Egg Of Life

The Oracle’s Warning

The Oracle’s Warning

Night crept in faster than it should have.

Dark clouds swallowed the sky, hiding even the moon. The village of Umuaka, once alive with laughter and chatter, had turned into a place of hushed voices and bolted doors. No one dared to venture outside unless summoned.

In the heart of the village square, a small fire flickered.

Gathered around it were the elders, Chief Okonkwo, and Dibia Nnanna. Their faces were tight with worry, their voices barely above a whisper, as if the very wind might be eavesdropping.

“This is beyond us,” one elder murmured, shaking his head. “We haven’t witnessed anything like this in generations.”

Dibia Nnanna briefly closed his eyes before speaking.

“There’s only one who can provide us with answers now.”

The others turned to him, their expressions shifting.

“The Oracle.”

A shiver ran through the group.

The Oracle of Arochukwu wasn’t someone you just visited casually. It was sacred, perilous, and often the last resort.

Chief Okonkwo let out a heavy sigh. “Then we have no choice.”

Inside a small hut, Amara sat by herself.

A dim lantern flickered beside her, casting shadows that seemed to dance on their own. The glowing mark on her arm had dimmed a bit, but it still pulsed occasionally, a reminder that everything had shifted.

She couldn’t stop trembling.

Her mother sat in a corner, watching her—not with anger, but with a fear that was hard to conceal.

“Why you?” Ngozi whispered. “Out of everyone… Why my child?”

Amara swallowed hard. “Mama… I don’t know.”

Before they could say more, a knock echoed at the door.

Kelechi stepped in without waiting for an invitation.

“They’ve called for you,” he said softly. “The elders are ready.”

Amara rose slowly, her legs feeling like jelly.

“Am I in trouble?” she asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.

Kelechi studied her for a moment, then sighed. “I don’t think anyone even knows what this is yet.”

Back in the village square, all eyes turned as Amara made her way forward.

The fire crackled louder, as if responding to her arrival.