Chapter 148: The Stranger With Control And The Seduction.
"A body? A ritual and a transfer?" Neve said internally, his mind struggling to process the concept.
It was something he had only heard about in movies and maybe in books. But to hear about it in real life, coming from the original owner of his body, he thought Skarr was probably playing a prank on him. This seemed impossible. This seemed like fantasy.
But what could he do? If it was the only way to help Skarr and get him out of his head, he would gladly do it. It would be killing two birds with one stone. He would be freeing Skarr from his imprisonment while also freeing himself from the dark magic that was blocking his power development.
It was a win for both of them.
Neve rubbed his warm palms together nervously. It was warm in the cave despite being deep underground in the outcast territory. He missed home where it was cold. He missed the snow falling outside. He missed the leopard tribe caves with their familiar stone walls.
He lowered his head, his mind drifting to thoughts of Cael and the others.
’I hope they are better,’ he thought, his heart aching as he remembered how Zyreth had brutally hit Cael and Sable. The way they had crashed into the trees. The way they had bled. The way they had fallen.
He shook the thought off his head and blinked, trying to refocus.
’Fine, I’ll help you find a body and do the ritual,’ Neve said internally to Skarr, making the commitment. ’But you have to promise not to hurt the people close to me. You have to promise that once you’re free, you won’t seek revenge on Cael or my mates or anyone in the leopard tribe.’
There was a moment of silence before Skarr responded.
’I have no business with your life after I’ve found a new body,’ Skarr said coldly. ’I have no interest in your mates or your tribe or your cubs. My focus has always been singular. I’ve gotten my revenge on the ones who killed my family. My entire tribe. The Dhole tribe. That was my goal. That was my purpose. Once I’m free, I will disappear. You will never hear from me again.’
Neve could sense the pain and hurt in Skarr’s voice. The emotion that had been buried beneath the anger and resentment. The fact that he was the only survivor of his entire tribe meant everything. It meant he had nothing left to live for except revenge. And once that revenge was complete, once his family’s killers were dead, there would be nothing left for him.
’It’s a deal then,’ Neve said firmly. ’Once I find a body, I’ll let you know. We’ll perform your ritual and you’ll be free.’
He waited for a response from Skarr but none came. Skarr had retreated back into the depths of Neve’s consciousness, satisfied with their agreement.
Neve just rested back on the cold cave floor. He sighed deeply, closing his eyes and trying to relax his tense muscles.
He needed to rest. Just because he had been kidnapped and brought to this place did not mean he would be deprived of sleep. He needed to conserve his energy. He needed to be ready for whatever came next.
He did not want to disturb Popi who was still practicing her telekinesis ability. She was still concentrating hard, her face twisted with effort as she tried to lift fruits and move them through the air.
Neve could not wait to have Skarr leave his body. Well, technically it was Skarr’s original body. But once Skarr was gone, Neve would be able to use magic. He would be able to develop his own abilities. He would be able to gain power without the dark magic consuming everything.
He rubbed his palm excitedly at the thought of it.
He could not wait for it to happen.
He closed his eyes tighter, waiting for sleep to come and pull him under. His body was exhausted. His mind was stressed. He just wanted to rest.
But then he heard footsteps.
Loud footsteps echoing through the stone corridors toward their prison.
Neve sat up immediately, his body tense and alert.
Popi stopped practicing as well, her concentration broken by the sound. She looked at Neve and then toward the entrance of the prison room.
They both waited silently, their minds racing with possibilities. Maybe it was Zyreth coming to check on them. Maybe it was Maren coming to take Neve to treat his mother. Maybe it was the guards bringing food or water.
But it was someone else entirely.
A hot and handsome stranger walked into the cave.
He was tall and well-built with a body that looked like it had been carved from marble. His skin was perfect. His features were sharp and striking. His hair fell in waves around his face.
But what was most noticeable was his pheromones.
They were so strong. So overwhelming. Like he was in heat. Like his body was actively broadcasting his desire and arousal to everyone around him.
His eyes were low and seductive, carrying an intensity that seemed to pierce through anyone who looked at them. His gaze scanned the prison room slowly, taking in every detail. Taking in every person.
His eyes landed on Popi first.
He bit his lower lip, his expression becoming predatory and hungry. He slid his hand from his face down his muscular chest and further down between his legs as he groaned with obvious desire.
"Look like brother brought some visitors for me," he said, his voice dripping with anticipation and lust. "I can’t wait to have lots of fun with them."
The way he said it made it clear exactly what kind of fun he meant.
Popi stayed frozen where she was, her entire body going rigid.
She had made a critical mistake. A terrible, crucial mistake.
She had made the mistake of looking straight into his eyes.
And now, she was under his control.
Neve watched in horror as Popi’s body went limp. Her eyes remained open but her consciousness had been locked away somewhere deep inside, unable to control her own body or voice or actions.
The stranger with the seductive eyes smiled wickedly, clearly enjoying the power he held over Popi.
"Isn’t she pretty?" the stranger said, walking closer to where Popi sat frozen. "She’s got some nice curves. Some nice potential."
Neve felt rage building inside him. He was a threat.
The stranger reached out and touched Popi’s face with his fingers, stroking her cheek while she remained completely frozen, unable to move or resist.
"Don’t touch her!" Neve yelled, trying to sound braver than he felt.
The stranger laughed.
"And what are you going to do about it, red panda?" the stranger asked, not even bothering to look at Neve. "You’re trapped here just like she is. You’re at my mercy just like she is. Your brother captured you and brought you here for me to play with. So don’t try to be a hero."
He pulled Popi closer, his hands sliding down her arms possessively.
Neve realized the horrible truth of the situation. This was another person related to Zyreth.
And he had the power of mind control.
Neve needed to do something. He needed to find a way to protect Popi. He needed to fight back.
But how could he fight someone with mind control powers when he had no magical abilities of his own? Neve was trapped. Completely and utterly trapped.
And Popi was no longer in control of her own body.