Emily and James had been walking for hours, the dense forest seeming to stretch on forever. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the trees, and they knew they needed to find shelter soon.
As they rounded a bend in the path, they heard a rustling in the bushes ahead. James immediately stopped, his eyes fixed on the underbrush.
"Wait," he whispered, his hand on Emily's arm. "Do you hear that?"
Emily nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "Yes, I do. Sounds like someone's coming our way."
They stood there, frozen, as the rustling grew louder. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the bushes. It was a woman with long, curly brown hair and a kind face. She smiled warmly at Emily and James.
"Hello there, young ones," she said, her voice dripping with a soothing warmth. "My name is Sarah. What brings you to these woods?"
Emily and James exchanged a wary glance. There was something about Sarah that seemed...off. Too perfect, too polished.
"We're just passing through," James said cautiously. "We don't want any trouble."
Sarah chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, I'm not trouble. I'm a friend. I've been watching you two from afar, and I must say, you seem like very special people."
Emily's instincts were screaming at her to be careful. There was something about Sarah that didn't feel right.
"What do you mean?" Emily asked warily, her hand on the knife at her belt.
Sarah's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with a knowing light. "I mean that you two have a certain...spark. A spark that could change the course of history."
James raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "What are you talking about?"
Sarah leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I'm talking about the prophecy. The prophecy that foretells the coming of two great leaders, who will bring peace and prosperity to the land."
Emily's mind was racing. What prophecy was Sarah talking about? And what did it have to do with them?
"I don't know what you're talking about," Emily said, trying to sound calm.
Sarah's smile faltered for a moment, but then she recovered. "Oh, of course. You don't know. But you will. You will soon discover your true destiny."
As Sarah spoke, Emily felt a strange sensation wash over her. It was as if Sarah's words were awakening something deep within her, something she couldn't quite explain.
"What do you mean?" Emily asked again, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sarah's eyes seemed to bore into Emily's soul. "I mean that you two are the chosen ones. The ones who will bring light to the darkness."
James shook his head, his expression incredulous. "That's crazy. We're just ordinary people."
Sarah chuckled. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong. You two are far from ordinary. You have a special gift, a gift that will change the course of history."
As Sarah finished speaking, the air seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy. Emily felt it coursing through her veins, a strange power that seemed to be calling to her.
"What gift?" Emily asked, her voice shaking slightly.
Sarah's smile grew wider. "The gift of leadership. The gift of prophecy."
And with that, Sarah turned and disappeared into the bushes, leaving Emily and James staring after her in confusion.
"What just happened?" James asked, his voice shaking slightly.
Emily shook her head, her mind reeling. "I don't know, but I don't like it. Let's get out of here."
As they turned to leave, they heard Sarah's voice echoing through the trees.
"Remember, Emily and James. The prophecy is coming. Be prepared."