The phantom sensation warmed slightly, conveying curiosity from Kenny and Axel about this unexpected conversation.
"The Goddess spoke to me," Amali continued, her voice dropping to little more than a whisper. "She showed me the darkness that would come if the triad bond were prevented from fulfilling its purpose. If your bond with Kenny and Axel was broken before it could fully form."
Lilly's fingers tightened reflexively around the hybrid violin. "You know about our bond."
"Yes," Amali confirmed. "The dream made it clear. Three petals, one stem, you, Kenny, and Axel united by divine purpose." She hesitated before adding, "In another life, I might have continued fighting for Kenny's attention. But what I saw, the darkness consuming everything, all our packs fal
Amali's expression grew thoughtful. "Proceed as planned with the recital. The music itself might reach her in ways our words cannot. In my dream, the melody had power beyond mere sound; it illuminated truth and pushed back darkness.""The Goddess called it a bridge," Lilly murmured, remembering the divine presence that had blessed their bond. "Not just between traditional and modern materials, but between hearts and minds.""Then use it as such tomorrow," Amali suggested. "Play not just with technical perfection but with the full emotion of your bond. Let the music speak what words cannot yet explain."The phantom sensation warmed with agreement from Kenny and Axel. Lilly nodded, drawing strength from their distant presence.
Her sister Emerald’s retort took aback Allischa. Allischa blinked, momentarily disarmed by Emerald's uncharacteristically direct challenge. The diplomatic sister rarely confronted anyone so bluntly."Of course not," Allischa replied, recovering quickly. "I simply believe that understanding prophecies fully allows us to support them more effectively.""Understanding comes with time and divine revelation," Luna Harmony interjected smoothly. "Not through forced disclosure or manipulation."The atmosphere in the solarium had shifted, the pretence of casual afternoon tea giving way to something more consequential. Allischa studied the three women facing her: Luna Harmony's serene authority, Emerald's diplomatic firmness, and, most surprisingly, Amali's transfo
Amali leaned forward, something new in her expression, a protective determination that Allischa had never seen in her typically self-centred sister."The darkness in my dream," Amali said quietly, "it fed on exactly this kind of suspicion and division. It thanked me personally for helping break something precious before it could fulfil its purpose."Allischa's expression flickered with genuine surprise at this direct approach. "What are you suggesting?""That some questions are better left unasked until the right time," Emerald interjected diplomatically. "Divine dreams and prophecies unfold according to the Goddess's timeline, not ours."Luna Harmony nodded approvingly at her niece's wisdom. "The Goddess reveals what we need to kno
Luka studied him for a moment, his amber eyes so like his sister's searching Axel's face. "I believe you. And that's what matters most, that this feels right to all three of you." He smiled slightly. "Besides, Kenny's been practically family since we were pups. And you..." his smile widened, "well, you're growing on me."The phantom sensation rippled with Lilly's relief and Kenny's amusement. Axel returned the smile, feeling a genuine connection forming with his future brother-in-law."I appreciate that. And your support means more than you know."As they parted ways, Axel felt the phantom sensation pulse with contentment. Each conversation, each new ally, brought them closer to understanding their purpose and strengthening their unusual bond. Whatever darkness might be rising, they would f
"Sorry about that," Axel said, steadying himself. "I was lost in thought."Luka smiled, his amber eyes, so similar to Lilly's, assessing Axel with friendly curiosity. "No harm done. Clay and James showing you the archives?""Yes," Axel confirmed, seizing the opportunity to speak with Lilly's brother. "They've been very helpful. Your family's historical records are impressive.""One of Riverwood's greatest treasures," Luka agreed, falling into step beside Axel as they walked down the corridor. "Though I admit I don't spend as much time there as Clay does. Too many responsibilities elsewhere.""As future Alpha," Axel said, watching Luka's reaction carefully.
"The texts describe it as a shadow that grows within," Clay added, pointing to an ancient illustration depicting a wolf with darkness spreading through its body. "It begins with small jealousies or fears, then gradually intensifies until the person's actions serve the darkness without them fully realising it.""Like what happened with Amali," James noted. "Though thankfully the Goddess intervened before it went too far."The phantom sensation pulsed thoughtfully. Axel could feel Lilly's compassion flowing through their bond, her innate desire to help rather than condemn those who this darkness might influence."Can people be... freed from this influence?" Axel asked, thinking not just of Kendra but of others who might unwittingly become pawns.