The Prophecy

The dense foliage of the forest gave way to a clearer horizon as Vael stepped out, holding Moxy close. The weight of the recent events pressed down on him. The image of Duskmire, his home, with all its memories and faces, flashed in his mind. The cheerful laughs, the sunsets, even the minor disagreements; they all felt like distant echoes now.

He shook his head, determination steeling his resolve. "The old Vael would want justice. I owe it to him, to everyone," he murmured to Moxy, whose tiny breaths warmed his hand.

Inside the dark chambers of Lord Zephyrian, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Shadows danced ominously across the walls, reflecting the turmoil within the Lord. His knuckles were white as he gripped the armrests of his throne, his eyes a furious storm. Every second Azural delayed was a thorn in his side.

"Damnable Serpents," he hissed. He signaled to two guards, their armor reflecting the dim light. "Go. Find out why those snakes haven't returned."

The guards nodded, disappearing into the shadows as if consumed by them.

Left alone, Zephyrian's thoughts spiraled into ambition and malice. "Once Duskmire falls," he mused aloud, the corners of his mouth curling into a sinister smirk, "the neighboring lands will be next. Every race, every being, will bow to me. They will serve... or they will perish."

After what felt like hours, the shadows stirred again, revealing the two guards. Their expressions were grim. "My Lord," one began, "all the serpents, including Azural, have been... slain."

The chamber's temperature seemed to drop several degrees. Zephyrian's eyes grew darker, if possible. "That boy..." he whispered, a venomous tone to his voice, "The prophecy... it's him. He's the one it foretold of. But he will soon learn that no prophecy can protect him from my wrath."

Vael approached Duskmire with a heaviness in his heart. The familiar landmarks and houses he had grown up around now felt like potential traps. He knew that returning to his own home was risky. If the Sable Serpents suspected he was alive, they would be watching his family's house, hoping to catch him off-guard.

His steps unconsciously led him to Lyria's place. If there was anyone in the village he could trust, it was her. The old Vael had always spoken of their deep bond, even if the memories weren't entirely his own.

When he reached her window, he took a deep breath and knocked gently. Inside, a gasp, followed by a pair of bright eyes peeking out. Recognition filled them. "Vael?!" she whispered in shock.

He smiled weakly, "It's me. But... it's complicated. Can I come in?"

She nodded and helped him climb through the window. As Vael entered, the gentle glow of her room's lantern illuminated Moxy, who was perched on his shoulder. Lyria's eyes widened in alarm. "What...what is that?!"

Vael quickly placed a calming hand on Moxy, feeling the warmth of her tiny form. "It's okay. This is Moxy. She's... well, she's my new companion. Found her in the forest."

Lyria hesitated but then nodded slowly, her attention drawn to his tattered clothes and the frosted wound on his leg. "You're hurt," she observed, her voice laced with concern.

Vael grimaced, "It's not as bad as it looks. But there's a lot you don't know."

As Lyria gathered some supplies to tend to his injuries, Vael had a silent conversation with himself. Should I tell her about my transmigration? No, it's best to keep it a secret for now. He looked at her, remembering the old Vael's deep bond with her. I can trust her, but some things are better left unsaid.

Lyria carefully cleaned Vael's wound, her fingers gentle and skilled. "You've really gotten yourself into a mess, haven't you?" she remarked, her voice soft with worry.

Vael sighed, "It's more complicated than you think. The Sable Serpents... they believe I'm something I'm not." He proceeded to briefly narrate the harrowing events he'd experienced.

Lyria paused in her ministrations, her gaze sharp and analytical. "They think you're the boy of the prophecy," she murmured. "But that's impossible. Remember? We tried the first step of the Ritual of Luminara on you, and there was no reaction."

Vael looked puzzled. "The prophecy? The Ritual of Luminara?" There were still gaps in his memory, parts of his past life as Vael that he couldn't access.

Lyria's brow furrowed. "You really don't remember? You used to mock the elders for even believing in it." She shifted Moxy to her lap, stroking the creature gently. "According to the ancient texts, an Elysian boy will be born with the unique ability to harness the element of prism. If this boy completes the Ritual of Luminara, he will elevate the Elysians, transforming them into a higher race, uniting the powers of all elements."

Vael's heart raced. "And no one's ever completed this ritual?"

She shook her head. "Many have tried. And many have failed. Especially since the steps beyond the first one are shrouded in mystery. Those who ventured to go further... they never returned."

Vael leaned back, processing the information. Could it be? Could he be the boy from the prophecy? Or was it just a coincidence that had thrown him into this chaos? Whatever the case, one thing was certain: he was now irrevocably tied to the destiny of the Elysians.

Vael sat silently for a few moments, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the pattern on Lyria's rug. The weight of the prophecy, its possibilities, and its risks, all pressed down on him, making his head spin. Finally, he looked up, determination clear in his eyes. "I want to try the ritual again."

Lyria's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You? The same person who'd laugh and roll his eyes every time the prophecy was mentioned? Did you hit your head or something?" Her tone was half teasing, half concerned.

Vael smirked slightly, trying to inject some levity into the tense situation. "Maybe I did. Or maybe... maybe I've just seen too much to keep running away from it." He paused, his expression becoming more serious. "But we have to be careful. With the Sable Serpents watching, we can't afford to be seen."

Lyria sighed, her eyes reflecting her inner conflict. She had known Vael all her life. His sudden interest in the prophecy was disconcerting, yet she couldn't ignore the urgency in his voice. "Alright," she finally said, nodding slowly. "I'll take you to the cave. But only because I'm curious to see if there's any truth to this myth."

Vael smiled, gratitude evident in his gaze. "Thank you, Lyria." He gently lifted Moxy from her lap, holding the creature close. "It's a risk, but it's one I'm willing to take."

Lyria smirked as she stood up. "Just remember, if anything happens to us, I'm blaming you," she teased, trying to lighten the mood as they prepared to embark on a perilous journey.