The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate
Chapter 99: Finish What He Started

Chapter 99: Finish What He Started

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Donovan’s unexpected arrival at Irwin’s home came as a shock to the couple, who hadn’t anticipated his return that evening.

As soon as he crossed the threshold, he sensed the fragile state of Irwin’s deteriorating health, the air thick with the weight of his illness.

Irwin lay propped against the window, his frail frame illuminated by the soft light streaming in.

A faint smile tugged at his lips as Donovan approached, though it was clear the effort cost him. His wife, ever attentive and gentle of his health, helped him sit up, her hands trembling slightly as she supported him.

"I didn’t think I’d ever see you again," Irwin’s voice, though warm and welcoming, carried the unmistakable rasp of weakness. "What brings you here on such a pleasant visit."

Donovan could sense the frailty in his voice. He felt empathy for Irwin, after all, this man had saved his brother from the same fate now looming over him.

"Demon wolves have been trailing your home," he reported, his tone even yet laced with warning. "I spotted two of them lurking nearby. They’re dead now, but you and your wife should consider leaving this place – and take Leonardo with you. I can’t say for certain what they’re after, but I have a strong sense this won’t be the last time they come."

"Oh," Irwin’s gaze flicked to his wife, but neither of them appeared surprised or shaken by the news. Their expressions were calm, almost resigned, as though this wasn’t the first time they’ve faced such threats.

"Thank you for the warning," Irwin replied, his voice thick with wearied gratitude. "We’ll think about finding somewhere safer. But in truth, there’s no sanctuary left in this world. Any refuge we find is only a temporary reprieve before we’re hunted again. Nothing will go well if the true bearer is not taken down. Illyria won’t know peace if the true bearer still exists."

Clandestine clasped her husband’s hand, giving it a soft, comforting squeeze. The gesture brought Irwin some relief as his gaze wandered towards the window, his eyes unfocused as they settled on the dark sky outside.

"This isn’t the first time you’ve been followed, is it?" Donovan’s voice broke the silence. Irwin’s body tensed as a violent cough wracked him. He brought his handkerchief to his lips, and Clandestine gently rubbed his back until he caught his breath again. Once composed, Irwin turned to Donovan.

"We’ll be fine," he rasped. "If you’re truly concerned, take Leonardo with you instead."

Clandestine remained quiet at her husband’s side, her expression unreadable, offering no opposition to her husband’s words.

"You and your brother need to rely on each other," Irwin continued. "The true bearer may not be wise, but he has no boundaries."

"How do you know that?" Donovan pressed, his voice tense.

Irwin let out a low chuckle. "He’s been hiding for many years, refusing to show himself. Even your father had more bravery than him."

He shook his head and continued. "It’s best if you take Leonardo with you to your land. I don’t know where it is, but I trust it’s a safer place for him than here. I raised your own brother as my own, and I want what’s best for him too. Consider this the final wish of a dying man."

Donovan’s jaw ticked in his mouth. Something about Irwin’s words felt incomplete, as if he were concealing a deeper truth.

"Please," Clandestine’s gentle voice reached his ears. "Take our son with you. We know he’ll be much safer in your hands than ours at this point. We wouldn’t be able to forgive ourselves if anything happens to him."

"Mother," Leonardo walked into the house, holding a worn leather bag at his side. As he bent to remove his shoes, his eyes were immediately drawn to Donovan, who was engaged in a quiet yet intense conversation with his parents.

"Don?" The surprise in his voice was evident as his brow furrowed. "You’re here?"

He approached Clandestine, handing her the bag filled with his father’s medicines. With a gentle smile, Clandestine rose from her seat, gesturing for her son to take her place, before making her way to the kitchen to prepare the herbal concoction he needed.

Leonardo’s gaze flickered from Irwin to Donovan, sensing a subtle tension hovering in the air. His brother, though present, seemed more distant, his expression unreadable.

Turning to his father, his voice softened. "How are you feeling now?"

Irwin offered a dismissive wave, a faint smile touching his lips. "You know me by now, son. I’ll be back on my feet soon enough." He said reassuringly, but only Donovan could tell that it was nothing more than a lie.

"It’s a good thing you’ve come," Irwin’s gaze shifted towards Donovan, then back at Leonardo. "Your brother has something important to tell you."

"Me?" Leonardo glanced at his brother, confusion flickering in his eyes. "What for? Is this about the trip? Should we start planning?"

Donovan let out a heavy sigh, his frustration barely masked. Rising to his feet, he said. "No. It’s not about the trip. Pick a date — you’re coming with me to the Land of the Damned."

Leonardo’s eyes widened in shock, "Wait... seriously?!"

Irwin, who had been quietly observing, suddenly brightened at Donovan’s words. He turned to Leonardo with a warm expression and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"You’ll finally get the chance to go with your brother." Irwin confirmed, his voice carrying both relief and hope.

Leonardo hesitated at first, his mind racing, because it was unlike his brother to agree to this. "If I choose to go, I can still come back and see them, right?" His gaze lingered intently on Donovan, needing proper confirmation to avoid getting excited for nothing.

Donovan simply responded with a brief nod. "Yes."

Without another word, he turned to leave, but Leonardo quickly got to his feet. "Hold on, you need an escort," he offered, already moving to follow his brother as they both stepped out.

"Who told you to go out so late?" Donovan’s voice was sharp as he reprimanded Leonardo.

"I had to get Father his medicines," Leonardo responded, his tone a mixture of defiance and justification. "By the way, about coming to the Damned with you..." As the two of them drifted further into the distance, their conversation faded with each step.

Irwin’s lips curled into a satisfied smile as he watched them disappear from view, content with how things were unfolding.

Moments later, Clandestine returned, carrying a small cup of medicine. She sat beside Irwin, her expression softening as she handed him the cup. A flicker of relief passed through her eyes when Irwin spoke.

"Donovan agreed," he said, his tone measured.

"He did?" Clandestine’s gaze shifted to the door, surprise evident on her pretty face. "I’m glad he came around."

Yet, when her eyes returned to Irwin, she noticed the tension that lingered in his features, his inner conflict still evident despite the outward calm.

"Irwin?"

"You should go with Leonardo," Irwin urged softly, his voice laced with urgency, and his words made Clandestine knit her brows in pure puzzlement. "You’ll be safer with our son. It won’t be long before he manages to get his hands on me. I don’t want you here when that happens."

"What are you talking about?" Clandestine held his hand, her eyes wide with disbelief as she shook her head in refusal. "I’m not leaving your side. If he comes, then he’ll come for the both of us. But... I think we have to tell them the truth, that you know who the true bearer is. That you’ve met with him long before now."

"Only you and I know why those wolves keep coming back." His hand tightened around hers as if to steady himself. "I can’t tell them, even if I wanted to. He’s a man without mercy, and he won’t hesitate to hurt them. He’s aware of my weakness, and after all these years, he’s finally coming to finish what he started long ago."

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