Bandits on the Borderlands

The man's lips curved in a small smile. "I am Thord, Guardian of the Forgotten Ruins. And you, my dear, are the one we have been waiting for."

Madison's mind reeled. She glanced at her companions, seeing her own confusion mirrored on their faces. Wald stepped forward, placing a protective hand on her shoulder.

"Waiting for? What do you mean?" Madison asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

Thord's golden eyes seemed to pierce right through her. "The prophecy speaks of one who will wield the Crystal of Communion and unite the fractured Lycan clans against a great evil. You have proven yourself worthy by passing the first test."

Madison's hand went to the crystal at her throat. Its pulsing warmth seemed to intensify at Thord's words. "But I'm just... I mean, I didn't even know about any of this until recently."

Thord nodded sagely. "As it should be. Your true nature was hidden to protect you until the time was right."