THE ORACLE

Luna

Ariana woke up the next day with a clouded head. She liked Ryan. Michael held the answers to all the dark spots in her memory. She had felt something different with each one of them. And as she thought about all this, she realised that for the first time in forever she felt like a love struck teenager who had too many options. She laughed at herself and decided to visit Ether that evening.

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As Ryan woke up he recalled that he had spent the entire evening with Luna, giving her the tiniest details about his visit to Ambrosia. He had described the hallways and the courtyards and the ballroom and Luna had listened to him wide-eyed. Then he had described the peace treaty that he had signed with Silas and told her how strict and stern Silas looked but how warm and welcoming he had been.

And then as Luna looked at him expectantly, he had started talking about Ariana. Her beautiful face, fearless demeanour, intelligent comebacks and the will to be the best. "At first I thought she was like any other Princess, waiting for a man to make her his queen. But as I spent time with her I realised she was so much more than just a pretty face. She was brave and knew so much about how the kingdom would run. She was inspiring Luna. Not once could I look away, remove my eyes from the marvellous woman that stood in front of me."

He had then described their sword fight and how good and tactful Ariana was with the sword. He had said that her agility was commendable.

Luna had giggled after his rant.

" Somebody's in love." She had whispered. Ryan had shooed her away.

As he lay in his bed thinking, he realised that he wasn't sure about love, but he did respect Ariana and was looking forward to meet her again.

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From the day that she was born, Luna had always been a loner. She was Ryan's half sister, the lovechild of the king and so had never received complete acceptances in the Kingdom. The only man who had really loved her with all his heart was Ryan. She recalled her darkest days and how Ryan had helped her tide through each one of them. And so, whenever she thought about her deep dark secret that she'd hid even from Ryan, she felt like a traitor.

Luna could see the future. It came to her in parts. Sometimes as shades of colors, sometimes as complete pictures.

Last evening, when Ryan had told her about Ariana, she'd seen Red.

In the years that had passed by, seeing red had signified Passion, Love, Rebellion; but it had also signified War and Misfortune. Since then, Luna was not being able to think straight. She knew Ariana was the one for Ryan ; she had felt it, but she also knew that a lot of things would stand in their way.

She had seen Blue too. Which meant obstruction by a man. She wondered who this man might be.

Tears trickled down her cheeks. Everytime that she saw something, she felt emotionally drained. She didn't know why she was the way she was, she could tell nobody or else they'd call her an unwanted witch. Plus, nobody would believe her. But this time for Ryan's sake, she had to warn him. Tell him something atleast. Drop a hint or two. And she knew she'd do it.

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As Ryan reached his favourite garden in the Palace, he was taken aback. A body lay on the lush green grass ; blood oozing out from his chest. He was dead. In his hand was a letter. He took it from his hands and rushed back to his room.

Ryan,

I might be your well wisher or your greatest enemy. But I'd advise you to stay away from Ambrosia and Ariana. There are certain things about the princess that you're unaware of ; that even she doesn't know. So, if you want her to be safe, I'd suggest you stay away from her. Ariana belongs with me and she'd never be yours.

I repeat STAY AWAY.

Ryan breathed heavily. He hadn't even met Ariana twice and the threats had already begun. But he was no coward. He'd meet her again and get to know her and if he liked her, nothing would make him back out. Especially not a stupid stupid letter threatening him.

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