Chapter 53: The Rising Threat Lucas POV

As Anna and I pushed farther into the bush, it felt like the air was getting heavier. I couldn't get rid of the uneasiness that was creeping into my chest, and the tension from our tight escape still clung to us like damp mist. Anna's shoulders were squared, and she went a little ahead, but I could see she was tired because her steps occasionally stuttered. My own muscles protested, but I remained silent since I didn't want to look weak.

I said in a steady but low voice, "We'll stop soon. Just a bit farther, where it's more difficult to find us."

Anna took a while to reply. Rather, she cast an unreadable glance over her shoulder. Her voice was hardly heard above a whisper when she questioned, "Do you think we'll ever stop running?"

I paused, unsure of how to reply. To be honest, I had no idea. And it felt wrong to lie to her. I finally replied, "We'll find a way," but even I thought the words sounded vacuous.

The underbrush ahead rustled as though it had been called upon by the weight of our conversation. My hand immediately went to the knife at my belt as I froze. Anna also froze, her gaze flitting to mine. She didn't need to speak because her terrified face said it all.

Three wolves emerged out of the darkness, their bodies morphing into people with ease. They were slender and tough, their clothes ragged but their postures confident. The elderly man with the piercing eyes and weathered beard in the middle moved forward. His eyes found Anna, and a weird smile formed on his lips.

His voice was gravelly as he responded, "Girl, you bear a mark. Are you even aware of its meaning?"

Anna moved toward me out of reflex, and I moved to the front of her. "Who are you?" I asked forcefully. "What are you looking for?"

The senior laughed, and I felt a chill go through me. "What I wish is not very important. She is the most important thing," he stated, nodding at Anna. "She has a beacon-like mark on her body. Those who know what to look for are called to it. And I am among those who are aware."

I could feel Anna shaking as her hand touched my arm. With a shaky but determined voice, she questioned, "What do you mean? Why is it important to you?"

The elder's tone stayed serious, but his eyes relaxed a little. He explained, "Because scars like yours bring change. Good sometimes, terrible most of the time. And the effects will be felt by the people around you."

I lost temper and yelled, "Enough with the riddles. Speak up if you have anything to say."

The older turned to face me, and his face became stern. He replied, "Very well, warrior. There is an old prophecy linked to the girl's mark. Blood and fire are prophesied, and those who defend her frequently suffer terrible effects."

I saw my jaw tense. I replied, "You're saying she's dangerous. However, she did nothing to earn this."

The older answered menacingly, "Not yet. However, the mark's strength and the mayhem it causes will both grow. You'll see."

Anna took a step forward, defiance taking the place of her fear. She stated, "I didn't ask for this mark. None of this was something I asked. However, I refuse to allow any prophecy to determine who I am."

The elder looked at her pityingly and respectfully. "Very brave of you, girl," he noted. "But you won't be saved by bravery. Or him." He gave me a nod. "Warrior, your heart will turn on you. You will have to make a choice when the time comes."

His words caused my hands to clench. With tightened teeth, I uttered, "I have no idea what you're talking about. However, I'll stop at nothing to keep her safe."

A slight smile flashed across the elder's lips. "We'll see," he replied. Then he and his friends turned and vanished back into the darkness with a wave of his hand, leaving us alone again.

We were quiet for a long time. As though holding its breath, the woodland seemed hauntingly quiet. The silence was finally broken by Anna.

Her voice was hardly heard as she said, "Do you believe him?"

I paused, mentally reliving the elder's comments. "I'm not sure," I said. "However, we must avoid taking any risks. We must continue to move."

Anna nodded, but her eyes were filled with doubt. She was making an effort to be tough, but I could tell that the prophecy was already weighing heavy on her. And despite my best efforts to soothe her, I couldn't shake the persistent worry that the elder's warning might be true.

As we set off again, I realized that I was looking at Anna more often than I wanted to acknowledge. She was a riddle that I was unable to solve. And I couldn't help but be drawn to her in spite of everything. However, if the elder was right and my heart were to really betray me...

I ignored the thought and focused on the road ahead. I would face whatever was in store for us. For me—and for Anna.

The bush was in shade as the sun sank below the horizon. I also couldn't get rid of the impression that we were heading straight into the storm's center as the darkness engulfed us.

The surrounding forest appeared to enclose us as we continued, with the trees standing like quiet guards. The elder's words weighed heavily on the air, acting as a continual, oppressive reminder of the danger that lay ahead. Anna took a few steps forward, her head bent a little, deep in concentration. How could anyone carry the weight of a prophecy that promised nothing but destruction? I couldn't blame her.

I accelerated, reducing the distance between us, and for a while, I just walked quietly next to her. She gave me a tired but determined look as she glanced at me. We were both aware that the road ahead would not be easy. However, we would walk that trip together. And that would not be changed by any prophecy, no matter how dire.