Nature was in turmoil. It had been giving signs for days. Unpredictable weather, restless wild animals-these were just a few of the signs of impending disaster. Rowena, a witch who had long navigated the complexities of life, could sense it clearly.
According to Rowena, nature never lies. Every change, no matter how small, was a message to be taken with great care. This was no different.
The wind that usually blew gently had turned into a disturbing gust. The leaves turned yellow prematurely. The sky above seemed perpetually cloudy, a sign of something significant and dangerous.
Rowena stood at the edge of the Amerotha forest. She could feel the chill of the earth slowly rising and seeping through her skin, spreading a dampness that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.
The atmosphere was oppressive. Rowena closed her eyes and tried to feel the invisible vibrations around her. She felt a wave of power mixed with chaos.
Rowena opened her eyes wide. She stood motionless; fear clearly etched on her face. “Disaster,” she murmured, her voice shaking. “A great disaster is coming. A disaster that will bring all kinds of calamities. A disaster that will bring destruction.”
Rowena’s heart raced as fear began to overtake her. She knew that what she felt was not just a bad omen, but a warning from nature.
The shadow of destruction was looming. Calamity was ready to ravage everything. There was little time left.
Rowena knew she had to act at once. She had to warn the Frostholm Pack, but it was too late. As she prepared to leave Amerotha Forest that night, a terrifying sight appeared before her eyes-war had broken out.
Rowena’s paws came to a sudden halt. Her body froze, unable to believe what she saw. Everything looked terrifying, and the fear crept up from her toes to the back of her throat.
Rowena could barely breathe. The scene was so real, so much worse than she had imagined. Flames were roaring, the night sky lit up with a blazing red light, as if hell had opened up over the Frostholm lands.
The Frostholm wolves were running wildly. They were covered in blood and wounds, but they continued to fight with all their remaining strength.
“I am too late,” Rowena whispered with deep regret. She had failed to warn the Frostholm Pack. The Nimbria Pack had attacked, and now there was nothing she could do. “I’m too late.”
Rowena’s regret did not end there. Instead, her regret was accompanied by an even greater fear. A fear that left her breathless and her face pale.
Rowena shook her head several times. Unconsciously, tears streamed down her cheeks. Then a name slipped quietly from her lips. “Ivan.”
*
Ivan kept reminding himself that time was limited. He did not have much time, and for that he would not miss the opportunity. The remaining hour before they regrouped and launched the attack would be used to make sure that someone he loved was safe.
The Amerotha forest was vast. Normally, Rowena could hide very well. After all, she had the magic to conceal her whereabouts so that no one could find her.
So, Ivan thought. He was confident that Rowena had not been affected by last night’s battle.
Now Ivan had to find Rowena. He had to meet her and ensure her well-being.
“Rowena!” Ivan called as he entered the western side of the Amerotha Forest. He looked around with great concern. “Rowena! Where are you? Rowena! You-”
“Ivan.”
Ivan’s call was interrupted by a small voice. He turned to see Rowena approaching him.
“Rowena!” Ivan ran and hugged Rowena tightly. His eyes closed as relief flooded his chest. “Oh, Rowena. Thank God you’re okay.”
Rowena stroked Ivan’s back gently. “I’m fine, Ivan. I’m okay.”
Unfortunately, Ivan could not ignore the slight tremor in Rowena’s voice. Behind her calm demeanor, Rowena seemed to be hiding fear.
Ivan slowly pulled away from his embrace. He looked into Rowena’s eyes. “What is it, Rowena?”
“I saw the battle, Ivan. I’ve seen many battles,” Rowena whispered, unable to hold back the tears that began to stream down her cheeks. She met Ivan’s gaze with a mixture of fear and deep sadness. “But this is different. This battle will bring more destruction than we can imagine. I can feel it, Ivan. An unspeakable darkness is fast approaching. This destruction cannot be avoided.”
Ivan’s brow furrowed in confusion. Then he took both of Rowena’s hands and reassured her. “You needn’t worry, Rowena. We’ve stopped the attack of the Nimbria Pack and we will defeat them.”
Rowena shook her head, her tears flowing more freely. “Can I ask you not to go into battle this time, Ivan?” she asked with a hopeful plea. “Please. I can’t lose you again.”
Ivan squeezed Rowena’s fingers and kissed her repeatedly. “I can’t, Rowena. I have to lead the warriors.”
“Please,” Rowena begged again. Her fingers moved and this time she held Ivan’s hand, signaling that she did not want to let go. “Stay here with me.”
For a moment, Ivan could only remain silent. He could clearly feel Rowena’s fear. Her plea was only because she did not want anything bad to happen to him.
However, the heavy responsibility on his shoulders made it impossible for Ivan to grant Rowena’s request. He had to fight. He had to protect the Frostholm pack.
“Rowena.” Ivan cupped Rowena’s face with both hands. He brought her eyes up to meet his. “I understand your concern, but trust me. I will be fine.”
Rowena groaned in fear. “Ivan.”
“Besides, didn’t I tell you?” Ivan asked without waiting for Rowena’s answer. He smiled and continued. “Some time ago, Ayla made a prophecy about me. She said that I would be the father of a beautiful and strong daughter. I would live with pride because she would be the next leader of the warriors.”
Rowena closed her eyes, her sobs growing louder. “I know.” She nodded repeatedly. “I know. She is a beloved girl. She is strong and inherits all the blessings you have.” Then her eyes opened again and she looked at Ivan. “Her hair is the color of your hair, her smile is as sweet as yours, and when she transforms, she will become a silver-white haired wolf with eyes as blue as yours.”
Ivan nodded repeatedly with a wide smile. “You remember the prophecy well, Rowena.” He wiped the tears from Rowena’s cheeks. Then he spoke tenderly. “So, you don’t have to worry about anything. I will be fine, especially since I always wear the lucky charm you gave me.” He reached for the half-moon pendant necklace around his neck. “I will return safely.”
Rowena stared blankly at the crescent pendant. Her lips trembled, but now no words could escape her. Perhaps deep inside she had realized that nothing could change Ivan’s decision. In the end, Ivan would still go to war, while she would drown in endless grief.
Please, God. Please, Rowena prayed softly. She had lost all her strength and her legs had gone weak. She collapsed to the floor, her tears flowing uncontrollably. Just this once, God. Please let fate change.
Rowena’s head hung low. She paid no attention to the gray clouds that began to drop a light rain. She continued to pray, clutching the half-moon pendant necklace around her neck.
*