Atlas POV
I writhed in the damp bed sheets unable to sleep as perspiration soaked my body, the tangy scent of sweat filling the air. The feverish heat consumed me, an unfamiliar sensation. Throughout my childhood, I had been fortunate enough to avoid sickness. Mia lay peacefully beside me, her soft breaths a contrast to the turmoil within me. I reached out and brushed my hand against her warm skin, seeking comfort.
Suddenly, a searing pain coursed through my entire being, causing me to recoil. My skin felt as if it were on fire, an agonizing itch that begged to be relieved. Desperation took hold as I scratched at myself, the sharpness of my nails drawing blood. Determined to find solace, I mustered the strength to rise from the bed, intending to seek relief in the bathroom's cool water.

But before I could reach my destination, another wave of pain struck, causing my knees to buckle beneath me. I crumpled to the ground, gasping for air, disoriented. Mia, roused from her slumber, reacted swiftly, her presence a blur. My vision blurred, making it difficult to focus. Still, I continued to claw at my chest, desperate to alleviate the torment coursing through me.
Mia's hands, strong and steady, restrained me, pinning me to the floor. Her voice, though distant, provided a faint anchor amidst the chaos. She pleaded for Bryn's assistance, her voice strained. The room seemed to spin, and I struggled to make sense of my surroundings. Only Mia's touch offered any respite, however slight. Her soothing presence was the only thing that kept me tethered to reality.
"Atlas, take deep breaths," Mia instructed, her voice a lifeline amidst the pain. With each inhale, I jolted with another surge of agony. The urge to claw at my skin consumed me, but Mia's supernatural strength held me in place. "I'm sorry, Atlas," she whispered against my ear, "I cannot allow you to harm yourself."
As darkness encroached upon the room, my senses dulled. Yet, the sounds of my surroundings remained audible. Mia's voice echoed, demanding my presence. "ATLAS, stay with me," she pleaded, her words reverberating through my fading consciousness.
I heard the sound of the door creaking open, signaling someone's arrival. Mia's voice filled the room, frantic with worry. "He is hurting himself, it’s clear his body is trying to shift, yet something is blocking him from doing so."
I couldn't help but wonder if this pain was something Mia experienced every time she shifted. "It's because there is strong witchcraft at play," Bryn's voice surrounded me. "I have been up almost all night now, trying to uncover his truth."

Suddenly, another wave of pain crashed over my body, causing me to tense up. I felt Mia's warm presence against me, her touch comforting. "He can't shift now, it is impossible for him," Bryn explained. "But if we let this continue, it could destroy him. I'm sorry, Mia, but we need to sedate him so this stops for now."
I tried to respond, but the words failed to form as Mia's lips met mine. I could taste the saltiness of tears on her lips, a mixture of emotions. "I'm sorry, Atlas, please forgive me," she whispered against me, her voice filled with regret.
Suddenly, I felt a sharp sting in my arm, and a numbing sensation washed over my body. It was as if I were being hurled into a dark void, losing all sense of sensation.
________

As I slowly opened my eyes to a room flooded with brilliant sunlight, my mouth felt parched. I attempted to move my arms, only to discover the harsh bite of metal restraints shackling my wrists to an unknown object. A sharp pain radiated through my chest as I struggled to sit up, desperately trying to comprehend the situation.
In my disoriented state, I noticed Mia peacefully slumbering on top of me, her naked form a stark contrast to the confusion that engulfed me. "Mia," I croaked, my voice cracking. Startled awake, her eyes were swollen from prolonged crying. "Atlas, you're okay," she uttered, gazing into my eyes.
As I struggled to focus, I shifted again and heard the faint clinking of whatever restrained me against the bed. Confusion washed over me, and I questioned, "Why am I restrained?"
"You don't remember anything from last night, do you? Atlas, your body attempted to transform, your claws tearing through your own flesh. Bryn discovered that powerful witchcraft is sealing away your true self, but my mark on you has weakened that seal. We had to sedate you because you still cannot fully shift, and your inability to heal would have led to your death."Mia whispered, her voice trembling.
Her voice cracked with emotion as she freed me from the restraints, her hands gently releasing the constraints on my wrists. "I'm sorry, Atlas. It's my fault you're hurt. I should have woken up sooner," she whispered, her eyes filled with guilt. Struggling to sit up and steady myself, I noticed a bandage wrapped around my torso.
"I tried to heal you, but I'm still learning," she confessed, her hand finding mine as our eyes locked. "None of this is your fault, Mia," I reassured her. Reluctantly, she left the bed, urging me to stay put. "I'll go get Bryn so we can discuss everything. You've injured yourself severely, and I was terrified you would bleed out last night. We had to stitch you up," she explained, worry etched across her face.
She dressed herself, then approached me with a pair of sweatpants, gently sliding them over my legs. It was then that I realized my own nakedness. "I'm sorry," she whispered apologetically. "I undressed you to try and aid in your healing." Pushing through the pain, I mustered a small movement. "I can dress myself, Mia. It's alright. I understand," I assured her. She nodded, her face filled with anguish. Seeing her in this state hurt me more than my current physical discomfort. I knew that no matter what I said, she would continue to blame herself.
Once she left the room, I tried to sit up, my body aching. I propped myself against. My gaze landed on Mia's night clothing stained in crimson. I glanced down at myself, still groggy from the haze of my memory. Just then, the door creaked open and Mia reentered, accompanied by Bryn. Mia carried a tray filled with what appeared to be medical supplies, while Bryn held a bowl with damp washcloths.
"Morning, Atlas. I hope your pain isn't too unbearable," Bryn greeted me. Mia came to my side, her presence comforting. "It's manageable," I replied, trying to downplay the pain. Bryn explained that they would assess my progress and discuss what they knew so far. Mia, her touch gentle, informed me that she needed to remove my bandages. I nodded, bracing myself as her soft hand made contact with my skin. I clenched my fist momentarily, feeling the pressure against my wounds as she carefully unwrapped the bandages.
"Atlas, may I examine you?" Bryn asked, seeking my permission. "Yes," I replied, Mia's hand finding mine for support. Bryn studied my wounds, noting that they were healing, albeit at a faster rate than a human's. However, I would still need time to recover. Bryn reluctantly suggested that I remain in bed and be restrained when alone to prevent any further incidents, as there was little they could do to stop it.
I saw Mia's hand tremble, her worry evident. "I understand. Do what is necessary," I responded, my voice steady. Bryn handed Mia the bowl of water and a towel, and she began gently dabbing it against my skin. I tried to hide my pain, not wanting to cause her any more distress. She then applied some kind of ointment before carefully bandaging me once again.
"Atlas, Mia mentioned that you don't remember much of your childhood, is that correct?" Bryn inquired. "Yes, that's correct," I confirmed. "I believe the crash was a cover-up, Atlas. Twenty years ago, there was an attack within the werewolf realm against another species that coexisted with them but was deemed superior," Bryn revealed.
"Werewolves and their kind never truly got along," Bryn explained, her voice laced with a hint of caution.
"This kind lived separate, behind the barrier that blocked humans in a kingdom, they were seen as a threat to werewolves, often used them as slaves if captured, as well as breeders," Bryn's voice lowered, filled with a mix of anger and sorrow.
"The majority of the werewolf packs within that territory finally banded together and took down the kingdom, It was said they killed everyone, although some bodies were never discovered," Bryn's voice faltered, a tinge of uncertainty seeping into her words.
"One was a young boy, and I believe Atlas, you are the young boy," Bryn's voice softened, filled with empathy.
"Although the spell I cast turned up inconclusive," Bryn's voice wavered, frustration evident in her tone. "It did reveal you are a shifter, and through additional testing, incredibly powerful witchcraft was used. Stronger than I personally have witnessed to seal away your true nature and wipe your memories," Bryn's voice grew quieter.
"I linked the lady who raised you, pretending to be a grandmother figure, was indeed a witch working with a very powerful ancient coven," Bryn continued.
"And that very coven was loyal to the King of the species that was thought to be destroyed. Atlas, you are a Lycan, but through witchcraft, you have been made into a human," Bryn explained.
"Mia's mark shattered a part of the spell on you," Bryn's voice brightened, a glimmer of hope breaking through.
"But I'm afraid this is not ordinary witchcraft, and it's not something I can break. Although with time, I do believe your Lycan will break it to be with his mate," Bryn's voice held a note of reassurance, a flicker of optimism in her words.
"But until the spell is broken, you are a danger to yourself, and you will have to be monitored. If I'm correct, you are not just any Lycan. You are the Lycan King's son, meaning you have royal blood, just as Mia does. You two may very well be the last of your kinds, as well as the strongest," Bryn concluded.
"Atlas is a Lycan," Mia muttered next to me, her voice barely above a whisper. I could sense her tension, a palpable energy that surrounded her like an invisible force. Worry and fear emanated from her.
"Yes, I am very confident that is Atlas's true identity," Bryn spoke, her voice calm and steady. "Although the spell cast on him temporarily made him human, and his true memories may never return, perhaps this is why fate brought you two together, Mia. Maybe it's a sign that change is on the horizon."
"I understand. I have no intention of abandoning Atlas." Mia spoke but her voice wavered slightly, as if on the edge of tears.
"Atlas, it may be a struggle for you until your Lycan can break free," Bryn explained, her voice filled with concern. "But I will research to see if there is anything I can do to help. It would seem being with Mia helps calm you, just as it calms her. But for now, until you are healed, you need rest."
Mia nodded, her eyes fixed on the floor as she absorbed Bryn's words. "Once you are ready to come down, Mia," Bryn continued, her voice gentle, "we need to discuss more plans moving forward."
"Flint is also coming back with news he got late last night," Bryn informed Mia, her tone cautious. "You may want to avoid telling him that Atlas is a Lycan for now."
Mia nodded again, her fingers tracing the fabric of the bedsheet. "I agree," she replied softly. "I'll be down shortly. Thank you, Bryn, again for your help." The room fell into silence as Bryn left, leaving Mia alone with me.
Mia sat at the foot of the bed, her body tense and distant from me. I could sense her unease as she began to speak, her voice filled with a heavy burden.
"Atlas, there is something I need to be honest with you about," she started, her words weighed down with worry. I could hear the slight tremor in her voice, a mix of fear and guilt.
"Whatever it is, I won't be upset," I reassured her, my voice calm and steady.
"You should be," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Atlas, the lycans... they used to be superior to my kind," she confessed, her words lingering in the silence.
She continued, her voice filled with sorrow, "Over time, they dwindled in number due to the females not being able to reproduce easily. So, to ensure their survival, they used to kidnap females from multiple packs and use them as breeders. Many she-wolves from my pack were taken when I was just a pup."
"My father decided it was time to strike back," she continued, her voice laced with both pride and regret. "He gained the support of multiple packs, and although lycans are much stronger than us and a formidable enemy, we had numbers. My father arranged a treaty negotiation with the Lycan king, but it was all a trap. What was supposed to be a peaceful meeting turned into a bloodbath."
"My family is responsible for the fall of the Lycans," she confessed, her voice filled with a mix of guilt and remorse.
"I understand, Mia," I said, my voice filled with empathy.
"Just because your family did something in the past, I refuse to judge you for their actions. I don't remember that part of my past, and if I ever do, I promise I still won't hold it against you. So please, don't be upset over it. As of now, I'm just your human mate, and if I do manage to shift, I will be someone more worthy to stand by and protect you." I promised.
Her body relaxed, the tension in the room dissipating. I could feel her gratitude and relief, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The room felt warmer, as if a spark of hope had ignited within us.
"You really are different, Atlas," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and gratitude. She pulled herself up in the bed, moving closer to me.
"We will navigate through all these new challenges life is throwing our way, Mia. Together, we will create a happy future," I assured her, my voice filled with conviction.