BOUND BY DESTINY

PROLOGUE

Two young lynx kits raced through the chilly forest, one a golden spotted she-cat and the other a fluffy chestnut brown tom. Orange leaves crunched beneath their paws as they ran. The blades of grass were tinged with frost, bringing with them a hint of winter.

"Come and catch me, Echo!" the tom kit called.

The she-cat, Echo, pressed her paws into the ground and quickened her pace, enjoying the feeling of the wind against her whiskers.

"I'll get you, Finn!" she squealed excitedly. She stuck out her tongue at her friend as she outran him.

"Hey!" Finn grumbled. "Not fair."

Echo giggled. "Told you."

She turned her head to observe her surroundings; the forest had become more dense and crowded, and a mysterious aura hung in the air. It seemed to be getting darker as well.

Finally, Echo skidded to a stop, slightly frightened. "Finn?" she whispered. "Are you there?"

There was a rustling in the undergrowth, and then Finn leaped out, landing on Echo's back.

"Get... off me!" Echo mumbled, shoving him off.

"Ha! I scared you," Finn boasted, nudging her with his shoulder. "Come on, let's walk through here."

She didn't complain anymore and padded at his side, alert of every sound and movement.

Soon, they reached a strange shimmering pond, tinted with blue and silver. Echo trotted up to it curiously.

"Wow..." she breathed. The surface seemed to sparkle and reflect the kit's wide yellow gaze as she stared into it. She was sure she could feel a presence next to her, apart from Finn.

Suddenly, a spirit bounded up from the water. From it's strong, sturdy movements, Echo could tell it was a male fighter.

Just like my granddad!

The sky went dark, the forest disappeared, and the adult lynx slowly walked up to her, a ghostly grace in his paw steps. She gazed in pure wonder.

"My child," he hushed. "Great things await you. You have a destiny to fulfil."

Echo gasped silently. "What...?"

"Your path will not be easy, and many will criticise you." He touched noses with her. It felt comforting yet cold at the same time. "You'll be troubled by what others think, but do not let that stop you."

"Who- who are you?" the tiny kit mewed, slowly backing away. She flattened her ears but he followed her, staring intimidatingly into her eyes.

"Have you not figured it out yet? Your mother knows me very well."

Echo froze with realization. "Thorn! You're... my mum's dad!"

A pulse of relief throbbed through her as the ghost nodded and began to fade away. Within seconds, the forest sparkled into view again and she was standing at the edge of the shimmering pool, her paws shaking, trying to wrap her head around what had just happened.

"Finn!" Echo's pupils were slitted as she whipped around to tell her friend about the strange vision. But the energetic tom kit was nowhere to be seen.

Probably playing another one of his pranks...

A pained screech from the bushes caught her attention. She scampered towards the sound, only to be met with shock as she realised Finn was caught in the jaws of a fierce fox. Echo quickly retreated as the creature made its way towards her. Unexpectedly, it took a turn and pounded away with Finn locked between its teeth. A trail of blood drops and tufts of fur was left on the ground behind them.

"No! Finn!" Echo bawled. She took off after them, tears streaming from her eyes. The fox was too fast; soon the she-kit ceased the chase, gasping for air.

A larger female lynx padded up behind her to gently nudge her away from the bloody path. They plodded along together in silence, a deep sadness thickened the air, until they passed the eerie, glistening pond.

"Nova?" Echo sniffled. The adult, Nova, looked down with worry and licked her daughter's ear.

"Yes, my dear?" she murmured. "What's the matter?"

Echo thought what to say about the vision for a moment, then shook her head. It could possibly lead to her getting special treatment, or worse, trouble. "Never mind. It's not important. Really."

"Oh." Nova seemed a bit disappointed. "How... how are you feeling about Finn? I mean, his... disappearance."

The conversation was rather awkward, but it took Echo's mind off the weird prophecy. "I miss him, definitely. But he'll come back; I just know it! He'll escape, and fight off the fox, and..." Her voice trailed off and she looked up at her mother. "Right?"

"I'm sorry, Echo," Nova responded solemnly. "So sorry, but he's gone, forever. Finn walks among the stars now."

Echo stared at her in disbelief as she insisted, "You don't know that! Anyway, if he was dead, his spirit would have already visited me. I know it."

Nova gave her a weak smile and said no more.

As the pair advanced through the frosty undergrowth, Echo reflected deeply on what Thorn had said to her. Perhaps she did have a great destiny after all.

Which must be to save and bring back Finn! The thought hit her like a pebble. Of course!

She convinced herself that it must be that, but something inside of her was telling her otherwise. That there was something more to it than that, something truly great. And whatever it was, she was sure now she could face it.