Chapter 12 : The Prophecy

Ren’s Point of View

Ren walked onto the university campus, his every step deliberate and calm, though his wolf stirred with barely contained excitement. It had been a week since he last saw Elena, a week of restless nights and endless debates with his inner self about whether he should stay away or return to her.

You know why you’re here, his wolf growled, smug but impatient. You can’t fight this pull. She’s ours.

Ren didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the building ahead. He had made his decision; there was no point arguing with himself about it now.

As he approached the seminar hall, his steps slowed. Through the throng of students and faculty bustling around the courtyard, his eyes found her, and everything else faded into the background.

She was walking toward the seminar room, her long, loose hair cascading down her back like a dark waterfall. She wore a flowing dress in a deep shade of green, its V-neckline subtly accentuating the graceful curves of her body. She carried herself with an air of quiet confidence, though she was unaware of the heads turning as she passed.

Ren’s wolf let out a low, appreciative growl. She’s beautiful.

Ren’s chest tightened. She was breathtaking, but it wasn’t just her appearance that drew him—it was the way she moved, the way she carried herself with both grace and purpose.

Then his wolf snarled, its tone turning sharp. Too many males watching her.

Ren’s gaze flickered to the group of students nearby, several of whom were clearly taking notice of Elena. His jaw tightened, his wolf’s possessive instincts flaring to life. She’s mine, the wolf snapped. Why do they even look?

Calm down, Ren told it, though he shared the sentiment. They don’t know. And we’re not here to make a scene.

Still, he couldn’t stop his hand from flexing slightly, his claws threatening to emerge. It took a deep breath to steady himself before he stepped into the seminar hall.

Ren chose a seat near the back, as he had before, his eyes never leaving Elena as she prepared for her lecture. She greeted a few students with her usual warm smile, her voice carrying softly through the room.

When the seminar began, Ren forced himself to focus - not on her appearance, but on her words.

She began by outlining the central theme of the day’s lecture: shifter prophecies and their place in mythology. Ren leaned forward slightly, his attention sharpening.

“In nearly every culture with shifter myths,” Elena explained, gesturing to the screen behind her, “there are prophecies - stories that foretell great events tied to these beings. These prophecies often speak of unity, conflict, and transformation. They are less about predicting the future and more about reflecting the values and fears of the cultures that created them.”

Ren nodded subtly, impressed by her insight. But as she continued, his blood ran cold.

“One of the more intriguing prophecies I’ve come across,” she said, her tone tinged with excitement, “is one found in ancient folklore associated with shifters. This particular prophecy is said to originate from a forgotten forest-dwelling tribe, and it reads as follows:”

She picked up a piece of paper from her desk, her voice steady as she recited the words:

In the twilight of realms where shadows dance and secrets lie,

When the Blood Moon rises in the ink-black sky,

Two souls entwined by fate’s unyielding thread,

Shall awaken the power of the ancient dead.

Born of light and bound by night,

One will be human, the other a creature of might.

Their hearts shall beat in sync, a melody divine,

As the bonds of their worlds begin to intertwine.

In the forest deep, where the old ones roam,

A choice must be made to protect their home.

Through trials of fire, through storms of despair,

Only together can they conquer the snare.

When the blood of the fallen stains the earth,

And the howl of the wolf signifies rebirth,

Awaken the magic that slumbers within,

For love shall prevail where darkness has been.

But beware, dear children, of the rival’s deceit,

For envy and greed shall seek to compete.

Stand firm in your truth, let love be your guide,

For united as one, you shall turn the tide.

So heed this prophecy, etched in the stone,

For the fate of the forest shall rest upon your own.

As the Blood Moon glows with its crimson hue,

Embrace your destiny, and let love see you through.

Ren’s heart pounded as the words washed over him, each line resonating with a truth he could not ignore. He knew this prophecy - of course he knew it. It was a story passed down through his pack’s elders, whispered in hushed tones and carved into ancient stones.

This was their prophecy - his and Elena’s.

His wolf was silent for once, its usual growling replaced by a heavy, expectant stillness.

Elena continued, unaware of Ren’s inner turmoil. “What’s fascinating about this prophecy,” she said, placing the paper down, “is how it combines themes of unity and conflict. It suggests that the bond between two individuals - two very different individuals - is the key to overcoming not just external threats, but internal divisions as well.”

Ren barely heard her. His thoughts raced, the weight of the prophecy settling heavily on his shoulders.

She doesn’t know, he realized. She has no idea what she just said.

But how could she? To her, these were just words, an academic curiosity. She didn’t know that she was speaking about her own destiny. About their destiny.

When the lecture ended, Ren didn’t move as the students began to leave. He watched Elena, his gaze locked on her as she tidied her desk and exchanged pleasantries with a few lingering attendees.

His wolf stirred again, its voice quiet but firm. You need to tell her.

Not yet, Ren replied. Not here.

But he knew one thing for certain : he couldn’t stay away from her anymore. The time for distance had passed.