Forbidden Mate: Awakening

~THEO’S POV~

I stood before the Black healers and my heart pounded with anticipation. I had known them to be the keepers of ancient knowledge and mystical powers. I had also known them to be the people who saved my life, revealed my destiny to me and now were about to reveal to me the whereabouts of the ring of Lythian – this, they told me was, what the chosen one needed to bring peace into the realm. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation.

One of the healers, a tall figure with a hooded cloak, (forgive me, I do forget their names from time to time) stepped forward and spoke with a daunting voice. “Theo, you have been chosen as the message bearer. It is your duty to deliver this crucial information to the chosen one.”

I nodded as my eyes locked with the healer’s. “I understand. Please, tell me where I can find the ring of Lythian.”

The healer raised a hand, and suddenly, a holographic projection of a map materialized in the air before us. It displayed tortuous symbols and markings, indicating hidden pathways and secret locations.

“The ring of Lythian is hidden deep within the Wailing Woods,” the healer explained, pointing to a dense forest depicted on the map. “It is guarded by ancient enchantments and formidable creatures. Only the chosen one can retrieve it.”

I studied the map intently, trying to remember every detail and storing it in my memory.

Azara noticed and she smiled warmly at me, “Do not worry, Theo. You will remember every single detail of it.”

As if she had stamped it into my memory by just saying so, I nodded back in confirmation.

I asked, “How will I recognize the chosen one?”

The healer’s voice held a touch of mystery. “The chosen one will bear the mark of Lythian, a birthmark shaped like a crescent moon on their right shoulder. They will possess unique abilities and a very, very strong spirit.”

I squinted, “They?”

He nodded, “Yes, they. The chosen one is two in one.”

I looked at Azara to explain more and she did. “There are two chosen ones in this dispensation. They are two, separate with two special and unique gifts and powers. But they are also one. You will find the one with the protective power and this one will be who will retain the ring of Lythian.”

The cryptic message was hard to understand. Two chosen ones? Two in one? I had tried to comprehend as much as I could till that point but my brain gave out. I couldn’t hide my confusion.

Azara held my shoulder as she sensed my mental conflict, “You do not need to rattle your brain thinking about it. When events unfold, it will become clear to you. When you go back, you will see the chosen one and help one retrieve the ring.”

I nodded. Uncertainty was there but my determination grew. “I will find the chosen one and deliver this message. Since the fate of our world depends on it, I will do my best.”

The healers exchanged knowing glances before another stepped forward, a female figure with gentle eyes. I believe she was called Lenta. She extended a small, ornate box to me. “Take this, Theo. It contains the ancient writings that will guide the chosen one on their journey to retrieve the ring and their battles ahead.”

I accepted the box and a sense of reverence washed over him. “Thank you. I will guard it with my life.”

The female healer smiled warmly. “We have faith in you, Theo. Remember, the forces of darkness will seek to hinder your mission. Stay vigilant and trust in the power of the ring to guide you.”

I gave a thankful nod and prepared to go, feeling the heavy burden of my new task. It was crucial for me to deliver this message to this special chosen one. The destiny of our world and people literally depended on it, and I was committed to completing this job with every ounce of strength in me. At least, for once in my life I had been assigned a useful name and role – a message bearer and guide.

For once in my life, I was actually not useless and just mediocre, living my mundane life.

Off I went back into the wild. When I turned back to wave at the Healers, I only saw a shabby looking abandoned house with no visible occupants. I was sure I just came out of a cave, but who would ever know? They were ancient magical people after all.

As I continued my journey, Azara’s voice rang in my consciousness, “For you are the message bearer and guide to the chosen one. This is your destiny and your fate.”

•••••••••

~LILY’S POV~

My heart pounded as Leo approached me. My eyes were filled with frustration and anger. The failed attempt to possess Adrian had clearly taken a toll on him, and now Leo stood before me, venting his frustrations.

Leo, his voice laced with bitterness, ranted. “You have no idea how important that ritual was! I could have harnessed both yours and Adrian’s power, unleashing our Lord and his unimaginable strength. But now, all my plans have crumbled, and I defined can’t wait another six centuries to try again!”

My eyes widened as I listened to Leo’s words. The seriousness of the situation hit me hard. I understood that Leo was becoming desperate and would do anything to get what he wanted. He was basically going mad so I just kept quiet and watched his display.

He gripped my arm tightly, his tone turning more sinister, “You have a choice, little wolf. Sell out your pack, and I will spare Adrian’s life. Help me gain the power I seek, and we can reshape this world together.”

My mind raced, torn between my love for Adrian and my loyalty to my pack. I knew I couldn’t allow Leo to manipulate me into turning against my own people, no matter the cost. But Adrian….

Summoning my courage, I met Leo’s gaze defiantly. “I will never betray my pack! You must be darn foolish to sugges that! You don’t understand how strong and united we are. We’ll stay together and battle against you.”Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Leo’s face contorted with anger, his grip on my arm tightening. “You think your little pack stands a chance against the Shadows and vampire clan? You’re delusional, little wolf! Your loyalty will only lead to the destruction of everything you hold dear. Choose wisely.”

My voice remained firm. “I will never betray my pack.”

Leo’s expression turned cold as he released his grip on me. His eyes gleamed with malice. “Very well. You have made your choice. Now yu will watch as Adrian dies slowly.”

•••••••••

~NARRATOR’S POV~

Tyler was visiting the grove again, thankfully.

Jaxon took a deep breath, knowing that the conversation he was about to have with Tyler wouldn’t be easy. He had to reveal the truth about Audrey’s lies and deception, even if it meant facing Tyler’s disbelief and anger.

“Tyler, we need to talk,” Jaxon said, stepping in front of him and blocking his path. “There’s something important I need to tell you about Audrey.”

Tyler’s brows furrowed as he looked at Jaxon skeptically. “Audrey? What’s this about? I’m kinda busy now.”

Jaxon sighed, equally frustrated. “Tyler, I’ve discovered that Audrey has been deceiving us. She’s been feeding information about the pack to the enemy, basically manipulating us all along.”

Tyler’s eyes widened in disbelief, shaking his head vehemently. “What are you talking about? No, Jax, you must be mistaken. Why would she do that? I know she’s very brash sometimes but she’s not a traitor, if that’s what you’re trying to get at.”

Jaxon’s voice grew more urgent as he tried to convince Tyler of the truth ~ well, a truthful lie to be more precise. “I’ve seen the evidence, Tyler. I followed her closely and discovered this. She has been secretly talking to our enemies and pretending to be on our side while actually giving them information.”

“I don’t believe you. Is this because of Lily?”

“What? How is this because of Lily?”

“Let me guess, you also think Audrey is the cause of her disappearance?”

“I’ve never mentioned that, Tyler.”

“Look, we all miss Lily and the upcoming war has all of us agitated, but that doesn’t mean we should accuse people anyhow. Now is not the time to start discord amongst the pack.”

“This isn’t about Lily. Audrey is a mole.”

Tyler’s face contorted with anger, “That’s enough, Jaxon! I know you’ve always had a problem with her. This is just another way to ruin her reputation and create problems between us.”

Jaxon’s frustration boiled over, “Tyler, would I lie to you? What would I gain seeing both of you fight? I understand your loyalty to and relationship with her, but I’m telling you the truth. We can’t ignore the evidence right in front of us. If we continue to trust Audrey, it will put us all in danger.”

Tyler’s eyes narrowed, his tone growing cold. “I won’t listen to any more of your baseless accusations. Audrey has been with us from the beginning, and I won’t abandon her now. You can believe whatever you want, but I won’t be a part of this.”

Jaxon simply stared at him, not having any more he could say to convince him.

Tyler scoffed, “Evidence…evidence you say that you can’t show me? Don’t ever bring this up again or we will have a problem.”

With that, Tyler forcefully pushed past Jaxon and angrily walked away. Jaxon stood there, disappointed and sad. He had wanted Tyler to listen and understand what was really happening, but it seemed like Tyler was still loyal to Audrey and couldn’t see the truth.

Jaxon knew he couldn’t make Tyler believe him, but he also knew that if Audrey’s true intentions stayed hidden, they would all be in danger. He did have to exaggerate his claims but what if his claims turned out to be true and Audrey was that far gone in her deceit?

What would happen to him?