All Chapters of The Curse Within : Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

Sofia’s POVThe training grounds were quiet, save for the distant rustle of leaves in the early morning breeze. I stood in the center of the field, my hands still tingling faintly from yesterday’s surge of power.I hadn’t slept much last night. The intensity of what had happened during sparring with Alaric—and the pride in his eyes when he told me, “There she is”—stayed with me. For the first time in a long while, I felt something stir inside me: hope.The dream of Elara, though, refused to leave me alone. Her cryptic words, the weight of her warning about Thorne, circled my thoughts like vultures. Even after I’d shared it with Alaric, the unease lingered.“You’re up early again.”I turned to see Alaric walking toward me. His hair was slightly tousled, his shirt hanging loosely on him, as though he hadn’t bothered to fully wake up before coming outside. His silver-gray eyes were softer than usual, but there was an undercurrent of worry in his expression.“You’re one to talk,” I repli

Sofia's POVThe news came quickly—too quickly, really. The pack had been expecting trouble, but nothing had prepared us for the sudden attack near the border. It was more than just a skirmish. Thorne wasn’t just testing our defenses; he was making a statement.I could feel the weight of it in the air. The pressure, the urgency. There was no time to waste.Alaric’s face was set in hard lines, his mind already working through the logistics, calculating every possible move. His usual calm was gone, replaced by the same steely resolve I had come to expect from him. It was a side of him I had seen before, the leader—the protector—but I knew this was different. This was personal."We have to move out now," he said, his voice firm. "Stay close, Sofia. I don't want you on the frontlines, not with how volatile your powers are right now."I didn’t argue. As much as I hated the thought of being left behind, I understood. My power was unpredictable, and Alaric had seen how easily it could spiral

Sofia's povThe days after the battle passed in a blur of pain and reflection. My body ached, a constant reminder of my first real fight. The gash along my side stung despite Zora’s skilled healing, and the bruises covering my arms and legs seemed to throb with every breath. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the turmoil in my mind.I lay on the cot in the infirmary, staring at the ceiling as the sounds of the pack drifted through the open windows. Warriors barked orders. Children played nearby, their laughter almost too bright for a world so dark. Life went on, even after blood had been spilled.“Lost in thought again?” Lyra’s voice cut through the quiet.I turned to see her standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and a small smirk tugging at her lips. She stepped inside, pulling up a chair beside me.“Something like that,” I admitted. “I keep replaying everything in my head—every move I made, every mistake. I thought I was ready. I wasn’t.”Lyra leaned back, her express

Sofia’s POVThe sunlight streaming through the window was the first thing I noticed when I woke. It danced across the floor in golden patterns, and for the first time in what felt like weeks, I didn’t feel overwhelmed by darkness. My body still ached, the wound on my side a sharp reminder of the battle, but it was healing. Everything was healing.I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, testing my strength. Each step toward the mirror felt like a small victory. When I finally looked at my reflection, I saw someone I barely recognized—tired eyes, bruises fading across my cheek, but there was something else. A spark.The door creaked open, and Lyra stepped in, her arms crossed and a knowing smirk on her face. “You’re up earlier than I expected. Figured I’d have to drag you out of bed today.”I rolled my eyes, the corner of my lips twitching upward. “Nice to see you too, Lyra.”Her gaze softened as she took a step closer. “How are you feeling?”“Better,” I admitted. “Stronger.”“Good,” s

Sofia’s POVThe moon hung heavy in the sky, its pale light filtering through the trees around the training grounds. The air was thick with tension—there was no denying it anymore. The time for waiting was over. War was coming, and the pack could feel it in their bones.I stood with my arms crossed over my chest, my eyes scanning the surroundings, searching for the slightest hint of a threat. My senses were heightened now, more attuned than ever, but there was still that underlying feeling of dread that gnawed at me. Each passing day brought new reports of rogue activities along the borders, attacks on smaller outposts, and whispers of a larger assault looming on the horizon. Thorne wasn’t just coming; he was closing in, and with every step, his forces grew stronger."You're tense," Lyra's voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see her approaching, her eyes filled with concern.I offered a small smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes. "I’m fine. Just... ready."She gave me a