The moment Ava's eyes landed on Shelly, the air shifted—thick, charged, as though the walls themselves were holding their breath.
Her cane struck the marble with a thunderous crack. Shadows recoiled.
Ava (her voice rolling like thunder, filled with both fury and awe): "Why did no one tell me? My dim-witted son brings home a lost human kitten—do you fools not understand the storm you have invited into this house?"
The hall stiffened, confusion spreading like wildfire.
Amelia (protesting, her voice uncertain): "Mother… she is only a human. Weak, harmless. We could not cast her into the bloodbath—it would be her death. She means no harm to us."
Ava ignored her. She marched forward with surprising strength, her eyes never leaving Shelly. When her weathered hand touched the girl's forehead, the chamber erupted in blinding brilliance.
Symbols of fire and light spiraled across Shelly's skin, glowing with ancient power. Her body remained still, yet her very blood seemed to sing. The glow etched itself into the air, whispering secrets long forgotten.
Gasps filled the room. Some stumbled back in fear.
Then Ava's voice rose above the chaos, no longer just her own but as though carried by something older—something eternal.
Ava (proclaiming, her voice echoing unnaturally):
*"Born of flesh, yet touched by flame,
Half of earth and half witch.
In cursed blood, the darkness reigns,
Until the twilight child shall rise.
With mortal heart and deity's breath,
She shall undo what death has spun.
Through blood and storm the path is carved,
The curse will break—by only one."*
The light dimmed, but its echo lingered, searing into the minds of all who heard. Shelly lay still, her forehead glowing faintly, a mark burning like destiny itself.
Rafael (staggering, disbelief twisting his face): "No… impossible. A human—our savior? This is madness. The prophecy was a myth, nothing more!"
Ava whirled on him, her voice dripping with contempt and iron.
Ava: "You blind fool. She is no mere human. She is half mortal, half witch—the curse-lifter we have awaited for centuries. Deny her if you dare, but fate has already chosen her."
All eyes turned to Alpha, whose face had hardened, though his hands trembled against the weight of truth.
Alpha (low, shaken): "Mother… is it true? Has the time come at last?"
Ava's gaze burned like twin suns, ancient and unyielding.
Ava (softly, but with finality): "The curse begins to crumble… and with her, so shall our fate."