The infant was resting among old antiques and enigmatic symbols in a secret, ancient sanctuary located far north of the woodland.
Astrid, the child's caregiver, kept a kind and attentive eye on him.
Whispering to herself, "The child's power grows," Astrid said. "But at what cost?"
The child's little hands were balled into fists, yet he was sleeping.
Astrid's anxiety increased. "The weight of the prophesy falls on you, my little child. Will you be able to bear its weight by yourself? Her face was lined with anxiety as she went on.
The infant opened his eyes abruptly.
Astrid grinned. "Little one, you're finally awake."
For a moment, Aria glimpsed a flash of old knowledge as the child's eyes met hers.
The child's eyes became softer and fixed themselves on Astrid's kind grin. However, something ignited deep inside—a link to a love that endures beyond the sanctuary.
Lucy experienced an unexplained pull in the castle, as if she and her kid were connected by an unseen thread.
It's him, Tristan. Lucy's voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she continued, "I feel our child's presence."
Tristan's face became serious. "Where?"
Lucy closed her eyes and reached for her senses. "I'm not sure... but I feel his fear, his confusion."
Sensing the child's restlessness and internal conflict, Astrid held him even tighter. "Little one, you're safe."
Lucy's heart skipped a beat as the child's small hands grabbed Astrid's finger; it seemed like their hands were intertwined.
"He knows, Tristan. Our youngster is aware that I'm looking for him. Lucy spoke with a look of resolve on her face.
Tristan became more determined. "We'll locate the
Lucy and him. Together.
"We will undoubtedly locate him shortly.
Returning to the sanctuary:
Astrid's POV.
To calm the baby's screams, I rocked him gently in my arms while humming a gentle tune. The infant was typically soothed by the quiet and warm light of the sanctuary, but today was different. It was more intense. He was crying more loudly than normal.
His little hands shook, and his eyes looked to be filled with intense worry, as if they saw something I didn't. It was unsettling and worrisome.
My heart started beating rapidly. I've taken care of a lot of kids, but this one was very unique; he was exceptional. My thoughts were troubled by the prophecies surrounding his birth.
I then made that the sanctuary's defenses were still in place. But the child's little body tensed, his uneasiness growing.
According to the prophesy, his mother is the supposed alpha of the Lamia pack, and I felt a connection to her. Who would have guessed? Rumor had it that she was determined to locate her newborn kid no matter what.
I sensed the newborn's feelings as I held him close: hurry, resolve, and a tinge of dread and despair.
There was an eerie quiet as the child's screams faded. It was the quiet before the storm, and I was all too familiar with it.
The candles in the church suddenly flickered. I could feel the air becoming thicker as shadows moved over the walls.
The child's very penetrating stare was fixed on mine.
That expression seemed familiar to me. It served as a warning.
Of what, though?
Looking for answers, I fixed my gaze on the child's. As if they could see over the walls of the temple, the newborn's eyes appeared to have age-old knowledge.
I made an effort to remember the prophecy:
"A kid born of darkness and moonlight,
will help to balance the world's largest gap.
They will come together with all their hearts.
In the delicious tide of love, the light will triumph over the darkness and bring about peace, while the darkness will rise and produce havoc.
I kept thinking about the words, wondering what they meant.
When the child's small hands grabbed my finger, I experienced an electric rush that was unlike anything I've ever experienced.
Her head was filled with visions:
Ryker, fighting in the woodland against Thorne's troops.
Tristan and Lucy, looking for their kid.
Zara's covert plan, endangering the kingdom.
As the images changed, a more sinister reality emerged:
Beyond the edge of the woodland, a huge evil stirred.
A force that would upset the equilibrium.
With my pulse pounding, I at last realized the child's function:
to instill optimism in a world that is on the verge of disaster.
I was out of breath when the sights subsided.
The child's gaze remained fixed on mine, perhaps anticipating my answer.
"What do you want me to do, little one?" I muttered.
They curled into her arms as the child's eyes relaxed.
That's when I realized. At all costs, I had to keep this youngster safe.
Ryker's POV.
My gaze focused on Thorne's sneer once my eyesight cleared.
Thorne smirked evilly and added, "Ryker, you're not who you think you are."
"What do you mean, 'I'm not who I think I am'?" I snarled.
Thorne laughed. "You're a product of design, forged to serve a greater, higher purpose."
I chuckled. "I'm difficult to trick Thorne."
Thorne gave a shrug. "That's the truth. To fulfill an old destiny, you have been conditioned to obey.
I chuckled once more. Only the Lycan king and his Luna have my loyalty. I will never serve another person.
Thorne gave a smirk. "You do already. Every action you do carries out the strategy.
I snarled and lunged forward.
Swords rang out as the two of us battled in the library.
Thorne's troops were defeated when Rowan and Lenora entered the battle.
In a last desperate attempt, I knocked Thorne's blade out of his grasp.
With his eyes expanding, Thorne staggered back.
I spat out, "You'll never win,"
Thorne grinned back. "My scheme comes to pass. It is unstoppable.
Thorne accelerated and disappeared into the darkness. And then, suddenly, he was gone.
In the solitude of the library, Ryker stood panting.
What mysteries were concealed? What on earth was he talking about, the moon goddess?
A clandestine meeting was held in Thorne's castle, which was tucked away in the woodland.
Thorne gathered around a dark table with Zara and Mark.
"Well?" Thorne asked in a chilly, quiet voice.
Zara's eyes glinted as she leaned forward. "Lucy has stepped up her efforts to find the youngster. We have to move quickly.
Mark's face remained expressionless. Additionally, I have penetrated Tristan's inner circle. Distracted by his queen's worries, the Lycan king's determination waned. Now is the ideal moment to initiate contact.
Thorne's grin contorted. "Great. We'll take advantage of that flaw.
Zara's voice was poisonous. "Lucy will fail because of her tenacity. We have to make sure she doesn't ever locate the kid. She would die of grief."
Mark continued to look between Zara and Thorne. "What's the plan?"
Thorne steepled his fingers and leaned back. "We'll set up a distraction to entice Lucy and Tristan to leave the refuge. You'll make sure the queen's attention stays split, Zara."
Zara's lips curled as she nodded. "I've already set wheels in motion, I'm always three steps ahead of them, don't you worry.."
Mark's face became contemplative. "How about Ryker? He's still looking, and I worry that he could be coming near."
Thorne's gaze became strained. "Ryker's resolve is commendable, but he will face consequences. We've got...
With everything set up, we'll
Out of nowhere, footsteps resounded.
Thorne's gaze became strained. "Expecting someone?"
Zara's face became icy and very strained. "No."
Mark's hand automatically reached for his sword.
The door opened with a squeak.
A man with a hood moved into the darkness.
Thorne said, "Welcome," in an inquisitive tone.
Slowly, the person came closer.
They didn't reveal their faces.
Whispering, "My lord," the figure said.
Thorne grinned more.
Everything became dark after that.