Chapter 6 Darian’s secret

Iris’ POV

My heart beat fast as I recall what Adrian said, every warning and every promise, it was really hard to fall asleep. I lay awake in my bed facing the ceiling. Then, I felt a sudden shift inside me, it was wild and fierce.

My wolf howls inside my mind. It’s like a sudden urge and call I can’t control.

Immediately, I jumped up and paced the room, heart pounding.

“Darian,” is that you? I whisper into the dark. “Where are you?”

The silence to my question feels thick and cold.

Suddenly, I heard a sharp noise on my window.

I turn around. A shadow moved just outside.

My heart skipped.

The window slides open with a whisper, standing in the moonlight, is Adrian.

The smirk on his face is always there and his eyes sparkle dangerously

“He said he will see you,” Adrian says, his voice low, “but you won’t like the terms.”

I look at him, heart thudding.

Before I could ask, “what terms?” he already disappeared into the dark, leaving me with a lot of questions.

I felt the wolf inside of me growling and this time, it was loud.

Something tells me my life just got even more complicated.

I followed Adrian through the dark forest, but Adrian stopped beneath the towering oak that is close to the border of the Lycans’ Haven. His eyes shine brightly in the moonlight.

I'll stop here. “You're on your own from this place. No tricks and no turning back” he said softly, voice low.

I nodded, my chest tightened. The whole place was dark, I felt scared and hopeful or maybe both?

“Thank you Adrian,” I whispered. Under the scarf that wrapped around my neck was the mark that burned me slowly, reminding me why I was here.

“This doesn't make us friends. You still owe me a favor.” Adrian says softly.

I took a deep breath. “I know, I didn't forget”

You'd better not forget. Darian is strict, he's not easy to deal with. He said. “And this favour of yours… don't break your promise.

He left while I watched him melt into the shadows. Alone, I stepped forward into the forest, I felt like my breath was rising in the cold air.

The Lycans’ Haven stretched before me, an ancient forest covered by shining stones that marked its boundary.

And then I saw him in the dark.

Darian stood at the edge of a tree, a tall figure stepped forward. His eyes were bright like silver flames..

He didn’t smile. And didn't move.

He simply watched and studied me as if I were a puzzle.

He studied me as if I were a puzzle.

“What are you doing here, Iris?” His voice was calm but carried a strong feeling that made my throat tighten.

I raised my shoulders, forcing myself to meet his eye. “I came to talk.” I tried to sound more brave.”

He laughed softly. “You don't walk into my world and you just want to ‘talk’, You come with a purpose. What is it?”

The question is heavy and demanding.

I paused for a minute, not sure if I should spill the truth. But I owe him the truth, since I am seeking answers to my questions.

“There's a mark on my neck.” Slowly I removed the scarf, revealing the faint glowing mark that twisted like a snake on my skin.

He turned and looked at it

“You're not to show that to anyone,” he said calmly. Not without my permission.

What does it mean? I need to know.

His expression changed.

“That mark,” he said at last, “is a binding — it is a mark that connects you to this world, and to me.”

I took a step back. Thinking of what he just said. “To you?” My heart skipped.

He nodded slowly. “You’re bound by a prophecy. One that’s both a blessing and a curse.”

“A prophecy?” I shook my head in disbelief.

“Yes.” “The prophecy says that the cursed mate will come, she will be marked by fate and tied to the Lycan Prince. The bond will either bring destruction or salvation.”

I was feeling confused. “Cursed mate you mean?”

Darian gave a bitter smile. “This is a fate that many fear. It is not a fairytale.” And I didn't want to accept.

“Then why did you disappear and leave me with nothing but questions?” I demanded.

He gritted his teeth and turned away.

All I did was to protect you. From the enemies you were unable to see.

“Enemies?” Panic flared in me.

“Yes. This world is cruel than you know, Iris. And I am not the man you thought I was.”

I stared at him looking for the boy I had once trusted, but all I could see was the cold prince looking back at me.

“You're so distant, Why?” I whispered.

Because I don't have a choice, I have duties, responsibilities. He said bitterly. I can't allow anyone to get in the way, not even you.

“Even if it kills me?” I asked.

He shook his head slowly. “I’m engaged, Iris. To someone who can’t be denied.”

Those words hit me so hard. “Engaged? To who?”

Darian’s glare froze me. “That’s none of your concern.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Then what do you want from me?”

I want nothing from you. He said slowly

Darian took a slow step closer to me, his gaze burning into mine.

“So you don't understand the power of that mark on your neck, or what it means for you?” he asked.

“I want to understand what all this means.”

His eyes flashed suddenly.

“Then I’ll show you what you are.”

Before I could move, he held my wrists, strong and determined. Immediately heat gushed through me like wildfire.

I breath in, struggling, but he held me

I gasped, stumbling, but he held me strongly, his eyes wild and fierce.

“You’re not just a girl marked by fate. You’re something more. Something dangerous.”

The air around us rustled, the moonlight thickening into a silver haze.

“I’m not afraid,” I whispered, though my heart hammered in terror.

Darian’s grip loosened, but his eyes never left mine.

“Good. Because once you see, there’s no going back.”

I swallowed hard, every nerve alive.

And I knew that whatever came next would change everything.