Chapter Five: The Prophecy
1015 Words
Chapter Five: The Prophecy.
Five days as the Luna of the Moonfang pack felt like five months for Ayla. Her marriage was perfect from the outside, like a gemstone bright but with shadows in it nights, dark on the inside. No matter how lavish the surroundings were, she felt like her younger self who had been unloved and lonely. Her everyday routine is she wakes up, gets dressed, eats alone, and sleeps when it is time to.
Soon, a pang of boredom hit her and she asked Akira to show her around the castle. As they explored the castle, they saw big halls that led to smaller halls.
King Thrain had different quarters, each of which had its maids and servants. Ayla found herself chatting with Akira putting her at ease.
After a second Ayla embraced Akira. "I don't know what I would have done without you in this pack, Thank you."
Finding a friend in an unexpected place, Ayla couldn't be more thankful to the moon goddess. Akira smiled warmly, her eyes shining with appreciation.
Just then Ayla noticed how Akira stiffened. From giving her a warm smile, she stilled as if looking distantly, Ayla realized she was mindlinking.
Akira pulled away and with a smile she excused herself. "If you will excuse me, My lady, I should see to some tasks." She said bowing her head slightly before leaving.
After Akira's departure, Ayla's curiosity led her to wander the halls, where she stumbled onto a throne room. King Thrain was seated on the throne, his gaze fixed on the man standing before him. The man was marked by a scar covering his left eye, blinding it, and the absence of his right hand.
Ayla's heart raced as she hid, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before her.
"Who are you?" King Thrain's voice echoed against the room.
"I am Orion Darkwood," the man replied, his voice low and gravely. "A warrior and a servant of Drakonai, the dragon clan.”
King Thrain's expression turned thoughtful, he saw raw terror in his eyes.
"What brings you here, Orion Darkwood?" His question cut through the tense silence.
Orion's face had so much displeasure, his face showed fear. "I have come to warn you about the prophecy. I fear it is closer than we think," His voice was tinged with unease.
"The prophecy," King Thrain repeated. "What prophecy?"
"The very one the great dragon had revealed to us eighty years ago."
King Thrain's head tilted to the side as his body posture perks up. He hadn't even been born then. He had gotten to learn about the prophecy later on, but it was his greatest fear, Fear of losing the throne to another.
"There shall be someone created by spirits, born into flesh, and exist among us.
"From thy blood comes the Queen that was promised to unite the realms. Her songs shall be Songs of Lunar and Lilth.
"She shall cast the wolves down and make them worship at her feet.
"Gold will be her crown, Gold her shrouds."
Orion repeated the prophecy like he was reading off the walls itself.
King Thrain was discontented, he could not let anyone seat on his throne. He knew he had to measures to avert the threat.
"King Thrain's cold gaze swept across the room before settling for one of his guards. "Gather the guards and kill every newborn female pup." He commanded his voice devoid of emotion.
Ayla felt a shakiness in her limbs as her chest became heavy. She was shocked at what her ears had heard. She turned to make a hasty exit. She ran to her room her footsteps echoing as she tried to process King Thrain's ruthless order.
……………….
Storm clouds shrouded the sky as the wind howled like a lament making Ayla flinch in her sleep, her hands clenched against the sheets and her breathing became fast.
"No," her head snapped in the other direction while her eyes remained shut. "Don't come near me."
"No! How could you?"
"I beg you! Stop!" she screamed as tears fell from her eyes and beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
The sound of the door jerked open making Ayla's eyes snapped open. Her rounded eyes scanned the surrounding space.
The Ryker's tall frame came into her view, and she tensed up as her breath hitched. The memory of her father's death replayed in her head again.
"I'm sorry, Ryker, Did I wake you up? I had a nightmare. Please forgive me," Ayla pleaded. If there was one thing she had learned in the past five years, is that begging for mercy reduced all her punishment.
It did not always work because her stepmother would beat her up or she would be locked up in the attic for two or three days without food.
Ayla was prepared for another beating, but to her surprise, Ryker asked, "Why are you on the floor?"
"I couldn't sleep. I…… I was used to sleeping without a bed for five years."
Ryker furrowed his brows as he looked to the left, where the bed was, and looked back at Ayla who was sitting down on the hard floor. "You had a nightmare because you are sleeping uncomfortably. Next time sleep on the bed.”
She nodded her head in agreement.
"Get dressed, my father would be holding an execution,” He said, his voice firm. "We need to be there."
"Okay," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ryker turned around in the room, leaving Ayla alone.
…………………..
Ayla's eyes widened as she followed Ryker to the execution site. The crowd chanting grew louder, echoing through the courtyard. "Betrayal, Betrayal,” The rhythmic chants sent shivers down Ayla's spine.
King Thrain rose from his throne, making everyone quiet.
"We are gathered today, to punish a traitor, one who has broken the trust of the kingdom."
His gaze narrowed, his eyes fixed on one of his guards. "Bring her out.”
As the traitor was dragged outside, Ayla was shocked by the sight she saw.
It was Akira.
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