Gemini of the Shifter Realm

Chapter 3 The Prophecy of Adrian Tepes

Lucifer Zades P.O.V

A man stood before me, his stature nearly matching my own. His long ginger hair flowed around his face, which, despite being clean-shaven, was marked by an intensity that sent chills down my spine. His eyes, glowing a menacing red, bore into me with a hatred that seemed almost unnatural. He floated above the ground, defying gravity, and yet he had no wings.

How was that even possible?

A sword hovered beside him, moving with his thoughts as if it had a mind of its own. He didn't need to touch it; it obeyed his every command.

A sword? In this era? I scoffed internally, trying to mask my unease with bravado.

"You are an atrocity," he began, his voice cold and commanding, "an abomination of both the vampire and werewolf worlds, Lucifer." His fangs peeked out from behind his lips, sharp and ready. "Forgive me, brother, but I cannot condone the existence of a being like you—one who could bring ruin to the supernatural realm."

Brother? The word echoed in my mind, heavy with implications.

Before I could react, the sword shot towards me, faster than my eyes could follow. It pierced through my flesh with a sickening crunch. I gasped, blood pooling in my mouth as I fell to my knees, pain radiating through my body. I looked up at him, my vision blurring, trying to understand why this was happening.

"Balance must be restored," he whispered, his voice carrying a chilling finality.

"Lucifer, wake up!"

Valentine's voice cut through the darkness, pulling me back to reality. I bolted upright, my heart racing, sweat pouring down my skin. I blinked, disoriented, trying to shake off the remnants of the nightmare.

I turned to see Valentine beside me, her eyes wide with concern. Her expression was a mix of confusion and worry, her brows furrowed as she watched me closely.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, my voice hoarse as I struggled to catch my breath.

She sighed, shaking her head. "Zoe called," she said softly, her tone filled with a quiet urgency.

Lorraine Tepes P.O.V

"Do you ever plan to take these cuffs off?" I asked, my voice edged with frustration as Oz entered the room. His eyes flicked over to me, expression unreadable.

"When you start behaving," he replied curtly, but there was something off about his demeanor today. His usual arrogance was overshadowed by a shadow of unease, as if he was caught up in a battle within his own mind.

I watched him closely. "What's going on with you?" I prodded, sensing an opportunity.

He didn't answer right away, just stood there, staring at some distant point beyond me. "I need to know," he said finally, his voice breaking the heavy silence that had settled between us.

"Know what?" I asked, my brows furrowing.

He seemed to wrestle with his words before he spoke. "I need to know if you really are the one."

"I'm not her," I snapped, the words escaping my lips with a defensive edge.

"Maybe you just don't remember," he murmured, sinking into the chair by his desk, his gaze piercing through me as if trying to see something hidden within.

With a casual wave of his hand, I was suddenly pulled towards him, straddling his lap. My breath hitched—my hands were still cuffed behind my back, and I was only wearing the thin shirt and shorts he'd provided.