Chapter 6 – The Frozen Prince’s Warning
770 Words
Zira sat on the edge of Kale’s bed, the warmth of the fire flickering in front of her, offering some comfort in the otherwise chilly room. Kaelion leaned casually against the wall, arms folded, his expression playful as he looked at her. But Kale, standing near the window, remained distant and unreadable, his sharp eyes ever watchful.
“I still don’t know why I’m here,” Zira said quietly, her voice filled with uncertainty and frustration. “I’m just a human, right?”
Kale’s gaze shifted to her, his brows drawn tight. “You’re not *just* anything, Zira,” he said firmly.
But before she could respond, something in the air changed. Zira’s body suddenly tensed, her back arching, as if some invisible force had gripped her. A cold chill ran through her veins, followed by a searing heat that nearly burned her alive. She gasped, her eyes rolling back, glowing a strange, ethereal white.
The room fell eerily still.
Zira's mouth opened, but the voice that escaped wasn’t hers. It was ancient. Otherworldly.
"The heart will soon awaken… and the key to uniting or destroying the kingdoms lies in the hands of the chosen three. Fire. Ice. Earth. When they rise, shadows will either fall… or reign."
Zira collapsed forward, her breath coming in quick, shallow bursts. Sweat beaded on her brow, her body trembling violently from the force of the vision. Her hands shook, her knees barely holding her up.
Kaelion rushed to her side, panic flashing in his eyes. “What in the holy flames was that?” His voice was filled with concern, though his hands remained a little too cautious.
Kale, however, didn’t move. He stepped forward slowly, his face hardening with the weight of what had just occurred. “It’s starting,” he muttered, eyes dark with recognition.
Zira’s body continued to shake uncontrollably as she fell forward. She barely registered Kale’s movements as he immediately knelt beside her, his cold hands gently holding her shoulders.
“Zira...” Kale whispered, pulling her against his chest.
The shock of his touch was enough to halt her tremors for a moment. Though his skin was as cold as ice, she felt a strange warmth radiating from him. His strong arms wrapped around her tightly, holding her close, protecting her. The warmth in his grip was so unexpected, so different, that it made her gasp, the shaking slowly subsiding as she leaned into him.
Her breath began to steady, though the confusion still gripped her heart.
Kale's voice was soft, but filled with undeniable authority. “You’re not safe yet.”
Zira looked up at him, her eyes still dim with the aftereffects of the vision. “What did I see, Kale? What was that? I don’t understand.”
Kale’s eyes softened just a fraction, but there was no mistaking the fierce protectiveness in them. “It’s the prophecy. The heart, the flame, and the ice... all tied together.”
Zira frowned, her head spinning from the vision and his words. “But why me? Why am I the one?”
Before Kale could answer, Kaelion, his curiosity piqued, stepped into the room, his expression shifting between concern and curiosity. “What happened?”
“I’ll go to the Obsidian archive” Kaelion said quickly, already pulling his cloak on. “There has to be more about this prophecy. We need answers.”
Kale gave a sharp nod. “Fine, but Zira stays here. You’re not to trust anyone in this palace except for Kaelion and me.”
Zira stared at Kale, a knot of confusion growing in her chest. “What about me? Where do I go from here?”
“You stay in the palace,” Kale continued, his voice soft yet commanding. “And you do not leave this room without me. Understand?”
Zira nodded reluctantly, still wrapped in the warmth of his arms, her pulse calming under his touch.
“Stay here,” Kale repeated firmly. “I’ll protect you.”
And with that, Kaelion left, disappearing into the corridors of the palace to seek answers while Kale remained by Zira’s side, his cool arms still encircling her tightly. Though his touch was cold, it felt like her very soul had been touched by something more—something she couldn’t understand, but knew she needed.
She didn’t understand any of this—why she felt so connected to him, or why the vision had felt so real. But she had a feeling that she was far from understanding everything, and that the most
dangerous part of this journey was just beginning.
- Writer
