Page 1 of Oracle
CHAPTERONE
KIRA
Selene told me to think carefully, because my decision would change life as we knew it.
Be reborn as the Oracle and have the opportunity to complete the prophecy, or die right now.
No big deal, just the weight of the world on my shoulders.
I didn't need to think about this decision, though. Because in reality, there was only one option—going back to my loved ones and finishing this prophecy so that, even if I couldn't remain on Earth with them, they would still have the chance to live. That was all that mattered...giving them the opportunity to flourish and find happiness without the impending threat of doom weighing down on them like it was now.
I would never be able to willingly turn my back on them and leave them to die in this war. That wasn’t me. The prophecy made it clear that if I didn’t stand between the darkness and the wolves, no one would survive. That alone made it a cut-and-dried decision. I would go back for whatever time I was able, live my life to the fullest with them in the moments we had together, and ensure the victory of the wolves.
It was that simple, right? If so, why was my heart splintering and making it hard to put the full weight of the organ into this decision?
Shaking my head, I rid my mind of the doubt trickling in. That was my only option. I couldn’t run from this, so I’d face it head on. I'd been chosen for a reason, and I’d prove to Selene, the Fates, and my people that I was the right choice.
Lifting my gaze from the marble floor, I looked at Selene to deliver my answer. She was reclined on her plush couch, her milky white eyes that reflected the light of a full moon within them lingering on me as she twirled a silky, raven lock between her fingers. Her gaze gave away nothing about how she was feeling right now.
I had expected the weight of her gaze to be heavy, almost scolding me into making the decision I knew she wanted me to make. But she remained poised and almost indifferent, letting only my emotions be the guiding force in my decision.
How she always managed to have an air of confidence entwined with gentle grace was beyond my comprehension. It was as if she knew, even without having the sight, what was meant to be—wouldbe. Unwavering faith that light would prevail over the dark.
I found myself envious of her. I wanted to be that calm, unwavering pillar of strength to my people when I went back. But I knew I would absolutely fall short of her. Goddess perks, I supposed.
"I've made my decision," I declared, confidence filling my voice as we locked eyes. My chin was raised high, my shoulders back in resolve. I didn't need any longer to decide, and I was more than eager to be back with my mates, Lux, and Morgan.
"You're ready to go back?" she inquired, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She pushed herself up from the couch, graceful as ever as she glided over to me. Her eyes sparked with pride as she gazed at me.
It didn’t escape my notice that she'd asked if I was ready to go back, not what my decision was—like she already knew what was in my heart, despite having given me time to decide between my options.
My head cocked to the side, and my nose scrunched up in surprise at her having already known my decision. I voiced this confusion to her, shock evident in my tone. "How did you know that was my choice?"
Was mind reading suddenly one of her abilities?
A knowing look crossed her face, her smile widening and a glow seeming to permeate the air around her as she answered, warmth infusing her words, "Kira, your soul is pure and full of light. You would never allow yourself to run away and leave those you love—and even those you don't love—to face this without you. That is why you were chosen for this role."
Her words were full of affection and support for me, but for some reason, I found a fraction of my heart pounding with frustration. Although I accepted my role and wouldn’t turn my back, that didn’t mean I was happy about it. How could I be?
How was any of this fair to me?
She tapped her finger to her chin thoughtfully as her lips pursed in thought. "Although I always knew you would come to this conclusion, you did process all of this faster than I had anticipated.”
Her words hit me hard, and I found myself wiping at the tears of frustration welling up in corners of my eyes as I took a deep breath. I couldn’t quell them as I tried to calm myself with each inhale. Instead, my temper rose, her logic swirling through my head on repeat. My chest burned with anger at the injustice I felt roaring through me like a bonfire igniting and being fanned to its fullest potential.
So, because I was a good person who wanted to do the right thing, I was handpicked for a life of solitude? Then, the second I found my happiness, it was ripped away from me simply because that was always meant to be my fate? And it was just assumed that I would accept it?
My fists clenched at my sides, my nails digging into the soft flesh of my palms as I tried to work through the tumultuous emotions.
Yes, I wanted to fulfill my role in this war, but there was still a part of me that couldn't help but wonder why I had even received fated mates if the universe had known I wasn't going to be able to live a life with them. It just seemed nonsensical and cruel no matter which way I tried to look at it.
How was that fair to them?
How was that fair to me?
We were being robbed of our happiness, despite playing pivotal roles in ensuring victory in the war ahead.
Why was this the thanks we got?
