Chapter 67: Legends and Prophecies
"Long before the packs swore their vows beneath the moon’s light, there were wolves who strayed. They tore their bonds with blood and shadow, refusing the fate the goddess has written for them. They believed freedom meant power, so they drank deep from the darkness. But the moon saw their treachery and laid her curse upon them." He passed the book to Aveloria.
She read. "Never again shall you heal with the pack’s warmth. Never again shall love bind your soul. You shall walk alone, hollow until the end of time."
"That’s the wanderer’s curse. I have heard of it from my father. He told me about them when I killed one." Galen added.
Aveloria continued reading. "They roam without land, kin, or heart. Their touch withers the earth, their eyes burn with hunger, and their souls thirst for what they cannot have. They are forbidden by law, cursed by the goddess, and feared by every pack that keeps to the light. Yet beware, child, for the prophecy speaks of a she-wolf touched by divine powers, bound with many bonds. She is the key the wanderers crave. Through her, they may break their curse and plunge the world into shadow, darkness filling it. However, through her, balance may be restored if she can unite what was never meant to be divided. Remember this: the opposite of a wanderer is not a wolf with one bond but a wolf with many, for solitude is the curse, and unity is the cure."
Galen listened intently. "So, they’re not just monsters?"
"No," Thalos said. "They’re remnants. Cursed souls bound to the mortal plane. Eirene is simply using them because she knows how to summon and control them, though doing so drains her."
Galen frowned. "So in a nutshell, Aveloria is the key to breaking the wanderer’s curse? And if they break their curse, they will plunge the world into darkness."
"You’re right." Thalos turned to Aveloria. "The prophecy speaks of the Tetrabond. But there have been several translations of the prophecy from centuries ago." He opened more pages in the book. "Here are some translations of it. And it also tells the wanderers’ connections to the prophecy."
Prophecy 1: "The she wolf who walks the earth shall bind the many. When moon and shadow war, her bonds will either restore or destroy the world."
Prophecy 2: "The child of the first blood shall walk the earth in power, her soul bound not to one but to four: wealth, crown, wild, and heart. Together, the Tetrabond shall rise. Through unity, the world is restored. In division, all shall fall into shadow."
Thalos looked at Aveloria. "The wanderers know about this prophecy and believe the chosen one’s multiple mates are the key to breaking their curse. If they capture her, they could siphon her multi bonded soul to unleash eternal darkness, ending the mate bond/ wolf system forever. If she accepts her mates and balances their rivalry, her Tetrabond becomes the Antithesis of the wanderers’ curse. Her birth isn’t random; it was predestined. The Moon Goddess created her because only a wolf bound to more than one mate has the power to anchor both love and chaos, tipping the scales of the world."
Aveloria blinked. "But it’s a whole lot more than I ever imagined."
"The wanderers are back again because you’ve already met your bonds. They would try to break you and your mates. The only way out is to accept being claimed by all your mates before it’s too late."
She hesitated. "Yes...I know. But I don’t think I am fully ready to be claimed by all of them yet, especially—"
"You should be ready now. It has been months since you met them." He said. "Your power depends on unity. Without it, you’ll fall like some of your ancestors did."
That hit her harder than she expected. She swallowed. "So, what do I do now? I need to expose Eirene and let the whole court know she’s a witch and in cahoots with the wanderers."
"Unite your bonds before the wanderers lay claims on either of them." Thalos went back to one of the shelves and pulled out a small wooden chest. He opened it and revealed a fine black powder.
"This is Shadow Dust. Whenever you feel the time is right, sprinkle it near Eirene. It will reveal what she hides, her true form, her aura, and her magic. But you must be careful. If she senses it, she’ll strike first."
Aveloria stared at the powder. "So this is how I expose her."
Thalos nodded. "Yes. But before you act, you must also awaken your gift. The amulet will guide you. There’s one more thing, Aveloria," he said, glancing at Galen. "Your spirit animal. Every one of your ancestors had one."
"Where do I find it?" Aveloria asked.
"You already did," Thalos replied, not taking his eyes off Galen.
Aveloria blinked in confusion. "My wolf?"
"No," Thalos said firmly. "The one he gave you."
"The jaguar?" Galen asked.
"Yes. The animal is bound to you as part of his family tradition. That is your spirit animal. It has waited for you to seek it. When you do, you will understand your power."
Galen looked surprised. "I didn’t know the jaguar would matter this much."
"It matters more than you think," Thalos said. "Everything around Aveloria is connected to the old ways. The goddess never makes mistakes."
Aveloria looked between the two men. "So now, I’m supposed to save the kingdom, the whole world from getting corrupted by darkness, expose a witch, and somehow unlock magic I didn’t even know I had?"
"That’s what destiny requires," Thalos said simply.
She leaned back in her chair. "I don’t even know where to start."
"You start by surviving and by keeping the ones you love safe. You are not fighting one woman. You’re fighting a force that has been waiting for centuries."
Galen’s jaw tightened. "You don’t have to worry too much, Aveloria. You’ll be safe. I’ll make sure of it."
Thalos nodded approvingly. "Good. Then remember this, both of you, knowing the truth has a cost. The prophecy says peace will return if you stay united, but not without sacrifice."
Aveloria frowned. "What kind of sacrifice?"
Thalos’s eyes softened. "That, child, is something you’ll discover when the time comes. For now, gather strength, stay watchful, and trust no one easily."
Aveloria stood, placing the amulet around her neck. "Thank you, Uncle. I’ll remember your words."
"You both look tired. You should get some rest and set out tomorrow."
"No, we have to leave now. I don’t think I’ll rest easy knowing there’s a looming danger in the palace."
"Alright." Thalos walked them to the door. "You look so much like her," he said quietly. "Your mother. She was brave, stubborn, and too kind for this world. Don’t let that kindness blind you, Aveloria. The people you love can become the ones who destroy you."
Aveloria lowered her eyes. "I’ve already learned that lesson."
Thalos nodded sadly. "Then you’re already halfway to wisdom."
They stepped outside. Galen helped her onto her horse.
As they began to ride back, Galen broke the silence. "He said a lot."
"Yes," Aveloria said, still gripping the amulet. "More than I expected."
"What do you think about it all?"
"I’m glad my suspicions are right. Everything is connected. But sad that I may be running out of time. I should have sought him earlier." She said slowly,
Galen glanced at her. "Just know that no matter what comes our way, we will face it together. Like always."
She nodded. "Together."
The road stretched ahead of them, the sun beginning to fade behind the hills. Neither spoke again for a long while. Aveloria’s thoughts were filled with questions about her purpose, her power, the prophecy, and what kind of price she might have to pay.
But one thing was clear to Aveloria: she wasn’t going to let Eirene win. Not again.
