CHAPTER 161: STOP IT

For the first time in his life, Zen was doubtful of his own decisions. It was something he had never imagined himself capable of. After all, doubting and regrets were for the weak. Yet now, as he replayed the Grand witch’s words in his mind, he felt that same unwelcome hesitation and confusion in his thoughts.

Emira’s mother was dead, and the girl herself was determined to find those responsible and avenge her. Of that he knew. And what she had hidden... He had guessed that it had something to do with those responsible for her mother but now... he was not so sure. What if her purpose was not to escape the Moonville Pack but to ruin their union?

After all, if she was the dark master’s bride, then the only way he could rule the world was to have history repeat itself and destroy everything.

Was she truly the Dark Master’s intended bride and the daughter of the Grand Witch’s apprentice? It had to be. Why else would the two women look remarkably alike. The similarity could not be a coincidence.

And if everything he had learned so far was true, then fate had already begun its course toward disaster when they had first met Emira...

He shook his head. He needed to find a way to stop it before it consumed them all. But how?

His instincts told him that Emira was not someone who would willingly practise the dark arts. Zen trusted his instincts more than anything else. They had saved him more times than he could count.

He had a sharp sense of smell for deceit, and he had been especially alert when she had handed him that bracelet... but there had been none. Her intention had been protection of that he was sure.. There had been no hidden malice. No one could fool him that easily.

However, the Grand Witch’s warning still rang in his head. Even if he didn’t believe Emira was the dark one, he could not deny the danger that surrounded her and their union with Ramona.

According to what he had been told, there was still a way to avert what was coming. None of them had consummated their relationship with her yet, and that alone meant there was still hope. There was still a narrow window through which fate could be challenged.

But to do that, he needed to act quickly.

He needed to find a way to reach Kael before it was too late and let him know what he had learnt. He had told his brother that he would not form the mating bond when he returned and would reject Ramona. They would have done it together. But now....

Closing his eyes, he tried once more to reach Kael through their mind link.

Yet, like before, there was only silence. Ever since they had entered the forest, the link had been dead, as if the magic itself had swallowed their link.

He exhaled slowly. He needed to find a way to break the bond that Emira had formed before the time for their mating ceremony. And before Kael rejected Ramona. Because that would surely be a disaster.

But how was he supposed to do that if they were to return only days before the ceremony?

Irritated, he almost kicked the chair out of frustration before standing up. And walking out into the dark forest. If any restless spirit or guardian had a problem with his roaming the forest, then so be it. He was not in the mood to be cautious.

Once outside, he shifted into his wolf form and took off into the open, the night air rushing past him, the wind flowing through his fur.

For a moment, the motion helped clear his mind. It was easier to think when he was running and when the world was reduced to scent, sound, and rhythm.

I don’t think she’s meant for the Dark Master, Zen, his wolf murmured as it came to the forefront. I have a hunch.

Well, the three Lords from the past had a hunch too, probably,

Zen shot back sharply, unwilling to let the thought take root. All this was too mystical for him and at this point, he could not have his wolf argue with him, especially when he did not even know if they were under the effect of some dark magic.

You forget, Zen, the wolf replied patiently. Those in the past were likely influenced by the prophecy’s very existence. But what if no one had known about it? Would events have still unfolded the same way? Would they still have believed they were destined for one person? Sometimes, fate only takes shape because people fear it, Zen. Didn’t you take Emira because you had seen the future with Ramona? Then how can you now believe that it might be Emira dark magic? You foresaw the future with Ramona, long before Emira came into your life."

Zen slowed his pace, his paws digging into the earth as he absorbed those words. Yes. He too had been happy about Ramona until he had seen the future. Could it be that something similar had happened in the past? Was that why the two other lords had done what they had done?

"Then what should we do?"

"There is a way,a simple one that Emira is already following Zen... Think about it."

Zen slowed down. A simple way that even Emira was.... He stopped mid thought. Yes. Emira had taken up the duty in the Scroll room because she wanted to find out the prophecy. The original one... Could it be that she was aware of this curse and cure thing and was looking for answers herself? And could finding the answer really be that simple?

Zen frowned, his silver eyes narrowing. Is it really that simple?

Everything is that simple, came the answer from his wolf... It is your human side that insists on making it complicated.

Zen fell silent as he walked back to the forest. He needed to return soon and look for that incomplete prophecy to solve everything...