The Wolf's Queen Vows

Chapter 37: The Parasitic Charm

Chapter 37 The Parasitic Charm

The council meeting had drained Aveloria. She had barely slept since Alin’s death, and every time she closed her eyes, the image of the maid’s lifeless body haunted her. The council had gathered that morning to discuss security, trade, and diplomatic relations, but her mind was elsewhere the entire time.

When the meeting ended, she rose quietly, her thoughts heavy. She gave the council members a polite nod before stepping out into the hallway. She walked briskly, wanting to return to her chambers and collect her thoughts.

But as soon as she got to her door, she stopped short. Galen stood there, waiting. His arms were crossed loosely over his chest, his hair slightly disheveled, his eyes steady and watchful. He didn’t speak immediately, but concern was written all over his face.

"You shouldn’t be standing here," she said softly.

"I wanted to make sure you were alright," he said. "I heard about the maid."

Aveloria’s expression shifted slightly. "Alin."

"Yes," he said, lowering his voice. "She was close to you."

Aveloria hesitated. "She was. And what happened to her..." She looked away, lowering her tone. "It wasn’t ordinary."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

She looked around carefully. The corridor was empty, but she could still hear faint voices echoing far away. She approached him and whispered, "There’s something I need to tell you, but I can’t yet. Not here. Not now."

He didn’t press her, though his jaw tightened slightly. "Alright."

"Wait a minute, I need to get something." She went into her room and was back in a few seconds.

"Where are you going?" Galen asked.

Aveloria pulled a small, carved wooden box from within her garment. It was no bigger than her palm, the lid tightly sealed. "To the temple," she said quietly.

Galen’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Alone?"

"I was planning to."

"I’ll go with you," he said immediately.

She hesitated but saw the determination in his face. "Alright."

They didn’t speak as they made their way out of the palace. The gate guards bowed when they saw her, but didn’t question her departure. Galen walked beside her, his presence quiet but grounding. She finally spoke once they were beyond the palace walls and walking through the more peaceful part of the city that led to the temple.

"Alin’s death wasn’t natural," she said. "Her body was twisted. Her eyes were black. I felt something strange near her, a presence that didn’t belong."

Galen turned to her, frowning deeply. "A curse?"

"Dark magic. Witchcraft." She said.

He looked ahead, his shoulders stiffening. "Inside the palace?"

"Yes. Someone killed her for a reason."

He didn’t interrupt. He listened as they walked, occasionally glancing toward her, assessing whether she was safe.

"I think it’s connected to this," she said, holding out the tiny box.

"What’s in it?"

"A pendant," she said.

His eyes darkened. "How are they connected?"

Aveloria nodded. "I didn’t think much of it at first. But when I touched it earlier, I felt the same residue I felt near Alin’s body."

He exhaled slowly. "You think she’s involved."

"Don’t get it all wrong. I don’t know anything yet." Aveloria said, her voice low but steady. "But I need proof. That’s why we’re going to the temple. The scholar there understands runes and ancient markings."

They reached the temple gates soon after. It was an old gray stone structure with tall arched doors and carved wolf insignias etched into the pillars. The air smelled of incense and herbs. Inside, the hall was dimly lit with oil lamps lining the walls. A few monks and acolytes padded, their robes brushing against the stone floor.

The scholar they sought, an elderly wolf named Orlan, was seated at a long table covered in scrolls and old manuscripts. He looked up as they approached.

"Your Majesty," he said, bowing his head slightly. "It’s rare to see you here."

Aveloria nodded politely. "I need your help, Orlan."

He gestured for them to sit. "What troubles you?"

Aveloria opened the box carefully, revealing the pendant. It was an odd piece, carved from dark stone with runes etched around the edges. It pulsed faintly in the light, like something alive.

Orlan leaned closer, his expression growing serious. He picked up a small magnifier and studied the markings. He was silent for several minutes.

When he finally spoke, his tone was grave. "This is not an ordinary charm."

Aveloria’s fingers tightened around the edge of the table. "What is it then?"

He looked up at her. "The runes are of the old kind, predating even the first Lycanthrian rulers. They speak of control, consumption, and binding. It’s not a protective symbol. It’s parasitic."

Galen’s brow furrowed. "Parasitic?"

"Yes," the scholar said. "Whoever wears this, their life force can be drained through it. It’s dark magic. Very dangerous."

Aveloria’s stomach twisted. "Is there a way to confirm?"

Orlan nodded slowly. "I can only interpret the runes. For matters of energy and spirit, you’ll need the High Priestess. She alone can tell you what harm, if any, it’s done to you."

Aveloria closed the box quickly. "Thank you, Orlan."

They left the scholar’s chamber and climbed the spiral stairs leading to the temple’s inner sanctum, where the High Priestess resided. The hall was quieter there, with the faint hum of chants echoing from a nearby chamber.

When they entered, the High Priestess stood near a small altar. Her presence was commanding but calm.

"Your Majesty," she said, bowing slightly. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Aveloria approached her and placed the small box on the altar. "I need you to examine this."

The Priestess lifted the lid, her brows furrowing as soon as she saw the pendant. She didn’t touch it immediately; she just looked at it for a long time, her face unreadable. freewebnovel.cσ๓

"Where did you get this?" she asked finally, her voice low and firm.

Aveloria hesitated. "It was a gift."

"From whom?"

Aveloria didn’t answer. "Does that matter right now?"

"It matters greatly," the priestess said sharply. "This object carries forbidden energy. It shouldn’t even be inside the palace. Whoever gave you this did not mean well."