Malakai hid a secret, one that could change the course of history. Aria, the young witch with the striking white hair, was unaware of her true destiny.
"A child of darkness and light shall be born,
With hair as white as snow and heart of dawn.
She shall wield the four elements with ease,
Earth, water, fire, and air, in perfect breeze.
Her path shall unite the divided lands,
Wolf, vampire, witchdom, and every hand.
The world shall bow to her gentle might,
As she brings harmony to the darkest night.
Her identity, a symbol of her fate,
White hair shining, like a beacon great.
The prophecy foretold, a chosen one,
A daughter of black and white love, now begun."
Aria's grandfather, a wise and powerful sorcerer, had known of the prophecy. He had intended to reveal it to her, but fate had other plans.
Malakai's eyes gleamed with ambition as he gazed at Aria. He would exploit her powers, use her to further his own interests.
Elijah, sensing Malakai's intentions, growled low in his throat. "You'll not touch her, Malakai."
Malakai's smile never wavered. "Oh, Alpha, you don't understand. She's the key to our dominance."
"What dominance?" Elijah growled, his eyes narrowing.
"To rule the world, Alpha," Malakai replied, his voice dripping with ambition.
Elijah's face twisted in disgust. "I didn't tell you I want to rule the world. I only want revenge for my family and pack, and I've gotten it. It's over, Malakai."
Malakai's laughter was like a crack of thunder, sending shivers down Aria's spine. "It's never over, Alpha Ryker Blackwood, until Malakai says so. I helped you get your revenge. Without my magic, you couldn't even penetrate Netherlands, even in a hundred years. I, Malakai, made it all possible for you."
Aria's ears burned with rage. How could a fellow wizard of Netherlands collude with the wolves to destroy their beautiful witchdom? Malakai's words ignited a new reason to live: to kill him herself.
Elijah's eyes blazed with fury. "You dare claim ownership of my victory?" His wolf surged forward, ready to devour Malakai.
Malakai sneered, summoning a firebomb that exploded, sending Elijah crashing to the ground. The Alpha's pained roar echoed through the room.
At the sound of the explosion, the pack burst in, snarling and snapping. But Malakai was nowhere to be found. He had vanished.
Axel, Elijah's beta, rushed to his side. "Alpha! No!"
Elijah's body smoldered, his wounds severe. Aria knew she could save him, but her wrists were bound by Malakai's magic bracelets.
"I can help him," Aria pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.
Axel's eyes locked onto hers, filled with suspicion. "Why should we trust you?"
Aria's gaze fell on Elijah's injured form. "Because I want Malakai dead, and I need your Alpha alive to make that happen."
Lila, the gamma, stepped forward, her voice laced with concern. "We'll heal our Alpha. But you, witch, will remain bound until we decide your fate."
Aria nodded, her mind racing with plans to kill Malakai, and to reclaim her people's freedom.
.
.
.
Two days passed, and Elijah's condition worsened. The best healers and medicine men in Wolfland gathered around his bedside, but none could reverse the damage.
The Council of Wolfland convened in an emergency meeting, desperation etched on their faces.
"We've tried everything," Axel said, frustration lacing his voice. "But there's one option left."
Lila's eyes narrowed. "You can't mean the white-haired witch."
Axel nodded. "Aria. She's powerful. Maybe she can save Elijah."
Lila shook her head. "Are you mad? We killed her family. She'll seek revenge, not healing."
Councilor Akira MoonWalker spoke up, "But what choice do we have? Our Alpha is dying."
In the Blackwood Prison, Aria stood among fifty fellow captives from Netherlands, all witches and wizards. Together, they sang a haunting burial song:
"Oh, spirits of the land, hear our plea
Guide our loved ones to eternity
In the realm of ancestors, may they find peace
And their memories forever release
In the shadows of death, we mourn and weep
For those taken, our hearts do keep
Their memories alive, like embers bright
Guiding us through the darkest night
May the elements unite to carry them home
Earth, water, fire, and air, now roam
To the realm of the ancients, may they be free
And their souls forever wild and carefree"
Their voices echoed through the prison corridors, a chilling harmony that sent shivers down the guards' spines.
As the song faded, Aria's thoughts turned to her family, her heart heavy with grief. She knew she had to escape, to avenge her loved ones.
Little did she know, her fate was about to intertwine with Elijah's, and the course of Wolfland's history.
Axel's voice broke the silence. "I'll bring Aria to the Alpha. We have no other choice."
Lila's warning echoed through the chamber. "Be cautious, Axel. A woman scorned is a force to be reckoned with."
The Council nodded, resolved. Aria's destiny awaited, tied to the fate of the dying Alpha.
The fairies' whispers echoed through the dungeon's darkness, their ethereal magic releasing Aria's bracelet. It fell, clattering on the stone floor.
Next morning, Lila arrived, her face stern.
"Arise, witch," Lila commanded, her hand on the hilt of her sword.
Aria rose, rubbing her chafed wrists.
As they left the dungeon, Aria beheld Wolfland's rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling rivers.
Their destination was the Alpha's stronghold, a fortress of timber and stone. The Blackwood Keep's facade bore intricate carvings of wolves.
Upon entering, Aria saw the grand hall, with its roaring fire and vaulted ceiling. Tapestries depicting wolf legends adorned the walls.
Lila led Aria through the keep, passing the council chambers, armory, and great hall. They reached the Alpha's private quarters, guarded by burly warriors.
"Remember, witch," Lila warned, "if harm befalls my Alpha, your people will suffer. Every Netherlands prisoner will pay the price."
Aria's eyes flashed defiance.
The guards parted, revealing the Alpha's chambers. Aria entered, taking in the simple, yet regal space.
Elijah lay abed, his condition dire. Aria's gaze locked onto his pale face.
Lila's voice dripped venom. "Heal him, witch. Or face the consequences."
Aria approached the bed, her heart pounding. She sensed the darkness within Elijah.
With a whispered incantation, Aria began the healing ritual, her magic pouring into Elijah's fragile form.
The Alpha's eyes flickered open, locking onto Aria's. For an instant, their gazes held.
Lila watched, her expression unreadable.
Elijah's gaze held Aria's, a spark of recognition igniting between them. His eyes, once bright with vitality, now dulled by pain, seemed to plead for her help.
Aria's magic flowed through him, seeking the source of his suffering. She felt the poison's dark presence, its tendrils wrapped around his heart.
With a gentle touch, Aria began to weave a healing spell. Her fingers danced across Elijah's chest, leaving trails of soft, blue light.
Lila watched, her expression a mask of skepticism. "What sorcery is this?" she asked, her voice laced with distrust.
Aria didn't respond, her focus solely on Elijah. His breathing steadied, his pain easing.
As the healing magic took hold, Elijah's eyes cleared. He sat up, wincing, and gazed at Aria.
"Why?" he asked, his voice rough.
Aria's eyes locked onto his. "I have a new reason to live."
Lila's eyes narrowed. "Don't think this act of kindness will earn you freedom, witch."
Elijah tries to get up.
Lila stepped forward. "Alpha, you're not well enough—"