The Enemy’s Prophecy
830 Words
The Moonborn Kingdom had endured the first assault.
But only just.
Smoke curled through the silver streets as soldiers scrambled to put out the fires left behind by the Shadow Legion. Healers moved without rest, caring for the injured while terrified families took shelter behind the palace walls.
Nysera stood on the highest balcony, gazing out over the kingdom.
The sight tightened her chest.
Only hours earlier, she had not even known this place existed.
Now its people were calling her queen.
She wasn’t certain she deserved the title.
A soft breeze lifted her long silver-black hair as the moon rose above the crystal ceiling, draping the kingdom in a gentle glow.
“You’re blaming yourself.”
Draven’s deep voice came from behind her.
Nysera let out a quiet sigh without turning.
“They were attacked because of me.”
“They were attacked because our enemies fear what you represent.”
She finally looked at him.
“What do I represent?”
Draven stepped up to the balcony rail beside her.
“Hope.”
His gaze drifted toward the city below.
“For centuries, the Moonborn bloodline was thought to be lost forever. The Shadow Legion ruled by fear because no one was left to stand against them.”
His silver eyes returned to hers.
“Now everything has changed.”
Nysera lowered her eyes.
“I don’t even know how to lead.”
“You’ll learn.”
His reply came instantly, with no trace of doubt.
“I wasn’t born a king either.”
A faint smile touched Nysera’s lips.
“You weren’t?”
He gave a soft chuckle.
“I made more than a few mistakes.”
“Like what?”
“I almost started a war because I refused to listen to my advisers.”
Nysera laughed.
Even she seemed surprised by it.
For the first time in days, the burden on her shoulders felt a little lighter.
Draven found himself watching her.
Moonlight caught in her bright blue eyes, making them gleam like stars.
She was beautiful.
Not because she was the lost queen.
But because even after betrayal and heartbreak, she still chose kindness over hatred.
“You should smile more,” he said quietly.
Nysera looked away, suddenly embarrassed.
“It’s been a long time since anyone made me laugh.”
For a brief moment, a comfortable silence settled between them.
Then—
A sharp knock rang through the balcony doors.
Lady Selene entered with several royal guards.
“Your Majesty.”
Her face was unusually grave.
“The Council has gathered.”
“They demand to see you at once.”
A few minutes later…
Nysera stepped into the ancient council chamber.
Twelve elders were seated around a circular stone table.
Some greeted her with respect.
Others looked at her with clear distrust.
The first to rise was an elderly man with a long white beard.
“I am Elder Cassian.”
“If you truly are Queen Nysera…”
“…then prove it.”
The chamber went still.
Nysera frowned.
“I don’t understand.”
“The Moonborn Crown chooses its ruler.”
He gestured toward an empty throne carved from crystal.
“If you can awaken the throne…”
“…we will accept you.”
Before anyone could intervene, Nysera moved forward slowly.
Her heartbeat thudded in her ears.
What if nothing happened?
What if they were mistaken?
She reached out.
The instant her fingers brushed the throne…
Blinding silver light burst across the chamber.
Ancient runes spread over every wall.
The crystal throne rose several inches off the floor.
Then a majestic spirit in the shape of a wolf emerged from the light.
At once, every elder sank to one knee.
“The First Queen…”
Lady Selene whispered.
Nysera stared at the glowing spirit in stunned awe.
The massive wolf approached her slowly.
Its eyes carried centuries of wisdom.
Without a word, it gently pressed its nose to her forehead.
A rush of memories flooded her mind.
She saw her parents.
The royal palace.
A horrific battle beneath a blood-red moon.
Then…
A face.
A man in black armor.
He had the Moonborn King by the throat before driving a dark blade into his heart.
Nysera gasped.
“No…”
The vision shifted.
The man lifted his helmet.
Nysera went rigid.
She knew him.
It couldn’t be.
Draven.
She staggered back as the vision faded.
The chamber returned to normal.
Everyone stared at her in concern.
“Nysera?”
Draven reached for her.
She recoiled instinctively.
His hand stopped midair.
“What happened?”
She could barely draw breath.
“The man…”
“My father’s killer…”
Her voice shook.
“He had your face.”
Silence.
Every elder turned to Draven.
His expression became impossible to read.
Before he could speak…
A cold, mocking laugh echoed through the chamber.
Black mist rippled across the walls.
Malrik’s voice filled the room.
“Now the truth begins.”
- Writer
