Chapter 15: Prophecy Truth
Melissa’s POV
There was an unspoken tension in the air, and the sanctuary was quieter than normal. Kane, Zane, and I hardly had time to gather our breath after we escaped Damon’s fortress before we dove into the scrolls we had returned with. The ancient symbols glowed dimly in the sanctuary’s dim light as I unravelled one, my fingers shaking.
With the words bearing down on me, I muttered, “This… this is it.”
With his mouth clenched, Kane sat next to me. “What is it saying?”
My voice caught in my throat as I hesitated. It mentions a child or child. They are meant to halt Damon and put an end to the curse once and for all.
“Isn’t that a good thing?” From the other side of the room, Zane asked.
The prophecy’s following line sent shivers down my spine, so I shook my head. However, it also states that the victory would cost a lot. A sacrifice.
A fist formed in Kane’s hand. “What sort of sacrifice?”
I was unable to answer myself. I looked over the scroll, hoping to see a gap or a glimmer of promise. But the message was clear: the final cost will fall on one of us.
His normally composed manner was broken as Kane paced the sanctuary. I could see the conflict between his duty and his heart, the tempest that was building within him.
“This is wrong,” he whispered. “There must be an alternative.”
I whispered, “There isn’t,” while holding the scroll tightly. “It’s an obvious prophecy.”
He halted and faced me, fear and rage blazing in his eyes. Are you implying that I must decide between you and our child? Melissa, that isn’t a choice. It’s a nightmare.
“I understand,” I muttered, my eyes starting to well up. However, we must remain resilient. For them.
“For them?” His voice broke. “How about us? How about you?
The tension was released as Zane cleared his throat. You know, prophecies aren’t usually literal. Perhaps it is possible to deceive fate.
Kane glared at him. “And you believe you are capable of doing that?”
Zane acknowledged, “Not yet, but I’ve seen enough to know that nothing is final.” All you need to do is be prepared to break the rules.
Kane’s eyes fell to the ground without a reply. We were too scared to ask each other questions, so the quiet between us got thick.
As the others slept later that night, I started to explore the sanctuary more. I was led to a secret alcove by the walls, which seemed to hum with energy.
I had never seen an antique like the one that was tucked away in the middle of the room. It was a crystal that seemed to be alive because of its gentle, throbbing brightness.
“What is this?” I reached out to touch it and muttered.
I felt a rush of energy as soon as my fingers touched the surface. I saw flashes of fighting, flames, and a victorious figure my child before my eyesight became blurry.
“We refer to it as the Heart of Aether.”
Zane was standing in the doorway, his face blank, as I turned around.
He moved closer and remarked, “You shouldn’t be here.”
“Why not?” I posed a challenge. “What is it used for?”
“It increases power,” Zane clarified. However, there is a cost. It ties your vitality to the cause you are fighting for. Specifically, your child.
My heart fell. “Well, if I use it…”
“You’ll share their fate if you use it,” Zane stated cautiously. You will experience whatever happens to them.
The decision weighed heavily on my shoulders as I gulped. Could I risk that? Could I, knowing what was at risk, tie my life to theirs?
A voice reverberated through the room before I could make up my mind.
“You found it sooner than I thought you would.”
Out of the darkness stepped an old woman, whose presence was at once scary and soothing. Her eyes were sharp but gentle, and she was dressed in robes that glistened in the moonlight.
“Who are you?” Instinctively, I stepped back and asked.
She declared, “I am the Keeper of this sanctuary.” “Melissa, I have been waiting for you.”
“Are you waiting on me?”
She gave a nod. “Your lineage is linked to the Heart of Aether. It was positioned here just at this time.
Then you know what I ought to do,” I said frantically. “How can I prevent Damon? How can I keep my child safe?
The Keeper’s face grew serious. The Heart will give you the strength you require, but it has a horrible price. Are you ready to make the payment?
I paused, my thoughts whirling. “How much does it cost?”
She declared, “Your life will no longer be your own.” “Every decision and action you take will have an impact on your child’s destiny. You will tumble if they do. You will rise with them if they do. However, the stress might be too much for you to handle.
Pale-faced, Kane emerged from the doorway. “This is not necessary for her to do.”
The Keeper turned to face him, her eyes fixed on him. “This decision cannot be made for her by anyone. The steps are hers to take, but the prophecy has already established the course.
I glanced at the Keeper, then back at Kane. The weight of the choice I had to make weighed heavily on my heart. In my hand, the crystal pulsed, its energy beckoning, offering me both strength and danger.
Despite the panic that was rising inside of me, I said, “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my child,” in a firm voice.
The Keeper gave a serious nod. And then, Melissa, get ready. Your chosen course will put you to the test in ways you cannot fathom.
The ground shook beneath us and a dazzling light burst from the crystal before I could react. Kane called my name, but the roar of energy that surrounded me drowned out his words.
And then it was all dark.