The seer Chronicles

Chapter Seventeen: Panther Taylor's pov June

Taylor approached the greenhouse, nested in the place grounds. The trees lost their gold, red and orange leaves, the sky dark with black clouds, the wind turned freezing even with the winter jacket he wore, Taylor opened the greenhouse door, warm air brushed past him. Lady Lucia hummed lovely tended to the growing plants and flowers as a bee landed on her gloved hand.
"Curious creature's bees, they pollinate the grounds, their hive somewhere in the garden, but once the snow and rains come, they seek shelter inside the greenhouse. What is on your mind, young prince?" Lucia glanced in his direction, her unseeing eyes, saw threads of futures not set in stone or a present event which hadn't happened yet. Her lips thinned in thought. She tended to their hives, giving the bees fresh water.
"Why do you help a creature who you are allergic to?"
"Balance, I help them survive. They keep the grounds beautiful in the spring, besides once they realise, I mean them no harm, they trust me," Lucia said, she cut the stalks of lavender off, placing the cuttings in a jar,
"Everything is about balance, nature and shadows. Since dark magic is pouring out of the shadow glass fortress, nature has become more extreme. Shifters can no longer access their animal spirts and it will become worse before it heals."
"Even my sight is being blocked by a darkness. I sent Destiny to the temple beyond Celestial City to learn about her family history."
"What will that achieve?" Taylor asked.
"She will learn about the history of seers and possibly awaken her mark, Lucia smirked,
"I gave Destiny a link. However, I haven't heard from her in a couple of days. Taylor, do this old lady a favour and enter the temple."
He sighed, Destiny can look after herself,"
"Certainly she is capable, but it would put my mind at ease, your highness." Taylor nodded,
"As you wish, lady Lucia," Taylor stretched, feeling his muscles pop,
Lady Lucia placed her soft hand against his pale forehead. "Your slightly on the cold side. Are you sleeping well enough? "She asked with a concerned expression on her face, her eyes filled with worry. As he left the greenhouse, he took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air, which carried a hint of dew and freshness. Looking around, he noticed a group of deer gracefully gazing into the hunting grounds nearby, their gentle movements blending with the quietness of the morning. It reminded him of the nobles who loved to hunt on his father's lands, their presence a familiar sight. Taylor's concern shifted to the natural sources of water, a worry that lingered in his mind. He took a different route and left through the back gate. The forest pathway, once well-trodden, had now become overgrown, with branches and leaves intertwining to create a dense canopy overhead. The rustling sound of his steps against fallen leaves echoed through the silence, a stark contrast to the vibrant wildlife that had once inhabited this path."

White flakes of snow steadily fell to the ground from the ominous black clouds. The first snow of winter fell. A raven screeched, startling him. The temple lay just a short distance away; as he crouched, he could feel his bones shifting, adjusting naturally. His violet eyes grew darker, influenced by the ancient darkstone. Taylor sniffed the air, catching the alluring scent of his prey. His claws extended, aching for the thrill of the hunt.

With a swift movement, Taylor vanished into the overgrown grass. He pounced upon the unsuspecting deer, relishing in the sensation. His lips trembled with anticipation, yearning for the excitement of the chase. Sinking his teeth into the succulent flesh of the deer, he savoured the sweet craving of the meat. Satisfied, his stomach full, he continued his journey towards the temple of the moon.

Approaching the ancient structure, he noticed the remnants of Celtic ruins, a testament to a forgotten city. The ancient temple stood tail; the stone weathered by years of the elements. Taylor shocks his head, trying to clear his enchanted mind. His senses caught the smells of unique perfumes and tonic used for visions. The young high priestess wore flowing lavender robes. They gasped at the sight of a massive cat entering the lobby of their temple. Bronze dials represented both the sun and phases of the moon and the sun.
"Your highness is welcome. We weren't expecting you. You have a connection to the animal from? Your highness, welcome! We didn't expect you. Do you have a connection to the animal from the moon goddess?
"A cursed one," Taylor grumbled. "I am looking for Destiny, please."
"Ah, Lucia's apprentice. She had been in a deep meditation, come," the high priestess said.