The Chosen

Chapter Four (The Clearing)

 MAYA STERLING

My thoughts were fixed on the clearing and the message that buzzed in my pocket. Ollie and I made our way to the edge of town, footsteps echoing off the pavement, the air thick with the anticipation of what the night might bring.

"I'm telling you, this place feels like it's got its own heartbeat," Ollie fretted, glancing around nervously. "Are you sure you want to go to the clearing alone? This reeks of a trap. Like, horror movie levels of 'don't do it' vibes."

Nodding, gripping the map tightly in my hand. "I have to, Uncle Felix said to meet here and whoever sent that message knows something about my dream. I can't keep running blind. If I'm not back in an hour, go home and call for help... And maybe bring the whole town."

Ollie rolled his eyes but there was concern etched on his face. "You know I've got your back, but I'm gonna say it one more time: don't do anything stupid, Maya. We don't need you turning into a werewolf or worse a vampire." He cringed.

I smirked, nudging him with her elbow. "You worry too much. But thanks. I'll be careful."

As I left Ollie at the entrance to the woods, "Wait! What message? Maya!" Ollies voiced echoed as I walked further away from him. Feeling annoyed that I blabbered, I ignored him stepping onto the narrow, winding path leading deeper into the trees. The clearing wasn't far, just past the old stone circle that Eldermoor was named after—a ring of ancient, moss-covered rocks that had been a part of the town's legends for as long as anyone could remember. The path felt familiar, yet every step weighed heavy with the unknown.

As I approached the clearing, my breath hitched. The moonlight bathed the area in an eerie silver glow, and the air felt charged with energy, like a storm waiting to break. The clearing was empty, saved for the wind rustling through the leaves and the occasional call of a night bird. Glancing around, searching for any sign of movement, my heart thudding in my chest.

"Okay, I'm here," I whispered to myself. "Now what?"

Suddenly, a figure stepped out from behind one of the larger stones, cloaked in shadow. My hand instinctively reached for my phone, but the figure held up a hand, a faint glow illuminating his features. It was Zayne. His usually confident demeanour was replaced by a tense, wary expression.

"Zayne?" My voice wavered, relief mixing with confusion. "Did you send that message?" Zayne nodded, his eyes scanning the treeline. "I needed to talk to you, alone. Things are getting complicated, Maya. The prophecy, the light you see glowing—it's all connected."

Frowning, i stepped closer. "What do you mean? How do you know I see the lights?"

Zayne hesitated, his gaze locking onto mine. "It's a long story but the elite, the ones who control the elements in Eldermoor, they're not just hiding the prophecy—they're trying to shape it. And they're watching you. Watching us. Bowie's and my aura, the one you saw? That's not normal, even for elementals."

My mind raced. "I-So you think... Elementals? This is too much information, What do you mean watching us? Me? Elementals!" Puzzled by what I'm hearing.

Zayne sighed, his expression grim. "Exactly. And it gets worse. Wilder's group, The Stone Circle—they're not just rebels. They're trying to harness the prophecy for themselves, to twist it into something dark. That's why I'm here. I think Wilder's targeting you because you're the key. The chosen one, the prophecy."

I couldn't believe what was coming out of his mouth. Why me? I honestly have no idea what he was talking about, because the words were not making any sense to me anymore but one thing I know for sure was that I'm not some saviour or destroyer. Zayne stepped closer, his voice low. "You could be, Maya. That's the point. The prophecy says the 'chosen one' will have the power to either save or doom the world. And the elements... they respond to you in ways that are different from anyone else. The light, the aura—it's all tied to you."

Before I could respond, a sharp rustling sounded from the bushes. Both Zayne and I turned, our senses on high alert. A moment later, Wilder emerged from the shadows, his earth-toned outfit blending almost seamlessly with the surroundings. His presence sent a ripple of tension through the clearing, like a sudden drop in temperature.

"Well, isn't this cozy," Wilder drawled, his voice smooth but edged with danger. "Having secret meetings without me? I'm hurt."

Taking a step back, my heart pounding. Wilder's smile was cold, his eyes flicking between mine and Zayne. "Keeping an eye on my interests. You're both playing with forces you don't understand. Eldermoor's elite might want to control the prophecy, but I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen. By any means necessary."

Zayne's posture stiffened, crackling faintly at his fingertips. "You think you can control the prophecy, Wilder? That's a dangerous game." Wilder's eyes narrowed, the ground beneath him shifting slightly as if responding to his mood. "I don't need to control it. I just need to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. And right now, you're looking pretty suspicious, Zayne. Teaming up with Maya? Maybe you're planning to make her the villain."

I glanced between the two boys, my pulse quickening. The tension was palpable, the air thick with unspoken threats and mistrust. I had a split second to act, to say something before the situation escalated.

"Enough!" My voice cut through the standoff, tone sharp and unyielding. "We're not enemies. We're all in this together whether we like it or not. I don't care what the prophecy says—I'm not here to destroy anything, and I'm definitely not going to let anyone use me to do it."

Wilder's gaze softened, a hint of familiarity flickering beneath his guarded exterior. "So, what's your plan, Maya? Because right now, it looks like you're stuck in the middle."

Taking a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "My plan is to figure out the truth—about the prophecy, about the elemental powers, about what's really going on in Eldermoor. And if that means facing down the elite, or even you, Wilder, then that's what I'll do."

Wilder gave a slow nod, though the suspicion never fully left his eyes. "Alright. But know this—I'm not backing down. If I think for a second that you're a threat to this town, I'll do what needs to be done. No matter what."

I met his gaze, unflinching. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Third POV:

As the tension eased slightly, the three of them stood in the clearing, the weight of their decisions hanging heavy in the air. The prophecy might have painted them as rivals, as potential foes, but Maya knew one thing for certain: she wouldn't let anyone, not the elite, not Wilder, and not even the prophecy, decide her fate.

The first drops of rain began to fall, pattering softly against the leaves and the earth beneath their feet. It was a gentle reminder that, despite everything, nature was still in control. As they parted ways, Maya noticed Wilder's aura had a green hue to it. What she didn't know was that The Stone Circle, The Elite and Elementalist were watching the three of them converse.