Veiled Whispers

Ch.18 - The Voleri

Lily

"What do you mean ‘their destiny’? How am I involved in all this?” My sanity was hanging on the edge, unraveling with every passing moment, rife with tension.

Julian settled onto the bed, his eyes distant as if recalling eons. “Sit down, Lily. Let me tell you a story.
'Once upon a time, there existed a family—the Voleri. They were bestowed an object of celestial origin, brimming with magic. With it, they ruled over all species—humans, daemons, lycans, and more. Their dominion was unchallenged. They were more than mere witches, they were the guardians of the Veil, the weavers of balance among the species both human and non-human.'”

I leaned forward, my curiosity piqued. “And then?”

“The leaders of other species grew envious,” Julian continued. “Jealousy festered like a hidden curse. They plotted against the Voleri, seeking to usurp their power.”

Before Julian could reveal more, a knock echoed through the room. Theo’s voice followed. “It’s me. Just wanted to ask something.”

I opened the door, greeted by Theo’s stern expression. “Were you talking to someone?”

I hesitated, gesturing vaguely. “Just clearing my head. Aren’t you going to sleep?”

Theo’s gaze lingered, suspicion etched in his features.
To divert his attention, I asked “What do you know about the Voleri?”

“They were an ancient family,” he replied

He continued. “The first family of witches in fact. Powerful and rich. But like most royals, they fell from grace.”

“Witches,” I mused.
"So daemons are only the beginning. I'm sure all those literary characters are out there."

Theo laughed, but immediately changed his expression.
“Just wanted to ask, what were you looking at outside during dinner?”

“Ohh, that was Julian.” I confessed. “He appeared and vanished."
I held back from saying more. I don't think it is yet time to reveal about the diary.

Theo yawned. “I was worried something followed us here. Goodnight then.”
He definitely looked more relieved as he left.

I turned towards Julian, only to find the bed empty. He had disappeared. I turned to the diary.
“What happened to the Voleri? Were they killed?”

The reply materialized: “A great battle ensued. The Voleri fell, their magical object stolen.”

I pressed on: “How does this connect to the present?”

Julian’s words flowed: “A Diviner prophesied that a Voleri descendant would restore the witches’ power. The artifact ended up with the Hawthorn family, who persecuted magic users.”

“The artifact is with my family,” I realized. “Is that why they’re after me?”

Julian’s response arrived swiftly: “They seek to destroy it. The prophecy mustn’t come true. Daemons rule now, but the Veil is just dark magic now, and the realm is in chaos. Witches balance the species, keeping dark forces at bay.”

“Have you come across any peculiar objects in your family?” Julian's words came.

I replied, “Without knowing what it is, how would I recognize it?”

"Then that is for you to find out"
Julian’s words echoed in my mind, a cryptic riddle wrapped in starlight. The magical object—the key to unraveling my destiny—remained elusive, its secrets veiled in ancient ink.

More words formed underneath his message.
"You should also look into the prophecy. You can find it at Delphi's library, look for a book named 'Futurum'. One more thing, don't let Theo know any of this. Good luck on your ventures."

I closed the book, my mind ablaze. Destiny had woven me into its tapestry, threads pulling taut. The Voleri family—their legacy, their stolen treasure—now rested upon my shoulders.