wins?"

The Sage's blue eyes flickered with unease. "Then the curse will consume her—and likely spread to you as well. But we must not allow that to happen."

He stepped closer, kneeling beside Alice. "Are you sure about this?" he asked softly.

She looked up at him, her silver eyes filled with determination. "I trust you, William. Whatever happens, I know you'll do everything you can to protect me."

Her words were like a knife to his chest, sharp and cutting. He nodded, unable to speak. Instead, he reached out and took her hand in his, his grip firm and reassuring.

The White Sage began the ritual.

The Sage's voice rose in pitch, her chants echoing through the grove. The air grew heavier, charged with energy that prickled against William's skin. The crystals around the circle began to glow, their light intensifying with each passing second.

Alice gasped, her body tensing as dark tendrils of magic began to rise from the mark on her neck. They twisted and writhed like living things, their malevolent energy filling the air with an oppressive force.

William held her hand tighter. "Stay with me," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "You're stronger than this."

Alice's breathing grew labored, and her eyes fluttered shut. The dark magic lashed out, striking the barrier of light created by the crystals. The White Sage's chants grew louder, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as she fought to contain the curse.

William could feel the strain in Alice's grip, the way her strength seemed to ebb with each passing moment. He leaned closer, his voice low and urgent. "Alice, listen to me. Don't let it take you. You're not alone."

Her eyes opened briefly, flickering with a mixture of pain and resolve. "I'm trying," she whispered.

The dark magic surged, slamming against the barrier with renewed force. The crystals flickered, and the Sage faltered, her movements slowing.

"It's resisting!" she shouted, her voice tinged with alarm. "I need more time!"

William gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He couldn't just stand by while the curse overpowered them. Drawing on his past life's experiences, he focused his energy, reaching deep within himself. He didn't have magic, but he had something else—a force of will forged through countless battles.

He closed his eyes, gripping Alice's hand with both of his. "You're not taking her," he growled, his voice filled with an intensity that startled even him. "Not while I'm here."

As if in response to his defiance, a faint golden light began to emanate from William's hands. It wasn't magic—not in the traditional sense—but it was something ancient and powerful, born from his unwavering determination. The light flowed into Alice, surrounding her like a shield.

The dark magic recoiled, hissing as it clashed with the golden energy. The barrier around the circle stabilized, and the White Sage regained her footing, her chants growing stronger.

Alice gasped, her body trembling as the curse fought harder to maintain its hold. But the golden light gave her strength, bolstering her resolve. She met William's gaze, her silver eyes shining with renewed clarity.

"I won't let it win," she said, her voice steady despite the pain.

"That's my girl," William said, a faint smile breaking through his grim expression.

The White Sage's chants reached a crescendo, and the crystals around the circle flared with blinding light. The dark tendrils writhed violently, their movements growing erratic. Slowly, they began to retreat, drawn back into the mark on Alice's neck.

The mark pulsed, its black veins shifting and contracting. The energy in the air reached a fever pitch, and for a moment, everything seemed to hang in balance.

Then, with a final, ear-splitting scream, the curse exploded outward, a wave of dark energy rippling through the grove. William shielded Alice with his body, the golden light around them absorbing the worst of the blast.

When the dust settled, the grove was silent. The crystals were dim, their energy spent. The White Sage sank to her knees, her face pale but triumphant.

"It's done," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

William helped Alice to her feet, his arms steadying her as she wavered. The mark on her neck was still visible, but it was faint now, its dark veins no longer spreading.

"How do you feel?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Tired," she admitted, leaning against him for support. "But... lighter. It's like a weight's been lifted."

The White Sage approached, her movements slow and deliberate. "The curse has been weakened," she said. "It's no longer a threat to her life. But it hasn't been destroyed entirely."

William's expression darkened. "What does that mean?"

"It means she's free for now," the Sage explained. "But the remnants of the curse will linger. It may take years to fully purge it—or it may never fade completely. Only time will tell."

Alice nodded, her silver eyes meeting the Sage's. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "For everything."

The Sage inclined her head. "Your strength and his resolve are what made this possible. But be cautious. The forces behind this curse are still out there, and they won't take kindly to their plans being thwarted."

William's jaw tightened. He thought of the dark magician, of the summoning ritual in the Greywood. This wasn't over—not by a long shot.

As they descended the mountains, the weight of their ordeal began to sink in. Alice was quiet, her gaze thoughtful as she walked beside William. He stayed close, his protective instincts sharper than ever.

"What happens now?" she asked eventually.

"We move forward," William said. "We find a way to destroy the curse completely. And if those dark magicians come after us again…" He paused, his expression hardening. "They'll regret it."

Alice smiled faintly. "You're always so sure of yourself."

"Someone has to be," he replied, a hint of humor in his tone.

For the first time in days, she laughed—a soft, genuine sound that eased the tension in his chest. Despite everything, they were still standing. Still fighting.