The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate-Chapter 113: Her Idea

"If you put some makeup on them and dress them in gowns, they’d be indistinguishable from girls," Leonardo plainly remarked as Acheron brought the three boys to the parlor. "Their features are delicate enough, not so much for the other one." He gestured at Luca, who only felt proud at the thought of being the most manliest one among the two — based on his perception.

Revana crossed her arms, casting a sharp look at Acheron. "Why didn’t you just get the girls like you were told? The Alpha specifically asked for them."

"I tried," Acheron replied with a sigh. "But these three insisted on coming. I figured it’d be best to see if the Alpha would allow it. The students aren’t leaving the academy till tomorrow. If the Alpha disapproves, I can go back tonight."

"You just love going the extra mile, don’t you?" Revana teased with a straight face, earning an eye roll from Acheron. He really wasn’t in the mood for banter.

Meanwhile, Althea stirred the hearth to life, filling the parlor with warmth as she kindled the flames for everyone. Neville joined her, steadily adding logs of firewood into the hearth, the crackling sound echoing throughout the room.

Within moments, the space was bathed in the soft, golden glow of the fire. The light danced off the polished furniture, and the chandelier overhead reflected the warmth, illuminating the room with a comforting brilliance.

Simon and Luca were just happy to be in the Shadowspire, as they’ve never set foot in their Alpha’s domain before.

Not long after, Esme and Donovan entered the parlor. Esme’s gaze immediately fell on Finnian, and her eyes widened in surprise. His blue eyes lit up at the sight of her, and without hesitation, he rushed to her side.

"Finn? I thought you wouldn’t be back until tomorrow," she said, her voice tinged with joy at seeing him again. Dressed in his Shadowbrook uniform, he looked every bit like the young elite among them, standing tall and proud.

"How was your first week at school?" she asked, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. He smiled and shrugged lightly.

"It’s been full of surprises, but not in a negative way. I am confused about how Leonardo’s even here, but also glad that he is. I can show him the little I know of this place." He then moved to meet Leonardo, receiving a high-five from him, though his demeanor barely changed.

Esme’s eyes shifted to Leonardo who had already made himself quite at home.

She wondered if returning after many years of being away from his home stirred any emotions in him, but then again, it was Leonardo – reading him would be nearly impossible.

"I brought them here," Acheron said, addressing both Esme and Donovan. "I went to the academy to fetch the girls as requested, but your brother and his new companions decided to step in instead. It made few of the girls back out from the offer, and they refused to volunteer."

Esme’s brows knitted in confusion as she glanced at Finnian. "You want to be the Alpha’s new mole?"

"Not just me, us three!" He gestured towards his companion, and Esme’s gaze settled on them as well. The boys stood frozen as their Alpha approached them, and when his towering figure knelt to meet their height, they instantly dropped their heads in a respectful bow.

"It’s an honor to be in your presence, Alpha!" Simon blurted out, all traces of his earlier nerves momentarily forgotten. Luca also kept his head lowered, and for the first time, Finnian witnessed his usually defiant roommate acting submissive.

Donovan gently patted their heads, his voice calm as he asked, "What are your names?"

Simon hesitated before responding, "Simon Grey, from the house of Greys."

"And I’m Luca Whitaker," Luca introduced himself. "The son of a mighty laborer!"

"Simon, and Luca," Donovan uttered their names. "Are you sure you want to go through with this, despite the risk? I specifically asked for girls because the risk involved would be minimal, and the two of you, including Finnian, are still quite young, S1 students, if I’m not mistaken. I appreciate your willingness to be here, but you don’t need to force yourselves into something you’re not ready for. You can go home to your families if you change your mind right now."

The unexpected gesture of kindness and consideration reassured Simon. His family had always told him the Alpha was strict and wouldn’t settle for a weakling like him, but listening to his Alpha giving them a chance to reconsider without mocking him or degrading him for his lack of confidence when his mates were already far gone, made him pause and reconsider.

It’s not like his parents would want him home anyways.

Luca on the other hand suddenly blurted out, "I was born for this, and you can count on me to take on anything!" He pointed at himself, his enthusiasm unquenchable. Simon immediately gave him a quiet nudge, signaling him to lower his voice in front of their Alpha.

"If Finnian and Luca are going, I’m going too." Simon said, sounding sure about it this time, and only then did Donovan rise to his full height, walking away to stand in the middle of the room.

"I suggested meeting in the other chamber, but since we’re all gathered here, there won’t be any need for that," he began. "The Alpha of the North is hosting an event in two days, and we’ll be departing tomorrow at noon. That means you need to have your weapons, attire, and all other essentials prepared to ensure both our journeys and plans succeed. Everyone must be ready by noon, and that is plenty of time to gather what we need."

He paused, then added, "Esme will be joining us on this mission. She’s developed a poison that could be key to our attacks. I’m particularly fond of it because while it’s not overly harmful, it’s highly effective. Esme, would you mind sharing your idea with everyone?"

When he urged her forward, Esme stepped into the center of the room and spoke calmly about her plan. "I’ve only tested it once, but I call it the Basic Sleep Draught. It induces drowsiness and eventually puts the victim into a deep, state-like sleep. For example, let’s say you get spotted by one of the guards, just inject them with the dose and it’ll put them to sleep. That way, you won’t have to take anyone’s life."

"Does it work on demon shifters as well?" Revana asked.

Esme shook her head. "Not yet. It’s still in the early stages, and I haven’t found the time to enhance it with any exotic ingredient. So, I doubt it would affect any demon shifters. But for regular shifters, it’s been tested and confirmed to work."

"And what’s the antidote?" Neville inquired, his curiosity piqued, and Esme responded with a sly smile.

"Surprisingly simple for just a complex poison. Just a strong brew of black tea mixed with ginseng. I’ll start preparing the poison tonight, and afterward, you can coat them with your weapons – or add them to your weapon list whichever one suits you best."

"I’ll help you with that," Neville offered, adjusting his monocle. "And while we’re at it, I’ll teach you how to make the vaccines we use to stabilize our curse, in case of emergency."

"Oh," Esme blinked in surprise. "I hadn’t expected that. Of course, I’d be glad to learn."

"Do I get to use poisons?" Finnian asked, and Esme really wanted to say no, but then the words wouldn’t come out. As much as she hated the idea of encouraging Finnian in these dangerous schemes, she couldn’t deny that such things were what defined their pack – what made them the Therondia pack.

The Therondia pack used to be known for its warriors, with her father having led and protected them all. It was that upbringing that allowed her and Finnian to adjust so easily here, where warriors, assassin’s and annoying nobles were part of their daily life.

"I don’t know what that is but I like the sound of it," Luca chimed in, earning a sharp, irritated look from Simon.

"Didn’t you pay attention to her explanation?"

"Nope! My brain checked out halfway, but it sounded dangerous, so count me in!"

"I love his enthusiasm!" Althea beamed, clearly entertained by Luca’s reckless energy.

Esme shook her head as she watched everyone interact, a determined smile on her face. This will be her first time visiting the North, and she hoped her father would forgive her for following along with this plan, but she wanted to help Donovan and his people escape the curse, that way, her brother would be free as well.

No more war, no more hate.

Once all the details had been laid out, Esme eagerly pulled Leonardo along the hallway with her, and he asked, "Don’t you have poisons to start preparing? I don’t think we have a cauldron in the Shadowspire."

"Why would I need a cauldron?" Esme sighed, knowing he was messing with her. "I need your help with something. I need you to help me find a book in the library while I work."

"What kind of books?" Leonardo inquired, a frown crossing his brows.

Esme paused in her steps, then turned to face Leonardo. "Books that focus on fire — specifically blue fire."