Page 104 of Cursed Evermore

What an absolute asshole. He couldn’t even act civilized for five minutes. “No, I have no questions aboutthat.”

“Very well. From now on, Arielle and Garrick will take care of you. Sirril will bring you food and tend to your needs. You mayroam the vessel freely. And I don’t think I have to remind you that you can’t escape me.” He tugged on the shackle and I felt it rub against my wrist.

“Can I go now?” I’d had more than enough. My head was going to implode if I stayed a minute longer.

“You may.”

I stood and grabbed the notebook, then made my way out without looking back. Wolfe’s eyes followed me all the way, and even when I was no longer within his line of sight, I still felt him watching.

I stopped on the deck and leaned against the wall.

I was shit scared. The odds were not in my favor and I didn’t have a hope in the hells of escaping this nightmare by running.

But this was step one, and at least I had somewhat of a half promise that my family wouldn’t suffer while I was away. It would help to know what Wolfe was going to do, but thankfully I had something to hold on to so I wouldn’t have to worry myself sick.

Grandmother always said the first step felt the hardest, so I needed to keep my head clear and my emotions controlled to be brave.

I couldn't jeopardize my chances of breaking the curse and finding Father. That was key. But I also had to watch for opportunities to escape.

Much as I hated to admit it, I shouldn't leave before we found the ring. Yet if I got the chance to return home with all this information, I'd take it. Grandmother would find a way to fix everything. I had faith in that.

Until one of those opportunities arose, I'd play Wolfe’s game.

I'd becompliantto survive, and pray to the Blessed Mother for a way out.

Chapter 20

Elariya

“Of Wings and Words.”

Dear Future Me,

This is our first notebook in captivity, so I’ll start by warning you that it is all you’ll have to rely on. I will do my best to write down as much information as possible and hope that you don’t make the same mistakes I did.

By now, you will know you’re stuck in a memory loop. Cursed to have thirty days of memory before everything resets with the new moon, where you won’t remember anything or anyone you met during that time. The only thing you’ll recall is that fateful day when Father was taken.

It’s been like that for the last five years.

It is with a heavy heart that I write these notes, for I have learned the truth of Father’s actions and the reason for the curse.

This reset has been the hardest. I don’t know what will happen for the next. You may not have your notebooks, your family, your friends. You may not even trust yourself.

It all began one fateful night after I (you) met a Fae prince in the tavern at home.

He tricked me with a cruel, damning kiss then took me captive…

I paused there, thinking about what to write next. The quill trembled in my

hand against the opened notebook Wolfe had given me. It felt heavier than it should have—like the ink carried the weight of every choice I’d yet to make.

My gaze drifted out to the sea, where gentle waves slapped against the side

of the ship, each one carrying threads of magic that coiled through the air like forgotten dreams.

The vessel hummed in response, its enchanted bones singing with power.

I could feel it now more than ever that we were so close to the magical realm.