"Arianna, you are growing up, and it is high time you knew the truth about your fate," he had said, his voice low and gravelly. "When you turn 18, you will be required to fulfill an ancient prophecy. You will be the key to unlocking the werewolf king's true power."
I remembered feeling like I had been punched in the gut. A sacrifice? Me? I had found it extremely hard to believe that my life would end when I turned 18th. From that day on, I slowly reminded myself each day that my days had been numbered.
I learned to cherish every second, minute or hour that passed by.
My father's words had been etched in my mind like a curse. I could not shake the feeling that my life was predetermined, that I was nothing more than a pawn in a game I did not understand.
As I made my way downstairs, my brother Darius greeted me with a small smile and a tray of cupcakes. "Happy birthday, kiddo. I made your favorite flavor, chocolate."
I forced a smile, feeling like I was living a lie. How could I celebrate my birthday when my fate was already sealed?
"Thanks, I guess." I said, in a bored tone. "It looks amazing, hopefully it tastes just as it looks." I teased him.
As we sang "Happy Birthday" and I blew out the candles, I noticed my father was nowhere around, so I had to ask Darius. "What about dad?" I questioned.
Darius cleared his throat and answered "He was summoned by to the royal palace since morning. He has not been home since then." Darius said.
I sighed heavily. My thoughts went back to my fate. I felt a shiver down my spine. I had a year left before my 18th birthday.
Darius seemed to have noticed the sadness I was feeling. He rushed towards my direction and placed his warm hands on my shoulder. "You are going to be okay Arianna, the Moon goddess knows best. Try not to think too deep about things and enjoy your birthday." He said with a reassuring smile.
It was finally time for breakfast, my father, Orion had finally arrived. I had questions to ask him, but I chose to save them for later.
We gathered around the dining table and my dad spoke with a hand placed on my shoulder. "Happy birthday my dear daughter. I am so proud of you, and I am sure mother feels the same way too. I want you to know that we will face whatever comes next together, as a family."
I nodded, trying to muster up a smile, but it felt forced. Had everything already been sealed? Was that why he was summoned to the royal palace this morning? I needed answers.
Darius, sensing my unease, reached out and took my hand. "Ari, it is going to be okay. We will figure something out. You are not alone in this."
I appreciated their efforts, but it was not enough to erase the feeling of dread that had taken up residence in my stomach. I felt like I was living on borrowed time, like every day brought me closer to the inevitable.
As we finished breakfast, my father handed me a small gift box. "I know it is not much, but I wanted to get you something special for your birthday."
I opened the box, revealing a beautiful silver necklace with a small crystal pendant. It was lovely but how long was I going to wear it? Just for another year?
"Thanks, Dad," I said, trying to sound sincere. "It is really pretty."
My father smiled, but I could see the concern etched on his face. He knew I was struggling, and he did not know how to help me.
After breakfast, I headed back to my room. I laid on my bed drowned myself in my own thoughts. I was starting to enjoy the coolness coming from my room's window and the defeating silence when a sudden bang on the door startled me.
Darius barged into my room with a worried look on his face. He was struggling to catch his breath.
I jerked off my bed at alert and rushed towards Darius with a look of concern plastered on my face. "What is going on Darius?" I asked, my brows furrowed at him in confusion mixed with fear.
Darius wanted to say more but a group of men dressed in Armours barged into my room. Their faces looked strong, and their eyes were darted toward my direction.
I gulped a lump down my throat and staggered backward in shock. "Who are they?" I stuttered, my heart raced extremely fast and the hairs on my skin rose.
"We are from the royal palace, here to take you to the king." One of the guards spoke in a harsh tone.
I shook my head in disagreement. I was not eighteen yet, why were they here to take me then?
"Where is father?" I asked.
Darius shook his head. "I have no idea." He turned to the guards and pleaded. "Please do not take my sister until my father returns."
"It is the command of the King that we take her immediately." Without wasting another minute, the guards rushed towards me and grabbed me by the arm like a prisoner.
I cried and struggled to get out of their grip, but they were too strong for me.
Tears clouded my eyes as I was slowly pulled away from home. This was my last goodbye to my family. It was time to face my fate.
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