Reborn As Cursed Alpha's Mate
Chapter 255: The Costumes

Chapter 255: The Costumes

Fanir’s big eyes twinkled as he sat beneath the ancient silver tree, its shimmering leaves dappled a glow over his pristine white feathers.

The gryphon’s majestic form was both regal and stunning, his burning yellow eyes reflected the passage of centuries spent in solitude without his goddess.

His lion-like hindquarters were tucked gracefully beneath him, while his eagle talons rested lightly on the ground.

Today, the air was charged with something different—a ripple of familiarity, a thread of hope. Fanir’s sharp ears twitched, catching the faint sound of approaching footsteps. He lifted his noble head, his gaze snapping toward the sound. His heart, unyielding, trembled when he turned his head and found Asara.

Asara sprinted forward in her white pristine gown. Her violet eyes shimmered in delight as they swivelled towards Fanir. The moment her gaze met Fanir’s, time seemed to collapse.

A low, resonant trill escaped the gryphon’s throat, a sound filled with longing and disbelief. Slowly, he rose to his full height, his wings unfurling slightly, their tips brushing the silvery grass.

’Asara,’ his voice echoed in her mind, a deep, soulful resonance.

"Fanir," she breathed, her voice trembling as she stumbled forward and threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in the soft, snow-white feathers of his chest. His scent was familiar—a mixture of crisp mountain air and a hint of wildness that brought a flood of memories rushing back.

The gryphon lowered his great head, his beak gently brushing against her shoulder. His massive wings folded around her, encasing her in a cocoon of warmth and protection. A deep purr rumbled from within him, a sound that spoke of relief, love, and the end of centuries of waiting.

"Are you alright?" she whispered, her tears soaking into his feathers.

"I am." Fanir rubbed his pointed eagle beak on her cheek, drinking away her tears.

They stayed entwined beneath the silver tree, their bond rekindled and unbroken despite the long centuries apart.

’Competition?’ Duskborn brooded in Siroos’s head, seeing Cassandra so lovingly hug another creature. Siroos couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

’No, Fanir is chill. He liked me as Kael and would often sneak Asara to meet me.’

Aylin turned her head to watch Siroos with questions in her eyes.

Observing Aylin’s confused expressions, Siroos spoke in a light tone. "Duskborn is jealous."

"Bring him forth and let him meet Fanir. I know they will get along well." Aylin gave a playful nod.

Siroos let Duskborn take charge and brought him forth.

The majestic black dragon emerged and roared with his head raised high. His head roamed towards Aylin and dipped in reverence to the goddess.

"You are one fine dragon, Duskborn." Aylin extended her hand and rubbed the hard scales on his head. Closing his eyes, Duskborn melted in her touch.

"Thank you! Goddess Aylin." He kept his head bowed as she rubbed both sides of his scaly jaw.

"Go meet Fanir." Duskborn bowed once again and slowly prowled towards Fanir and Cassandra.

Fanir lifted his head from the shoulder of his goddess and glanced in the direction of the approaching dragon.

Their eyes met and surprise passed in both of them.

Fanir’s feathers bristled slightly, but he stood firm, his wings half-spread in a show of controlled strength.

Duskborn tilted his head, and the edges of his scaled lips curved into a faint smirk as he tried to make his body appear larger.

The gryphon’s talons flexed too, leaving faint gouges in the grassy ground.

Cassandra stepped back and glanced in Duskborn’s direction, a smile graced her lips as she tilted her head towards Fanir.

"Duskborn, this is my pet gryphon, Fanir." Cassandra rubbed Fanir’s fur, weaving her hand through it.

"And Fanir, this is Duskborn, my mate’s dragon spirit."

Cassandra made the introductions. She extended her other hand, and Duskborn leaned in, placing his nose on her palm, but his eyes remained fixed on Fanir.

For a moment, the two regarded each other, their wariness palpable. Then, as if by some unspoken agreement, both relaxed slightly. Duskborn lowered his head, his posture less aggressive, while Fanir folded his wings tightly against his sides.

"I am Duskborn," the dragon introduced, his tone carrying a hint of pride as he kept his head high and regarded the gryphon.

The gryphon studied him for a moment, then nodded before saying.

"You hurt her, we will have a problem. You protect her and we can be best friends."

An approval rolled in Duskborn’s chest.

"I will always protect her with my life."

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I can protect myself, and I would love it if both of you could get along."

Cassandra patted them both and they melted under her touch. Closing their eyes they basked in her warmth, letting it wash over them in gentle waves.

"Three of you are just perfect for each other." Aylin clasped her hands together and watched them with her dreamy eyes. This was her biggest wish come true. To see her daughter happy with her mate and her gryphon.

Cassandra untangled herself from both of them, letting them have a conversation and finally walked back to her mother.

She held her hands.

"Thank you! For bringing Fanir back to me."

Aylin squeezed them.

"When I learnt of what your father had done, I went to confront him and tried to override the curse. But it was too late. I was able to weave in some counter curses so you will have some support. Still, I couldn’t do a lot. Fanir was trapped there so I brought him back here, waiting for your return."

Cassandra shook her head, knowing her mother did her best.

"Mom, I love you. You always have my best interest at heart. Siroos and I need to pay a visit to Axiom soon."

They began to head back towards the castle and broke into steps.

"I wish you would stay a while." Aylin’s heart saddened hearing that her daughter wished to leave so soon.

"We will visit again. I promise. And once we return to Dusartine, I would love for you to bless us. Your creations will love to meet you." Cassandra encouraged her mother with a smile.

Siroos shifted to his human self and Fanir recognised him as Kael. The immense power that he exhibited had Fanir bowing to him. He recognised him as a god now.

"You don’t have to do that, Fanir." Siroor placed his hand on his head and gently rubbed. The gryphon howled in approval. His beady eyes had this glint of reverence in them.

Siroos then walked ahead to join the two ladies and heard how Cassandra was seeking permission to leave.

"It will be an honour to have you especially when we will be blessed with a child of our own." Siroos wrapped his arms around Cassandra’s belly in a protective manner. Fanir trotted behind them and screeched in approval. He wished to see the progeny of his goddess and give them rides.

Cassandra’s cheeks tinted pink at her mate’s words.

"Can’t wait for the day when I will have my grandchildren playing in my lap," Aylin wistfully answered. They resumed walking until they returned to the castle.

"I wish I could bestow a million blessings upon you. But for now, I will award both of you gifts that will aid you in battles ahead." Aylin guided them towards a special room.

The whole space inside was lined with different costumes hanging in glass cases. It was like walking inside a seamstress’s haven.

The white orbs of light adorned the walls which cast their warm light on these garbs.

Unique styles and materials they had never seen before had been used to bring these attires together.

Cassandra and Siroos watched with starry eyes and mouths half-opened.

Aylin elegant approached a glass case with a sleek costume. It was a battle-ready outfit designed for agility and resilience, crafted from woven moonlight that formed a fitted white bodysuit shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow, reinforced by threads of star metal to resist physical and electric attacks.

Lightweight celestial armour plates, forged from meteorite alloy and engraved with lunar runes, protected key areas such as the chest, shoulders, and thighs while maintaining mobility.

A wide, ornately designed silver belt sat at the waist, with a holster for holding a dagger in a sheath and stabilizing the energy of the wearer. A short, asymmetrical cape flows from one shoulder, made of lunar silk to absorb and deflect energy attacks.

This divine yet practical ensemble exhibited strength and elegance.

Aylin took it out and handed it to her daughter.

"I know how important and difficult your battle with your father is going to be. This costume will be of great aid. Wear it before you leave."

Cassandra readily accepted and hugged her mother.

"I appreciate your gift, Mom."

Aylin wholeheartedly smiled at her daughter before turning her attention towards another gold and black costume. Opening the glass case she took it out and extended it towards Siroos.

This special attire had a gleaming armour crafted from enchanted, fire-resistant scales that shimmered with a liquid gold sheen.

It featured a high, protective collar and a chest plate etched with special stardust that absorbed and deflected fire attacks. The pauldrons were shaped like roaring dragon heads, symbolizing strength, while a long, flame-proof cape flowed behind.

The costume included clawed gauntlets and armoured boots, all exuding an aura of divine power, making it both imposing and impervious to flames and fit for the god of beasts.

"For your battle with Kalthian. It will protect you against his powers."

Siroos accepted the costume with great reverence.

He mumbled. "I don’t have enough words to thank you."

"You don’t have to Kael. Just keep my daughter happy," Aylin requested making him nod.

After changing the costumes with heavy hearts they bid their goodbye to the goddess of the moon. Climbing on Fanir’s back they headed for Axiom.