Ashes of the Forbidden Kingdom.

Prophecy of Shadows

POV: Queen Elysia
The icy winds tore through the stone walls of the temple as Queen Elysia of the Northlands stood in the dim glow of torchlight. Shadows danced across her face, but her steely gaze never wavered. Before her, seated on an ancient throne of bones, was the Oracle, a woman as old as the mountains themselves. Her pale eyes were clouded, seeing beyond the present world and into realms Elysia dared not tread.

Elysia took a breath, steadying herself. "Speak," she commanded, her voice echoing through the silent hall. "Tell me what future awaits my kingdom."

The Oracle's eyes flickered with a strange, ethereal light as she tilted her head. Her voice, raspy and aged, filled the chamber, rising and falling like the howling wind outside. "A darkness stirs beneath Sylara, one that neither blade nor spell alone can defeat. It shall devour all, turning light to shadow and life to death."

Elysia's jaw clenched. "Then tell me how I may destroy it."

The Oracle's gaze sharpened, and a thin, eerie smile touched her cracked lips. "The heart of the fire is blinded by pride, and only in the bitter frost can it be reborn." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "A union of flame and ice will be your salvation. Seek the fire, Queen of Frost, or watch your kingdom fall."

Elysia's heart froze. She knew the fire that the Oracle spoke of-and she despised him. King Kieran of Narethia, the arrogant ruler who wielded fire as his weapon, was her greatest enemy. The thought of allying with him was beyond comprehension.

"And if I choose not to heed this prophecy?" Elysia asked, her voice cold and defiant.

The Oracle's smile faded, replaced by a look of grave warning. "Then you will not survive to see the next winter."

With a final nod, Elysia turned on her heel, her cloak swirling around her as she left the temple. The prophecy echoed in her mind, but she pushed it aside. She would find a way to protect her kingdom without him.

---

Back at her castle, Elysia's advisors waited anxiously. Her closest councillor, General Kael, stepped forward, his face lined with worry.

"Your Majesty," he began, "what did the Oracle say?"

Elysia's gaze was hard. "The Oracle speaks in riddles, as always. She claims there is an ancient darkness rising beneath Sylara, one that requires an alliance with... King Kieran."

Murmurs of shock and anger rippled through the room.

"Your Majesty," Kael said cautiously, "if the Oracle has foreseen this, perhaps we should-"

"No." Elysia's voice cut through the room like a shard of ice. "I will not join forces with him. Not now, not ever."

Just then, a soldier entered, his breath fogging in the cold air. "Your Majesty, we've received an envoy from Narethia. King Kieran has sent a message."

Elysia's eyes narrowed. "Bring it to me."

The soldier handed her a scroll, sealed with Kieran's fiery crest. She unrolled it, her eyes scanning his bold, elegant handwriting. The message was brief, and every word ignited her fury.

> Queen Elysia,
I have learned of the Oracle's prophecy, and I am sure you have as well. We both understand the threat this darkness poses. For the sake of our lands, I propose a temporary truce. Meet me at the border in two days.
King Kieran of Narethia

Elysia crumpled the letter, feeling the chill of her magic prickling beneath her skin. She wanted nothing more than to refuse him, to tear his words apart, and toss them into the icy winds. But if the Oracle was right, her kingdom would be in grave danger.

Two days later, under a sky heavy with clouds, Elysia rode out to the borderlands. She was cloaked in her thickest furs, her silver armour gleaming beneath. Her guards flanked her, loyal and prepared, but she rode alone to meet Kieran himself.

He was already there, waiting. The fire king sat astride a black warhorse, his own guards stationed nearby. Kieran's figure was a stark contrast against the wintry landscape, his armour lined with crimson and his dark hair loose over his shoulders. Even at a distance, Elysia could feel the warmth of his fire magic radiating like an ember in the cold.

She reined in her horse, her eyes narrowed as she regarded him. "Kieran," she said icily.

Kieran inclined his head, an infuriatingly smug smile tugging at his lips. "Elysia. You're as punctual as ever."

"Spare me your pleasantries," she snapped. "If we're doing this, let's be clear. I'm only here because the Oracle left me no choice."

He raised an eyebrow, a glint of amusement in his gaze. "Funny. I assumed you'd finally seen reason."

She glared at him. "I will never consider you, my ally. The only reason I'm standing here is to keep my kingdom safe."

"Then we have something in common," Kieran replied, his voice softening. "I don't trust you any more than you trust me, but we both know the darkness is real. We can either let our hatred destroy us, or we can work together to survive."

A silence stretched between them, charged with tension. Finally, Elysia nodded, her jaw tight. "Fine. But understand this, Kieran: I won't hesitate to end this alliance the moment you betray me."

He smiled, his gaze smouldering. "I wouldn't expect anything less, Ice Queen."

They rode off together, a reluctant pair, as the storm clouds gathered above. Neither trusted the other, but the ancient evil was stirring, and for now, they had no choice but to walk side by side into the unknown.

Author
Hope you like this part ..