23 Chapter 23: Varun's Point of View

I wake up with a strangled gasp.

'It is time'. The deep voice in my head that I've been hearing for the past few months speaks, drawing me into a sitting position on my bed. I look around my room one last time. After tonight, nothing will be normal ever again.

'We are finally one, boy, and you must know who you are'. The voice in my head is definitely not mine, as I don't refer to myself as 'boy'.

'Fine, whatever or whoever I am can wait. Right now, I need to find Vivienne'. I speak in my mind back to the voice, causing it to grumble and reluctantly lead me to Vee. I stay inside the house, watching through the covered windows with my mind's eye. She looks like she fell off the roof. I want to help her really badly, but she needs to complete the Transformation on her own. Despite her pain, she quickly climbs up the wall and back into her bedroom through her balcony, somehow still avoiding the security cameras. I go upstairs to her room, opening and closing the door gently behind me. She is now passed out on the rug, so I bring over a pillow, putting it under her head.

When she starts convulsing I quickly grab the moist moss and rose petals, gently putting the strip of moss on her forehead while the petals on her closed eyes and mouth. I brush her hand with my fingertips, and pain bursts through my head like an internal fire. I almost collapse but the voice comes to my rescue.

'Let go of her. It's time you know what you really are. You are a Prophet, speaker of prophecies and seer of the future, and I am the voice of the Prophet within you. Guard yourself, for they are coming for you and your sister, and they will do anything to know who stands with the Wielder of the Lion's Gift'.

The pain disappears, but I fall unconscious, prey to horrible dreams of bloodshed and warfare in the future.

Unknown Point of View:

I hold Pesménos by the back of his royal tunic. Most, if not all, of the Fallen Dark royalty has arisen, including Father. The rest of the minor royalty and council sit in the hall while Father sits on the throne, wearing a brooding expression. The crown of Fellstone on his head gleams in the light of the setting sun.

"What do you know?" asks Father, Pesménos whimpering like a child. Well, of course, only someone very foolish would stand up to the King. His nickname 'King of Blood' wasn't made for fun.

"T-the spy we sent to the Spirits' castle, Arrhabonem, he has news for Your Majesty," Father steps off of the dais and right in front of Pesménos. A loud smack echoes in the hall as he slaps him for his foolishness.

"And?" Father says, his tone low and threatening. Pesménos looks around, frightened like a cornered rabbit.

"H-he says they have knowledge of where the last Prophet is hidden, Your Majesty, and that he is s-still alive, with one last question to be asked," Pesménos stammers out, and Father, satisfied with his answer, sits back down on his throne.

"This council is adjourned," Father calls out, and all the lesser nobles and royals leave, bustling out, "Prince Alexander and General Coronus, stay, we have much to discuss." I linger in front of Father, my back ramrod straight and my half-brother, the second leading General Coronus, beside me. Whenever I look at him, my vision goes red, so I avoid giving him any attention.

"You, my sons, will have the chance to prove yourselves today. This challenge will determine who the throne's heir is. General Coronus?"

"Yes, Father?" He steps up, bowing his head. Father affectionately nods at him before speaking.

"You will hunt down the Chosen One, the Wielder of the Lion's Gift. We know almost nothing about him, except that he lives in the mortal world," Father says, and I mentally give a sigh of relief. This fool won't be able to find the girl, and even if he comes close he will be looking for a male, not a female. Only I knew what she looks like, but the Spirits erased the knowledge from my mind before I returned to my own mind.

"Prince Alexander?"

"Yes, My King?" I bow my head, and Father grimaces but gives a nod in approval.

"You shall lead a team of my most elite soldiers into the Spirits' castle. There, you must find Arrhabonem and the last Prophet, and bring him to me. Do not ask him any questions, as he will turn to dust after one last question can be asked. Understand?" Father finishes and I reply respectfully.

"Yes, My King," Father waves us away and both of us march out of the hall.